Oxygen-Vacancy-Rich Cu2O Hollow Nanocubes for Nitrate Electroreduction Reaction to Ammonia in a Neutral Electrolyte.

The electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NO3--ERR) to ammonia (NH3) is a promising strategy for NH3 production. Cu-based nanomaterials have been regarded as a kind of effective NO3--ERR catalysts. In this work, high-quality hollow Cu2O nanocubes (Cu2O h-NCs) are facilely synthesized by a simple one-step reduction method. The as-prepared Cu2O h-NCs reveal high selectivity and activity for NO3--ERR, which is ascribed to abundant oxygen vacancies, high surface area, hollow architecture, low mass transfer resistance, and strong adsorbing ability toward NO3-. In fact, Cu2O h-NCs can achieve a Faradic efficiency of 92.9% and an NH3 yield of 56.2 mg h-1 mgcat-1 for NH3 production at -0.85 V (vs RHE) potential, which exceeds those of other transition-metal-based NO3--ERR electrocatalysts.

Radiative transport and optical tomography with large datasets.

We consider the inverse problem of optical tomography in the radiative transport regime. We report numerical tests of a direct reconstruction method that is suitable for use with large datasets. Reconstructions of experimental data obtained from a noncontact optical tomography system are also reported.

A comparison of three MDCT post-processing protocols: preoperative assessment of the ossicular chain in otitis media.

The aim of this study was to examine and assess comparative values of HRCT-based multiplanar reformation (MPR), volume rendering (VR) and virtual endoscope built on three-dimensional (3D) shaded-surface display (SSD-based CTVE) for detections of ossicular chain's damage in patients with otitis media. 70 human ears from 70 patients suffering by chronic otitis media or cholesteatoma, who were examined with a preoperative multi-slice computer tomography (MSCT) examination and tympanoplasty in our hospital were collected. The patients ossicular chains were reconstructed with the aforementioned three protocols and assessed via a three-point scoring system by three radiologists. Then, all the patients ossicular chains were reviewed by a surgeon and a radiologist via the same three-point scoring system used during surgeries at same time. By calculation, the Youden's index and coincidence rate were acquired without a significant difference for display of malleus. With regard to the incus, the Youden's index and coincidence rate of VR and MPR did not show any difference, however, both were higher than CTVE. For representation of the stapes, the accuracy of these three modalities is very low; especially, for the CTVE. In conclusion, both MPR and VR are relative robust, and CTVE is not effective for evaluation of small ossicular structures, particularly the stapes. Furthermore, the VR images are real 3D ones. Therefore, it could be the more valuable protocols for detection of the damage of ossicular chain in the patients with otitis media, and should be further applied in the future work.

3D image of the middle ear ossicles: three protocols of post-processing based on multislice computed tomography.

The aim of this study was to examine and assess the comparative values of HRCT-based multiplanar reformation (MPR), volume rendering (VR) and virtual endoscope built on three-dimensional shaded-surface display (SSD-based CTVE) for evaluations of the ossicular chain. The normal pure tone audiograms, type-A tympanogram, and normal HRCT characteristics of 32 human ears of 18 patients were reviewed, whose ossicular chains were reconstructed with the three aforementioned protocols and assessed via the 3-point scoring system. The HRCT-based protocols could demonstrate a 3D image of the ossicular chain, except that of the footplate on the SSD-based CTVE. On the qualitative assessment, the efficacy of the MPR and VR, which were both superior to the SSD-based CTVE (P < 0.05), presented no statistical significance among the major and/or hyperdense structures (P > 0.05). As regards the lateral process of the malleus, VR was found to be significantly superior to the MPR and SSD-based CTVE (P < 0.05), both of which, however, showed no significant comparative differences (P > 0.05). Moreover, the three protocols in terms of efficacy were comparatively different in their representations of the anterior crus and footplates of the stapes, respectively (P < 0.05). On the MPR images, not all the images of the lenticular process were ideal; 20 of 32 cases were detected, but not defined. VR could be the more valuable protocol for the 3D reconstruction of the ossicular chain and ought to be more employed in future, especially for the education.

Diagnostic value of ultrasound in the spontaneous rupture of renal angiomyolipoma during pregnancy: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous rupture and hemorrhage of renal angiomyolipoma (RAML) is a life-threatening clinical emergency. When it occurs during pregnancy, it is compared to a "bomb explosion," which makes the diagnosis and treatment more challenging. An ultrasound examination is a quick and safe examination with the benefit of no radiation exposure, which is always preferred for pregnant women. Currently, cases of spontaneous rupture and hemorrhage of RAML during pregnancy are rare, as is the diagnostic value and characteristics of ultrasound. The lack of understanding of the condition among ultrasound doctors makes it prone to misdiagnosis. In this study, we present the case of a pregnant woman who was preliminarily diagnosed with spontaneous rupture and hemorrhage of the left RAML using ultrasound and discuss the ultrasound characteristics. CASE SUMMARY: A 38-year-old woman in her 19th wk of pregnancy (G2P1) was referred to our clinic for a sudden, persistent pain on the left side of the waist. She had not undergone any previous related abdominal examination. Ultrasound of the urinary system revealed a giant nonhomogenous lump in the left kidney area. The diagnosis was considered spontaneous rupture and hemorrhage of the left RAML in pregnancy via ultrasound. Her left-side waist pain continued to be intense. Subsequently, she underwent computed tomography, which led to the same diagnosis. Based on many factors, the patient underwent left nephrectomy after the induction of labor. The pathological result was the rupture and hemorrhage of a vascular leiomyoma lipoma. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound examination plays an important role in the diagnosis of the spontaneous rupture and hemorrhage of RAML during pregnancy.

Thyroid metastasis from breast cancer presenting with enlarged lateral cervical lymph nodes: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Secondary malignancy of the thyroid occurs infrequently and mainly originates from malignant tumors of the kidney, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, breast, and skin. The correct diagnosis is important but difficult. Importantly, there are major differences in the treatment of primary and metastatic thyroid cancer, which has a significant impact on prognosis and survival. Therefore, how to diagnose thyroid metastasis (TM) correctly before surgery is a major concern for surgeons. CASE SUMMARY: We report a 38-year-old woman who presented with palpable cervical lymph nodes after breast cancer (BC) surgery 2 years ago. Ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed thyroid nodules with irregular margins and enlarged cervical lymph nodes. Biopsy was performed for the right largest cervical lymph node, and immunohistochemical analysis revealed negativity for thyroglobulin, estrogen receptor, and progestin receptor and positive for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. The diagnosis was TM from BC with cervical lymph node metastasis. Total thyroidectomy with bilateral central and lateral neck lymph node dissection was performed. After a 5-mo follow-up, no recurrence or novel distant metastasis was identified. CONCLUSION: TM from BC is a rare secondary malignancy. Broad differential diagnosis by biopsy and immunohistochemical analysis needs to be considered.

[Impedance of cochlear implant electrode array in scalae tympani].

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between the impedance of paired cochlear implant electrodes and their position in scalae tympani as well as the relationship between the impedance and the current frequency. METHODS: REZ-1 electrodes were implanted in 6 fresh human adult temporal bone specimens. Alternating electrical source was used. A 1 Kohm resistance was in series with the paired electrodes. The voltages of the resistance and the sum voltages of both the paired electrodes and the resistance were recorded. Thus, the impedances of paired electrodes could be calculated. The impedances of neighboring paired electrodes and paired electrodes separated by one electrode were calculated. The frequencies of signals were 2 Hz, 10 Hz, 100 Hz, 1 KHz, and 10 KHz respectively. RESULTS: The impedances of neighboring electrodes increased, as the electrodes were closer to the apical turn of the cochlea (liner regression, F = 198.97, P < 0.001). The impedances of paired electrodes separated by one electrode increased, as the electrodes were closer to the apical turn of the cochlea (liner regression, F = 126.35, P < 0.001). The impedance decreased when the frequency increased. CONCLUSIONS: The impedances of neighboring electrodes increase, as the electrodes are closer to the apical turn of the cochlea. The impedances of neighboring paired electrodes increase, as they are closer to the apical turn in the scalae tympani. The impedances of paired electrodes that are separated by one electrode increase, as they are closer to the apical turn in the scalae tympani. The impedance decreases when the frequency increases.

Three-dimensional morphology of the vestibular cleft and its potential application.

HYPOTHESIS: To delineate quantitatively the spatial relationships of the utricle, saccule, and stapedial footplate, to locate the hole on the footplate, and to analyze the insertion depth into the vestibule and the direction of the piston during stapedotomy. BACKGROUND: The quantitative three-dimensional (3D) configuration of the utricle, saccule, and stapedial footplate is undetermined, and the stapedotomy procedures should be improved. METHODS: Four temporal bones were extracted from the fresh cadavers and were undecalcified polymer-embedded. The specimens were sectioned into serial 50-mum-thickness slices. After image processing and 3D reconstruction, a cartesian coordinate system was established to display the spatial relationships of the utricle, saccule, and stapedial footplate in the 3D Studio Max scene. The configuration of the utricle, the saccule, and the "vestibular cleft" was delineated quantitatively with the contour map method. With this contour map, any distance between one point at the surface of the footplate and another point at the surface of the utricle or saccule and its orientation can be measured. RESULTS: There was a V-shaped cleft between the utricle and the saccule named vestibular cleft. The angle of the cleft was 50.30 degrees +/- 19.90 degrees . The apex of the cleft always directed anterosuperiorly, whereas beneath the posteroinferior part of the footplate was an open and deep "seabed." The vertical distances between points on the tympanic surface of the footplate and points on the surface of the utricle or saccule were measured. The vertical distance from the center point of footplate to the vestibular end organs was 2.20 +/- 0.548 mm, the maximum distance being 3.0 mm, whereas the minimum distance was 1.6 mm. CONCLUSION: The posteroinferior area near the central point of the footplate is the optimal position for the fenestra through which the piston can be inserted relatively safely into a depth of 0.8 to 1.0 mm in the vestibule. If the deep end of the piston is inclined inferiorly and posteriorly by 8 to 10 degrees, respectively, the piston will be farther from the vestibular end organs. These manipulations may enhance surgical safety and efficiency in stapedotomy.

Modified stapes prosthesis to limit postoperative vertigo.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anatomic relationship between utricle, saccule, and stapes footplate, and adapt the stapes prosthesis tip to reduce postoperative vertigo. STUDY DESIGN: Five temporal bones were serially sectioned and stained, and the distance from the inner lining of stapes footplate to saccule and utricle, respectively, were measured. The Fisch prosthesis was modified with a slope of 45 degrees at its tip to adapt to the anatomic configuration of the vestibule. Fisch's original piston or the modified piston was used in 174 ears (Group I) and 108 ears (Group II), randomly. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in hearing improvement between the 2 groups (P > 0.5). However, postoperative vertigo was significantly reduced when the modified prosthesis was inserted (P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The modified piston improved the hearing to the level of the original piston, and the incidence of postoperative vertigo was significantly decreased. SIGNIFICANCE: A modified prosthesis is presented for a patient undergoing stapedotomy.

[Effect of interferon alpha on liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the histological changes in the fibrotic and inflammatory tissues in response to interferon alpha treatment in patients with chronic viral hepatitis B. METHODS: Sixteen patients with chronic viral hepatitis B in S3-S4 stages established by pathological examination were treated with interferon alpha for 6-9 months, and the degree of liver fibrosis and inflammation were examined 3 times during the treatment. The expression of Fas, transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) and HBcAg in the liver tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry, and DNA fragmentation was examined by TUNEL assay. The levels of the serum markers for liver fibrosis and liver function were also measured. RESULTS: Patients with liver fibrosis in S3-S4 stages had high pathological expression of Fas and TGFbeta1 with severe DNA damage in the liver tissues. After 3 months of interferon therapy, the expression of Fas and TGFbeta1 were lowered (P<0.05), and further treatment till 3-9 months resulted in gradual decrease in the degree of hepatic fibrosis and cell apoptosis (P<0.05), with improved serum liver fibrosis indices and liver function. CONCLUSION: Interferon alpha may alleviate liver fibrosis and suppress cell apoptosis in patients in S3-S4 stages after a 6- to 9-month continuous treatment.

Clinical evaluation of 70 degrees and 90 degrees laryngeal telescopes.

OBJECTIVES: Rigid telescopy is widely used in otorhinolaryngology for endolaryngeal visualization. Laryngeal telescopes are made with several angles, including 70 degrees and 90 degrees. In this study, the performances of 70 degrees and 90 degrees telescopes are compared and evaluated on the basis of ability to visualize specific regions of the larynx. METHODS: Each subject (N = 121) received evaluation with both 70 degrees and 90 degrees telescopes. The investigator used the telescopes to attempt to visualize 4 key regions: (1) the subglottic area, (2) the pyriform fossae, (3) the anterior commissure, and (4) the laryngeal surface of the epiglottis. The telescopes were connected to a video camera and videotape recordings were made. The percentage of attempted visualizations that were successful was calculated for both the 70 degrees and the 90 degrees telescopes. RESULTS: The 70 degrees telescope provided successful visualization of the subglottic area in 111 patients (91.7%), of the pyriform fossae in 115 (95.0%), of the anterior commissure in 112 (92.6%), and of the laryngeal surface of the epiglottis in 114 (94.2%). The 90 degrees telescope provided successful visualization of the subglottic area in 103 patients (85.1%), of the pyriform fossae in 112 (92.6%), of the anterior commissure in 100 (82.6%), and of the laryngeal surface of the epiglottis in 102 (84.3%). Differences in rates of visualization were significant for the posterior surface of the epiglottis, the anterior commissure, and the subglottic area. CONCLUSIONS: The 70 degrees telescope provided a significantly higher rate of successful visualization for 3 of the 4 regions studied. This result contributes information that may help the clinical examiner select an instrument of choice.

Study on ceramide expression and DNA content in patients with healthy mucosa, leukoplakia, and carcinoma of the larynx.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of ceramide produced by sphingomyelin and DNA content in patients with healthy laryngeal mucosa, leukoplakia, and laryngeal carcinoma. DESIGN: A retrospective review of the clinical and surgical records of 178 patients with leukoplakia of the larynx; 23 of them developed laryngeal carcinoma. SETTING: University medical center. PATIENTS: One hundred seventy-eight consecutive patients with leukoplakia of the larynx were identified from the archived pathology files of the Eye Ear Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan University from January 1, 1990, to December 30, 2001. Among them, 23 developed laryngeal carcinoma. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry were performed to test DNA content and ceramide expression in healthy tissue, tissue with leukoplakia, and tissue with laryngeal carcinoma from the same patient. RESULTS: Among 23 patients with leukoplakia, 20 had aneuploidy and 3 had diploidy. The healthy tissues were all diploids, and the tissues with laryngeal carcinoma were all aneuploids. The expression of ceramide decreased gradually from healthy tissue to tissue with leukoplakia to tissue with laryngeal carcinoma (0, no staining; 1+, weak staining; 2+, mild staining; 3+, moderate staining; 4+, strong staining; and 5+, the highest staining intensity). The expression of ceramide in DNA diploid cells is stronger than in aneuploid cells. CONCLUSIONS: Ceramide, the second messenger in apoptosis, may associate with the progress of leukoplakia to carcinoma of the larynx. The reduction of ceramide may contribute to laryngeal carcinogenesis.

Effects of hyperbaric therapy on function and morphology of Guinea pig cochlea with endolymphatic hydrops.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect on experimental endolymphatic hydrops in guinea pigs after hyperbaric therapy. BACKGROUND: The histopathologic character of Ménière's disease is the presence of endolymphatic hydrops. Endolymphatic hypertension could be one of the factors resulting from endolymphatic hydrops. Some treatments of Ménière's disease are aimed toward preventing the endolymphatic hypertension. Exposure to pressure change has risen in recent years. METHODS: Thirty-two guinea pigs were operated on the right ears to induce endolymphatic hydrops by obliterating the endolymphatic sac through an extradural posterior cranial fossa approach. After 5 weeks' survival, 12 guinea pigs were put into a chamber with an absolute atmospheric pressure of 2.2 for 3 weeks (90 minutes once a day 5 times a week). We observed the morphologic and functional changes in guinea pig cochleae of the pressure group, 4-week hydrops group (n = 10), 8-week hydrops group (n = 10), and the normal group (n = 10). We measured the hearing threshold of the auditory brainstem response, the 70-dB SPL action potential (AP) latency, the ratio of 70-dB SPL summating potential magnitude to action potential magnitude (-SP/AP) of the electrocochleogram, and the maximum scala media area (SMA) ratio, respectively. RESULTS: The average 70-dB SPL-SP/AP magnitude of right ears (0.29 +/- 0.09) and the average maximum SMA ratio (2.23 +/- 0.20) in the pressure group were significantly less than that in the 8-week hydrops group (0.69 +/- 0.15 and 4.04 +/- 0.52, respectively) with the same survival time (p < 0.05). The results in the pressure group were almost as similar as that in the 4-week hydrops group (0.29 +/- 0.13 and 2.22 +/- 0.20, respectively) (p > 0.05). The average hearing threshold of ABR of right ears in the pressure group (36.67 +/- 14.30-dB SPL) was lower than that of the 8-week hydrops group (44 +/-1 4.30-dB SPL), but the difference was insignificant (p > 0.05). The average 70-dB SPL AP latency of right ears in the pressure group was not significantly different from those of the 8-week hydrops group, the 4-week hydrops group, or the normal group (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest hyperbaric therapy can significantly suppress the development of endolymphatic hydrops and improve cochlear function in guinea pigs. This study provided strong evidence for the development of pressure treatment of Ménière's disease without destroying the inner ear.

Apoptosis and expression of BCL-2 in facial motoneurons after facial nerve injury.

BACKGROUND: Apoptosis has been implicated in neuronal degeneration after optic and sciatic nerve injury. The mechanisms contributing to facial motoneuron death are poorly understood. This study investigated the mechanisms underlying facial motoneuronal death and the expression of BCL-2 in facial motoneurons after facial nerve injury. METHODS: Morphologic changes in the facial motoneurons were examined by light and transmission electron microscopy, and TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) methods was used. Expression of BCL-2 was studied by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization after facial nerve injury. RESULTS: Cell shrinkage, condensed cytoplasm, and apoptotic bodies were demonstrated in numerous cells under light microscopy. The chromatin was condensed and localized to the nuclear envelope, forming a crescent or cap, and the endoplasmic reticulum was still visible but appeared swollen under electron microscopy. In vivo TUNEL staining displayed positive facial motoneurons 7 days after facial nerve transsection. The BCL-2 expression in facial motoneurons declined and reached its lowest level on the fifteenth day (p < 0.05). The reduction in BCL-2 expression after facial nerve transsection close to the facial motoneuron nucleus was greater than that of facial nerve transsection far away from the facial motoneuron nucleus (p < 0.05). BCL-2 expression after crushing of the facial nerve was found to be more intense in comparison with that after nerve transsection at the stylomastoid foramen (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicated that motoneuron death induced by facial nerve transsection was consistent with the process of apoptosis. The endogenous BCL-2 in these motoneurons may protect facial motoneurons from axotomy-induced cell death.

Isolated sphenoid sinus disease: an analysis of 122 cases.

Isolated sphenoid sinus disease (ISSD) is a relatively uncommon disease. The present study is a retrospective review of 122 patients with ISSD who were treated at the Department of Otolaryngology, Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital at Shanghai Medical University over a 25-year period. The diagnosis of ISSD was made on the basis of history and physical examination, signs and symptoms, nasal endoscopy, and computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The final diagnosis of ISSD was confirmed by histopathologic and microbiological examinations of the surgical specimens. The pathological findings in this study included sphenoid cyst (47 cases), sphenoid sinusitis (31 cases), fungal disease (19 cases), inverted papilloma (4 cases), sphenochoanal polyp (1 case), foreign body (8 cases), malignant tumors (8 cases), and others (4 cases). The most common initial symptom was headache, followed in decreasing order by visual changes, cranial nerve palsies, and nasal symptoms. The more frequent use of routine CT and MRI scanning, as well as endoscopy, in the diagnosis of sinus disease has led to an increase in the early diagnosis of ISSD. The recent advances in endoscopic sphenoidotomy has allowed for relatively safe and immediate treatment of ISSD, preventing late extension into adjacent vital structures, which is commonly fatal. Endoscopic surgery also enables the surgeon to make a precise pathological diagnosis.

Spontaneous healing of various tympanic membrane perforations in the rat.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the spontaneous healing process of various types of perforation and the location of the epithelial generation center in the tympanic membrane of rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Various types of perforation were made in the ears of 50 rats and the healing process was observed using light and electron microscopy. RESULTS: Epithelia hyperplasia could not be seen at the edge of the perforations, but occurred in the annulus and handle of malleus regions during the early stage of healing. There was no correlation between the healing time and the size of the perforations. When one ear was perforated, no changes were observed in the intact ear on the other side. The epithelium did not migrate into the tympanic cavity in the posterior marginal perforations. All the perforations healed, although the manubria of the malleus were damaged. CONCLUSIONS: The perforations healed by means of epithelial migration. The epithelial generation center was located near the annulus and the handle of the malleus, and therefore protection of these two regions is very important in middle ear surgery.

Cytoplasmic expression of p33(ING1b) is correlated with tumorigenesis and progression of human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

p33(ING1b), a newly discovered candidate tumor suppressor gene and a nuclear protein, belongs to the inhibitor of growth gene family. Previous studies have shown that p33(ING1b) is involved in the restriction of cell growth and proliferation, apoptosis, tumor anchorage-independent growth, cellular senescence, maintenance of genomic stability and modulation of cell cycle checkpoints. Loss of nuclear p33(ING1b) has been observed in melanoma, seminoma, papillary thyroid carcinoma, oral squamous cell carcinoma, breast ductal cancer and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Inactivation and/or decreased expression of p33(ING1b) have been reported in various types of cancer, including head and neck squamous cell, breast, lung, stomach, blood and brain malignancies. Since little is known about the clinicopathological significance of p33(ING1b) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), this study aimed to investigate the association of p33(ING1b) expression with clinicopathological variables and particularly interesting new cysteine-histidine rich protein (PINCH) in patients with ESCC. p33(ING1b) expression was examined by immunohistochemistry in 20 normal esophageal mucosa and in 64 ESCC specimens. The results revealed that the positive expression of p33(ING1b) protein in normal squamous cells was localized in the nucleus alone and the positive rate was 95%, while in ESCCs, the positive expression was mainly in the cytoplasm, together with nuclear expression, and the positive rate was 36% (P<0.0001). Furthermore, the cases with lymph node metastasis showed a higher frequency of positive cytoplasmic expression than those without metastasis (P=0.001). The cytoplasmic expression of p33(ING1b) was positively related to PINCH expression (P<0.0001) in ESCC, and the cases positive for both proteins had a high lymph node metastasis rate (P=0.001). In conclusion, p33(ING1b) cellular compartmental shift from the nucleus to the cytoplasm may cause loss of normal cellular function and play a central role in the tumorigenesis and metastasis of ESCC.

PINCH expression and its clinicopathological significance in gastric adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Particularly interesting new cysteine-histidine rich protein (PINCH) is an important component of the local adhesion complexes and upregulated in several types of malignancies, and involved in the incidence and development of tumours. PINCH expression is also independently correlated with poorer survival in patients with colorectal cancer. However, there is no study of PINCH in gastric cancer, therefore, the aim of this project was to investigate PINCH expression and its clinicopathological significance in gastric adenocarcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: PINCH expression was immunohistochemically examined in normal gastric mucous (n=30) and gastric adenocarcinoma (n=73), from gastric cancer patients. RESULTS: PINCH expression in the associated-stroma of gastric cancers was heterogeneous, and its positive rate (75%) was higher than that of normal gastric mucosa (43%, X^{2} =9.711, p=0.002). The stronger staining was observed at the invasive edge of tumour when compared to the inner area of tumour. The rate of positive PINCH (88%) in the cases with lymph node metastasis was higher than that (52%) in the cases without metastasis (X^{2}=11.151, p=0.001). PINCH expression was not correlated with patients' gender, age, tumour size, differentiation and invasion depth (p> 0.05). COMCLUSION: PINCH protein might play an important role in the tumourigenesis and metastasis of gastric adenocarcinoma.

[Effect of REZ-I cochlear implantation on residual hearing in adult patients].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of cochlear implantation with REZ-I straight electrodes on residual hearing of postlingually deafened adults, and to explore the audiologically safety and injury characteristics of cochlear implantation. METHODS: Sixteen unilateral REZ-I (22 channels) cochlear implantation recipients from September 2009 to December 2009 were picked out. Their pre-and post-implantation audiometry data including pure-tone audiometry (PTA), auditory steady-state responses (ASSR), auditory brainstem responses (ABR) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) were retrospectively analyzed, in order to compare the change between pre- and post-implantation residual hearing. RESULTS: Among the 12 recipients who had some measurable residual hearing before implantation, 5 (41.6%) patients had conserved some measurable hearing but the other 7 (58.4%) recipients had lost all measurable hearing after implantation on the implanted side. The implanted ears had an average PTA threshold drop of 9.5 dB HL and a statistically significant difference between pre- and post-implantation (P < 0.05) PTA thresholds in the frequencies of 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz and 4000 Hz. Compared to non-implanted ears, the drop in 500 Hz and 1kHz had a statistically significant difference between pre- and post-implantation PTA thresholds (P < 0.05). The ASSR residual hearing threshold elevation were statistically significant (P < 0.05) between pre- and post-implantation ASSR at 250 Hz and 500 Hz on the implanted side, while the The ASSR residual hearing threshold elevation were statistically significant (P < 0.05) at 500 Hz when compared to non-implanted side. The difference of residual hearing between pre- and post-implantation was not statistically significant for both DPOAE and ABR. CONCLUSION: There will be a certain degree of damage to residual hearing of the implanted side following REZ-I cochlear implantation.

Expression and significance of FXYD-3 protein in gastric adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: FXYD-3, also known as Mat-8, is a member of the FXYD protein family. It was reported that this protein can associate with and modify the transport properties of Na, K-ATPase, and may play an important role in a variety of physiological and pathological states. This protein is up-regulated in certain types of cancers (such as breast, prostate and pancreatic cancer), but down-regulated in other types of cancers (such as colon and kidney cancer). No study has been performed in gastric cancer; therefore, the aim of this project was to investigate FXYD-3 expression and its clinicopathological significance in gastric adenocarcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: FXYD-3 protein was examined by immunohistochemistry in normal gastric mucous (n= 29) and gastric adenocarcinoma (n=51), obtained from surgical resection of gastric cancer patients. RESULTS: FXYD-3 protein was present in the cytoplasm of normal gastric epithelial cells or gastric cancer cells. The rate of FXYD-3 strong expression was significantly higher in cancer (51% of 51) than in normal mucosa (10% of 29, X;{2}=13.210, p < 0.0001). FXYD-3 expressed strongly in ulcerative/infiltrating types of cancers compared to polypoid/fungating ones (X;{2}=5.765, p=0.016). However, FXYD-3 expression was not correlated with patient's gender, age, tumor size, lymph node status and histological grade (p > 0.05). Conclosion: Up-regulated expression of FXYD-3 protein may be involved in tumourgenesis and invasion of gastric adenocarcinoma.