Masking is an important tool to evaluate auditory function,but it has always posed challenges in clinical audiology tests.This is mainly because of the lack of in-depth research into the biological mechanisms of masking over a long period,and an insufficient understanding of the principles of masking generation.This article describes the neurobiological fundamentals of clinical audiology test masking in terms of altered resonance patterns in the basilar membrane,the two-tone suppression effect of cochlear outer hair cell receptor potentials,the loss of bal-ance between excitatory and inhibitory transmitters at dopamine receptors,and disturbances in the phenomenon of phase-locking of nerve discharges.Overmasking is due to an enhanced contralateral inhibitory effect on cochlear out-er hair cell motility.This article aims to provide further guidance for clinical audiologist or physician in the proper use of masking.

Masking is an important tool to evaluate auditory function,but it has always posed challenges in clinical audiology tests.This is mainly because of the lack of in-depth research into the biological mechanisms of masking over a long period,and an insufficient understanding of the principles of masking generation.This article describes the neurobiological fundamentals of clinical audiology test masking in terms of altered resonance patterns in the basilar membrane,the two-tone suppression effect of cochlear outer hair cell receptor potentials,the loss of bal-ance between excitatory and inhibitory transmitters at dopamine receptors,and disturbances in the phenomenon of phase-locking of nerve discharges.Overmasking is due to an enhanced contralateral inhibitory effect on cochlear out-er hair cell motility.This article aims to provide further guidance for clinical audiologist or physician in the proper use of masking.

OBJECTIVE To develop a magnetic resonance(MRI) imaging radiomics and clinical factor model to predict recurrence and metastasis in patients with primary stage Ⅱ-Ⅳa nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC) and to validate its predictive effect on adjuvant chemotherapy(AC) outcomes. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on 135 patients with stage Ⅱ to Ⅳa NPC diagnosed in Longgang Otolaryngology Hospital of Shenzhen City from February 2018 to October 2021. After receiving standard synchronous radiotherapy and chemotherapy at our hospital,some patients received induction chemotherapy and/or AC based on cisplatin/nedaplatin. The imaging features of enhanced MRI sequences were extracted using PyRadiomics platform. Using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO) algorithm to filter features associated with recurrence or metastasis,a clinical radiomics model(CRM) was constructed by Cox multivariate analysis in a training cohort and validated in a validation cohort. All patients were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups based on the model's median Rad score. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to compare 3-year recurrence or metastasis free survival(RMFS) in patients with AC in high-risk group and low risk-group. RESULTS A total of 960 imaging features were extracted. The CRM consists of 9 features(6 imaging features and 3 clinical factors). In the training cohort,the area under the CRM curve(AUC) of 3-year RMFS was 0.867(P<0.001),and the sensitivity and specificity were 90.32％ and 79.66％,respectively. In the validation cohort,the AUC was 0.836(P<0.001) and the sensitivity and specificity were 100.0％ and 71.43％,respectively. The 3-year RMFS in high-risk and low-risk groups was 42.86％(27/63) and 94.44％(68/72)(log rank=50.818,P<0.001),respectively. Among CRM high-risk patients,3-year RMFS was significantly better in patients who received AC than those who did not(log rank=6.204,P=0.013). CONCLUSION CRM based on 3 clinical factors and 6 MRI features provides a non-invasive method for predicting the prognosis of NPC,which may help guide treatment decisions for clinical adjuvant chemotherapy,but further external verification is needed.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the prognostic value of pre-treatment serum lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)levels in patients with locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC)treated with salvage intensity-modulated radiotherapy(IMRT)and to determine its association with rT staging.METHODS The records of 97 patients with locally relapsed and non-metastatic NPC who received salvage IMRT treatment in our center from January 2018 to April 2022 were collected,including 51 patients who died,18 patients with distant metastases,30 patients with local failure,and 67 patients with prognostic adverse events(death,distant tumors/local metastases).Clinical data,local failure-free survival(LFFS),distant metastasis-free survival(DMFS)and overall survival(OS)were obtained from all patients,and the relationship between LDH and the prognosis of salvage IMRT therapy in NPC patients was analyzed.RESULTS The serum LDH level before salvage IMRT was significantly higher in the death[221.25(178.24,339.13)U/L vs.124.82(79.0,159.50)U/L,Z=-5.122],local failure[230.75(170.89,394.50)U/L vs.157.85(91.78,216.95)U/L,Z=-3.442],distant metastasis[261.62(153.55,465.50)U/L vs.168.98(101.75,237.75)U/L,Z=-2.478]and poor prognosis group[220.05(167.20,506.16)U/L vs.93.45(69.95,154.35)U/L,Z=-6.018],and all P<0.05.Serum LDH levels were divided into dichotomous variables according to median values(≥177.50 U/L vs.<177.50 U/L),the Cox univariate model found that the hazard ratios of LDH affecting LFFS,DMFS,OS and toxic-related death(TRD)were 3.759(1.660-8.558),4.217(1.383-12.861),3.226(1.715-6.069),3.363(1.750-6.463),P<0.05.LDH remained an independent prognostic factor for LFFS,DMFS,OS,and TRD in multivariate regression analysis(P<0.05).Compared with patients with LDH<177.50 U/L,more patients in the LDH≥177.50 U/L group had local progression-related death,and the no LFFS stage,no DMFS stage and OS were shorter in the LDH≥177.50 U/L group(log rank=11.624,7.559,14.758),P<0.05.In predicting overall survival,adding LDH to the rT stage is preferable to the rT stage alone.CONCLUSION LDH is an important factor in predicting LFFS,DMFS,OS,and TRD after saving IMRT in patients with locally relapsed,non-metastatic NPC,and the value of LDH combined with rT staging in predicting overall survival is high.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma usually occurs in the salivary glands of the head and neck. It is a malignant tumor with a high degree of malignancy, resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy and poor prognosis. The clinical course of adenoid cystic carcinoma is slow and easy to be misdiagnosed. The main diagnosis and treatment means are individualized and precise treatment under the multi-disciplinary consultation mode, that is, surgical treatment and radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Adenoid cystic carcinoma is prone to relapse and hematologic metastasis, and the traditional radiotherapy and chemotherapy based therapies have not achieved satisfactory efficacy in the past three decades. How to detect, diagnose and treat early is an urgent task faced by clinicians.
Humans ; Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic/pathology* ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Neck/pathology* ; Oropharynx/pathology* ; Diagnostic Errors

Objective:To investigate the feasibility and clinical effect of the surgical approach and method of transnasal fenestration under nasal endoscope for the treatment of maxillary odontogenic cyst. Methods:The clinical data of 23 cases with maxillary odontogenic cysts treated by nasal endoscopy through nasal fenestration were retrospectively analyzed. All cases underwent nasal endoscopy and CT examination before the operation. The mucosal membrane of the parietal wall of the cyst was excised through fenestration of the nasal base. The cyst fluid was removed by decompression, and the bony opening of the nasal base was trimmed and enlarged to the edge of the cyst. The intraoperative and postoperative effects were observed. Results:All cases were well exposed under the direct vision of nasal endoscope. The top wall of the cyst was removed to maximize the communication between the cyst cavity and the nasal floor. There were no complications such as nasolacrimal duct injury, turbinate atrophy, necrosis, and facial numbness. All patients were followed up for 6-12 months, and the clinical symptoms gradually disappeared after surgery. The inferior turbinate was in good shape, the cyst cavity was smooth, the cyst wall was determined, and no cyst recurrence was observed. Conclusion:The treatment of odontogenic cyst of maxilla under nasal endoscope through nasal fenestration is convenient. It has less trauma, fewer complications and a satisfactory curative effect, which is worthy of clinical promotion.
Humans ; Maxilla ; Retrospective Studies ; Odontogenic Cysts/surgery* ; Endoscopy ; Turbinates/surgery* ; Endoscopes

Objectives: To propose a novel clinical classification system of gallbladder cancer, and to investigate the differences of clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis based on patients who underwent radical resection with different types of gallbladder cancer. Methods: The clinical data of 1 059 patients with gallbladder cancer underwent radical resection in 12 institutions in China from January 2013 to December 2017 were retrospectively collected and analyzed.There were 389 males and 670 females, aged (62.0±10.5)years(range:22-88 years).According to the location of tumor and the mode of invasion,the tumors were divided into peritoneal type, hepatic type, hepatic hilum type and mixed type, the surgical procedures were divided into regional radical resection and extended radical resection.The correlation between different types and T stage, N stage, vascular invasion, neural invasion, median survival time and surgical procedures were analyzed.Rates were compared by χ² test, survival analysis was carried by Kaplan-Meier and Log-rank test. Results: Regional radical resection was performed in 940 cases,including 81 cases in T1 stage,859 cases in T2-T4 stage,119 cases underwent extended radical resection;R0 resection was achieved in 990 cases(93.5%).The overall median survival time was 28 months.There were 81 patients in Tis-T1 stage and 978 patients in T2-T4 stage.The classification of gallbladder cancer in patients with T2-T4 stage: 345 cases(35.3%)of peritoneal type, 331 cases(33.8%) of hepatic type, 122 cases(12.5%) of hepatic hilum type and 180 cases(18.4%) of mixed type.T stage(χ²=288.60,P<0.01),N stage(χ²=68.10, P<0.01), vascular invasion(χ²=128.70, P<0.01)and neural invasion(χ²=54.30, P<0.01)were significantly correlated with the classification.The median survival time of peritoneal type,hepatic type,hepatic hilum type and mixed type was 48 months,21 months,16 months and 11 months,respectively(χ²=80.60,P<0.01).There was no significant difference in median survival time between regional radical resection and extended radical resection in the peritoneal type,hepatic type,hepatic hilum type and mixed type(all P>0.05). Conclusion With application of new clinical classification, different types of gallbladder cancer are proved to be correlated with TNM stage, malignant biological behavior and prognosis, which will facilitate us in preoperative evaluation,surgical planning and prognosis evaluation.

Objective To investigate the effects of exosomes derived from human dental pulp mes-enchymal stem cells ( hDPSC-exosomes) on the maturation and function of dendritic cells ( DC) stimulated by lipopolysaccharide ( LPS ) , and to evaluate their regulatory effects on the immune system. Methods Adult permanent teeth-derived dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells were cultured in vitro to extract exosomes in the cell culture medium. The morphology and sizes of the exosomes were observed under transmission electron microscopy. Expression of CD9 and CD63 on the surface of the exosomes was detected by Western blot. PBS, LPS and LPS+hDPSC-exosomes were respectively used to stimulate mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DC2. 4) for 24 h. A blank control group was set up accordingly. Expression of co-stimulato-ry molecules and cytokine secretion were detected by flow cytometry and ELISA, respectively. Expression of TLR2, TLR4 and NF-κB at mRNA level was detected by RT-PCR. Changes in the functions of DC were evaluated by mixed lymphocyte reaction ( MLR) . Results Adult permanent teeth-derived dental pulp mes-enchymal stem cells were successfully isolated. Up-regulated CD73 and CD90, and down-regulated CD45 were detected on the surface of the cells. Under electron microscopy ( SEM ) , hDPSC-exosomes showed round or oval microcapsule bodies about 50-80 nm in diameter with positive surface markers of CD9 and CD63. hDPSCs-exosomes could significantly reduce the LPS-induced expression of co-stimulatory molecules CD11c and CD86 on DC surface. Moreover, hDPSCs-exosomes increased TGF-β expression and decreased IL-4. They could also significantly inhibit the proliferation of splenic lymphocytes that was induced by DC af-ter LPS stimulation. Compared with the blank control group, hDPSC-exosomes could promote the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 on DC surface and up-regulate the expression of NF-κB. Conclusions This study showed that hDPSC-exosomes could inhibit the activation and functional maturation of DC, promote the de-velopment towards tolerant DC through TLR-NF-κB signaling pathway, and induce immune tolerance to regu-late immune balance.

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacies of free endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) in primary duct closure (PDC) following laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) for choledocholithiasis.Methods The retrospective cohort study was conducted.The clinical data of 312 patients with extrahepatic bile duct stones accompanied with or without cholecystolithiasis who were admitted to the 11 medical centers [86 in the Affiliated Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College,Huazhong University of Science and Technology,62 in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine,44 in the West China Hospital of Sichuan University,29 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University,27 in the First Hospital Affiliated to Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University),25 in the Hunan Provincial People's Hospital,17 in the Beijing Friendship Hospital of Capital Medical University,10 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University,5 in the Henan Provincial People's Hospital,4 in the Beijing Tian Tan Hospital of Capital Medical University,3 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University] from January 2011 to June 2017 were collected.All patients underwent LCBDE+PDC,and 81 and 231 patients with and without ENBD were respectively allocated into the ENBD group and PDC group.Observation indicators:(1) comparisons of operation situations;(2) comparisons of postoperative recovery;(3) comparisons of postoperative complications;(4) follow-up situations.Follow-up using outpatient examination and telephone interview was performed to detect the postoperative complications up to June 2017.Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as x±s.Comparison between groups was analyzed by the t test.Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented M [interquartile range (IQR)],and comparison between groups was analyzed by the nonparametic test.Comparisons of count data were analyzed using the chi-square test and Fisher exact probability.Results (1) Comparisons of operation situations:all the 312 patients underwent successful laparoscopic LCBDE + PDC,without conversion to open surgery,including postoperative death of 1 patient in the PDC group.The common bile duct diameter,cases using interrupted sutures,continuous sutures,absorbable threads and nonabsorbable threads were respectively (1.2±0.4)cm,106,125,195,36 in the PDC group and (1.1±0.5)cm,76,5,79,2 in the ENBD group,with statistically significant differences between groups (t =2.497,x2 =56.706,8.457,P＜0.05).The numbers of stones,stone diameter,cases with common bile duct wall (≤ 3 mm and ＞3 mm),normal and abnormal Oddi sphincter contraction function,volume of intraoperative blood loss and operation time were respectively 2.1±1.7,(1.1-±0.6)cm,148,83,226,5,20 mL (10-45 mL),(116± 49)minutes in the PDC group and 1.9±1.6,(1.0±0.6)cm,49,32,75,6,20 mL (15-30 mL),(113± 23)minutes in the ENBD group,with no statistically significant difference between groups (t =1.021,0.329,x2 =0.329,3.428,Z=1.147,t=0.521,P＞0.05).The further analysis:of 312 patients,cases and time using interrupted sutures and continuous sutures were respectively 182,130 and (133±.49) minutes,(103±34) minutes,with a statistically significant difference between groups (t =-6.605,P＜0.05).The volume of intraoperative blood loss and cases with postoperative complications using interrupted sutures and continuous sutures were respectively 20 mL (15-31 mL),21 and 20 mL (10-45 mL),18,with no statistically significant difference between groups (Z =-0.285,x2 =0.369,P＞ 0.05).Of 312 patients,cases,operation time,volume of intraoperative blood loss and postoperative complications using absorbable threads and non-absorbable threads were respectively 274,(116±44)minutes,20 mL (15-40 mL),33 and 38,(115±35) minutes,18 mL (10-26 mL),6,with no statistically significant difference between groups (Z =0.971,t =0.023,x2 =0.154,P＞ 0.05).(2) Comparisons of postoperative recovery:recovery time of gastrointestinal function,time of abdominal drainage-tube removal,using time of antibiotics and duration of hospital stay were respectively (2.0± 1.5) days,(4.0 ± 2.4) days,(4.0±2.8) days,(5.5±3.0) days in the PDC group and (4.0±1.9) days,(6.9±3.5) days,(10.0± 3.9) days,(11.1±3.7)days in the ENBD group,with statistically significant differences between groups (t =-9.507,-8.258,-15.103,-13.575,P＜0.05).The total expenses of hospital stay in the Affiliated Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology were respectively (5.1 ±0.6)× 104 yuan in the PDC group and (6.5-±0.5)× 104 yuan in the ENBD group,with a statistically significant difference between groups (t =-9.516,P＜0.05).(3) Comparisons of postoperative complications:incidence of complications in the PDC group was 14.29％ (33/231),including 16 with biliary fistula,11 with biliary tract infection,3 with wound infection,1 with biliary tract bleeding,1 with residual stones of common bile duct and 1 with death;incidence of complications in the ENBD group was 6.17％ (5/81),including 2 with biliary fistula,2 with biliary tract infection and 1 with biliary tract bleeding,showing no statistically significant difference between groups (x2 =3.151,P＞0.05).(4) Follow-up situations:of 312 patients,252 were followed up for 2-67 month,with a median time of 15 months,including 175 in the PDC group and 77 in the ENBD group.During the follow up,there was no occurrence of jaundice,cholangitis and pancreatitis,and stone recurrence and postoperative cholangiostenosis were not detected by abdominal color Doppler ultrasound or CT or magnetic resonanced cholangio-pancreatography.Conclusion On the basis of grasping operative indication strictly,ENBD in PDC following LCBDE for choledocholithiasis is safe and effective.

OBJECTIVE To study the anatomic relationship of the divus region and provide the anatomical basis for the extended endoscopic endonasal approach to clivus region.METHODS 10 cadaveric heads were dissected using the surgical microscope and endoscope.RESULTS 1.With the extended endoscopic endonasal approach,we can expose the ventral side of brain stem from interpeduncal fossa to the foramen magnum and upper,middle,and lower neurovascular complexes.2.The clivus region,formed by the sphenoid body and the clival part of occipital bone,is situated between the dorsum sellae and the anterior margin of the foramen magnum.Occipital bone and the petrous part of the temporal bone were separated by the petroclival fissure.CONCLUSION 1.The extended endoscopic endonasal approach can be tailored to deal with the local lesions involving the clivus and adjacent posterior cranial fossa structures.2.Full andcomprehensive understanding of the anatomy around the clivus region can help surgeons to improve accuracy and safety of procedures in this region.