Objective:To measure the length and curvature of the external auditory canal (EAC) centerline using a three-dimensional (3D) measurement method based on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on HRCT images of healthy EAC from 49 patients (64 ears) examined at the Sixth Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital from June to October 2024. The cohort included 25 males (28 ears) and 24 females (36 ears), aged 22-78 years (mean age 47.3 years), categorized into age groups: 18-30 years (20 ears), 31-60 years (22 ears), and 61-80 years (22 ears). The EAC comprised 29 left and 35 right ears. 3D reconstruction of the EAC was performed using medical software (3D Slicer), and the central curve of the EAC was extracted using an improved measurement method to determine its length and curvature. Statistical analysis was performed using Origin Pro 2023 software to compare differences across genders, sides, and age groups.Results:The measurements of EAC length and curvature revealed that the EAC was significantly longer in males than in females (27.46 mm vs. 25.44 mm, P=0.014) and longer on the right side than on the left (27.99 mm vs. 25.87 mm, P=0.031). No statistically significant difference in EAC length was observed among the different age groups ( P>0.05). Furthermore, no statistically significant differences in EAC curvature were found regarding gender, side, or age group (all P>0.05). Conclusion:The HRCT-based 3D reconstruction technique enables the establishment of a rapid and effective automated workflow for extracting the central curve of the EAC and systematically measuring its length and curvature. The data obtained provide a reference and methodological support for further research on anatomical variations of the human EAC and its potential clinical applications, such as the design of otological instruments or surgical planning.

Objectives:To evaluate the outcomes of cochlear implantation in prelingually deafened late-implanted patients with regular cochlear implant use and to analyze the influencing factors of rehabilitation effects.Methods:This before-after self-controlled study design included 60 subjects, comprising 36 males and 24 females, who had received cochlear implantation at Chinese PLA General Hospital. Post-implantation, all patients demonstrated continuous and regular use of cochlear implants (≥8 hours daily). Rehabilitation outcomes were evaluated by using the Categories of Auditory Performance scale (CAP), Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale (MAIS), Speech Intelligibility of Rating scale (SIR), Meaningful Use of Speech Scale (MUSS) and speech recognition score (SRS) in 2018 and 2023. 9 potential risk factors were analyzed by univariate analysis with SPSS 25.0. The influencing factors associated with outcomes were evaluated through multivariate logistic regression.Results:Longitudinal data of 60 participants followed-up in 2018 and 2023 were analyzed. The average duration of cochlear implant use for all patients was (11.3±3.0) years. The mean score of CAP, SIR and MUSS improved significantly over time. The mean CAP score before surgery was (1.0±0.9). From 2018 to 2023, the mean CAP score improved from (5.1±1.4) to (5.9±1.6), with a statistical significance ( P<0.01); the mean SIR score before surgery was (1.3±0.5), and the mean SIR score improved from (2.7±1.1) to (3.2±1.3), with a statistical significance ( P<0.01); the mean MUSS score increased from (16.8±9.7) to (21.1±10.9) between the two follow-ups, with a statistical significance ( P<0.01); the MAIS was only initiated in the 2023 follow-up, with a mean score of (31.0±10.2). The speech recognition score for monosyllabic words increased from (23.9±16.0)% to (25.2±13.0)%, with no statistically significant difference ( P=0.66). Preoperative residual hearing significantly predicted rehabilitation outcomes at univariate analysis ( P<0.05), but the statistical significance was lost at multivariate analysis ( P>0.05). Age at implantation was identified as an independent predictive factor by both univariate and multivariate analysis (Hazard Ratio, 0.88; 95% Confidence Interval 0.79-0.97; P=0.014). The cut-off point for predicting further rehabilitation effects was 19.2 years old. In the correlation analysis of different scales, the CAP score was positively correlated with the total score of MAIS. So were the SIR score and the total score of MUSS. Conclusions:For prelingually deafened late-implanted patients with regular CI use, there was still potential for further improvement of auditory and speech abilities even after 10 years post-implantation. Age at implantation was an independent predictive factor and the cut-off point was 19.2 years old.

Objectives:To describe, analyze, and compare the temporal trends of age and sex-specific burden of Otitis media(OM) in China and globally from 1992 to 2021.Methods:Data from the Global Burden of Disease(GBD) database from 1992 to 2021 were used to analyze the characteristics of OM burden in China and globally, including changes in incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years(DALYs). Epidemiological characteristics of OM were analyzed using methods such as Joinpoint analysis, age-period-cohort models, and decomposition analysis. Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average(ARIMA) models were used to forecast the incidence and prevalence rates over the next 15 years.Results:From 1992 to 2021, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of OM in China decreased from 4 183.54/100, 000 to 4 179.92/100, 000, while, the global ASIR increased from 5 345.09/100, 000 to 5 529.1/100, 000. The age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) in China decreased from 1 835.2/100, 000 to 1 332.11/100, 000, while, the global ASPR decreased from 1 786.56/100, 000 to 1 593.74/100, 000. The age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) in China decreased from 0.01/100, 000 to 0, while, the global ASMR decreased from 0.03/100, 000 to 0.01/100, 000. The age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) in China decreased from 37.39/100, 000 to 26.53/100, 000, while, the global ASDR decreased from 37.68/100, 000 to 32.54/100, 000. The average annual percent change (AAPC) for ASIR, ASPR, ASMR, and ASDR in China were -0.003%, -1.101%, -9.803%, and -1.178%, respectively, while, globally the AAPC were 0.116%, -0.395%, -4.396%, and -0.506%, respectively. The impact of age and sex on the burden of OM varied. The incidence rate was highest in children, especially in the group under 5 years old, followed by the elderly. The incidence and mortality of OM were higher in females than in males. Decomposition analysis indicated that the main factor contributing to the decline in DALYs in China was epidemiological changes, while, the main factor contributing to the increase in global DALYs was population growth. Over the next 15 years, it might be predicted that the prevalence of OM will decrease in both China and globally, with a decrease in incidence in China and an increase in the global incidence.Conclusion:From 1992 to 2021, the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs of OM in China have generally shown a declining trend, indicating a gradual reduction in the disease burden of OM in China. The disease burden of OM is age-related, with the highest incidence and prevalence observed in children and a higher mortality rate in the elderly population. OM remains a significant public health challenge in China.

Objective:To measure the length and curvature of the external auditory canal (EAC) centerline using a three-dimensional (3D) measurement method based on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on HRCT images of healthy EAC from 49 patients (64 ears) examined at the Sixth Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital from June to October 2024. The cohort included 25 males (28 ears) and 24 females (36 ears), aged 22-78 years (mean age 47.3 years), categorized into age groups: 18-30 years (20 ears), 31-60 years (22 ears), and 61-80 years (22 ears). The EAC comprised 29 left and 35 right ears. 3D reconstruction of the EAC was performed using medical software (3D Slicer), and the central curve of the EAC was extracted using an improved measurement method to determine its length and curvature. Statistical analysis was performed using Origin Pro 2023 software to compare differences across genders, sides, and age groups.Results:The measurements of EAC length and curvature revealed that the EAC was significantly longer in males than in females (27.46 mm vs. 25.44 mm, P=0.014) and longer on the right side than on the left (27.99 mm vs. 25.87 mm, P=0.031). No statistically significant difference in EAC length was observed among the different age groups ( P>0.05). Furthermore, no statistically significant differences in EAC curvature were found regarding gender, side, or age group (all P>0.05). Conclusion:The HRCT-based 3D reconstruction technique enables the establishment of a rapid and effective automated workflow for extracting the central curve of the EAC and systematically measuring its length and curvature. The data obtained provide a reference and methodological support for further research on anatomical variations of the human EAC and its potential clinical applications, such as the design of otological instruments or surgical planning.

Objectives:To evaluate the outcomes of cochlear implantation in prelingually deafened late-implanted patients with regular cochlear implant use and to analyze the influencing factors of rehabilitation effects.Methods:This before-after self-controlled study design included 60 subjects, comprising 36 males and 24 females, who had received cochlear implantation at Chinese PLA General Hospital. Post-implantation, all patients demonstrated continuous and regular use of cochlear implants (≥8 hours daily). Rehabilitation outcomes were evaluated by using the Categories of Auditory Performance scale (CAP), Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale (MAIS), Speech Intelligibility of Rating scale (SIR), Meaningful Use of Speech Scale (MUSS) and speech recognition score (SRS) in 2018 and 2023. 9 potential risk factors were analyzed by univariate analysis with SPSS 25.0. The influencing factors associated with outcomes were evaluated through multivariate logistic regression.Results:Longitudinal data of 60 participants followed-up in 2018 and 2023 were analyzed. The average duration of cochlear implant use for all patients was (11.3±3.0) years. The mean score of CAP, SIR and MUSS improved significantly over time. The mean CAP score before surgery was (1.0±0.9). From 2018 to 2023, the mean CAP score improved from (5.1±1.4) to (5.9±1.6), with a statistical significance ( P<0.01); the mean SIR score before surgery was (1.3±0.5), and the mean SIR score improved from (2.7±1.1) to (3.2±1.3), with a statistical significance ( P<0.01); the mean MUSS score increased from (16.8±9.7) to (21.1±10.9) between the two follow-ups, with a statistical significance ( P<0.01); the MAIS was only initiated in the 2023 follow-up, with a mean score of (31.0±10.2). The speech recognition score for monosyllabic words increased from (23.9±16.0)% to (25.2±13.0)%, with no statistically significant difference ( P=0.66). Preoperative residual hearing significantly predicted rehabilitation outcomes at univariate analysis ( P<0.05), but the statistical significance was lost at multivariate analysis ( P>0.05). Age at implantation was identified as an independent predictive factor by both univariate and multivariate analysis (Hazard Ratio, 0.88; 95% Confidence Interval 0.79-0.97; P=0.014). The cut-off point for predicting further rehabilitation effects was 19.2 years old. In the correlation analysis of different scales, the CAP score was positively correlated with the total score of MAIS. So were the SIR score and the total score of MUSS. Conclusions:For prelingually deafened late-implanted patients with regular CI use, there was still potential for further improvement of auditory and speech abilities even after 10 years post-implantation. Age at implantation was an independent predictive factor and the cut-off point was 19.2 years old.

Objectives:To describe, analyze, and compare the temporal trends of age and sex-specific burden of Otitis media(OM) in China and globally from 1992 to 2021.Methods:Data from the Global Burden of Disease(GBD) database from 1992 to 2021 were used to analyze the characteristics of OM burden in China and globally, including changes in incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years(DALYs). Epidemiological characteristics of OM were analyzed using methods such as Joinpoint analysis, age-period-cohort models, and decomposition analysis. Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average(ARIMA) models were used to forecast the incidence and prevalence rates over the next 15 years.Results:From 1992 to 2021, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of OM in China decreased from 4 183.54/100, 000 to 4 179.92/100, 000, while, the global ASIR increased from 5 345.09/100, 000 to 5 529.1/100, 000. The age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) in China decreased from 1 835.2/100, 000 to 1 332.11/100, 000, while, the global ASPR decreased from 1 786.56/100, 000 to 1 593.74/100, 000. The age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) in China decreased from 0.01/100, 000 to 0, while, the global ASMR decreased from 0.03/100, 000 to 0.01/100, 000. The age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) in China decreased from 37.39/100, 000 to 26.53/100, 000, while, the global ASDR decreased from 37.68/100, 000 to 32.54/100, 000. The average annual percent change (AAPC) for ASIR, ASPR, ASMR, and ASDR in China were -0.003%, -1.101%, -9.803%, and -1.178%, respectively, while, globally the AAPC were 0.116%, -0.395%, -4.396%, and -0.506%, respectively. The impact of age and sex on the burden of OM varied. The incidence rate was highest in children, especially in the group under 5 years old, followed by the elderly. The incidence and mortality of OM were higher in females than in males. Decomposition analysis indicated that the main factor contributing to the decline in DALYs in China was epidemiological changes, while, the main factor contributing to the increase in global DALYs was population growth. Over the next 15 years, it might be predicted that the prevalence of OM will decrease in both China and globally, with a decrease in incidence in China and an increase in the global incidence.Conclusion:From 1992 to 2021, the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs of OM in China have generally shown a declining trend, indicating a gradual reduction in the disease burden of OM in China. The disease burden of OM is age-related, with the highest incidence and prevalence observed in children and a higher mortality rate in the elderly population. OM remains a significant public health challenge in China.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the applicability of EuroQol 5-Dimension 3-Level questionnaire (Chinese Version 1.0) (EQ-5D-3L) in the assessment of life quality of patients with idopathic sudden hearing loss. METHOD: In this retrospect study, the EQ-5D-3L was assigned to 60 patients with idopathic sudden hearing loss before and after drug therapy. Audiometry examinations were undertaken and concomitant symptoms were recorded. A Wilcoxon rank sum test was applicated to the comparisons of results of EQ-5D-3L before and after the treatment, a t-test for results of EQ-VAS and a Kappa measurement for the consistency of certain dimension correlated with the symptoms. RESULT: Sixty patients completed the five questions and visual analog scale of the EQ-5D. A statistically significant changes of pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression before and after the treatment were observed (P < 0.05). The domains of mobility, self-care and usual activities did not show statistically significant different (P > 0.05). The dimension of pain/discomfort was in agreement with the concomitant symptoms. And the result of EQ-VAS was in agreement with the therapeutic outcome. CONCLUSION It is suitable for the EQ-5D to be a general health measure with sensitivity to clinical change in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss, which monitors the patients' outcomes.
Depression ; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural ; diagnosis ; Humans ; Quality of Life ; Self Care ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Treatment Outcome ; Visual Analog Scale

OBJECTIVE: To construct and obtain ideal protein delivery vectors by researching the delivery efficiency and cytotoxicity to Hela cells using mPEG-PLGA-BSA-FITC-NPs. METHOD: The mPEG-PLGA nanoparticle was obtained through surface modification of PLGA with PEG, and deliver BSA-FITC into Hela cells in vitro. The positive cells were counted by Laser scanning confocal microscopy and the survival rate of Hela cells was calculated by MTT assay at different time points. RESULT: mPEG-PLGA-BSA-FITC-NPs shows the classic nanometer size, and the encapsulation efficiency reached 51. 2%. At the same time, the nanoparticles possess characteristics of slow release. By optimizing the delivery conditions, the highest efficiency of mPEG-PLGA-BSA-FITC-NPs was above 65.2%, and the cellular viability was about 85.7%. CONCLUSION mPEG-PLGA-BSA-FITC-NPs nanoparticles can successfully carry the target protein into cells as safe and effective as novel delivery materials of protein in vitro, and has shown slow release characteristics. The mPEG-PLGA-BSA-FITC-NPs provide ideal delivery vector for future application in clinical treatment of disease using nano-materials.
Drug Carriers ; Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate ; analogs & derivatives ; HeLa Cells ; Humans ; Nanoparticles ; Particle Size ; Polyesters ; Polyethylene Glycols ; Serum Albumin, Bovine

OBJECTIVE: To observe the exposure of the vocal lesions under endoscopes of different angles and to contrast the endoscopes' influence on surgery. METHOD: Fifty patients with benign vocal lesions were selected randomly. During microlaryngoscopic surgery, the laryngoscope was placed softly and the different rigid endoscope (30 degrees, 45 degrees or 70 degrees) was connected to video system to expose the glottis and vocal folds. The operation was taken through looking at the color monitor. RESULT: The vocal fold lesions were completely examined and successfully excised in all patients, only two of them got soft palate mucosal abrasion. No one got complications. CONCLUSION Rigid endoscopy associated with microlaryngeal surgery brings a better observation to the vocal lesions and a lower incidence rate of complicatons. It's regarded that 45 degrees rigid endoscope is better than the others, for it provides not only a good exposure to the vocal cords, anterior commissure and subglottis, but also convenience to operate. The second one is 30 degrees rigid endoscope, which can save the cost, because of the widely using in many other departments.
Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Laryngeal Diseases ; pathology ; Laryngoscopy ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Vocal Cords ; pathology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE: To provide clinical reference by summarizing and analyzing characteristics, therapeutic principles and methods for special cases of esophageal foreign bodies. METHOD: Statistical analysis 182 cases with esophageal foreign bodies, including 41 special cases. Surgery 165 cases, 17 cases without surgery. RESULT: One hundred and seventy-five cases were cured, 7 cases improved. Hospitalization time 0.5-50 d (average 4.5 d). CONCLUSION It is important to learn about characteristics of esophageal foreign bodies, therapeutic principles and methods for special cases, and it's a key point to diagnosis early and remove the foreign bodies as soon as possible, and comprehensive treatment measures are really effective to process special cases.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Esophagus ; Female ; Foreign Bodies ; therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult