Olfactory impairment in COVID-19: Two methods for the assessment of olfactory function.

Background: Olfactory impairment is a major symptom of COVID-19. Is it necessary for COVID-19 patients to perform the detection of olfactory function, even how to select the olfactory psychophysical assessment tool. Methods: Patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant were firstly taken into three categories (mild, moderate, and severe) according to the clinical classification. The Odor Stick Identification Test for the Japanese (OSIT-J) and the Simple Olfactory Test were used to assess olfactory function. Moreover, these patients were divided into three groups based on the results of the olfactory degree (euosmia, hyposmia, and dysosmia), too. The statistical analysis of the correlations between olfaction and clinical characteristics of patients were performed. Results: Our study demonstrated that the elderly men of Han were more susceptible to infected SARS-CoV-2, the clinical symptoms of the COVID-19 patients showed a clear correspondence with the disease type and the degree of olfactory disturbance. Whether or not to vaccinate and whether to complete the whole course of vaccination was closely related to the patient's condition. OSIT-J Test and Simple Test were consistent in our work, indicating that olfactory grading would worsen with the aggravation of symptoms. Furthermore, the OSIT-J method maybe better than Simple Olfactory Test. Conclusion: The vaccination has an important protective effect on the general population, and vaccination should be vigorously promoted. Moreover, it is necessary for COVID-19 patients to perform the detection of olfactory function, and the easier, faster and less expensive method for determination of olfactory function should be utilized to COVID-19 patients as the vital physical examination.

Geraniin inhibits cell growth and promoted autophagy-mediated cell death in the nasopharyngeal cancer C666-1 cells.

BACKGROUND: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare malignant tumor developing from epithelial linings of nasopharynx, and 10-50 out of 100,000 NPC cases were recorded globally particularly in the Asian countries. METHODOLOGY: The cytotoxicity of geraniin against the NPC C666-1 cells were analyzed using MTT assay. The influences of geraniin on the C666-1 cell viability with the presence of ROS and apoptosis inhibitors were also studied. The expressions of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, and autophagic markers LC3, ATG7, P62/SQSTM1 expressions in the C666-1 cells were studied by western blotting analysis. The ROS production was assayed using DCFH-DA staining. The immunofluorescence assay was performed to detect the NF-κB and ß-catenin expressions in the C666-1 cells. RESULTS: The cell viability of C666-1 cells were appreciably prevented by the geraniin. The geraniin treatment also inhibited the C666-1 cell growth with the presence of apoptotic inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK. The geraniin-treatment effectively improved the ROS production and inhibited the NF-κB and ß-catenin expressions in the C666-1 cells. Geraniin appreciably modulated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling axis and improved the autophagy-mediated cell death via improving the autophagic markers LC3 and ATG7 expressions in the C666-1 cells. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our results proved that geraniin inhibits C666-1 cell growth and initiated autophagy-mediated cell death via modulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR cascade and improving LC3 and ATG7 expressions in the C666-1. Geraniin and it could be a hopeful and efficient candidate to treat the human NPC in the future.

Surgical Treatment and Clinical Outcomes of Petroclival Meningiomas: A Single-Center Experience of 107 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to establish optimal surgical strategies via reviewing the clinical outcomes of various surgical approaches for the pertroclival meningiomas (PCMs). METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 107 patients with PCMs at the authors' institution from year 2010 to 2020. Patient demographics, the clinical characteristics, various operative approaches, major morbidity, post-operative cranial nerve deficits and tumor progression or recurrence were analyzed. RESULTS: The subtemporal transtentorial approach (STA), the Kawase approach (KA), the retrosigmoid approach (RSA) and the anterior sigmoid approach (ASA), namely the posterior petrosal approach (PPA) were adopted for 17 cases, 22 cases, 31 cases and 34 cases respectively. Total or subtotal resection was achieved in 96 cases (89.7%). The incidence of new-onset and aggravated cranial nerve dysfunction were 13.1% (14/107) and 10.4% (15/144), respectively. Furthermore, 14 cases suffered from intracranial infection, 9 cases had cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and 3 cases sustained intracranial hematoma (1 case underwent second operation). The mean preoperative and postoperative Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score was 80 (range 60-100) and 78.6 (range 0-100), but this was not statistically significant (P>0.05). After a mean follow-up of 5.1 years (range 0.3- 10.6 years), tumor progression or recurrence was confirmed in 23 cases. Two cases died from postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: For the treatment of PCMs, it is still a challenge to achieve total resection. With elaborate surgical plans and advanced microsurgical skills, most patients with PCMs can be rendered tumor resection with satisfactory extent and functional preservation, despite transient neurological deterioration during early postoperative periods.

Triple-negative breast cancer cells respond to T cells severely at the alternative splicing layer

BACKGROUND: Cross talk of tumor­immune cells at the gene expression level has been an area of intense research. However, it is largely unknown at the alternative splicing level which has been found to play important roles in the tumor­immune microenvironment. RESULTS: Here, we re-exploited one transcriptomic dataset to gain insight into tumor­immune interactions from the point of AS level. Our results showed that the AS profiles of triple-negative breast cancer cells co-cultured with activated T cells were significantly changed but not Estrogen receptor positive cells. We further suggested that the alteration in AS profiles in triple-negative breast cancer cells was largely caused by activated T cells rather than paracrine factors from activated T cells. Biological pathway analyses showed that translation initiation and tRNA aminoacylation pathways were most disturbed with T cell treatment. We also established an approach largely based on the AS factor­AS events associations and identified LSM7, an alternative splicing factor, may be responsible for the major altered events. CONCLUSIONS: Our study reveals the notable differences of response to T cells among breast cancer types which may facilitate the development or improvement of tumor immunotherapy.

Prognostic Role of Long Noncoding RNAs in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis.

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators of tumor progression, and lncRNA expression levels could serve as a potential molecular biomarker for the prognosis and diagnosis of some cancers. However, the prognostic value of lncRNAs in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains unclear. Thus, a meta-analysis was conducted to explore the potential prognostic value of lncRNAs in OSCC. We systematically searched PubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science, and Elsevier from 2005 to 2021 to identify all published studies that reported the association between lncRNAs and prognosis in OSCC. Then, we used meta-analytic methods to identify the actual effect size of lncRNAs on cancer prognosis. The hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated to assess the strength of the association. The reliability of those results was then examined using measures of heterogeneity and testing for selective reporting biases. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 17 studies were eligible in our meta-analysis, involving 1384 Asian patients. The results identified a statistically significant association of high lncRNA expression with poor overall survival [adjusted pooled hazard ratio (AHR) = 1.52; 95% confidence interval (CI): [1.26-1.84], p ≤ 0.001]. The present meta-analysis demonstrated that lncRNA expression might be used as a predictive prognostic biomarker for Asian patients with OSCC.

Effect and mechanism of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in treating allergic rhinitis in mice.

A model of allergic rhinitis (AR) in BALB/c mice was established and evaluated to provide experimental subjects for further research. Preparation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs), including isolation, expansion culture, passaging, cryopreservation, and preparation of cell suspensions, provided materials for experimental research and clinical treatment. The mouse AR model was established by ovalbumin (OVA) intraperitoneal injection and the nasal stimulation induction method, and the model had a good effect and high repeatability. GFP-labeled hUCMSCs had good effects and were stable cells that could be used for tracking in animals. Transplantation of hUCMSCs by intraperitoneal and tail vein injections had a specific effect on the AR model of mice, and tail vein injection had a better effect. Tracking of hUCMSCs in vivo showed that the three groups of mice had the greatest number of hUCMSCs in the nose at week 2. The mouse AR model was used to evaluate the efficacy of hUCMSC transplantation via multiple methods for AR. The distribution of hUCMSCs in vivo was tracked by detecting green fluorescent protein (GFP), and the treatment mechanism of hUCMSCs was elucidated. This study provides technical methods and a theoretical basis for the clinical application of hUCMSCs.

Fucoxanthin treatment inhibits nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell proliferation through induction of autophagy mechanism.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) arises from the epithelium of the nasopharyngeal mucosa. Elderly people above the age of 65 years are more susceptible to NPC. Nasopharyngectomy is the renowned treatment procedure to NPC; however, it is too risky due to its complicated surgical procedure. Other treatment methods also reported with serious side effects such brain injury; hence, the alternative anticancer drug without any side effects was needed. Fucoxanthin is a carotenoid derived from marine algae with the numerous pharmacological functions. This study aims to examine the inhibitory potential in NPC cell proliferation via apoptosis and autophagy. The cytotoxicity of fucoxanthin on C666-1 cells was observed by the MTT assay. The expression of autophagy-linked proteins was assessed with immunoblotting analysis. The expression of autophagy protein LC3 was estimated using immunocytochemical analysis in C666-1 and GFP-LC3 transfected cells. Furthermore, the fucoxanthin-treated C666-1 cells were analyzed with TUNEL assay. The apoptotic level in the fucoxanthin-treated C666-1 cells was evaluated using acridine orange staining. Fucoxanthin significantly increased the expression of autophagy-linked proteins which is clearly depicted in the immunoblotting analysis and immunocytochemical analysis of GFP-tagged LC3 protein. The results of TUNEL assay of fucoxanthin-treated C666-1 in the presence autophagy inhibitors demonstrated the induction of autophagy by fucoxanthin. Acridine orange staining results of C666-1 confirmed fucoxanthin decreases the expression of autophagy-linked proteins during stressed condition thereby causes apoptosis. Our overall results authentically conclude that fucoxanthin induces autophagy and apoptosis in NPC cell line, and it can be ideal agent to treat nasopharyngeal cancer in future with further investigations.

Blood homocysteine and folic acid levels may provide reference value for the treatment of sudden total frequency deafness.

BACKGROUND: The cause of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is still unknown. Literature has indicated that there is a statistically significant correlation between hyperhomocysteinemia and SSNHL, yet there is lack of study in the relationship concerning total frequency deafness subtype of SSNHL. This study investigated the relationship between plasma concentration of homocysteine (Hcy), serum concentration of folic acid and occurrence and treatment responding in total frequency deafness adult patients, and explored whether targeted early intervention was associated with improved clinical outcome in this subgroup. METHODS: A total of 54 consecutive adult patients with diagnosis of sudden total frequency deafness in a single institution was enrolled into the study group. Two control groups were established. Control group 1 was derived from inpatients with normal listening comprehension. Control group 2 included 52 patients with sudden total frequency deafness treated in a parallel hospital. Blood concentration of folic acid and Hcy was investigated. Treatment included Ginkgo biloba extract, dexamethasone, hyperbaric oxygen, folic acid, vitamin B6, and optional vitamin B12. All data was statistically analyzed. Blood level of Hcy and folic acid was compared between study group and control group 1. RESULTS: Although there was no clear evidence for the divergence trend of Hcy and folic acid levels individually, the results showed that the study group had higher blood level of Hcy and lower blood level of folic acid, than control group. In the study group, 24 patients (44.44%) demonstrated treatment effectiveness after the 2-week treatment course. Patients without vertigo had higher effective rate than patients with vertigo (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Effective rate of study group was higher than control group 2 which had no folic acid and vitamin B6/B12 supplement. High blood Hcy and low blood folic acid were closely associated in patients with sudden total frequency deafness. The currently accepted concept of treatment for sudden total frequency deafness is not essentially satisfactory. Testing of plasma Hcy and serum folic acid may provide referential value for its treatment and prognosis evaluation.

CircRNA-associated ceRNA network reveals ErbB and Hippo signaling pathways in hypopharyngeal cancer.

Accumulating evidence has suggested that circular RNAs (circRNAs), a novel class of non­coding RNAs, have crucial roles in tumor progression. However, the significance of circRNAs in hypopharyngeal cancer (HCa) remains to be investigated. The present study has identified aberrantly expressed circRNAs by performing circRNA sequencing analyses of three pairs of tumor and adjacent normal samples from patients with HCa. The results demonstrated that 173 circRNAs were differentially expressed (DE), including 71 upregulated and 102 downregulated circRNAs (FDR<0.05 and fold changes of ≥2 or ≤0.5 by Mann­Whitney U test followed by Benjamini­Hochberg correction for multiple testing). Pathway analyses of the genes producing DE circRNAs revealed that many of them were involved in cancer­related pathways. To further illustrate the roles of circRNAs in HCa progression, a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNAs) network was constructed, consisting of circRNAs, miRNA, and miRNA targeted genes. The results demonstrated that multiple cancer­related pathways were affected by performing enrichment analyses of the targeted genes. Of note, a ceRNA subnetwork was isolated, consisting of two circRNAs (hsa_circ_0008287 and hsa_circ_0005027) and one miRNA (hsa­miR­548c­3p), which significantly affect both ErbB and Hippo signaling pathways. In conclusion, the present study identified a set of circRNAs that are potentially implicated in the tumorigenesis of HCa and may serve as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of HCa.

Development of hair cells in inner ear is associated with expression and promoter methylation of Notch-1 in postnatal mice.

The present study was designed to investigate the correlation among the number of hair cells in inner ear, Notch-1 gene expression levels and its methylation status of the promoter region in the postnatal mice. The hair cells in inner ear were collected from postnatal mice at day 0, 4, 8 and 16 and counted by immunofluorescence. Notch-1 mRNA expression were measured by real-time quantitative polymerize chain reaction (PCR). Methylation levels of CpG islands in Notch-1 promoters were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. The results showed that the number of hair cells in the inner ear increased gradually after birth, which were positively correlated to Notch-1 mRNA expression. However, analysis on methylation of CpG sites in Notch-1 promoter showed that the methylation rates increased gradually after births, which were correlated with the decreased expression of Notch-1. Drug lesion induced the loss of hair cells, and stimulated the expression of Notch-1 mRNA expression, but didn't influence the methylation rates of Notch-1 promoter. We concluded that the Notch-1 mRNA expression level in inner ear tissues is correlated with the development of hair cells. CpG islands in Notch-1 promoter region manifest hypermethylation status when hair cells in inner ear are mature.

[Epidemiological studies on mtDNA 12S rRNA A1555G mutation of 10 non syndromic hearing loss families in Yunnan province].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the meaning of the mutation screening, prevalence, inheritance and the intervention or the prevention for the specific drugs in 10 families with non-syndrome hearing loss in Yunnan Province, China. METHOD: To do a questionnaire about the cases of ten families with non-syndrome hearing loss and to draw a detailed matriarchal family tree detailed. Following that, the A1555G mutation-positive individuals were detected and confirmed using DNA extracting, PCR amplification and sequencing for family volunteer. RESULT: There are 96 members have attended the blood collection in these ten families. Thirty-six of them had the normal hearing and 60 of them had the sensory neural hearing loss. However, 4 out of those had no A1555G point mutation, and 92 had A1555G point mutation (95.8%). While 7 of those were Heterogeneity, the rest were all homogeneous mutation. There were also 73 patients who had amino glycoside antibiotic medication history. However all the rest cases had a history of amino glycoside antibiotic medication were not clear yet. CONCLUSION: The proportion of patients with drug-induced deafness is high in Yunnan province and the mutation rate of mitochondrial DNA A1555G is also high. It is worthy to do DNA 12SrRNA A1555G mutation screening for drug intervention and prevention.

[Research on mitochondrial DNA T1095C gene variation in military noise-induced hearing loss].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical and sequence character of the entire mitochondrial genome in five subjects with mitochondrial 12SrRNA T1095C mutation, and to analyze its relationship with the military noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). METHOD: Three hundreds and four soldiers exposed to military noise were selected in Yunan and Beijing, including susceptible (experimental) and tolerance (control) groups. Mitochondrial 12SrRNA T1095C mutation were found in 5 subjects. Then the complete nucleotide sequence of five subjects were sequenced and its clinical character were analyzed. RESULT: m12SrRNA T1095C mutation were identified in 5 subjects of experimental group,and none were found in control group. There was significant difference between them (P < 0.05). All five soldiers had the history of military noise exposure and showed sensorineural deafness of different degrees. Sequence analysis of the complete mitochondrial genomes showed the distinct sets of mtDNA polymorphism besides T1095C mutation in five subjects. CONCLUSION: The T1095C mutation in hearing loss subjects with various genetic background and history of military noise exposure, is involved in the pathogenesis of hearing impairment. It indicates that the T1095C mutation do relate well with military noise induced-hearing loss.