Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as a risk factor for sarcopenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Sarcopenia prevalence and its risk factors in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) vary partly due to definition criteria. This systematic review aimed to identify the prevalence and risk factors of sarcopenia in COPD patients. This review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022310750). Nine electronic databases were searched from inception to September 1st, 2022, and studies related to sarcopenia and COPD were identified. Study quality was assessed using a validated scale matched to study designs, and a meta-analysis was performed to evaluate sarcopenia prevalence. COPD patients with sarcopenia were compared to those without sarcopenia for BMI, smoking, and mMRC. The current meta-analysis included 15 studies, with a total of 7,583 patients. The overall sarcopenia prevalence was 29% [95% CI: 22%-37%], and the OR of sarcopenia in COPD patients was 1.51 (95% CI: 1.19-1.92). The meta-analysis and systematic review showed that mMRC (OR = 2.02, P = 0.04) and age (OR = 1.15, P = 0.004) were significant risk factors for sarcopenia in COPD patients. In contrast, no significant relationship was observed between sarcopenia and smoking and BMI. Nursing researchers should pay more attention to the symptomatic management of COPD and encourage patients to participate in daily activities in the early stages of the disease.

Factors influencing rapid antiretroviral therapy initiation in Jiulongpo, Chongqing, China: a retrospective cohort from 2018 to 2022.

BACKGROUND: Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) is pivotal in extending the lives of people living with HIV (PLWH) and minimizing transmission. Rapid ART initiation, defined as commencing ART within seven days of HIV diagnosis, is recommended for all PLWH. METHOD: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. This study included PLWH diagnosed between January 2018 and December 2021 and treated by December 2022. Factors influencing rapid ART initiation were examined using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. RESULTS: The study analyzed 1310 cases. The majority were male (77.4%), over 50 years old (46.7%), and contracted HIV through heterosexual transmission (70.0%). Rapid ART initiation was observed in 36.6% (n = 479) of cases, with a cumulative treatment rate of 72.9% within 30 days post-diagnosis. Heterosexual contact was associated with longer intervals from diagnosis to treatment initiation compared to homosexual contact (Adjusted Hazard Ratio (HR) = 0.813, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.668-0.988). Individuals older than 50 years (Adjusted HR = 1.852, 95%CI: 1.149-2.985) were more likely to initiate ART rapidly. Conversely, treatment at the Second Public Hospital (Adjusted HR = 0.483, 95% CI: 0.330-0.708) and a CD4 cell counts above 500 (Adjusted HR = 0.553, 95% CI: 0.332-0.921) were associated with a lower likelihood of initiating treatment within seven days. CONCLUSIONS: A higher CD4 cell counts and receiving care in local public hospitals may deter rapid ART initiation. Providing CD4 counts results at diagnosis and offering testing and treatment in the same facility could enhance the rate of rapid ART initiation.

Treatment of Meniere's disease with simultaneous triple semicircular canal occlusion and cochlear implantation.

OBJECTIVE: Report three cases of simultaneous triple semicircular canal occlusion (TSCO) and cochlear implantation (CI) as the treatment of intractable Meniere's disease (MD). CASE REPORTS: Patients with MD can present occasionally with intractable vertigo and profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). TSCO and CI have been proposed to control vertigo and restore profound deafness in patients with MD separately. However, a few studies have reported simultaneous TSCO and CI in the same surgical procedure for the treatment of MD. In the present study, we described three patients with MD showing incapacitating vertigo and severe SNHL who underwent simultaneous TSCO and CI after examinations of auditory system, vestibular system, and imaging. Their symptoms were significantly alleviated during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The combined TSCO and CI remains a viable treatment option which is effective for the control of vertigo as well as the restoring of hearing in patients with MD.

Clinical characteristics and prognosis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss in single-sided deafness patients.

Background: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) in patients with single-sided deafness (SSD) is rare. The prognosis of the sole serviceable hearing ear is very important for these patients. However, the clinical characteristics and prognosis of SSNHL in SSD patients are not well-documented. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the clinical features and treatment outcomes of SSNHL in SSD patients. Methods: Clinical data of 36 SSD patients and 116 non-SSD patients with unilateral SSNHL from January 2013 to December 2022 were retrospectively investigated. The clinical characteristics of the SSD patients were analyzed. All SSD patients were treated with intratympanic steroids plus intravenous steroids. Pure-tone average (PTA) and word recognition score (WRS) before and after treatment were recorded. The hearing recovery of SSNHL in SSD patients in comparison with non-SSD patients was explored. Auditory outcomes in SSD patients with different etiologies were also compared. Results: Initial hearing threshold showed no significant differences between the SSD group and the non-SSD group (66.41 ± 24.64 dB HL vs. 69.21 ± 31.48 dB HL, p = 0.625). The SSD group had a higher post-treatment hearing threshold (median (interquartile range, IQR) 53.13(36.56) dB HL) than the non-SSD group (median 32.50(47.5) dB HL, p < 0.01). Hearing gains (median 8.75(13.00) dB) and the rate of significant recovery (13.89%) were lower in the SSD group than in the non-SSD group (median 23.75(34.69) dB, 45.69%). The etiology of SSD was classified as SSNHL, special types of infection, chronic otitis media, and unknown causes. SSNHL accounted for the maximum proportion (38.9%) of causes of SSD in the SSD group. Hearing gains were lower in the SSNHL-SSD group than in other causes of the SSD group. A binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated that SSD serves as an indicator of unfavorable hearing recovery outcomes (OR = 5.264, p < 0.01). Conclusion: The prognosis of SSNHL in SSD patients is unsatisfactory. SSNHL accounts for the maximum proportion of causes of SSD in this group of patients. For SSD patients caused by SSNHL, less hearing improvement after treatment was expected when SSNHL occurred in the contralateral ear in comparison with SSD patients with other causes.

P300 Event-Related Potential Predicts Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients with Vestibular Disorders.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to determine the correlation between cognitive impairment and P300 event-related potential (ERP) in older adults with vertigo and imbalance, which further provides a reference for clinical diagnosis and patients' rehabilitation. METHODS: A total of 79 older adult patients with vertigo and imbalance in our outpatient department from January 2022 to December 2022 were selected and divided into the mild group (n = 20), moderate group (n = 39), and severe group (n = 20) according to the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI). The auditory P300 component of event-related potentials (ERPs), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were used to evaluate depression, anxiety, and cognitive function in these patients, respectively. RESULTS: The P300 latencies of the different severity groups were 292 ± 10 ms, 301 ± 8 ms, and 328 ± 5 ms, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (p = 0.010). The P300 amplitudes of the different severity groups were 14.4 ± 2.6 µV, 3.9 ± 0.8 µV, and 5.1 ± 1.4 µV, respectively, and the differences were also statistically significant (p = 0.004). There was no statistically significant difference in the DHI evaluation or VAS visual simulation scoring between the two groups (p = 0.625, and 0.878, respectively). Compared with the short-course group, the long-course group showed prolonged P300 latency and decreased amplitude, higher scores in PHQ-9 and GAD-7, and lower scores in MMSE, and all the differences were statistically significant (p = 0.013, 0.021, 0.006, 0.004, and 0.018, respectively). CONCLUSION: Older patients with more severe symptoms of vertigo and imbalance are at higher risk of developing abnormal cognitive function. The P300 can be used as an objective neurophysiological test for the assessment of cognitive function relevant to elderly patients with vertigo and imbalance.

Pulmonary rehabilitation assessment in COPD based on the ICF brief core set: a latent profile analysis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the most burdened chronic respiratory disease in the world, resulting in a reduced quality of life and limited physical activity for patients. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is an effective therapy for COPD. Effective PR relies on an accurate pulmonary rehabilitation program. An adequate pre-rehabilitation assessment helps healthcare professionals to develop an accurate pulmonary rehabilitation program. However, pre-rehabilitation assessment strategies lack specific selection criteria and an assessment of the patient's overall functioning. METHODS: This study explored the functional characteristics of COPD patients before pulmonary rehabilitation and collected COPD patients from October 2019 to March 2022. A cross-sectional survey of 237 patients was conducted using the ICF brief core set as the study tool. Latent profile analysis identified subgroups of patients with different rehabilitation needs based on body function and activity participation. RESULTS: Four subgroups of functional dysfunction were identified: 5.42%, 21.03%, 29.44%, and 34.11% in the high dysfunction group, the moderate dysfunction group, the lower-middle dysfunction but high mobility impairment group, and the low dysfunction group, respectively. Patients in the high dysfunction group were older, had a higher proportion of widowed spouses, and experienced more exacerbation. Most patients in the low-dysfunction group did not use inhaled medication and had a lower participation rate in oxygen therapy. Patients with a more severe disease classification and symptom burden mostly belonged to the high dysfunction group. CONCLUSIONS: COPD patients require an adequate assessment before implementing a pulmonary rehabilitation program to determine their rehabilitation needs. The four subgroups were heterogeneous in terms of the degree of functional impairment in body function and activity participation. Patients in the high dysfunction group can improve basic cardiorespiratory fitness; patients in the moderate dysfunction group should focus on improving cardiorespiratory endurance and muscle fitness, patients in the lower-middle-dysfunction but high mobility impairment group should focus on improving mobility and patients in the low functional disability group should focus more on preventive measures. Healthcare providers can tailor rehabilitation programs to the functional impairments of patients with different characteristics. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (ChiCTR2000040723).

Novel biallelic variants in the PLEC gene are associated with severe hearing loss.

Pediatric auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder is a particular type of hearing loss caused by abnormal sound transmission from the cochlea to the brain. It is due to defective peripheral synaptic function or improper neuronal conduction. Using trio whole-exome sequencing, we have identified novel biallelic variants in the PLEC gene in three individuals with profound deafness from two unrelated families. Among them, one pediatric patient diagnosed with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder had a good cochlear implantation outcome. The other two adult patients were diagnosed with non-syndromic hearing loss. Studies in mice and zebrafish confirmed that plectin is developmentally expressed in the inner ear. Moreover, plectin's knockdown resulted in a reduction of synaptic mitochondrial potential and loss of ribbon synapses, reinforcing the idea of a role for plectin in neuronal transmission. Altogether, the results presented here, point to a new unconventional role for plectin in the inner ear. Contrary to the well-characterized association of plectin to skin and muscle diseases, we found that specific plectin mutations can result in hearing loss with no other clinical manifestations. This is important because 1) it provides evidence of plectin's involvement in inner ear function and 2) it will help clinicians at the time of diagnosis and treatment.

Cisplatin ototoxicity mechanism and antagonistic intervention strategy: a scope review.

Cisplatin is a first-line chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of malignant tumors with remarkable clinical effects and low cost. However, the ototoxicity and neurotoxicity of cisplatin greatly limit its clinical application. This article reviews the possible pathways and molecular mechanisms of cisplatin trafficking from peripheral blood into the inner ear, the toxic response of cisplatin to inner ear cells, as well as the cascade reactions leading to cell death. Moreover, this article highlights the latest research progress in cisplatin resistance mechanism and cisplatin ototoxicity. Two effective protective mechanisms, anti-apoptosis and mitophagy activation, and their interaction in the inner ear are discussed. Additionally, the current clinical preventive measures and novel therapeutic agents for cisplatin ototoxicity are described. Finally, this article also forecasts the prospect of possible drug targets for mitigating cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. These include the use of antioxidants, inhibitors of transporter proteins, inhibitors of cellular pathways, combination drug delivery methods, and other mechanisms that have shown promise in preclinical studies. Further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of these approaches.

Individualised monitoring programme for pulmonary rehabilitation of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised mainly by exertional dyspnoea, which may lead to activity reduction. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is considered capable of mitigating these impairments. However, access to PR is limited to specialised centres, especially during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Moreover, low-cost home rehabilitation programmes have non-individualised prescriptions, which might lead to inconsistent clinical effects in patients with COPD. Therefore, it is important to develop new, low-cost protocols involving individualised prescriptions and staff supervision. Methods: This is a descriptive protocol for a randomised controlled study at the Grade III A Hospital in Tianjin. The sample size was calculated according to a described formula. Fifty-six participants will be selected and randomly allocated into two groups: (I) control (traditional PR training, medication, and nursing interventions); and (II) intervention [PR training in the hospital and at home by the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation System Management Platform (CSM)]. The protocol will be performed twice a week for 8 consecutive weeks in the outpatient clinic, and the training will be performed by the application of the CSM system in the final 6 months of the trial. The study will assess lung function and physical fitness and analyse the scores of the modified Medical Research Council Dyspnoea Scale, the COPD assessment test, the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health, and the 6-minute walk test before and after the training protocol. Comparison of differences will be performed using repeated measures analysis of variance, a linear mixed effects analysis, or a non-parametric test, which will include only participants who completed all outcome measures and followed the intervention protocol. The study results will be disseminated through presentations at scientific conferences and publications in peer-reviewed journals. Discussion: The new, low-cost supervised rehabilitation programmes are expected to present positive results, making PR programmes more accessible and effective for patients with COPD. Trial Registration: The study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2000040723.

Vestibular evoked myogenic potential may predict the hearing recovery in patients with unilateral idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

Objective: This study investigates the association between vestibular function and prognosis in patients with unilateral idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (UISSNHL). Design: A retrospective analysis of 64 patients with UISSNHL was performed. Pure tone audiometry and vestibular function tests for otoliths and semicircular canals were performed to assess the influence of vestibular functional status on the outcome of patients with UISSNHL. Results: Patients with abnormal cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) or ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential (oVEMP) responded less favorably to treatment. In the ineffective group, cVEMP was normal in four patients (6.3%) and oVEMPs in three (4.7%). Meanwhile, cVEMP was abnormal in 32 patients (50.0%) and oVEMP in 33 (51.6%). Better hearing recovery occurred in those with normal cVEMP (33.76 ± 15.07 dB HL improvement) or oVEMP (32.55 ± 19.56 dB HL improvement), but this was not the case in those with normal caloric tests. Patients with abnormalities in both cVEMP and oVEMP were less responsive to treatment and had worse hearing recovery than those with normal results in only one of the two tests. Conclusion: Abnormal oVEMP and/or cVEMP results indicate poor auditory outcomes in patients with UISSNHL. Patients with impaired otolith organ function are likely to have a larger and more severe pathological change in their inner ear.

Dietary intake of deuterium oxide decreases cochlear metabolism and oxidative stress levels in a mouse model of age-related hearing loss.

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is the most prevalent sensory disorder in the elderly. Currently, no treatment can effectively prevent or reverse ARHL. Aging auditory organs are often accompanied by exacerbated oxidative stress and metabolic deterioration. Here, we report the effect of deuterated oxygen (D2O), also known as "heavy water", mouse models of ARHL. Supplementing the normal mouse diet with 10% D2O from 4 to 9 weeks of age lowered hearing thresholds at selected frequencies in treated mice compared to untreated control group. Oxidative stress levels were significantly reduced and in the cochlear duct of treated vs. untreated mice. Through metabolic flux analysis, we found that D2O mainly slowed down catabolic reactions, and may delay metabolic deterioration related to aging to a certain extent. Experiments confirmed that the Nrf2/HO-1/glutathione axis was down-regulated in treated mice. Thus, D2O supplementation can hinder ARHL progression in mouse models by slowing the pace of metabolism and reducing endogenous oxidative stress production in the cochlea. These findings open new avenues for protecting the cochlea from oxidative stress and regulating metabolism to prevent ARHL.

NAD+ attenuates bilirubin-induced augmentation of voltage-gated calcium currents in neurons of the ventral cochlear nucleus.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a ubiquitous molecule with wide-ranging roles in several cell processes, such as regulation of calcium homeostasis and protection against cell injuries. However, the roles of NAD+ in neuroprotection is poorly understood. The main neurons in ventral cochlear nucleus (VCN) are highly susceptible to bilirubin-associated excitotoxicity. We investigated the effects of NAD+ on VCN neurons by whole cell patch-clamp recordings. We found that NAD+ effectively reverses and inhibits bilirubin-mediated enhancement of voltage-gated calcium (VGCC) currents in VCN neurons. Moreover, NAD+ itself did not affect VGCC currents. These results collectively suggest that NAD+ may be neuroprotective by attenuating Ca2+ influx to suppress bilirubin-induced intracellular Ca2+ overloads. Our research provides a basis for evaluation of NAD+ as a promising therapeutic target for bilirubin encephalopathy and excitotoxicity associated with other neurological disorders.

A Comparison of Local Endolymphatic Sac Decompression, Endolymphatic Mastoid Shunt, and Wide Endolymphatic Sac Decompression in the Treatment of Intractable Meniere's Disease: A Short-Term Follow-Up Investigation.

BACKGROUND: Meniere's disease (MD) is an inner ear disorder, characterized by recurrent attacks of vertigo, low-frequency sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness. Endolymphatic sac surgery is an effective treatment to control vertigo attacks but without causing a hearing loss for intractable MD. However, the methods and effects of endolymphatic sac surgery have been controversial for many years, and the relationship between the vertigo control rates of different endolymphatic sac surgery methods is not well-documented. OBJECTIVES: This study compared the vertigo control rate, hearing outcome, and quality of life (QOL) among different endolymphatic sac surgery, such as local endolymphatic sac decompression (LESD), endolymphatic sac mastoid shunt (ESMS), and wide endolymphatic sac decompression (WESD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the patients who underwent endolymphatic sac surgery from January 2008 to June 2019. The control rate of vertigo and QOL scores were compared after 2 years of follow-up. The QOL was scored with validation of the MD patient-oriented symptom-severity index (MDPOSI). The pure tone thresholds of all patients at pre- and postoperation were also compared. RESULTS: In total, 83 MD patients with complete follow-up data were included in the study, i.e., 20 patients with LESD, 28 patients with ESMS, and 35 patients with WESD. Results showed a better vertigo control with WESD than the other groups (70% with LESD, 71.4% with ESMS, and 88.6% with WESD). The QOL was improved after surgery in all groups in which the difference was statistically significant (QOL, preoperative vs. postoperative, 38.2 vs. 10.1 with LESD, 37.8 vs. 9.6 with ESMS, and 37.6 vs. 8.3 with WESD), respectively. After endolymphatic sac surgery, the hearing was well-preserved in the three groups [pure tone averages (PTAs), dB, preoperative vs. postoperative, 41.0 ± 19.3 vs. 40.8 ± 17.9 with LESD, 39.7 ± 16.4 vs. 40.8 ± 18.2 with ESMS, and 38.5 ± 18.7 vs. 36.6 ± 19.5 with WESD]. CONCLUSION: Wide endolymphatic sac decompression has a higher vertigo control rate, better improvement of QOL, and relatively higher hearing stability or improvement rate after surgery in patients with MD compared with LESD and ESMS.

Overexpression of c-Jun inhibits erastin-induced ferroptosis in Schwann cells and promotes repair of facial nerve function.

Myelin undergoes various changes after nerve injury, and c-Jun has a close relationship with Schwann cells (SCs). However, it remains unclear whether c-Jun can be involved in nerve repair by regulating ferroptosis. To explore this, we first set up a facial nerve injury model and detected the changes of ferroptosis-related proteins and c-Jun by immunofluorescence and Western blot. Then, we cultured RSC 96 and pSCs, and studied the potential regulatory relationships by a combination of experimental methods such as CCK-8, ELISA, immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, Western blot and viral transfection. Finally, we corroborated the role of c-Jun through animal experiments. Our experiments revealed that ferroptosis occurs after facial nerve injury. Erastin decreased GPX4, c-Jun proteins and GSH content, while PTGS2, NRF2, HO-1 proteins, MDA, Fe2+ and ROS contents increased. This effect was inhibited after c-Jun overexpression but was reversed after the addition of c-Jun siRNA. Besides, we proved in vivo that c-Jun could inhibit ferroptosis and promote the recovery of facial nerve function. In conclusion, our study identified the relationship between c-Jun and ferroptosis during peripheral nerve injury repair, which provides new ideas for studying peripheral nerve injury and repair.

Overexpression of XIAP inhibits cisplatin-induced hair cell loss.

Cisplatin is a platinum-containing drug with ototoxicity commonly used clinically and has significant efficacy against a variety of solid tumors. One of the most important mechanisms of ototoxicity is that cisplatin induces apoptosis of hair cells. According to relevant literature, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP, anti-apoptotic protein) could inhibit the apoptotic pathway. We hypothesized that this protein might protect cochlear hair cells from cisplatin-induced injury. To figure it out, we treated cochlea of normal mice with various concentrations of cisplatin to observe the response and morphology of hair cells and determine a reasonable concentration. Next, Western Blot and quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) experiments were conducted to make an investigation about the expression of XIAP protein and mRNA. In addition, we constructed and identified XIAP overexpressing mice. Finally, we treated cochlear tissues of normal and overexpressing mice with cisplatin to investigate the cyto-protection of XIAP on hair cells, respectively. It was found that 50 µmol/L cisplatin resulted in significant loss and disorganization of hair cells, while simultaneously downregulating the protein and mRNA of XIAP. In XIAP overexpressing mice, the loss and disorganization of hair cells were significantly lessened. These results showed that XIAP can lessen cisplatin-induced hair cell loss and play a role in otoprotection.

DHI Increases the Proliferation and Migration of Schwann Cells Through the PI3K/AKT Pathway and the Expression of CXCL12 and GDNF to Promote Facial Nerve Function Repair.

The facial nerve is one of the vulnerable nerves in otolaryngology. Repair and recovery of facial nerve injury have a high priority in clinical practice. The proliferation and migration of Schwann cells are considered of great significance in the process of nerve injury repair. Danhong injection (DHI), as a common drug for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, has been fully certified in neuroprotection research, but its role in facial nerve injury is still not clear. Our study found that DHI can promote the proliferation and migration of RSC96 cells, a Schwann cell line, and this effect is related to the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. LY294002, an inhibitor of PI3K, inhibits the proliferation and migration of RSC96 cells. Further studies have found that DHI can also promote the expression of CXCL12 and GDNF at gene and protein levels, and CXCL12 is, while GDNF is not, PI3K/AKT pathway-dependent. Animal experiments also confirmed that DHI could promote CXCL12 and GDNF expression and promote facial nerve function recovery and myelin regeneration. In conclusion, our in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that DHI could promote the proliferation and migration of Schwann cells through the PI3K/AKT pathway and increase the expression of CXCL12 and GDNF to promote facial nerve function repair.

Thyroid-Related Hormone Levels in Clinical Patients With Moderately Severe-to-Profound Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Prospective Study.

Objectives: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a common otological emergency, causing a measure of hearing loss and affecting the quality of life. This study aims to investigate the association of thyroid-related hormone levels with moderately severe-to-profound SSNHL. Methods: The study included 70 patients with moderately severe-to-profound SSNHL and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Peripheral venous blood samples were taken from the participants, and their thyroid-related hormone levels were measured at admission and 1 week after treatment. Results: In moderately severe-to-profound SSNaHL patients, the concentrations of total triiodothyronine (TT3), total thyroxine (TT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) (all P < 0.05) were significantly lower than in the control group. The TT3, TT4, FT3, and TSH levels were significantly higher in the effective group than in the ineffective group (all P < 0.05). Linear correlation analysis revealed that TSH level (R = 0.707, P < 0.05) elevation after treatment successfully predicted a favorable outcome of hearing recovery. Logistic regression analyses suggested low FT3 and TSH levels to be independent occurrence predictors, while the increase of TSH level may be an independent favorable outcome predictor. Conclusions: The results suggest that low FT3 and TSH levels are risk factors for moderately severe-to-profound SSNHL. By discovering the positive association between TSH elevation and hearing recovery, along with the potential novel predictors of FT3 and TSH, our study may contribute valuable insights to the research and treatment of moderately severe-to-profound SSNHL.

Vestibular Endolymphatic Hydrops Visualized by Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Its Correlation With Vestibular Functional Test in Patients With Unilateral Meniere's Disease.

Background: Currently, 3 Tesla-MRI following intratympanic gadolinium injection has made it possible to assess the existence and the severity of hydrops in each compartment of the endolymphatic spaces in vivo. However, the relationship between vestibular endolymphatic hydrops (EH) visualized by MRI and vestibular functional tests, especially the correlation between caloric test, video-head impulse test, and semicircular canal hydrops, has not been well-investigated. Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between the severity of EH in each compartment of otoliths and semicircular canal and the results of vestibular functional tests. Methods: In this retrospective study, we performed three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (3D-FLAIR) sequences following intratympanic gadolinium injection in 69 unilateral patients with definite Menière's disease. Vestibular and lateral semicircular canal hydrops was graded on MRI using a four grade criterion. All patients underwent pure-tone audiometry, cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP), ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential (oVEMP), caloric test and video head impulse test (vHIT). The latency, amplitude and asymmetry ratio of VEMP, canal paresis (CP) and vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain of lateral semicircular canal of vHIT were collected. The correlation analysis were performed between the parameters of function test and EH. Results: Vestibular EH showed correlations with the duration of disease (r = 0.360) and pure tone average (r = 0.326). AR of cVEMP showed correlations with Vestibular EH (r = 0.407). CP (r = 0.367) and VOR gain of lateral semicircular canal at 60 ms (r = 0.311) showed correlations with lateral semicircular canal hydrops. Conclusion: EH in different compartments is readily visualized by using 3D-FLAIR MRI techniques. The degree of vestibular EH correlated with AR of cVEMP and EH in the semicircular canal ampullar affects the caloric and vHIT response in patients with unilateral Meniere's disease.

Resveratrol upregulates miR-455-5p to antagonize cisplatin ototoxicity via modulating the PTEN-PI3K-AKT axis.

Resveratrol is a non-flavonoid polyphenol compound that exists in many plants, and is considered an antitoxin. This study explores the effects from the regulation of miR-455-5p by resveratrol on cisplatin-induced ototoxicity via the PTEN-PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. For this, House Ear Institute-Organ of Corti 1 (HEI-OC1) cells were transfected with miR-455-5p inhibitor and treated with cisplatin and resveratrol, then cell proliferation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress were evaluated. A mouse model of hearing loss was established, and these mice were treated with cisplatin, resveratrol, or cisplatin combined with resveratrol, by intraperitoneal injection. The auditory brainstem response (ABR) threshold was measured, and hair cells were examined using immunofluorescence staining. The expression levels of miR-455-5p, PTEN, and PI3K/Akt proteins were examined. The results from our in-vitro experiments indicate that resveratrol promoted viability and reduced apoptosis and oxidative stress in cisplatin-induced HEI-OC1 cells. Resveratrol upregulated miR-455-5p, downregulated PTEN, and activated the PI3K-Akt axis. These effects of resveratrol were reversed by knock-down of miR-455-5p. The results from our in-vivo experiments indicate that resveratrol protected hearing and inhibited the hair-cell injury caused by cisplatin ototoxicity. Resveratrol also upregulated miR-455-5p, downregulated PTEN, and activated the PTEN-PI3K-Akt axis in cochlear tissues from cisplatin-treated mice. These results indicate that resveratrol upregulates miR-455-5p to target PTEN and activate the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway to counteract cisplatin ototoxicity.

Horizontal nystagmus is gravity-dependent in patients with vestibular neuritis.

OBJECTIVE: Horizontal nystagmus can be observed in the acute stage of vestibular neuritis, Although the direction of the nystagmus is gravity independent, its intensity can be influenced by gravity. In this study, we compared the slow phase velocity (SPV) of horizontal nystagmus in different head positions in patients with vestibular neuritis to analyze the static effects of gravity on horizontal nystagmus. METHODS: The study enrolled 22 vestibular neuritis patients with spontaneous horizontal nystagmus (9 men, 13 women; median age 40 years). The deficits were right-sided in 9 patients and left-sided in 13. The nystagmus was recorded in the sitting, supine, right and left ear down positions. The intensity of spontaneous nystagmus in the sitting versus while supine position, and SPV in affected ear down (AED), healthy ear down (HED), and supine positions were compared. The position-induced nystagmus was calculated to quantify the effect of head positions on nystagmus. RESULTS: The nystagmus intensity in the supine position had no statistic difference than when sitting, with a median value of 6.3°/s and 5.6°/s, respectively(P = 0.355). SPV in AED had a median value of 7.8°/s, which was greater than when supine (P = 0.008) and HED (4.8°/s) (P < 0.001). Position-induced nystagmus in left and right ear-down positions were 1.4°/s and -1.4°/s respectively, which were significantly correlated (Spearman's ρ = -0.848, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The nystagmus intensity in vestibular neuritis is gravity dependent; it's greater in AED than in supine and HED, and the effect of head position on nystagmus was nearly symmetrical in left and right ear-down positions.