Reconfigurable polymer-templated liquid crystal holographic gratings via visible-light recording.

Polymer-templated nematic liquid crystal (LC) holographic gratings via visible-light recording are presented in the presence of reactive mesogens (RMs) and rose bengal (RB)/N-phenylglycine (NPG) photoinitiation systems. By optimizing the concentration of RMs in the polymer-templated LC gratings, the template after being washed out can be refilled with suitable fluidic components. And the dependence of the first-order diffraction efficiency (DE) on the concentration of RB and NPG molecules was discussed in detail. The polarization-dependency of diffraction properties was also investigated. It is revealed that the diffractive behaviors of polymer-templated LC gratings can be dynamically reconfigured by varying temperature or refilling organic solutions with different refractive index (RI). Furthermore, the potential for recording holograms using green light is explored. We expect that the reconfigurable polymer-templated LC gratings fabricated via visible-light interference would provide a facile approach to regulate the diffraction properties of holographic gratings apart from electric field, thus paving a way towards a class of novel anti-counterfeiting devices.

Characteristics of 43 multiple auricular deformity case families and auricle morphology in 463 microtia patients in South China.

BACKGROUND: Earlier studies have suggested that microtia is a genetic disease with a worldwide incidence of microtia is between 0.83/10,000 and 17.40/10,000. For microtia, auricle morphology is the most crucial characteristic. However, no studies have been performed to characterize the genetic similarity of microtia and auricle morphology similarity. For the sporadic patients, the relationship between the gestational age of parents and the incidence of microtia is unclear. To obtain the characteristics of auricular deformity multiple case family (AD-MCF) and clarify the relationship between genetic similarity and auricle morphology similarity in AD-MCF. METHODS: This study included 463 AD patients who were diagnosed by Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, from 2013 to 2019. Among these patients, 116 are from 43 MCF and the other 347 patients are sporadic. For the patients from families, the disease status of the four generations of immediate family members and the family tree map were collected to analyze the similarity of auricle shape in family members. A score evaluated the similarity of auricle shape according to the structure of the residual ear and the similarity in the morphology of each auricle. Moreover, the population distribution of AD and the gestational age of patients were further analyzed. RESULTS: From 2013 to 2019, a total of 463 patients were diagnosed as microtia in our hospital. There were 427 patients with unilateral disease and 36 patients with bilateral disease. Among them, 116 patients were from 34 families and 9 de novo families. The total scores of patients in different genetic difference levels were compared and were found significantly different (P<0.001). Moreover, 58.14% of families were consistent with the law of chromosomal recessive genetic diseases. Importantly, we found that the gestational age of father in microtia de novo families is 30.94±0.75, and mother in de novo is 28.39±0.73 that is significantly higher than the gestational ages of parents from microtia families with P value =0.0001. CONCLUSIONS: The auricle similarity between family members is positively related to the genetic distance between family members. The microtia patients are potentially associated with the gestational ages of parents.

Antitumor activity of 7RH, a discoidin domain receptor 1 inhibitor, alone or in combination with dasatinib exhibits antitumor effects in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells.

Dysregulation of the discoidin domain receptors (DDRs) has been implicated in the development of numerous types of tumors, including head and neck cancer, and nasopharyngeal, breast, ovarian and esophageal carcinomas. Furthermore, agents that inhibit DDR1 activity are hypothesized to be useful for the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the DDR1 inhibitory (3-(2-(pyrazolo(1,5-a)pyrimidin-6-yl)-ethynyl)benzamide compound, 7RH, in NPC cells both in vitro and in vivo, and its effect when used in combination with dasatinib, a SRC family kinase (SFK) inhibitor. The effects of 7RH alone or in combination with dasatinib on cell viability were assessed using MTT assays and apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. In addition, western blotting was performed to analyze the relative protein expression levels of cell cycle-associated genes in human NPC cell lines (CNE1, CNE2, HONE1 and SUNE1). Cell migration was also assessed using cell adhesion assays. Furthermore, tumor xenografts of CNE2 NPC cells were established in nude mice and the growth inhibitory effects of 7RH treatment alone or in combination with dasatinib were evaluated. Finally, knockdown of DDR1 protein expression was achieved by transfection of CNE2 cells with DDR1-specific small interfering RNA. Treatment with 7RH effectively suppressed the proliferation and induced the apoptosis of NPC cells. In addition, the Janus kinase 1 (JAK1)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3) signaling pathway was downregulated by 7RH, whereas the activities of the Ras/Raf/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathways were upregulated in response to 7RH treatment. Furthermore, the expression levels of phosphorylated SRC were increased in NPC cells treated with 7RH; thus indicating that SRC exhibits a vital function in the resistance of NPC cells to 7RH via activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. The results of the present study indicate that DDR1 and SFK inhibition may present a potential therapeutic strategy for patients with NPC.

[Multi-center clinical study on the treatment of the low-middle frequency sudden hearing loss].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare the short-term outcome of patients with low-middle frequency sudden deafness treated with alone or combination treatment. METHODS: From August 2007 to October 2011, 205 patients with the diagnosis of low-middle frequency sudden deafness who were from 33 different clinical centers were recruited. All patients were followed up for four weeks from the initial examination. Patients were treated with steroid , Ginaton, batroxobin respectively, or Ginaton and steroid combination treatment. RESULTS: The total effective rate was 90.73%. In Ginaton group, the total effective rate was 87.27%, 89.19% in steroid group, 87.80% in batroxobin group, and 95.83% in Ginaton and steroid group. Considering the total effective rate, there was no statistical difference between four groups (χ(2) = 7.98, P = 0.54). The clinical cure rate for steroid alone was 81.01%, Ginaton alone 76.36%, batroxobin alone 68.29%, and Ginaton and steroid combination treatment 80.56%. There were no clinically significant differences between the different treatments (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The low-middle frequency sudden deafness tends to have a relatively favorable prognosis. The steroid played a good effect in the treatment. But different treatments either improving the microcirculation of inner ear or alleviating edema blood has undifferentiated results. Therefore the combination therapy may be more effective.

[Mechanism of radiosensitization of 3-methyladenine in human hypopharynx cancer cells].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the radiosensitizing effect and its mechanism of 3-MA in human hypopharynx cancer cells. METHODS: 5 mmol/L of 3-MA combined with 2 Gy or 4 Gy of X-ray was utilized to deal with Fadu cells, and the cell livability (cloning efficiency) and DNA lesion severity (tail moment) of each groups was examined by clonogenic survival assay and comet assay, then differences were compared between groups by independent-sample T test. Fadu cells were then treated with different dose of 3-MA (1, 2, 5, 10 mmol/L), the alteration of cell cycle distribution was detected by flow cytometer, and differences among groups were analyzed through one-way analysis of variance. The expression of p62 and cyclinB1 in each group was examined by western blot. RESULTS: The livability and DNA lesion severity of cells treated with 3-MA alone showed no notable variation. Compared with non-3-MA groups, the cloning efficiency of cells treated with 3-MA decreased much more after irradiated with 2 Gy or 4 Gy of X-ray (t = 13.41 or 13.98, P < 0.001), and the cells showed a more serious DNA lesion (t = 7.07 or 6.91, P < 0.001). The G2/M percentages of cells in the control group and groups treated with 1, 2, 5, 10 mmol/L of 3-MA were 17.10 ± 1.20, 23.30 ± 2.3, 39.90 ± 3.12, 58.47 ± 1.65, 76.13 ± 3.51 and differences among groups were statistically significant (F = 278.4, P < 0.05). The expression of p62 in cells treated with 3-MA showed a dose-dependent increase, while cyclinB1 showed a dose-dependent decrease. CONCLUSIONS: The autophagy inhibitor 3-MA could enhance radiosensitivity of human hypopharynx cancer cells by inducing G2/M arrest and enhancing irradiation-induced DNA damage.

Gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy via an anterior chest approach--a review of 219 cases with benign tumor.

BACKGROUND: To get a better cosmetic effect, and to avoid even a small incision and scar in the anterior neck zone, we adapted gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy via anterior chest approach. METHODS: From June 2004 to June 2008, 219 patients with thyroid diseases underwent gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy via anterior chest approach. The clinical and pathologic characteristics of patients, the type of operation, operative time, length of postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative complications were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: All 219 operations were successfully performed endoscopically. Only three patients showed temporary paralysis of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), and all of them recovered within 1-3 months after the surgery. One patient showed permanent paralysis of the RLN, one patient developed a postoperative seroma, and one patient suffered a tracheal injury. There were no injuries to the superior laryngeal nerve or any hypoparathyroidism. No further complications, such as irritating cough, tetany, and emphysema developed after the operation. Because of the anterior chest wall approach, none of the patients had a surgical scar on the neck and all were satisfied with the cosmetic effect. CONCLUSIONS: Gasless endoscopic thyroid surgery through anterior chest approach is a feasible and safe method. This technique had better cosmetic results and could constitute a new treatment modality for patients with benign tumors and can also be an effective alternative treatment for the selected patients with thyroid cancer.

Endoscope-assisted partial-superficial parotidectomy through two small skin incisions.

CONCLUSION: Endoscope-assisted partial-superficial parotidectomy is a feasible method for treatment of benign parotid superficial lobe tumors located at the anterior or the inferior of the auricular lobule. The main advantage of this procedure is that the small operative scar resulted in improved cosmetic results. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the feasibility of endoscope-assisted partial parotidectomy through two small skin incisions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty cases with benign parotid superficial lobe tumors with a diameter < 30 mm located at the anterior or the inferior of the auricular lobule underwent endoscope-assisted partial-superficial parotidectomy via retrograde approach through two small skin incisions. RESULTS: All 30 operations were successfully performed endoscopically. All the patients were satisfied with the cosmetic results. Only three patients had transient facial paresis and recovered in 1-2 months. The endoscopic surgery lasted for 106.48+/-12.62 min. There was no tumor recurrence during the follow-up after 26-50 months.

[A comparison of endoscopy-assisted and conventional partial-superficial parotidectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of endoscopy-assisted partial-superficial parotidectomy. METHODS: 38 cases with benign tumors located in the superficial lobe of the parotid gland were randomly assigned to receive conventional (20 cases) or endoscopic (18 cases) partial-superficial parotidectomy. Two short incisions, which were 2 to approximately 2.5 cm in length and located at retromandibular and postauricular area, were adopted for endoscopy-assisted surgery. The facial nerve was dissected through retrograde approach. RESULTS: The tumors were successfully resected with endoscopy in 18 cases. The operation time was not significantly different between the conventional and endoscopy-assisted procedures (P > 0.05). The intraoperative blood loss was markedly lower in endoscopy-assisted group, compared with conventional group (P < 0.01). All the 18 cases with endoscopy-assisted surgery were satisfactory with the postoperative cosmetic results. The great auricular nerve was preserved very well in 12 patients (66.6%). Transient facial paralysis happened in 1 case and relieved 1 month later. Salivary fistula occurred in 1 case and recovered after dressing with pressure for 2 weeks. All the patients were followed up for 24 to approximately 50 months (mean, 39 months) without relapse. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopy-assisted partial-superficial parotidectomy can successfully treat benign tumors located in the superficial lobe of parotid gland with a better postoperative cosmetic result.

Malformation of the external ear and facial paralysis caused by megatemperature hydro-aluminum.

We present a case of right lateral auricle contracture malformation, auricular canal atresia, and complete facial paralysis (House-Brackmann grade VI) caused by a megatemperature hydro-aluminum injury at work. The diastrophic auricle and auricular canal atresia were reshaped. The complete facial paralysis was reanimated to House-Brackmann grade III after surgical hypoglossal-facial end-to-end anastomosis. These outcomes indicate that hypoglossal-facial end-to-end anastomosis is an effective surgical option for successful reanimation of complete facial paralysis.

The treatment for postirradiation otitis media with effusion: a study of three methods.

OBJECTIVE: To explore treatments for postirradiation otitis media with effusion (OME) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. STUDY DESIGN: This study is a prospective quasi-randomized clinical trial. METHODS: Ninety-six patients (135 ears) with OME after the first course of radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma were divided into three groups: simple auripuncture plus aspiration, tympanic membrane fenestration with cauterization, and myringotomy plus grommet insertion. Cure rates and incidences of complications were compared. RESULTS: Two deaths occurred. The other 94 patients (132 ears) finished a 2-year follow-up. In group 1, four ears (8.9%) were cured after the first treatment and 17 ears overall (37.8%) were cured by the end of the follow-up. Twenty ears (44.4%) had persistent fluid, two ears (4.4%) developed chronic suppurative otitis media, and five ears (11.1%) developed dry eardrum perforation. In group 2, seven ears (15.6%) were cured after the first treatment and 21 ears overall (46.7%) were cured by the end of the follow-up. Fourteen ears (31.1%) had persistent fluid, three ears (6.7%) developed chronic suppurative otitis media, and seven ears (15.6%) developed dry eardrum perforation. In group 3, eight ears (17.8%) were cured after the first treatment and 23 ears overall (51.1%) were cured by the end of the follow-up. Seven ears (15.6%) had persistent fluid, five ears (11.1%) developed chronic suppurative otitis media, three ears (6.7%) developed eardrum perforation with effusion, and five ears (11.1%) developed dry eardrum perforation. CONCLUSION: The methods each have advantages and disadvantages. We believe that a step by step approach should be used when choosing the treatment method for postirradiation OME. That is, first apply auripuncture plus aspiration, and then the other methods if this approach is inadequate. Enhanced local care after grommet insertion can effectively reduce the incidence of complications.

[Comparative study on gasless endoscopic versus conventional thyroid surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficiency, feasibility and safety of gasless endoscopic thyroid surgery through compared research. METHODS: From July 2001 to Oct. 2005, 83 cases that had received gasless endoscopic thyroid surgery were compared with 80 cases that had received conventional surgery and analyzed on operating time, blood loss, cosmetic effects, complications and costs. RESULTS: Compared with conventional thyroid surgery, endoscopic thyroid surgery group had better cosmetic effects. There was only minimal neck wound or even no neck wound. The cost of hospitalization in the endoscopic group was higher than that in the conventional group (10,844 +/- 2373) RMB and (7585 +/- 1081) RMB respectively (t = -7.23, P < 0.001). The endoscopic group had less blood loss than the conventional group (25 +/- 21) ml and (36 +/- 23) ml respectively (t = 3.160, P < 0.01), but had longer operating time (107 +/- 30) min and(79 +/- 19) min respectively (t = -7.225, P < 0.01). However, when the surgeon had got more experiences and applied the advanced harmonic scalpel, the operative time and blood loss reduced obviously. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with conventional thyroid surgery, gasless endoscopic thyroid surgery has the major advantage that it has cosmetic effect and has small or no scar left on neck. It can be concluded that this technique was efficiency, feasibility and safety. It can offer another choice for the thyroid neoplasms patients.

[Surgical treatment of diffused osteoradionecrosis of temporal bone in cases with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effective treatment method of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of temporal bone in the patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after radiotherapy. METHODS: Eight NPC patients (8 ears) with ORN of temporal bone accepted surgical treatment, 2 ears undergoing radical mastoidectomy, 2 ears undergoing extensive radical mastoidectomy, 5 ears undergoing radical mastoidectomy and obliteration with transferring local vascularized fascia flaps. RESULTS: Five of the 8 ears (62.5%) achieved dry ear, including 4 ears undergoing radical mastoidectomy and obliteration with vascularized fascia flaps, and 1 ear undergoing radical mastoidectomy. Two of the 8 ears (25%) still had infection and were not fully epithelized, but without sequestration, including 1 ear undergoing mastoidectomy and obliteration with vascularized fascia flaps, and 1 ear undergoing extensive radical mastoidectomy. One of the 8 ears (12.5%) which had received radical mastoidectomy needed revision surgery because of re-sequestration. CONCLUSION: The surgical treatment for diffused ORN of temporal bone by radical mastoidectomy and obliteration with local vascularized flaps is effective. The main objective of the surgery is get excellent drainage and prevention of complications.

[Repair of pharynx with acellular dermal matrix].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in the repair of pharynx. METHOD: From June 2003 to December 2004, 18 cases of laryngopharyngeal carcinoma or oropharyngeal carcinoma accepted treatment of surgery. Four of them had the tumor in the place of posterior wall of laryngopharynx or oropharynx. In the operation, the tumor was resected and the function of larynx was reserved, reconstruction of the posterior wall of laryngopharynx or oropharynx was made with ADM. Three of them had normal function of vocal cords and the tumor was in the place of posterior wall of pharynx and lateral wall of piriform fossa. These patients accepted resection of the tumor and the larynx was reserved. ADM was sutured to the prevertebral fascia to repair the pharynx, reinforcement was made with sternocleidomastoid muscle then. The other 11 patients had the tumor in the pharynx and cervico-esophagus and the vocal cords were fixed. These cases accepted total resection of the larynx and laryngopharynx. ADM was sutured to the prevertebral fascia to repair the posterior wall of laryngopharynx, musculo-cutaneous flap of pectoralis major muscle was made to repair the anterior and lateral walls. All these 18 patients accepted radiotherapy after the operation, the dosage was 60-70 Gy. RESULTS: Among all these 18 cases, no rejection of ADM or formation of pharynx fistula happened after the operation. The allograft became normal mucosa finally. Two patients had subcutaneous infection. After the treatment of dressing change and antibiotics, the wound healing was satisfying. All the 18 patients had resumption of oral diet finally but 3 of them had light mis-swallowing. Seven patients whose larynx were reserved had the trachea cannula pulled out The follow-up periods after the operation lasted 12 months to 30 months. The middle follow-up period was 19. 38 months. Neither rejection nor scar formation of the allograft happened. The follow-up of 11 patients lasted more than 18 months, 3 of them had relapse of tumor. After the second operation 1 patient was still alive and 2 patients died of distant metastasis. CONCLUSION: ADM can be easily obtained. Its histocompatibility were perfect The operative procedure were easy to perform. The complications of donor part can be totally avoided. The combined use of ADM and musculo-cutaneous flap of pectoralis major muscle or other neck tissue was safe and effective in the reconstruction of pharynx.

[Analysis of surgical treatment of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma].

OBJECTIVE: To study the individual surgical treatment of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. METHODS: Between Feb. 1989 and Oct. 2004, different kinds of surgical approaches in 51 patients with angiofibromas were retrospectively analysed. Using Fisch stage: thirty three cases were in stage I and II, 22 cases via palatal approach, 11 cases via endoscopic surgery;18 cases were in stage IIN and IV, 9 cases via lateral rhinotomy approach, 4 cases via midfacial degloving approach + Lefort I approach or modified maxillotomy, 5 cases via craniofacial approach. Twenty three cases accepted the embolization of the artery which feed the tumor, 7 cases in stage IV, 8 cases in stage IlI, 5 cases in stage II, 3 cases in stage I. RESULTS: The average of blood loss was 1010 ml in operation but it became 200 - 870 ml (the average of blood loss was 485 ml) when had a selective preoperative embolization. The blood loss of none selective preoperative embolization was 500 - 3500 ml (the average of blood loss was 1600 ml), t = 7. 48, P < 0.05, the average of blood loss of selective preoperative embolization is less than the average of blood loss of none selective preoperative embolization. After 9 to 48 months of operation (the average time was 26.4 months), 8 cases recurred one time and 2 cases recurred two times. CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative embolization could reduce the amount of bleeding during operation. In patients who are in stage I and II, searching endoscopic surgery could avoid the effect on craniofacial development which traditional surgical procedure did. For patient who are in stage III and IV, midfacial degloving approach and Lefort I approach or modified maxillotomy are not only good for exclusive resection of the tumor but also have less effect on articulation and beautiful cosmetic outlook.

[Endoscopic thyroid gland surgery without carbon dioxide neck insufflation].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate endoscopic thyroid gland surgery without carbon dioxide neck insufflation. METHODS: Sixteen patients with thyroid gland benign tumor, aged from 23-62 years, were selected and treated with endoscopic surgery. Eight cases received whole thyroid lobectomy and the other eight cases received partial thyroid lobectomy, the procedure was through a wall method or a single 2.0-3.0 cm horizontal skin incision. Among the 16 cases, 6 were thyroid adenoma and 10 were nodular goiter. RESULTS: All patients received endoscopic surgery, 2 cases with sub-clavicle approach and 14 cases with a single 2.0-3.0 cm horizontal skin incision approach. The recurrent laryngeal nerve and parathyroid glands were easily identified and preserved during operation, the operating time lasted from 1.1 hours to 4.0 hours, no complication occurred, the postoperative cosmetic outcome was excellent. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that gasless technique is feasible and safe, so it suggested that the video-assisted thyroid surgery without carbon dioxide neck insufflation could be an alternative for thyroid gland surgery.