Ionizable lipid nanoparticles for RAS protease delivery to inhibit cancer cell proliferation.

Mutations in RAS, a family of proteins found in all human cells, drive a third of cancers, including many pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancers. However, there is a lack of clinical therapies that can effectively prevent RAS from causing tumor growth. Recently, a protease was engineered that specifically degrades active RAS, offering a promising new tool for treating these cancers. However, like many other intracellularly acting protein-based therapies, this protease requires a delivery vector to reach its site of action within the cell. In this study, we explored the incorporation of cationic lipids into ionizable lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to develop a RAS protease delivery platform capable of inhibiting cancer cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. A library of 13 LNPs encapsulating RAS protease was designed, and each formulation was evaluated for in vitro delivery efficiency and toxicity. A subset of four top-performing LNP formulations was identified and further evaluated for their impact on cancer cell proliferation in human colorectal cancer cells with mutated KRAS in vitro and in vivo, as well as their in vivo biodistribution and toxicity. In vivo, both the concentration of cationic lipid and type of cargo influenced LNP and cargo distribution. All lead candidate LNPs showed RAS protease functionality in vitro, and the top-performing formulation achieved effective intracellular RAS protease delivery in vivo, decreasing cancer cell proliferation in an in vivo xenograft model and significantly reducing tumor growth and size. Overall, this work demonstrates the use of LNPs as an effective delivery platform for RAS proteases, which could potentially be utilized for cancer therapies.

Bacterial diversity of middle ear cholesteatoma by 16S rRNA gene sequencing in China.

In this study, the bacterial diversity of acquired middle ear cholesteatoma (MEC) was evaluated to reveal its pathogenesis and provides a guide for the use of antibiotics. Twenty-nine cases of acquired MEC and eight cases of healthy middle ears undergoing cochlear implantation (CI) were evaluated. Full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed to profile the bacterial communities in lesions and healthy tissues of the middle ear. ACE (P = 0.043) and Chao1 (P = 0.039) indices showed significant differences in alpha diversity (P < 0.05). Analysis of PERMANOVA/Anosim using the Bray-Curtis distance matrix results suggested that the between-group differences were greater than the within-group differences (R = 0.238, P < 0.05, R2 = 0.066, P < 0.05). Bacterial community analysis revealed that Alphaproteobacteria at the class level and Caulobacterales and Sphingomonadales at the order level were significantly different (P < 0.05). In the LefSe (Linear discriminant analysis effect size) analysis, Porphyromonas bennonis was elevated, and Bryum argenteum and unclassified Cyanobacteriales were reduced at the species level in MEC (P < 0.05). Fifteen metabolic pathways were found to be significantly different between the two groups by analysing the abundance of metabolic pathways in level 2 of the Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Seven and eight metabolic pathways were significantly elevated in the MEC and control groups, respectively (P < 0.05). The role of bacteria in the pathogenesis of acquired MEC was further refined through analysis of metabolic pathways. These findings indicate that the acquired MEC and healthy middle ear contain more diverse microbial communities than previously thought.

[Consistency analysis of pepsin immunohistochemistry and pepsin test box in the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux].

Objective:To analyze the consistency of pepsin assay kit, pepsin IHC, reflux symptom index（RSI） and reflux finding score（RFS） in the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease（LPRD）. Methods:The clinical data of 61 inpatients with laryngeal diseases who were admitted to the Department of Otolaryngology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from May 2020 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The RSI and RFS scores, the Formwitz score of pepsin immunohistochemistry, and the results of pepsin detection kit were recorded. ICC group correlation coefficient and Kappa consistency analysis was used for three detection methods. Results:Among 61 patients, 30 cases were positive and 31 cases were negative for the pepsin test kit, with a positive rate of 49.18%. The positive rate of pepsin immunohistochemistry was 45.90%（28/61）, and the diagnostic agreement rate between the two was 70.49%. The consistency between them was high（κ=0.409）. The positive rate of RSI and RFS in diagnosing LPRD was 62.30%（38/61）, and the consistency rate was 73.77% with pepsin detection kit. The consistency between them was high（κ=0.486）. Taking pepsin IHC as the reference standard, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of pepsin detection kit were 71.43%（20/28）, 69.70%（23/33）, 66.67%（20/30） and 74.19%（23/31）, respectively. Using RSI and RFS scales as reference criteria, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of pepsin detection kit were 89.29%（25/28）, 60.61%（20/33）, 65.79%（25/38） and 86.96%（20/23）, respectively. Analysis of correlation coefficient within ICC group: ICC value was 0.628, 95% confidence interval（0.497-0.741）, the three methods have good consistency. Conclusion:The RSI and RFS scale scores were in good agreement with the pepsin test kit, and the pepsin test kit was also in good agreement with pepsin immunohistochemistry. As a non-invasive diagnostic technique, the pepsin test kit can be widely used in the diagnosis of pharyngeal reflux in combination with pepsin immunohistochemistry and RSI and RFS scale.

Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea and Otorrhea: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is a condition that commonly presents with unilateral watery drainage from the nose or ear, tinnitus, and stuffy ears or hearing loss. Spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea and otorrhea together are rare. A 64-year-old woman presented at our department with complaints of clear watery rhinorrhea and hearing loss on the right side persisting for 10 months. Imaging and surgery were used to diagnose the condition. Through surgical treatment, she was eventually cured. Review of the literature has shown that patients with both nasal and aural CSF leaks are rare. When a patient presents with both unilateral watery drainage from both the nose and ear, a diagnosis of CSF rhinorrhea and otorrhea should be considered. This case report will benefit clinicians by providing more information to assist with diagnosing the disease.

[Clinical characteristics of 91 patients of otorhinolaryngology head and neck malignant tumors in children].

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics, treatment and prognosis of the otolaryngology head and neck malignant tumors in children, in order to improve the diagnosis and treatment of the diseases. Methods:The patients of otorhinolaryngology head and neck malignant solid tumors under 14 years old hospitalized in Kunming Children's Hospital and the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from 2014 to 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. All cases were statistically analyzed according to gender, age, location, pathological type and treatment method. Results:The main clinical manifestations of 91 children were mainly facial and neck masses, including nasal congestion, swallowing discomfort, and continuous intermittent fever. CT and MRI examination showed that the diameter of the tumor was 1.2 cm ×2.0 cm to 5.0 cm×12.0 cm, with a mean of 2.8 cm×3.2 cm, and 19 cases had distant metastasis. The main tissue sources were soft tissue （56 cases） and epithelial tissue （35 cases）. There were 6 pathological types, the most common was sarcoma （41 cases）, followed by neuroblastoma （15 cases）, papillary carcinoma （14 cases）, squamous cell carcinoma （10 cases）, mucoepidermoid carcinoma （8 cases）, and adenocarcinoma （3 cases）. According to the classification of tissue origin, the statistical analysis of gender and pathological type showed statistically significant differences in both gender and pathological types（P<0.01）. Conclusion:The age of onset, primary site, tissue origin and pathological type of otolaryngology head and neck malignancy in children have their own characteristics, which should be comprehensively evaluated and treated with multidisciplinary treatment.

Vocal Cord Gout Nodules: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Gout nodules (tophi) are formed by a chronic inflammatory reaction in tissues resulting in deposition of urate crystals. They are commonly seen in joints and surrounding tissues, subcutaneous tissues, as well as the pinna and kidney, and are characteristic manifestations of gout. Vocal cord tophi are rarely reported in the literature, and patients often present with hoarseness, progressive dysphagia, and other symptoms. We report a case of a vocal cord mass found by gastroscopy in a patient with a history of gout for more than 20 years. Postoperative pathological findings were vocal cord tophi. Tophi can have serious consequences and should be included in the differential diagnosis of laryngeal masses in patients with a history of gout. Therapy should involve a combination of systemic uric acid-lowering treatment and surgery to improve symptoms and reduce recurrence.

[Evaluation of cross-sectional area and morphological value of external auditory meatus in concha plasty with I shaped incision].

Objective:To evaluate the preliminary value of the cross-sectional area and morphological changes of the external ear canal opening after the two-flap auriculoplasty through the I shaped posterior incision. Methods:One hundred and thirty-seven patients（a total of 155 ears） who received open radical mastoidectomy in the department of otolaryngology in the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University were treated with I shaped incision and two-flap auriculoplasty. Vertical diameter（D1） and horizontal diameter（D2） of the external ear canal were measured at the completion of surgery, 1 month and 6 months post-operation, respectively. The cross-sectional area（S=1/4πD1×D2） of the external ear canal was calculated according to the two diameters. The dry ear time and intraoperative lumen epithelialization time were observed after operation. At 6 months after operation, the morphology of the external ear canal opening was analyzed. Results:The postoperative dry ear duration was 18-61 days（27.32±7.52） days. The time to complete epithelialization of the operative cavity was 24-70 days（32.18±10.36） days. Six months after the operation, the morphological classification of 155 outer ear meatal openings was as follows: 117 ears（ 75.48%） were round（the difference between vertical diameter and horizontal diameter was within 2 mm）; Oval（oval appearance, difference between vertical diameter and horizontal diameter greater than 2 mm） 35 ears（22.58%）, triangle 3 ears（1.94%）; Irregular ear canal orifice was not observed in all cases. During the operation, and at 1 month and 6 months after the operation, the cross-sectional area of the external ear canal was（2.51±0.48） cm², （2.45±0.35） cm², （2.41±0.43） cm², respectively. And no significant differences were observed. （P>0.05）. Conclusion:The I shaped posterior auricular incision and two-flap auricular lumenoplasty is not compex and easy to perform. The morphology of the external ear opening is regular after the operation, which can effectively match the ventilation of the operative cavity.

Downregulation of miR­29b­3p promotes α­tubulin deacetylation by targeting the interaction of matrix metalloproteinase­9 with integrin ß1 in nasal polyps.

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)­9 is a key enzyme responsible for extracellular matrix degradation and contributes to the progressive histological changes observed in lower respiratory tract infections. Integrin ß1 and α­tubulin are potential MMP­9­interacting proteins, and microRNA (miR)­29b­3p can regulate MMP­9 expression. MMP­9 is highly expressed in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs), regardless of its effects on miR­29b­3p, integrin ß1 and α­tubulin expression. In the present study, samples from 100 patients with CRSwNPs were examined via reverse transcription­quantitative PCR to assess the mRNA expression of miR­29b­3p, and western blotting was performed to assess the protein expression of MMP­2, MMP­9, acetyl­α­tubulin, integrin ß1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP­1). A dual­luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the direct binding of miR­29b­3p and MMP­2/MMP­9. Co­immunoprecipitation (Co­IP) and GST pull­down assays showed that integrin ß1 and α­tubulin were MMP­9­interacting proteins. Cell viability, apoptosis and inflammatory cytokine levels were determined via a Cell Counting Kit­8 assay, flow cytometry and ELISA, respectively. miR­29b­3p expression was found to be positively correlated with MMP­2 and MMP­9 expression. Whereas, TIMP­1 expression was negatively correlated with MMP­2 and MMP­9 expression. The dual­luciferase assay revealed that miR­29b­3p targeted the 3' untranslated region of MMP­2/MMP­9. The Co­IP and GST pull­down assays showed that MMP­9 could directly bind to integrin ß1 and indirectly bind to α­tubulin. Finally, the overexpression of miR­29b­3p decreased the expression of MMP­9 and increased the levels of acetyl­α­tubulin. By contrast, the knockdown of miR­29b­3p increased the expression of MMP­9 and decreased the levels of acetyl­α­tubulin. Additionally, MMP­9 expression was found to be negatively correlated with acetyl­α­tubulin expression. Of note, the expression of integrin ß1 did not change following the overexpression and knockdown of MMP­9. Finally, the overexpression of miR­29b­3p not only decreased MMP­9 expression, but also alleviated lipopolysaccharide­induced inflammation in NP69 cells. The results showed that the downregulation of miR­29b­3p promoted α­tubulin deacetylation by increasing the number of MMP­9­integrin ß1 complexes in CRSwNPs, thus targeting miR­29b­3p/MMP­9 may be a potential novel strategy for the clinical treatment of CRSwNPs.

Engineering subtilisin proteases that specifically degrade active RAS.

We describe the design, kinetic properties, and structures of engineered subtilisin proteases that degrade the active form of RAS by cleaving a conserved sequence in switch 2. RAS is a signaling protein that, when mutated, drives a third of human cancers. To generate high specificity for the RAS target sequence, the active site was modified to be dependent on a cofactor (imidazole or nitrite) and protease sub-sites were engineered to create a linkage between substrate and cofactor binding. Selective proteolysis of active RAS arises from a 2-step process wherein sub-site interactions promote productive binding of the cofactor, enabling cleavage. Proteases engineered in this way specifically cleave active RAS in vitro, deplete the level of RAS in a bacterial reporter system, and also degrade RAS in human cell culture. Although these proteases target active RAS, the underlying design principles are fundamental and will be adaptable to many target proteins.

Core­shell lipid polymer nanoparticles for combined chemo and gene therapy of childhood head and neck cancers.

Pediatric head and neck cancers account for overall 12% of all pediatric cancers. Despite recent advances in therapeutic modalities, children with tumor metastasis have poor prognosis. Therefore, there is an unmet need for new and effective treatment modalities for pediatric head and neck cancers. The present study describes a simple and efficient method for fabrication of cationic lipid­polymer hybrid nanoparticles (CLPNs) for co­delivery of cisplatin (CDDP) and DNA (CDDP/DNA CLPNs) for the therapy of childhood head and neck cancers. CDDP/DNA CLPNs were prepared by the modified double emulsion solvent evaporation method with self­assembly. CDDP­loaded CLPNs (CDDP CLPNs), CDDP-loaded polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) (CDDP PNPs), and DNA­loaded Lipofectamine® 2000 (DNA LIPO) were also prepared for comparison. The results illustrated that the concentration of the cationic lipid has influence on the characteristics of CLPNs. In vitro anticancer effect, in vitro transfection efficiency, in vivo antitumor and gene delivery efficacy of CDDP/DNA CLPNs have advantages over other formulations tested. In conclusion, outstanding delivery ability of CLPNs for both CDDP and DNA could combine the therapeutic efficiency of both drug and gene for the treatment of pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS).

[Relationship among allergic rhinitis, regional pollens and meteorological conditions in Kunming area].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the species, quantity and diffusion of allergenic pollens as well as the relationship among allergic rhinitis (AR), pollen species and meteorological conditions in Kunming area. METHODS: The exposure film was used to investigate the species of airborne pollen, the total number of these pollens during December 2009 to November 2010 by means of gravitational sedimentation, at the same time, AR patients were registered. The species of allergic pollen in Kunming area during the same period, and the statistic analysis was made with the meteorological elements, using the correlation analysis methods of Excel for data analysis. RESULTS: From December 2009 to November 2010, a total of 60 exposure films of pollen species was found, including 26 147 pollens. The annual airborne pollen showed two scattering peak, respectively: February to April and September to October; the number of advantage pollen was 17 species. The number of year-round drifting pollen was 13 species while 2 species showed two peaks on spring and autumn. There was another 26 new species added to the results of 2009-2010, compared with 1987-1989, while the original 12 species were not seen. The drifting peak was the same. The number of allergen intradermal tests (AIT) positive AR patients was positively correlated with 16 pollen species, respectively, oleaceae, alnus nepalensis, walnut, palm, pig weed, fennel, Amaranthaceae, artemisia, rosa, Albizia julibrissin Durazz, gramineae, castor, Fraxinus L, populus, Morus alba L, hemp humulus, (r value were 0.689 7, 0.550 1, 0.742 1, 0.755 2, 0.771 2, 0.663 3, 0.556 1, 0.568 3, 0.659 8, 0.607 4, 0.834 7, 0.664 3, 0.745 9, 0.634 7, 0.718 3, 0.777 2, all P < 0.05). The population of AIT positive AR patients was positively correlated with average temperature, average wind speed and other meteorological factors (r values were 0.552 0, 0.883 5, both P < 0.05), and was negatively correlated with average relative humidity (r = -0.714 7, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Kunming had a large number of airborne pollen species which showed two peaks annually, respectively, spring and autumn. The relationship among the number of AIT positive AR patients, the meteorological factors and the number of airborne pollen were close.

[Short-term efficacy of standardized medication offer chronic rhinosinusitis].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of standardized medication for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. METHOD: According to the diagnosis and treatment guidelines on chronic rhinosinusitis formulated in 2008, by means of prospective study, we studied 54 patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis treated with standardized medication including, a combination of local intranasaI corticosteroids, macrolides, mucus discharging agent and nasal irrigation treatment and followed up for 3 months. Visual analogue scale (VAS), sino nasal outcome test-20 Chinese version scales (SNOT-20 CV), Lund-Mackay CT and Lund-Kennedy endoscopy methods were employed to conduct the subjective and objective assessment and comprehensively evaluate the clinical efficacy before and after treatment. RESULT: (1) After three months of standardized medication, the patients' total scores of VAS, SNOT-20 CV, CT and endoscopy were improved significantly compared with those before-treatment (P < 0.01 for all these scoring systems). (2) There was statistically significant difference between the clinical efficacies of chronic rhinosinusitis patients with and without nasal polyps groups (P < 0.01). After 3 months of standardized medication, the effective rates of the CRSwNP group evaluated by subjective assessment and CT evaluation were 66.7% and 94.4% respectively, while those of the CRSsNP groups were 91.7% and 97.2% respectively. (3) Betwecn CRSwNP and CRSsNP groups, there was no significant difference in the improvement rate or inefficiency rate in subjective assessment except for the cure rate, while there were significant differences in both cure rate and improvement rate in CT evaluation. (4) The CRS patients' self-testing-based questionnaires results showed positive correlation with objective assessments. CONCLUSION: The standardized medication with combination of intranasal local glucocorticoid, macrolides (14-membered ring), the mucus discharging agent and nasal irrigation on CRS was effective.

[The quantification and significance of muscle segment homeobox gene Msx2, human topoisomerase II-α, HPV16 and VEGF in sinonasal inverted papilloma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the quantification and significance of Msx2, topoII-α; HPV16 and VEGF in sinonasal inverted papilloma(SNIP), to study the correlation among the four factors,and to discover the relationship between Msx2 and topoII-α in the process of SNIP malignant transfomation. METHOD: Real-time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression of Msx2, topoII-α, HPV16 and VEGF in 13 cases of sinonasal inverted papilloma (SNIP), 10 cases of sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma(NSCC) and 10 cases of inflammatory nasal polyp paraffin (INP)tissues. According to the pathology results SNIP were divided into mild dysplasia, moderate dysplasia and severe dysplasia. All the data were analysised by SPSS17. 0, P<0. 05 was refered to statistically significant difference. RESULT: The mRNA level of Msx2, topoII-α, VEGF and HPV16 in SNIP, NSCC tissues were significantly higher than in the INP tissues (P<0. 05). The expression differences of Msx2, topoII-α, HPV16 and VEGF mRNA level in SNIP tissues which were divided into three groups according to their pathological results,were all statistically significantly different between any two of the three groups (P< 0. 05). Using Pearson correlation coefficient analysis,we found positive correlation between any two of the mRNA level of Msx2, topoII-α, VEGF and HPV16 (P<0. 05). CONCLUSION: Msx2 and topoII-α may play an important role in the process of SNIP Malignant transformation,which may be new targets for gene therapy of SNIP and NSCC.

[Research on 3-D reconstruction of sphenoid sinus in children and adolescents in Yunnan region].

OBJECTIVE: To research the correlation between development of sphenoid sinus and age in normal children and adolescents by 3-D CT images. METHOD: Review of CT images of the skulls of 120 children and adolescents aged 0~20 years old. They were divided into five groups. Then reconstructed 3-D shape of the sphenoid sinus, and measureed the maximal anteroposterior diameter, longitudinal diameter, and transverse diameter of the bilateral sphenoid sinus by the 2-D and 3-D approach respectively, then process statistical analysis. RESULT: Pearson analyses revealed a positive correlation between various diameters of sphenoid sinus measured by 2-D and 3-D approach and age (P<0. 05). CONCLUSION: The development of sphenoid sinus has a linear correlation with age, and increases with age and growth in Yunnan region. It helps to know the three-dimensional CT images of the sphenoid sinus in children and adolescents by Simplant software, thereby allow the clinicians to understand the current situation of the development of sphenoid sinus. Meanwhile, it contributes to preoperative evaluation of sinus problems.

[Prevalence of sensitization to aeroallergens in 1 893 patients with allergic rhinitis in Yunnan].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate which aeroallergens were prevalent in patients with allergic rhinitis in Yunnan. METHOD: Retrospective analysis of the medical records of intradermal test performed in 1893 AR patients. The samples were divided into four age groups: 4-17-year-olds, > 17-35-year-olds, > 35-50-year-olds and > 50-70-year-olds. According to gender,the samples were decided into two groups: the males and the females. The positive rate of aeroallergens were compared among the groups. RESULT: (1)The total positive rate of intradermal test was 70.1%. The top ten allergens were as follow: dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, dermatophagoides farina, house dust, pollen of the summer and autumn, alnus nepalensis, chenopodiaceae, mugwort, poaceae, brassica and cockroach. (2) In all groups,patients with triple positive allergens were the most common,followed by dual positive allergens and single positive allergen. (3) Among the top ten allergens, the top three positive ones in all groups were dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, dermatophagoides farina and house dust. And there were significant differences between 4-17-year-olds group and the other age groups (P < 0.01). (4) There was no significant difference between male and female patients in distribution of aeroallergens except House dust and mite. CONCLUSION: The most common allergen in patients with allergic rhinitis in Yunnan is mite,the follow are pollen of the summer and autumn, alnus nepalensis, chenopodiaceae, mugwort, poaceae, and brassica. The distribution of aeroallergens are different among the age groups, but has no evident correlation with gender.

[Expression and significance of Msx2 and topo II-alpha in sinonasal inverted papilloma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression and significance of muscle segment homeobox2 (Msx2) and topo II-alpha in sinonasal inverted papilloma (SNIP), and the relationship in the process of malignant transformation of SNIP. METHOD: Immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of Msx2 and topo II-alpha in 32 cases of SNIP, 30 cases of inflammatory nasal polyp (INP) and 30 cases of SNIP with carcinoma. According to the pathology results, SNIP were divided into mild atypical hyperplasia, moderate atypical hyperplasia and severe atypical hyperplasia. RESULT: The mean optical density of Msx2 in SNIP and SNIP with carcinoma tissues were 0.2183 +/- 0.0598 and 0.2521 +/- 0.0761,which were significantly higher than 0.1878 +/- 0. 0372 in the INP tissue (P<0.05 or 0.01). The mean optical density of topo II-alpha in SNIP and SNIP with carcinoma tissues were 0.2303 +/- 0.0397 and 0.2666 +/- 0.0483, which were significantly higher than 0.1978 +/- 0.0388 in the NIP tissue (P<0.01). There were significant difference of Msx2 and topo II-alpha in SNIP between any two of the three groups divided according to pathological morphology (P<0.01 or 0.05). The expression of Msx2 and topo II-alpha in SNIP were positively correlated (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Msx2 and topo II-alpha may play an important role in the occurrence and development of SNIP. So it can be used as new therapeutic targets.

[The relationship between three-dimensional morphology of maxillary sinus and maxillary sinusitis].

OBJECTIVE: A three-dimensional morphology of the maxillary sinus was reconstructed. We studied the relationship between sinusitis and three-dimensional morphology, volume as well as gasification coefficients. METHOD: One hundred and fifty adult subjects were selected in this study, and divided into three groups: normal bilateral maxillary sinus, unilateral maxillary sinusitis and bilateral maxillary sinusitis, with fifty cases in each group. Use Siemens helix CT for sequential scanning of the nasal-sinus. After scanning, the DICOM data was recorded in DVD-R and transferred into another computer for reconstruction and measurement. RESULT: The volume of the normal maxillary sinus group was (15 018.64 +/- 473.36) mm3. The volume of the maxillary sinusitis group was (14 971.86 +/- 360.93)mm3. There was no significant difference between the values of volumes for the normal maxillary sinus group and maxillary sinusitis group. The gasification coefficient was 0.345 +/- 0.071 for the normal maxillary sinus group, 0.252 +/- 0.057 for the maxillary sinusitis group. There was significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Maxillary sinus reconstruction permits more vivid visualization of the three-dimensional structure and three-dimensional shape of the maxillary sinus. The occurrence of the maxillary sinusitis is closely related to the three-dimensional shape of the maxillary sinus and the gasification coefficient measured. The more regular the three-dimensional shape of the maxillary sinus, with the gasification coefficient >0.300, the lower the probability of the maxillary sinusitis. Otherwise, the probability increases. Adult inflammation of maxillary sinus may be originated from a relatively larger volume of maxillary sinus in childhood and adolescence.

[Genetic testing and mutation analysis for the cochlear implantation children and their normal auditory phenotype parents].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristics and significant of mutations of GJB2 gene, SLC26A4 gene and mitochondrial 12S rRNA in deaf children who received cochlear implantation (CI) in Yunnan and to provide the data for diagnoses and research of recovery in C1 children. METHOD: Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood samples collected from 46 children and their parents (110 cases). All the children received the CI. Their parents had normal auditory phenotype. PCR was performed and the products were sequenced by automated DNA sequencer to detect the hot spots of mutations. RESULT: The detection rates of GJB2 235delC (13.0%) and 109G>A (24.0%) mutations were significantly higher than other mutations. SLC26A was the secondary major mutation (13.0%). We found out that no patient carried the mitochondrial 12S rRNA mutations. Leukoencephalopathy, hyperbilirubinemia and hypoxic-ischemic injure were disclosed in 7 patients (15.2%). The rate of mutations in parents was 36.0% (23/64). There had no difference between Han and other racial minorities (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The CI recipients in Yunnan with a high frequency of 235 delC and 109 G>A mutation, IVS7-2A>G (6.5%) is also a common mutation related hearing loss; aminoglycoside antibiotics may not be the main reason which induced congenital deaf in CI children; environment facts was suggested to contribute another important cause. The hot-spots gene screening for the C1 children could offer an accurate genetic counseling for early diagnosis and treatment, it also provide evidences for the clinical analysis between mutations and curative effect.

[Radiological research of maxillary sinus development of children and adolescent without sinusitis in Kunming of Yunnan].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the maxillary sinus development and provide data for sinus surgery on children. METHOD: Two thousand two hundred and thirty-eight children were randomly selected among those who underwent skull and nasal sinus CT scanning because of certain symptoms and signs. Patients were divided into eighteen age cohorts based on their age at the time of the scan. Anterior-posterior, transverse diameters and vertical height of the maxillary sinus were measured and statistically analyzed. RESULT: The maxillary sinus volume was enlarging even in adult, hut the growth of maxillary sinus was relatively stable in adolescent. The difference of transverse and anterior-posterior diameters of maxillary sinus had no statistical significance between female and male (P > 0.05), while there was statistically significant difference in the vertical height of maxillary sinus (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results will aid the physicians when correlating the clinical and radiographic findings of pediatric patients who are being evaluated for sinus disease and potential surgical intervention.