OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between kinesin superfamily(KIF)18B,20A and epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)markers,clinicopathological features and prognosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.METHODS 116 cases of nasopharyngeal biopsy tumor tissues diagnosed as nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Department of Otolaryngology,Yulin Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital from July 2017 to May 2019 were selected,nasal mucosa biopsy tissues of 116 chronic nasopharyngitis patients were used as control,the expression of KIF18B,KIF20A,and EMT markers epithelial calreticulin(E-cadherin),vimentin,twist in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues and nasopharyngeal chronic mucositis tissues were compared.The relationship between KIF18B,KIF20A expression and EMT marker expression and clinicopathological features in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues were analyzed.5 years after follow-up,the relationship between KIF18B,KIF20A expression and the prognosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate Cox regression analysis.RESULTS The positive expression rates of KIF18B,KIF20A,Vimentin and Twist in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues were 55.17％,42.24％,20.69％,and 26.72％respectively,which were higher than 13.79％,9.48％,4.31％,and 5.17％in nasopharyngeal chronic mucosal inflammation tissues;The positive expression rate of E-cadherin in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues was 68.10％,which was lower than 91.38％in nasopharyngeal chronic mucosal inflammation tissues(P<0.05).KIF18B and KIF20A were negatively correlated with E-cadherin expression(rs=-0.439,-0.432,P<0.05),KIF18B,KIF20A were positively correlated with Vimentin(rs=0.418,0.456,P<0.05)and Twist(rs=0.427,0.427,P<0.05).The KIF18B and KIF20A positive expression rates in patients with low differentiation,lymph node metastasis,TNM stage Ⅲ-Ⅵa,clinical efficacy stable disease(SD)/progressive disease(PD)were higher than those in patients with high differentiation,no lymph node metastasis,stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ,and complete response(CR)/partial response(PR)(P<0.05).4 patients were lost to 5 years after follow-up,the success rate of follow-up was 96.55％(112/116),31 patients died,and the 5-year overall survival rate was 72.32％(81/112).The 5-year cumulative survival rate in KIF18B and KIF20A positive expression nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients were lower than those in KIF18B and KIF20A negative expression nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients(P<0.05).TNM stage Ⅲ-Ⅵa(HR=1.154,95％CI:1.018-1.308),clinical efficacy SD/PD(HR=1.287,95％CI:1.132-1.654),KIF18B(HR=1.823,95％CI:1.332-2.493)and positive expression of KIF20A(HR=2.110,95％CI:1.460-3.051)were independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients(P<0.05).CONCLUSION KIF18B and KIF20A are abnormally highly expressed in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues,the positive expression of the two are closely related to EMT,tumor malignant progression and prognosis,and KIF18B,KIF20A positive expression patients have shorter survival time.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between the expression level of endotoxin and soluble interleukin-2 receptor(sIL-2R)and the occurrence of suppurative otitis media in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy.METHODS Seventy-nine nasopharyngeal cancer patients who received radiotherapy in Nanyang Downtown Hospital between January 2022 and July 2023 were selected as the study subjects,and they were followed up for a period of 1 year,and then grouped according to the occurrence of suppurative otitis media during the follow-up period,i.e.,21 cases in the occurringgroup and 58 cases in the non-occurring group,and the baseline data of patients in the two groups were compared,and the levels of endotoxin and sIL-2R were detected at the end of radiotherapy and analyze the relationship between endotoxin,sIL-2R and the occurrence of purulent otitis media after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.RESULTS A total of 21 cases(26.58%)of 79 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients developed suppurative otitis media after radiotherapy.Compared with the non-occurrence group,the radiotherapy time,endotoxin,sIL-2R,TNM stage Ⅲ,Eustachian tube involvement,nasal cavity structural abnormality,inflammatory reaction,and palatal sail tensor atrophy degree≥30%were high in the occurrence group,and the difference was statistically significant(all P<0.05).The results of logistic multifactorial analysis showed that inflammatory reaction,endotoxin,abnormal nasal structure,TNM stage(Ⅲ),sIL-2R,Eustachian tube involvement,duration of radiotherapy,and degree of atrophy of palatofacial tensor atrophy≥30%were all risk factors for suppurative otitis media.The results of Spearman's rank correlation analysis showed that endotoxin and sIL-2R were positively correlated with the occurrence of septic otitis media(r=0.493,0.516,P<0.001).Analysis using the ROC curve showed that:endotoxin:AUC value:0.657,sensitivity:61.90%,specificity:72.41%,accuracy:69.62%,95%CI=0.523-0.791;sIL-2R:AUC value:0.697,sensitivity:71.43%,specificity:67.24%,accuracy:68.35%,95%CI=0.566-0.829;combined test:AUC value:0.804,sensitivity:95.24%,specificity:65.52%,accuracy:73.42%,95%CI=0.705-0.903,the best value of the two combined tests.CONCLUSION The elevated levels of endotoxin and sIL-2R in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy may be associated with suppurative otitis media.

OBJECTIVE To explore the relationship between cervical lymph node metastasis of thyroid cancer and ultrasound features,as well as BRAF V600E mutation.METHODS A retrospective study was conducted on 120 patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC,Division of Life Sciences and Medicine,University of Science and Technology of China between October 2022 and March 2023 to analyze the relationship between neck lymph node metastasis,ultrasound features,and BRAF V600E mutation.RESULTS A total of 120 thyroid cancer patients were included,with a lymph node metastasis rate of 60.00%(72/120)and a BRAF V600E mutation rate of 79.17%.There was no statistically significant difference between different BRAF V600E mutations and cervical lymph node metastasis(χ2=1.895,P=0.169).More than 1 aspect ratio,multiple lesions,calcification,rich blood flow,and lesion diameter≥1 cm are risk factors for lymph node metastasis(OR=3.448,P=0.009;OR=3.758,P=0.008;OR=2.834,P=0.047;OR=3.552,P=0.024;OR=3.521,P=0.031),Age>40 years old is a protective factor for lymph node metastasis(OR=0.357,P=0.024).CONCLUSION For papillary thyroid carcinoma patients aged≤40 years,with ultrasound findings of aspect ratio>1,multiple lesions,lesion diameter≥1 cm,calcification,and abundant blood flow,special attention should be paid to lymph node metastasis,appropriate treatment methods should be selected,and a reasonable lymph node dissection range should be formulated.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the peak wideband acoustic immittance(WAI)values reflecting the tympanic membrane absorption characteristics during the measurement process in patients with congenital middle ear malformation.METHODS We selected 36 patients diagnosed with congenital middle ear malformation by CT as subjects and evaluated their tympanic membrane absorption characteristics by measuring their acoustic impedance peak pressure.Then,we divided these data into two groups based on the pathological malformation obseved during the surgical process,namely the auditory ossicular chain soft connection group and the auditory ossicular chain fixation group.Calculate the absorption rate values of the tympanic membrane at each frequency corresponding to the peak pressure value of the tympanogram,and the relative area of absorption rate.By conducting independent t-tests,we compared two groups-normal children and patients who had undergone ossicular chain fixation surgery-to analyze the absorption area and peak absorption rate of their tympanic peak pressure values.RESULTS Under peak pressure,there were significant differences(P<0.001)in the full frequency range tympanic membrane absorption rate and peak absorption rate between the group with fixed ossicular chain and the normal group.However,there was no difference in the full frequency range tympanic membrane absorption rate and peak absorption rate between the group with soft ossicular chain and the normal group.Under peak pressure,the absorption area of the ossicular chain fixation group was significantly lower than that of the normal group in the low frequency range of 226-1 000 Hz(P<0.001),while the absorption area of the ossicular chain soft connection group was significantly higher than that of the normal group in the low frequency range of 226-1 000 Hz(P<0.001).CONCLUSION When conducting broadband acoustic impedance test,there is a significant difference in the relative area of tympanic membrane absorption rate of acoustic impedance peak pressure between the auditory ossicular chain soft connection group and the auditory ossicular chain fixation group across 226-1 000 Hz.It has application value as a clinical rapid screening and diagnostic tool for middle ear malformations.

OBJECTIVE To screen for GJB2,mitochondrial DNA12S rRNA 1555A>G and SLC26A4 gene mutations in 27 non syndromic hereditary hearing loss families,clarify the genetic causes.METHODS 125 members from 27 deaf families were for questionnaire surveys,audiological examinations,and peripheral blood DNA extraction.The GJB2,SLC26A4,and mitochondrial DNA A1555G coding regions were amplified and directly sequenced.RESULTS Twelve families and 52 individuals were screened for deafness gene mutations,the detection rate in 27 families was 44%(12/27),and the detection rate in all the members was 42%(52/125).The detection rate of gene mutation for GJB2 is 31%(39/125),for SLC26A4 is 6%(8/125),and for mitochondrial DNA1555A>G mutation is 4%(5/125).CONCLUSION GJB2,SLC26A4 and mitochondrial A1555G have a high detection rate in families with hereditary deafness.Mutation screening of these three genes can clarify the genetic causes of most deafness families and can be used as genetic screening targets for hereditary deaf families.

OBJECTIVE To explore the short-term efficacy,safety and related influencing factors of subcutaneous immunotherapy(SCIT)in children with allergic rhinitis(AR).METHODS Retrospective analyzed the clinical data of 147 children with AR who underwent SCIT at Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University from August 2020 to May 2024.The clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters were collected,the visual analogue scale(VAS),total symptom score(TSS),total medication score(TMS)and combined symptom medication score(CSMS)were compared at the baseline and 3,6 and 12 months after treatment.The incidence of local adverse reactions(LRs)and systemic adverse reactions(SRs)during treatment was also documented.RESULTS A total of 147 children with AR aged 5-18 years were included in the study.A significant reduction was observed in VAS,TSS,TMS and CSMS at months 3,6 and 12 of follow up compared with baseline(all P<0.001),and the short-term onset time was months 3 after treatment.The level of VitD3 in the effective group was significantly higher than that in the ineffective group(P<0.001).Serum VitD3 level was negatively correlated with clinical symptom(R=-0.3,P=0.026).The total number of injections in 147 children was 3201.LRs occurred in 52 children(35.4％),the number of injections was 69(2.2％).SRs occurred in 21 children(14.3％),and the number of injections was 34(1.1％).No grade Ⅲ or Ⅳ SRs occurred.In the logistic regression analysis,body mass index(BMI)was a risk factor for LRs(OR:2.220,95％CI:1.009-4.887,P=0.048).CONCLUSION SCIT demonstrates significant early efficacy and a favorable safety profile safety in children with AR.Serum Vitamin D3 deficiency can affect the short-term efficacy of SCIT.Overweight and obese children are prone to develop local adverse reactions.

OBJECTIVE To study the anatomic characteristics of the anterior ethmoidal canal(AEC)based on 0.1 mm ultra-high resolution CT.METHODS Nine cadavers(18 side orbits)fixed in 10%buffered formalin were enrolled and underwent U-HRCT and MSCT.Divided AEC into horizontal,superior oblique,and inferior oblique segments and observed the displaying rate of each section.Subjective evaluation of display situation was performed by two experienced radiologists independently.The diameter of each AEC segment was measured.RESULTS No significant difference was found in the display rate of the horizontal and superior oblique segments between U-HRCT and MSCT groups(P>0.05),the display rate of inferior oblique segment of U-HRCT group was significantly higher than MSCT group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the objective evaluation results between two evaluators and consistency was strong.Subjective scores of each segment of AEC in U-HRCT group were 10.00 points(9.75 points,10.00 points),2.00 points(2.00 points,3.00 points)and 8.00 points(6.00 points,10.00 points),in MSCT group were7.00 points(5.75 points,8.00 points),2.00 points(2.00 points,2.00 points)and 2.00 points(2.00 points,4.00 points).Subjective scores of horizontal and inferior oblique segments of AEC in U-HRCT were higher than MSCT(P<0.05).The anteroposterior diameter of the horizontal section of AEC is(0.92±0.12)mm,the axial diameter is(1.04±0.22)mm.The anteroposterior diameter of the inferior oblique segment is(0.47±0.08)mm,and the transverse diameter is(0.50±0.06)mm.The anteroposterior diameter of the superior oblique segments is(0.66±0.11)mm,and the transverse diameter is(0.72±0.20)mm.CONCLUSION U-HRCT is better to evaluate AEC than MSCT.It could be used to help to study the anatomic characteristics of AEC before surgery to avoid complications.

OBJECTIVE Aimed to investigate the impact of comorbid asthma on chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps(CRSwNP)and identify key proteins and signaling pathways.METHODS Proteomic methods were employed to analyze differentially expressed proteins(DEPs)in nasal lavage fluid(NLF)from control,CRSwNP,and CRSwNP with asthma groups.DIA quantitative analysis technology was used to assess the gradient changes of DEPs among the three groups to determine key proteins affected by comorbid asthma in CRSwNP.RESULTS Compared to the control group,1 377 and 1 006 DEPs were identified in the CRSwNP and CRSwNP with asthma groups,respectively.Peroxiredoxin-5(PRDX5),Ran-Binding Protein 1(RanBP1)(upregulated),and Keratin 9(KRT9)(downregulated)were identified as key proteins affecting CRSwNP with asthma.CONCLUSION Comorbid asthma may promote the occurrence and development of nasal polyps through specific key proteins and signaling pathways,providing new molecular insights into the interaction between CRSwNP and asthma.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between clinical features and human papillomavirus(HPV)infection and the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor(HIF)and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in patients with pharyngeal and laryngeal papilloma.METHODS Adult patients with pharyngeal and laryngeal papilloma admitted to Beijing Tongren Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from October 2022 to February 2024 were selected as the test group,and adult patients with non-inflammatory non-tumor throat lesions were selected as the control group.Clinical data and pathological tissue samples were collected.The differences of pharyngeal and laryngeal papilloma patients in symptoms,age,gender,smoking,drinking,the number of lesion involved sites and the number of operations were compared.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of HPV DNA,HIF cDNA and VEGF cDNA in the pathological tissues.RESULTS The symptoms of pharyngeal papilloma are less severe than those of laryngeal papilloma.There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of gender and alcohol consumption(P>0.05),but there were statistically significant differences in terms of age,smoking,the number of lesions involved and the number of operations(P<0.05).The number of lesion involved sites was positively correlated with the expression of HIF and VEGF(r=0.3553、r=0.2693,P<0.05).The number of operations was positively correlated with the expression of VEGF(r=0.2515,P<0.05).The expression levels of HIF and VEGF in laryngeal papilloma were higher than those in pharyngeal papilloma and control group(F=9.174,H=23.737,P<0.001).The expression levels of HIF and VEGF in HPV-positive tissue were higher than those in HPV-negative tissue(t=3.899,t=6.463,P<0.001).The HPV positive rate of laryngeal papilloma(97.9%,46/47)was higher than that in pharyngeal papilloma(21.7%,10/46)and control group(13.6%,3/22)(χ2=53.114、χ2=46.647,P<0.001).CONCLUSION HPV infection is one of the important causes of pharyngeal papilloma.The low infection status of pharyngeal papilloma may lead to low expression of HIF and VEGF in the tumor,which makes its clinical features different from laryngeal papilloma.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the results of speech-evoked auditory brainstem response(s-ABR)tests in patients with presbycusis and explore the mechanisms of speech coding in these patients.METHODS Thirty patients with presbycusis(presbycusis group),30 elderly individuals with normal hearing(elderly normal group),and 30 young adults with normal hearing(young control group)were recruited.The s-ABR was elicited using a 40 ms duration complex speech stimulus/da/,and the characteristics of s-ABR were analyzed in each group.RESULTS The latencies of waves V and A in the presbycusis group were significantly prolonged compared to both the elderly normal group and the young control group(P<0.05).However,there was no statistically significant difference in the latencies of waves between the elderly normal group and the young control group(P>0.05).The amplitude of wave A and the slope of the V-A complex wave in the presbycusis group were significantly lower than those in the young control group(P<0.05),while no statistically significant differences were observed in the amplitudes of other waves.CONCLUSION The characteristics of s-ABR in patients with presbycusis suggest that these patients have poor synchronization in response to stimulus timing and deficiencies in coding high-frequency and rapidly changing auditory information,which may be one of the mechanisms underlying the decline in speech abilities in patients with presbycusis.