Decreased DIO3OS Expression Predicts Poor Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and is Associated with Immune Infiltration.

Hepatocellular carcinoma has become one of the most shared cancers in the whole world because of its high morbidity, poor survival rate, and low recovery rate. LncRNA DIO3 opposite strand upstream RNA (DIO3OS) has been reported to be obviously important in several human cancers, while its biological function in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. Here, DIO3OS gene expression data and clinical information of HCC patients were extracted from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and the university of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) Xena database. In our study, the Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare DIO3OS expression between healthy individuals and HCC patients. It was found that patients with HCC had significantly lower DIO3OS expression than healthy individuals. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analysis showed that high DIO3OS expression tended to predict better prognosis and higher survival rate in HCC patients. In addition, the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) assay was used to annotate the biological function of DIO3OS. It was found that DIO3OS was significantly correlated with immune invasion in HCC. This was also aided by the subsequent ESTIMATE assay. Our study provides a novel biomarker and therapeutic strategy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hearing preservation/rehabilitation surgery for small vestibular schwannoma: preliminary experience with the presigmoid retrolabyrinthine approach.

BACKGROUND: The presigmoid retrolabyrinthine approach (PRA) for small vestibular schwannoma (VS) has unique advantages. Combination with partial labyrinthectomy further makes up its defect of high demand for anatomy. OBJECTIVE: Aimed to describe our use of the PRA with partial labyrinthectomy in VS surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 10 patients diagnosed with VS who underwent PRA between September 2017 and November 2020. Their perioperative data were analyzed. RESULTS: Six tumors were on the left and three were on the right. One case was due to neurofibromatosis type 2 with bilateral involvement and underwent internal auditory canal decompression by PRA without tumor removal; all other patients underwent total tumor resection. Four patients underwent cochlear implantation simultaneously because of hearing loss that was detected during surgery. Three patients underwent partial labyrinthectomy. Five patients achieved hearing preservation, and one experienced hearing improvement. One of the three patients who underwent partial labyrinthectomy maintained hearing. All patients' pre- and postoperative facial nerve functions were House-Brackmann grade I. After a median follow-up time of 13 months, no tumors recurred. CONCLUSIONS: PRA for small VS is a safe and effective surgery that can achieve facial nerve and hearing preservation. Combination with partial labyrinthectomy can also preserve hearing.

[Therapeutic outcome and complication management of grommet insertion for radiotherapy induced otitis media with effusion].

Objective:To evaluate the therapeutic outcome and complication of grommet insertion for cancer patients in head and neck suffering from otitis media with effusion following radiotherapy. Method:Retrospectively analyze the clinical data of grommet insertion in patients with head and neck cancer suffering from otitis media with effusion following radiotherapy. Result:Fifty-five ears in 33 cases of cancer patients in head and neck with otitis media with effusion following radiotherapy had been performed grommet insertion. All patients were revisited seven days after operation, the phonetic frequency hearing in 55 ears had been improved in various degrees, and on average, it was increased 20.79 dB compared to that prior to the procedure. Sensation of the ear fullness had been disappeared in all the ears; the symptoms of tinnitus and headache were relieved in 80% of the patients. However, postoperative complications occurred in 67.3%（37/55） of the ears, including: ventilation tube falling out in 11（20%） ears, all of which had been re-catheterized; otorrhea in 10（18.2%） ears, which were healed after antibiotic treatment; Ventilation tube occlusion in 9（16.4%） ears, and they were recanalized after 5% sodium bicarbonate ear drops treatment; tympanic membrane retraction in 4（7.3%） ears, which were restored after eustachian tube blowing; eardrum perforation in 2（3.6%） ears without further treatment; the ventilation tube sliding into the tympanic cavity in 1（1.8%） ear, which was removed by surgery. The grommet was inserted more than twice in 31（56.4%） ears because of complications or recurrence of symptoms after grommet was removed. Conclusion:The grommet insertion is used for the treatment of radiotherapy-induced otitis media with effusion, which can improve the hearing and relieve the discomfort symptoms in ear in such patients. However, the incidence of postoperative complications is high and should be actively prevented to improve the therapeutic effect.

Anatomical study of presigmoid-retrolabyrinthine approach based on temporal bone high-resolution CT.

BACKGROUND: The surgical approach of acoustic neuroma includes translabyrinthine, transcranial fossa, suboccipital retrosigmoid sinus, and presigmoid retrolabyrinthine approach. Aims/Objective: To provide the anatomical basis for the surgical selection of presigmoid retrolabyrinthine approach by measuring the anatomical parameters of retrolabyrinthine space of the petrous bone by high-resolution CT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 208 high-resolution CT (HRCT) images of 104 patients examined in our hospital were analyzed retrospectively. Forty-nine males and 55 females were included in this study. Lines were drawn on the HRCT to measure the morphological data for pre-operational assessment. RESULT: Morphological data were retracted from HRCT, for preoperational assessment. CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE: Using the standard postprocessing images of temporal bone HRCT can predict the size of the retrolabyrinthine space and the degree of exposure to the inner auditory canal, providing an important anatomical index for the choice of presigmoid retrolabyrinthine approach.

Catalpol ameliorates diabetic atherosclerosis in diabetic rabbits.

Catalpol, isolated from the roots of Rehmanniaglutinosa, Chinese foxglove, is an iridoid glycoside with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperglycemic agent. The present study was to investigate the effects of catalpol on diabetic atherosclerosis in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits. Diabetes was induced in rabbits by a hyperlipidemic diet and intravenous injection of alloxan (100 mg/kg). Rabbits were treated for 12 weeks. The fasting blood glucose, insulin, homeostasis model of insulin resistance, total cholesterol and triglyceride were measured. The thoracic aorta was excised for histology. The plasma and vascular changes including some markers of oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines and fibrosis factors were examined. Plasma levels of fasting blood glucose, insulin and homeostasis model of insulin resistance were significantly decreased in catalpol group. Catalpol treatment ameliorated diabetic atherosclerosis in diabetic rabbits as demonstrated by significantly inhibited neointimal hyperplasia and macrophages recruitment. Catalpol treatment also enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and increased the plasma levels of total antioxidant status, meanwhile reduced the levels of malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl groups and advanced glycation end product. Furthermore, catalpol also reduced circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. Catalpol also decreased transforming growth factor-ß1 and collagen IV mRNA and protein expressions in the vessels. Catalpol exerts an ameliorative effect on atherosclerotic lesion in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits. The possible mechanisms may be related to inhibition of oxidative stress inflammatory response and anti-fibrosis and reduced aggregation of extracellular matrix.

[The treatment of otosclerosis using laser assisted stapedotomy with mini incision in external auditory meatus].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of the treatment of otosclerosis using laser stapedotomy with mini incision in the external auditory meatus. METHOD: Thirteen patients(15 ears) with otosclerosis evidence on clinic history. They were all operated using the laser assisted stapedotomy by mini incision in external auditory meatus because of the wide straight canal. Laser resection the tendo musculistapedius and anterior and postrior arch, breaking the articulatioincudostapedia, removing the stapes superstructure, making a hole of 6mm diameter in the rear of stapes footplate by laser drilling, implanting the corresponding length Piston artificial ossicle. RESULT: All the surgeries were successful and the operation time was about one hour. There was only one patient manifested vertigo and nausea after the operation. But the symptoms improved three days later after the expectant treatment. All the incisions were healed in the externals. There was significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative PTA. The air conduct improved in every frequent and the bone conduct improved in 1 kHz, 2 kHz and 4 kHz. CONCLUSION: Laser assisted stapedotomy by mini incision in the external auditory meatus in patients having wide straight canal with otosclerosis can shorten the operation time, minimize the tissue damage, fasten the healing of the incision and reduce the complications postoperatively. In addition, the mini incision is beauty and easy to nurse.

Long-term outcomes of a transmastoid lateral semicircular canal approach to congenital CSF otorrhea in children associated with recurrent meningitis and severe inner ear malformation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the long-term effectiveness of transmastoid lateral semicircular canal approach (TMLSCCA) to repair cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage in children associated with recurrent meningitis and severe congenital inner malformation. METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted in a university hospital, academic medical center. Fifteen children with recurrent meningitis, secondary to severe congenital inner ear malformation, were included in the study. All of them had CSF associated otorrhea and treated using TLSCCA to repair CSF otorrhea by packing the vestibule with muscle and fascia. Observation of the status of postoperative CSF leakage, recurrence of meningitis and complication were conducted. RESULTS: None of the cases had recurrent meningitis and CSF leakage after their TLSCCA procedure in the follow-up period of 1-8.5 years. One case presented with transient facial nerve paralysis and completely recovered 3 months later. CONCLUSION: TLSCCA for CSF otorrhea in children with recurrent meningitis secondary to congenital inner ear malformation is an alternative approach that offers some advantages.

Sox10 expressing cells in the lateral wall of the aged mouse and human cochlea.

Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is a common human disorder, affecting one in three Americans aged 60 and over. Previous studies have shown that presbyacusis is associated with a loss of non-sensory cells in the cochlear lateral wall. Sox10 is a transcription factor crucial to the development and maintenance of neural crest-derived cells including some non-sensory cell types in the cochlea. Mutations of the Sox10 gene are known to cause various combinations of hearing loss and pigmentation defects in humans. This study investigated the potential relationship between Sox10 gene expression and pathological changes in the cochlear lateral wall of aged CBA/CaJ mice and human temporal bones from older donors. Cochlear tissues prepared from young adult (1-3 month-old) and aged (2-2.5 year-old) mice, and human temporal bone donors were examined using quantitative immunohistochemical analysis and transmission electron microscopy. Cells expressing Sox10 were present in the stria vascularis, outer sulcus and spiral prominence in mouse and human cochleas. The Sox10(+) cell types included marginal and intermediate cells and outer sulcus cells, including those that border the scala media and those extending into root processes (root cells) in the spiral ligament. Quantitative analysis of immunostaining revealed a significant decrease in the number of Sox10(+) marginal cells and outer sulcus cells in aged mice. Electron microscopic evaluation revealed degenerative alterations in the surviving Sox10(+) cells in aged mice. Strial marginal cells in human cochleas from donors aged 87 and older showed only weak immunostaining for Sox10. Decreases in Sox10 expression levels and a loss of Sox10(+) cells in both mouse and human aged ears suggests an important role of Sox10 in the maintenance of structural and functional integrity of the lateral wall. A loss of Sox10(+) cells may also be associated with a decline in the repair capabilities of non-sensory cells in the aged ear.

[Effects of chronic suppurative otitis media of bone conduction threshold in old patients].

OBJECTIVE: To research the effects of chronic suppurative otitis media on bone conduction threshold in old patients. METHODS: The files of patients with unilateral chronic otitis media were retrospective analyzed, who were all oder than 60 years, who were inpatient in our department since January 2005 to March 2009. Conventional puretone audiometry test was carried out. Bone conduction thresholds were calculated for frequencies of 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz, with comparison between the ear with chronic otitis media and contralateral ear. Thresholds were examined separately for each frequency. RESULTS: The bone conduction threshold for the normal side was lower than those for the ear with chronic otitis media. The threshold shift was statistically significant for each frequency (P < 0.01). There were no differences between the groups when analyzed for the presence of cholesteatoma except at 2 kHz frequencies (Z = -1.975, P = 0.048). There were differences between the groups when analyzed for an interruption of the ossicular chain only at 2 kHz frequencies (Z = -2.721, P = 0.007). There were differences between the groups when the duration of middle ear disease was not same at 1 kHz and 2 kHz frequencies (Z value were -2.877, -2.624, P < 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that chronic otitis media can enhance bone conduction threshold for old patients. All measures for early cure should be considered as early as possible in oder patients with chronic otitis media to prevent advance of sensorineural hearing loss.

[Analysis of clinical features and treatment outcomes of patients with tuberculous otitis media and mastoiditis].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical features and the surgical treatment outcomes of patients with tuberculous otitis media and mastoiditis. METHODS: The medical records of 16 patients (18 ears) with tuberculous otitis media and mastoiditis, who received surgery in Beijing Tongren hospital, were reviewed. RESULTS: The common symptoms were otorrhea and hearing loss, and 3 patients demonstrated severe sensorineural hearing loss. Three patients demonstrated a peripheral-type facial palsy. Temporal bone high resolution CT scans demonstrated the entire tympanum and mastoid air cells were occupied by soft tissue. Eleven patients demonstrated bone destruction and sequestra was found in 7 temporal bones. Contemporary pulmonary tuberculosis were diagnosed in 7 of the 16 patients. Surgical removal of disease lesions in combination with anti-tuberculosis treatment were given to 15 patients. Other than 2 cases of tuberculous otitis media and mastoiditis diagnosed by pre-operational biopsy through the perforated tympanic membrane, the remaining 14 cases were diagnosed intra-operatively or post-operatively. No relapse of tuberculosis in the middle ear and mastoid were found after follow-up for more than 1 year, except for the one case that was lost to follow-up. The 3 cases of facial nerve palsy almost recovered to normal. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should suspect tuberculous otitis media and mastoiditis if clinical findings include refractory otorrhea, total occupation of the tympanic cavity and mastoid ari cells by soft tissue, and erosion of the bone or sequestra as shown by CT. A history of tuberculosis should be asked carefully in order to differentiate tuberculous otitis media and mastoiditis. The patients who received surgery and anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy achieved more rapid healing of the ear.

[Experimental and clinical study on intraoperative monitoring of facial nerve].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to determine parameters that be predictive of function of facial nerve after facial nerve decompression surgery. METHOD: Fifteen New Zealand white rabbits (30 facial nerves) and 21 patients with peripheral facial paralysis were monitored intraoperatively during facial nerve decompression surgery. These patients were followed up for at least 6 months. RESULT: Threshold of EMG is a steady parameter of assessing the function of facial nerve. The threshold between different segments of facial nerve has no difference in New Zealand white rabbits. That there exist EMG events were correlated significantly with good postoperative facial nerve function. CONCLUSION: Threshold of EMG can be used as objective and steady parameter that assess the function of facial nerve. Intraoperative monitoring events can be used for assessment of postoperative facial nerve function.