Blocking long noncoding RNA MALAT1 restrained the development of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma.

PURPOSE: The long non-coding RNA MALAT1 is a predictive marker in several solid tumors with highly conserved sequences. However, the role of non-coding RNA in development of laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer remains unclear. METHODS: Tumor tissues and adjacent non-cancer tissues of 24 patients were collected. We detected the expression of MALAT1 in laryngeal cancer tissues and hypopharyngeal cancer tissues. Moreover, we developed a MALAT1 silencing model in human laryngeal tumor cells by transfecting MALAT1 small interfering RNA into human laryngeal carcinoma cell line Hep-2 and pharyngeal carcinoma cell line FaDu with Lipofectamine 2000 system. Cell cycle analysis, Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, Transwell assay, quantitative reverse transcription PCR, and wound-healing assays were performed to evaluate the impact of MALAT1 depletion on laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer cell's growth, proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration. RESULTS: MALAT1 was significantly up-regulated in laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma cells. MALAT1 down-regulation induced the increased apoptosis of both cell lines and suppressed cells' proliferation. Cells were arrested in G1/G2 phase and cells of S phase were significantly decreased. Down-regulation of MALAT1 expression can also inhibit the migration and invasion of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cell (Hep-2) and hypopharyngeal cancer cell (FaDu). CONCLUSION: In summary, our deactivation model of MALAT1 disentangled the active function of it as a regulator of gene expression governing the hallmarks of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer. Blocking this long non-coding RNA may restrain the development of laryngeal cancer.

Pectolinarigenin Suppresses the Tumor Growth in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is one of the common human malignant diseases all over the world, and chemotherapy remains the main therapy for NPC. However, the survival and life quality of NPC patients are still very poor. Thus, novel and selective anti-tumor agents are pressingly needed. Our previous study identified pectolinarigenin as a novel effective anti-tumor drug candidate for NPC. In this study, we further investigated its anti-tumor activities and explored the potential molecular mechanism. METHODS: NPC C666-1 cells were cultured and treated by pectolinarigenin. Cell proliferation assay, colony formation assay, Transwell assay and wound healing assay were conducted and cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Mitochondrial transmembrane potential and ROS were also observed. NPC subcutaneous xenograft mice model was established to evaluate the anti-tumor effect of pectolinarigenin in vivo. RESULTS: We observed that treatment of pectolinarigenin inhibited cell viability and cell migration of NPC C666-1 cells in concentration- and time-dependent manner. Pectolinarigenin induced cell apoptosis in C666-1 cells detected by flow cytometry analysis, which was associated with the activation of mitochondrial-related apoptosis and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Pectolinarigenin also activated caspase signaling pathway. The in vivo experiment of subcutaneous xenograft mice model also indicated that the administration of pectolinarigenin could decrease the tumor growth of NPC and no severe toxicity was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our findings, we conclude that pectolinarigenin could suppress the tumor growth of NPC, which verifies it as a new therapeutic agent for treating this devastating disease.

Silencing of HEPN1 is responsible for the aggressive biological behavior of pituitary somatotroph adenomas.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The pathogenic mechanisms underlying pituitary adenoma formation, progression, and invasion are poorly understood. To identify candidate tumor suppressor genes, we selected somatotroph adenomas as representative of pituitary adenomas. METHODS/RESULTS: We used genome-wide differential expression analysis in 15 invasive and 12 noninvasive somatotroph adenomas. HEPN1 reduction was more frequent in the invasive group, and this result was confirmed by qRT-PCR. To understand the function of HEPN1, the pituitary adenoma cell lines, GH3 and GT1.1, were stably transfected with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting HEPN1 or ectogenic HEPN1 by lentivirus-mediated transfection. We found that HEPN1 overexpression in GH3 and GT1.1 cells inhibited cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and attenuated invasive capacity, whereas HEPN1 silencing enhanced cell proliferation and invasion accompanied by decreased apoptosis. Western blot analysis revealed that HEPN1 overexpression decreased MMP-2, MMP-9, and Bcl-2 expression, but increased BAX, p53, and caspase-3 expression. In contrast, HEPN1 silencing increased MMP-2, MMP-9, and Bcl-2 expression, but decreased BAX, p53, and caspase-3 expression. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our results suggest that reduction of HEPN1 may play an important role in the progression of pituitary somatotroph adenomas. HEPN1 may thus be a candidate as a prognostic predictor or an anticancer therapeutic target for patients with somatotroph adenoma.

The inhibition of tumor protein p53 by microRNA-151a-3p induced cell proliferation, migration and invasion in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

A close relation between microRNA-151a-3p (miR-151a-3p) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has been reported, however, the molecular mechanism is still unclear. The aim of the present study was to explore the mechanism in the promotion of miR-151a-3p to NPC progression. The levels of miR-151-3p in several NPC cell lines were detected in order to screen an experimental cell line. MiR-151a-3p mimic and inhibitor were constructed and transfected into 5-8F cells and cell proliferation were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). The apoptosis rate, cell migration and invasion were determined by flow cytometry, wound healing and Transwell assays. The predicted target was further verified by luciferase reporter assay. Real-time quantification-PCR and Western blot were carried out for mRNA and protein level analysis. Tumor protein p53 was co-transfected to verify the functions of miR-151a-3p. The miR-151a-3p level in NPC tissues was much higher than that in adjacent tissues. After transfecting cells with miR-151a-3p mimic, the cell proliferation and patients' survival rate were much increased, and this was accompanied by the increase in B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and decreases in Bax and cleaved caspase-3 (P<0.01). Moreover, the migration rate and number of invaded cells were also remarkably increased, however, the miR-151a-3p inhibitor had opposite effects on the 5-8F cells. Noticeably, p53 was revealed as a potential target of miR-151a-3p. Co-transfection of P53 could partially reverse the promotive effects of miR-151a-3p on NPC cell progression. Our data indicated that blocking p53 expression and mediated signal pathways contribute to the positive effects of miR-151a-3p on NPC cell proliferation, migration and invasion.

Olfactory ensheathing cells promote nerve regeneration and functional recovery after facial nerve defects.

Olfactory ensheathing cells from the olfactory bulb and olfactory mucosa have been found to increase axonal sprouting and pathfinding and promote the recovery of vibrissae motor performance in facial nerve transection injured rats. However, it is not yet clear whether olfactory ensheathing cells promote the reparation of facial nerve defects in rats. In this study, a collagen sponge and silicone tube neural conduit was implanted into the 6-mm defect of the buccal branch of the facial nerve in adult rats. Olfactory ensheathing cells isolated from the olfactory bulb of newborn Sprague-Dawley rats were injected into the neural conduits connecting the ends of the broken nerves, the morphology and function of the regenerated nerves were compared between the rats implanted with olfactory ensheathing cells with the rats injected with saline. Facial paralysis was assessed. Nerve electrography was used to measure facial nerve-induced action potentials. Visual inspection, anatomical microscopy and hematoxylin-eosin staining were used to assess the histomorphology around the transplanted neural conduit and the morphology of the regenerated nerve. Using fluorogold retrograde tracing, toluidine blue staining and lead uranyl acetate staining, we also measured the number of neurons in the anterior exterior lateral facial nerve motor nucleus, the number of myelinated nerve fibers, and nerve fiber diameter and myelin sheath thickness, respectively. After surgery, olfactory ensheathing cells decreased facial paralysis and the latency of the facial nerve-induced action potentials. There were no differences in the general morphology of the regenerating nerves between the rats implanted with olfactory ensheathing cells and the rats injected with saline. Between-group results showed that olfactory ensheathing cell treatment increased the number of regenerated neurons, improved nerve fiber morphology, and increased the number of myelinated nerve fibers, nerve fiber diameter, and myelin sheath thickness. In conclusion, implantation of olfactory ensheathing cells can promote regeneration and functional recovery after facial nerve damage in rats.

Sweat duct carcinoma of lip with multiple cervical lymph nodes metastasis.

Sclerosing sweat duct carcinoma (SSDC) is a rare cutaneous neoplasm. A 28-year-old man presented with 2-3 years history of a tetter on his upper lip, and a 3 cm x 4 cm lymph node was palpable in the left submandibular area. MRI showed a mass in the upper lip extending into the buccal mucosa and orbicular muscle, and multiple cervical lymph nodes metastasis on both sides was suspected. A biopsy was performed to have revealed syringomatous carcinoma. The patient underwent operation of extended removal of the upper lip along with right upper neck dissection and left radical neck dissection. 8 cm x 6 cm sized free forearm flap was used for the reconstruction of the lip. Postoperative course of the patient was uneventful and he has no signs of recurrence so far. Pertinent literatures on this rare tumor are reviewed.

[The cultivation and migration in vitro of olfactory ensheathing cells from human olfactory mucosa].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the bionomics of the olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) of human olfactory mucosa. METHOD: To separate and cultivate the OECs of human and rat olfactory mucosa. To observe the cell growth, cell grouping and cell migration in vitro of the two types of OECs. RESULT: Successfully separated and cultivated the OECs of human and rat olfactory mucosa. OECs of the human and rat olfactory mucosa had the similar cell growth, cell grouping and cell migration ability in vitro. CONCLUSION: OECs of the human and rat olfactory mucosa have the similar bionomics in vitro, as a result, OECs of the human olfactory mucosa could be a reliable source of cell transplant for nerve injury.

MDA-7/IL-24 inhibits cell survival by inducing apoptosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

AIMS: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the most common primary malignancy of the nasopharynx. Due to its local recurrence and distant metastasis, conventional therapy is usually ineffective. MDA-7/IL-24 (melanoma differentiation associated gene 7), a member of the IL10 family of cytokines, inhibits growth of various human cancer cells, but the underlying mechanism is largely unknown. There is no report of mda-7 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. We aimed to investigate the role of MDA-7/IL-24 in NPC. METHODS: Immune defective adenoviral vector carrying the gene was produced, infected NPC CNE cells and observed its growth, cell proliferation, apoptosis and the effect of combination with chemotherapy. RESULTS: The results showed that (1) MDA-7/IL-24 inhibited NPC CNE cell growth and survival; (2) mda-7 induced cell apoptosis and death; (3) MDA-7/IL-24 in collaboration with chemotherapy induced cell apoptosis significantly; (4) MDA-7/IL-24 induced cell apoptosis by down-regulation of anti-apoptosis molecules such as Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl and up-regulation of caspase 3. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that MDA-7/IL-24 had obvious therapeutic effect in NPC cells. It is verified that adenovirus mediated MDA-7/IL-24 represents a potentially important new approach to NPC therapy.

Measuring the extent of total thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid carcinoma using radioactive iodine imaging: relationship with serum thyroglobulin and clinical outcomes.

IMPORTANCE Despite performing total thyroidectomy (TT), postoperative radioactive iodine (RAI) imaging often demonstrates the presence of residual thyroid tissue within the operative bed. OBJECTIVE To measure the extent of TT using postoperative RAI imaging and assessing serum thyroglobulin (Tg) level for patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS We evaluated 245 patients undergoing TT for clinically staged cT1-3N0M0 DTC, who underwent diagnostic postoperative RAI imaging. INTERVENTIONS Total thyroidectomy. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES On the basis of quantitative measurements, RAI uptake (RAIU) in the thyroid bed of 0.2% of administered activity was selected as the cutpoint to determine the presence or absence of thyroid remnant. RESULTS By postoperative RAI imaging, TT in 106 patients (43%) resulted in RAIU of less than 0.2%. In the remaining 139 patients (57%), there was measurable iodine-avid thyroid tissue and/or tumor in the thyroid bed (n = 117 [84%]), the neck (n = 4 [3%]), or both (n = 18 [13%]). For the entire study population, mean 24-hour RAIU was 0.62%. Stimulated serum Tg levels were obtained in 232 of 245 patients (95%). Measurable stimulated Tg level (≥1 ng/mL) (to convert to micrograms per liter, multiply by 1) was found in 26 of 102 patients (25%) without thyroid remnant and in 87of 133 patients (65%) with thyroid remnant (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE A goal of postthyroidectomy RAIU of less than 0.2% helps maximize the likelihood of an unmeasurable postoperative Tg level, potentially simplifying follow-up evaluation and reducing the use of postoperative RAI in order to facilitate surveillance.

3D body segment oscillation and gait analysis for vestibular disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the patterns of gait and locomotion in three dimension space in patients with vestibular disorders. METHODS: A 3D motion analysis system was employed to evaluate locomotor pattern and body's oscillation during gait under different conditions (normal, slow, fast speeds walking with eye open and normal speed walking with eyes closed) of nine patients with vestibular disorders. Twenty-one markers placed on the subject to record kinematics and locomotions of the head, spine and pelvis segments while walking. For each locomotor trial, the walking speed, locomotor patterns as well as the absolute angular dispersions of six segments around the roll, pitch and yaw axes were calculated to assess the equilibrium strategies of head, trunk and pelvis. Data was also recorded in 10 healthy subjects as control. RESULTS: Patients' cadence is faster, and the stride time at normal walking speed is shorter than that of the controls (p<0.05). The body sway has also been documented some impairment in patients. With respect to the control, patients' oscillation of trunk around yaw axis at fast speed is less (p<0.05), which means the patient seems need less shoulder torsional movement. Moreover, the most prominent changes in patients are the sway of hip in roll, which is significant less than controls at fast (p<0.01), slow speed (p<0.01) and in eye-closed condition (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our investigation corroborates those reports that higher velocities would be helpful for the increased gait stability in patients with vestibular disorders. And the body always try to keep the stability of head during gait, even under vestibular deficit conditions.

Association between MMP1 -1607 1G>2G polymorphism and head and neck cancer risk: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: MMP1 is an important member of the MMP endopeptidase family that plays a critical role in the development of head and neck cancer (HNC). Several studies have investigated the association between the MMP1 -1607 1G>2G polymorphism and risk of HNC, but their results have been inconsistent. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis to further explore the role of the MMP1 -1607 1G>2G polymorphism in HNC development. METHODS: We identified all eligible studies in the electronic databases of PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, MEDLINE, Embase, and Google Scholar (from January 2000 to June 2012). A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the association between the MMP1 -1607 1G>2G polymorphism and risk of HNC by calculating odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CIs). RESULTS: Twelve studies were included in this meta-analysis. In overall comparison, significant associations were found using the recessive and allelic contrast models (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.07-1.79 and OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.05-1.53, respectively), but no association was detected using the dominant model. In the stratified analyses by several variables, significant associations were observed using the recessive, dominant, and allelic contrast models in the Asian population (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.29-2.08; OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.06-1.82; and OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.21-1.65, respectively), European population (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.40-0.84; OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.44-0.92; and OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.54-0.85, respectively), and population-based subgroup (OR, 1.24; 95% CI,1.05-1.47; OR,1.48; 95% CI,1.04-2.12; and OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.07-1.38, respectively). Furthermore, significant associations were detected in oral cavity cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer under the recessive model. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the MMP1 -1607 1G>2G polymorphism is associated with risk of HNC and that it plays different roles in Asian and European populations. Further studies with large sample size are needed to validate our findings.

MGMT Leu84Phe polymorphism contributes to cancer susceptibility: evidence from 44 case-control studies.

BACKGROUND: O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase is one of the few proteins to directly remove alkylating agents in the human DNA direct reversal repair pathway. A large number of case-control studies have been conducted to explore the association between MGMT Leu84Phe polymorphism and cancer risk. However, the results were not consistent. METHODS: We carried out a meta-analysis of 44 case-control studies to clarify the association between the Leu84Phe polymorphism and cancer risk. RESULTS: Overall, significant association of the T allele with cancer susceptibility was verified with meta-analysis under a recessive genetic model (P<0.001, OR=1.30, 95%CI 1.24-1.50) and TT versus CC comparison (P=0.001, OR=1.29, 95% CI 1.12-1.50). In subgroup analysis, a significant increased risk was found for lung cancer (TT versus CC, P=0.027, OR=1.67, 95% CI 1.06-2.63; recessive genetic model, P=0.32, OR=1.64, 95% CI 1.04-2.58), whereas risk of colorectal cancer was significantly low under a dominant genetic model (P=0.019, OR=0.84, 95% CI 0.72-0.97). Additionally, a significant association between TT genetic model and total cancer risk was found in the Caucasian population (TT versus CC, P=0.014, OR=1.29, 95% CI 1.05-1.59; recessive genetic model, P=0.009, OR=1.31, 95% CI 1.07-1.61), but not in the Asian population. An increased risk for lung cancer was also verified in the Caucasian population (TT versus CC, P=0.035, OR=1.62, 95% CI 1.04-2.53; recessive genetic model, P=0.048, OR=1.57, 95% CI 1.01-2.45). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that MGMT Leu84Phe polymorphism might contribute to the susceptibility of certain cancers.

Association of GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphism and risk of head and neck cancers: a meta-analysis of 28 case-control studies.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The Glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) polymorphism have been considered a risk modifier for developing head and neck cancer (HNC) in many studies; however, the results of such studies are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible association between the GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphism and risk of HNC. METHOD: We performed a search in the relevant electronic database and a meta-analysis based on 28 published case-control studies that included 6,404 cases and 6,523 controls. To take into account the possibility of heterogeneity across the studies, a Chi-square based I(2)-statistic test was performed. Crude pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were assessed using both fixed-effects and random-effects models. RESULTS: The results of this meta-analysis showed that the GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphism was not significantly associated with risk of HNC in the overall study population (pooled OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.92-1.09) or in subgroup analyses stratified by ethnicity, sample size, tumor site or publication year. Moreover, substantial evidence of heterogeneity among the studies was observed. Publication year was identified as the main cause of heterogeneity. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis does not support a significant association between the GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphism and risk of HNC.

[OSAHS patient gas up-take cross-sectional area nasopharynx sound reflection examination and significance].

OBJECTIVE: To explore a simple and accurate method for localization of upper airway obstruction in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and provide instructions for surgical treatment. METHOD: Fifty OSAHS patients confirmed by PSG underwent acoustic rhinometric and pharyngometric assessment by Eccovision. The parameters were recorded, including nasal minimal cross-sectional area (NMCA), distance of MCA from the nostril (DCAN), minimum cross-sectional area at the nasal valve(MCA), nasal resistance (NR) and nasal volume from 0 to 6 cm from the nostril (NCV), as well as pharyngeal cross-sectional area (CSA) and volume from 4.8 to 15.0 cm. The sensitivity and specificity of acoustic rhinometry and pharyngometry on localization of airway obstruction was determined by a comprehensive imaging and endoscopic study. RESULT: In 50 cases with severe OSAHS, NMCA, DCAN, MCA, NCV, NR were (0.61 +/- 0.35) cm2, (2.06 +/- 0.12) cm, (0.87 +/- 0.12) cm2, (9.24 +/- 2.31)cm3 and (0.51 +/- 0.32)kPa/(L x min), respectively. Pharyngeal CSA and volume were statistically significantly lower than that in control group (P < 0.01). The value of DCAN was (2.06 +/- 0.12) cm, (9.50 +/- 4.08) cm, (13.10 +/- 2.52) cm in type I II, III patient, respectively. Compared with the control group, the difference was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Acoustic rhinometry and pharyngometry is a simple and safe method in localization of airway obstruction in patients with OSAHS.

[MRNA expression of complement C3 and C4 in rat nasal mucosa with allergic rhinitis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the level of mRNA expression of complement C3 and C4 in rat nasal mucosa and to reveal the relationship with the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (AR) . METHODS: Twenty healthy SD rats were randomly divided into AR group and control group, 10 rats for each group. Ten rats was sensitized and intranasally challenged by ovalbumin and Al (OH)3 (as supplement) as allergic rhinitis models, and the control group was treated by saline. RT-PCR was performed to investigate the level of mRNA expression of complement C3 and C4 in nasal mucosa of both groups. RESULTS: C3 and C4 mRNA were detected in both groups. The relative intensity of gene expression was measured. The relative intensity of C3 mRNA expression was 6183+/-1376 in AR group, 4444+/-989 in control group, C4 mRNA was 4398 +/-948 in AR group, and 2771+/-407 in control group. Expression of C3 and C4 in AR group was higher than that of the controls ( P < 0. 05) . CONCLUSION: The high level of C3 and C4 mRNA expression in nasal mucosa of rats with allergic rhinitis suggests that C3 and C4 are involved in the immunopathology of allergic rhinitis. The result implies that complement system involved in the rat's allergic rhinitis is possibly activated through the classical pathway.

[Imaging analysis of the ethmoid roof].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the image anatomy characters in the height and contour of the ethmoid roof. METHOD: Retrospective review of direct coronal sinus computed tomography (CT) scans in 160 patients. The height and contour of the fovea ethmoidalis, and the connection modes between ethmoidal roof and cribriform plate were examined. When an asymmetry in the height of the fovea ethmoidalis existed, this difference was quantified, and the difference between ethmoidal roof and cribriform plate was quantified in high type, too. RESULT: In 25 scans (15.63%), there was an asymmetry between the height of the fovea ethmoidalis on the right and left sides. Of these 25, 13 (52.00%) were lower on the right side. The difference between left and right was 2.35 mm. Sixty-two patients (38.75%) demonstrated a contour asymmetry with "flattening" of the ethmoid roof on one side. Horizontal type was 116 sides (36.25%), and high type was 204 sides (63.75%) in the connection modes between ethmoidal roof and cribriform plate. The difference was 2.80 mm in the high type. CONCLUSION: There were asymmetries in the height and contour of the right and left fovea ethmoidalis. The asymmetry was most often the result of a difference in contour with flattening of the fovea on one side. The high type was the most connection modes between ethmoidal roof and cribriform plate. This underscores the importance of careful preoperative and intraoperative review of paranasal sinus CT scans in patients undergoing endoscopoic sinus surgery.

[Sorbalgon used in functional endoscopic sinus surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To select an effective nasal cavity packing hemostasia material in functional endoscopic sinus surgery. METHOD: The hemostasia effect and nasal cavity response between vaseline gauze strip and Sorbalgon was compared after FESS. RESULT: There was a good hemostasia result when using Sorbalgon to pack the nasal cavity in FESS. Only gently headache and nasal cavity pain was found after packing. Few bleeding was taken after nasal wadding drawn out, and the nasal mucosa response was gentle. CONCLUSION: Sorbalgon is a satisfactory nasal packing material in nasal cavity and sinus operation.

[Assessment of acoustic rhinometry in examining nasal ventilation function].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of acoustic rhinometry (AR) in determination of nasal ventilation function in patients complaining of nasal obstruction, and to discuss the selection of parameters. METHOD: Acoustic rhinometry was measured in 36 patients complaining of nasal obstruction with nasal diseases and 20 adults without nasal obstruction as control, the parameters including mean nasal cross-sectional area (MNCA), minimal cross-sectional area (MCA), volume of nasal cavity (NV) and nasal resistance (NR). RESULT: There is no sex difference for MNCA, MCA, NV and NR measured in control group (P > 0.05), and no lateral difference except NV (P < 0.05). MCA and NR show remarkable difference between patients and control (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Acoustic rhinometry can be adopted as an objective way to evaluate the nasal ventilation. Since MCA and NR coincide with the subjective perception of patients, they can be used as the sensitive parameters to evaluate the nasal ventilation function.

[Acoustic rhinometry measurement from the patients with deviation of nasal septum].

OBJECTIVE: Investigating the acoustic rhinometry parameter values from the patients with deviation of nasal septum. METHOD: Testing 60 cases with deviation of nasal septum by means of Eccovision acoustic rhinometry, recording and statistics analysing nasal minimal cross sectional area (NMCA), nasal cavity value (NCV), distance of minimal cross section area from the nostril (DCAN) and nasal resistance (NR). RESULT: NMCA: (0.37 +/- 0.14)cm2; NCV: (12.30 +/- 2.32)cm3; DCAN: (2.10 +/- 0.15)cm; NR: (0.348 +/- 0.115)kPa x L(-1) x min(-1)]. It is showed by statistics analysis that the values of NMCA and NVC have inverse ratio, and have no correlation with DCNA. CONCLUSION: Acoustic rhinometry can be used as an objective marker to assess nasal ventilation function. It also can definite exactly the place of NMCA and offer reference for clinic surgery.