OBJECTIVE To preliminarily assess the horizontal sound localization and its influencing factors in patients with unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss during the acute phase.METHODS The azimuth discrimination test and azimuth identification test were completed,with the speech sound(65 dB SPL)as the stimulus.The minimum audible angle(MAA)and root-mean-square error(RMSE)were obtained,and the RMSE of the affected side and the healthy side were calculated respectively.According to the WHO(2021)hearing loss classification criteria,the data were analyzed based on the pure-tone average(PTA)of the affected ear.And the best resident hearing at each frequency of the affected ear was recorded.RESULTS The performance of the unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss patients in the sound localization varied greatly.Some performed close to the normal level,while others completely lost the ability to localize sound.The RMSE of the moderate hearing loss group(≥35 dB HL)was significantly higher than that of the normal hearing group(P<0.01),the MAA of the moderate to severe hearing loss group(≥50 dB HL)showed statistically significant differencescompared with normal hearing group(P<0.001).The RMSE of the affected side of patients in the severe and above hearing loss group was significantly larger than that of the healthy side.Regression analysis showed that the best resident hearing at each frequency of the affected ear was the most significant factor affecting MAA(R2=0.572,P<0.001)and RMSE(R2=0.768,P<0.001).CONCLUSION The horizontal sound localization of unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss patients in the acute phase varies greatly.When the PTA of the affected side reaches moderate hearing loss,the localization ability is significantly lower than that of normal-hearing individuals.The best resident hearing at each frequency of the affected ear is the key factor affecting the localization ability.

Postoperative stress symptoms are caused by surgical trauma,and now still lack active intervention methods to promote the recovery of body function in the field of western medicine.Professor Cai Bingqin analyzed the etiology and pathogenesis of stress symptoms after abdominal surgery,which usually manifested as abnormal sweating,sleep disorders,emotional disorders,and gastrointestinal dysfunction,and then put forward the concept of postoperative stress syndrome for the perioperative period.Professor Cai Bingqin believes that surgical stimulation,as the important etiological factor responsible for postoperative stress symptoms,can cause excessive stress in the body,which results in a series of symptoms affecting the recovery of patients.Liver plays a defensive and adaptive role in postoperative stress by regulating qi movement,blood circulation and emotions.The symptoms of abnormal sweating,sleep disorders and emotional disorders are related with the function of the liver in governing emotions,housing the ethereal soul,and ensuring the free movement of qi,while the gastrointestinal dysfunction manifestations of poor appetite,abdominal distention and constipation are due to the disharmony of liver and spleen.For the treatment of postoperative stress syndrome,Professor Cai proposes the principle of treating disease from the perspective of liver,and the methods of soothing liver and alleviating depression,and warming and activating qi movement are adopted.Sini San(Sini Powder for Soothing Liver and Regulating Qi)is commonly used as the basic prescription to ensure the normal function of liver and to ensure the free movement of qi,and then the harmony of qi and blood and the unobstruction of blood vessels will be achieved.Additionally,the assistance of therapy for invigorating spleen to dissolve dampness,and replenishing qi to consolidate superficies can adjust zang-fu organs'dysfunction,and will restore the balance of qi-blood and yin-yang.The proposal of"postoperative stress syndrome"will provide an approach to the management of perioperative period with traditional Chinese medicine,and will become the beneficial supplement to the existing fast-track surgery system.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to elucidate the therapeutic potential of osthole for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD), focusing on its ability to alleviate chronic pruritus (CP) and the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS: In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of osthole in both a 2,4-dichloronitrobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD mouse model and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) stimulated huma immortalized epidermal (HaCaT) cells. The anti-itch effect of osthole was specifically assessed in the AD mouse model. Using methods such as hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blot (WB), quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: Osthole improved skin damage and clinical dermatitis scores, reduced scratching bouts, and decreased epidermal thickness AD-like mice. It also reduced the levels of interleukin (IL)-31 and IL-31 receptor A (IL-31 RA) in both skin tissues and HaCaT cells. Furthermore, Osthole suppressed the protein expression levels of phosphor-p65 (p-p65) and phosphor-inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-Bα (p-IκBα). Meanwhile, it increased the protein expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) and PPARγ in HaCaT cells. CONCLUSION These findings indicated that osthole effectively inhibited CP in AD by activating PPARα, PPARγ, repressing the NF-κB signaling pathway, as well as the expression of IL-31 and IL-31 RA.

Objective:This study aims to explore the clinical effectiveness of a novel treatment method for refractory laryngeal contact granuloma, involving CO2 laser excision with local pedicled mucosal flap transfer combined with type A botulinum toxin injection. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 18 patients with refractory laryngeal contact granuloma who visited Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Nanjing Tongren Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University from January 2021 to June 2023. These patients underwent CO2 laser excision of the granuloma with local pedicled mucosal flap transfer combined with type A botulinum toxin injection. During follow-up, electronic laryngoscopy were performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, and local laryngeal mucosa, voice quality, and pharyngeal discomfort symptoms were evaluated. Results:Postoperative electronic laryngoscopy revealed the disappearance of granulomas in all 18 patients. Symptoms such as hoarseness, foreign body sensation in the throat, and cough were significantly improved. No complications were observed systemically or locally. No recurrence was observed during one-year follow-up. Conclusion:CO2 laser excision of granuloma with local pedicled mucosal flap transfer combined with type A botulinum toxin injection could eliminate the lesion, restore the integrity of the vocal fold lining, preserve the perichondrium, and provide a time window for mucosal flap recovery. This approach adheres to the principle of preserving normal mucosa, achieves a high cure rate, and is therefore worthy of widespread promotion and application in clinical practice.
Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Surgical Flaps ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/administration & dosage* ; Male ; Female ; Granuloma/therapy* ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Granuloma, Laryngeal/therapy* ; Laryngeal Diseases/therapy* ; Lasers, Gas/therapeutic use* ; Laryngoscopy ; Laser Therapy ; Treatment Outcome

Background Diesel engines are widely used in transportation, agriculture, construction, industry, and other fields. Diesel exhaust, classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, emits particles (DEP) that can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract, posing significant health risks. DEP pollution is particularly severe in confined environments, necessitating effective control measures. Objective Under laboratory simulation conditions, to explore the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of the mass and number concentrations of DEP as it diffuses indoors and to reveal the effects of ventilation and additional airflow on indoor DEP pollution levels. Methods A diesel engine was placed in a laboratory (length 3.39 m × width 2.85 m × height 2.4 m) with its exhaust emitted from east to west. An air purifier was installed 1 m south of the engine. Eight measurement points (1 m horizontal distance from the exhaust outlet, height: 1 m/1.5 m) were setup to monitor DEP concentrations using portable laser particle sizers. The effects of engine power (4.05 kW vs. 5.15 kW), ventilation (maximum airflow: 600 m³·h⁻¹), additional airflow intensity (low and high), and direction (forward/reverse) on DEP pollution were analyzed. DEP levels of 5 diesel vehicle models were also compared. Results The mass and number concentrations of DEP indoors increased immediately after the diesel engine started. The peak mass concentration time at the eastern measurement point (−1, 0) m opposite to the exhaust direction (17.70 min) was significantly longer than that at the western (1, 0) m (16.20 min), southern (0, -1) m (14.45 min), and northern (0, 1) m (12.70 min) points (P<0.05), with no significant differences between the other points (western, southern, and northern) (P>0.05). The northern point (0, 1) m exhibited the highest DEP mass and number concentration peaks (174.62 μg·m⁻³, 1319.85 p·cm⁻³), significantly exceeding those at the southern (0, −1) m (129.89 μg·m⁻³, 1175.24 p·cm⁻³), eastern (−1, 0) m (140.12 μg·m⁻³, 1120.53 p·cm⁻³), and western (1, 0) m (147.60 μg·m⁻³, 818.62 p·cm⁻³) points (P<0.05), and no significant differences were observed among other points (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in peak DEP mass and number concentrations by measurement heights (P>0.05). Diesel engine power, ventilation, airflow intensity, and airflow direction had no significant effect on the time of peak DEP concentration (P>0.05). However, higher engine power (5.15 kW) produced greater DEP peaks [(186.66±19.29) μg·m⁻³, (1382.79±122.56) p·cm⁻³] than the 4.05 kW engine power [(168.41±12.65) μg·m⁻³, (1284.45±71.30) p·cm⁻³] (P<0.05). The peak mass concentration [(342.04±35.03) μg·m⁻³] and number concentration [(1886.87±57.91) p·cm⁻³] of DEP in the non-ventilated group were significantly higher than those in the ventilated group [(186.66±19.29) μg·m⁻³, (1382.79±122.56) p·cm⁻³] (P<0.001). Forward airflow elevated DEP mass concentrations compared to reverse airflow (287.71 μg·m⁻³ vs. 243.74 μg·m⁻³, t=−2.592, P=0.009), but no effects on DEP number concentration (P>0.05). Significant differences in mass concentration were observed among selected 5 vehicle models (Z=38.109, P<0.001). Conclusion The operation of diesel engines will emit a large amount of particulate matter, causing pollution in enclosed spaces. Diesel engines with greater power have higher levels of DEP pollution emissions. Based on the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics, it is recommended to set the operation position in the reverse direction of exhaust emissions and close to air purifiers, while avoiding the use of additional air flow equipment.

Objective:To explore the the application and outcomes of microscopic vocal cord shortening with retrodisplacement of anterior commissure in voice feminization surgery.Methods:We conducted a retrospective analysis of 296 patients(including 3 cases of pseudohermaphroditism and 293 transgender women)who underwent this procedure at the Voice Center of Nanjing Tongren Hospital of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery between November 2014 and August 2023. The patients, aged 18-50 years (mean age of 28.3±14.5) underwent feminizing laryngoplasty via transoral microsurgery, involving resection of the superficial lamina propria of the anterior vocal cords and subglottic tissues of the anterior commissure, followed by vocal ligament plication to achieve vocal cords shortening and anterior commissure retrodisplacement. Patients adhered to a1-month voice rest postoperatively and subsequently underwent speech rehabilitation training. Subjective/objective voice analyses, aerodynamic evaluations, and stroboscopic examinations were performed at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively to assess the effectiveness of voice feminization.Results:All surgeries were performed successfully and 94.3% (279/296) of the patients reported satisfaction at the end of the one-year follow-up. For effective cases, fundamental frequency (F 0) increased by 57.42±16.72 Hz compared to baseline. Postoperative acoustic/aerodynamic parameters and stroboscopic findings of vocal cord mucosal wave motion remained within normal ranges. These results indicated that this voice feminization surgery combined with postoperative pronunciation training achieved natural and feminine vocal characteristics. Conclusion:The combination of vocal cord shortening and anterior commissure retrodisplacement, along with postoperative pronunciation training, represents an effective surgical strategy for achieving a natural feminine voice.

Objective:To investigate the correlation of SERPINC1 and SERPINE1 gene polymorphisms with venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with malignant tumors.Methods:A retrospective case-control study was conducted. A total of 227 patients with malignant tumors in the Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University from November 2023 to February 2024 were selected, of which 47 cases developed VTE (VTE group) and 180 cases did not develop VTE (non-VTE group). The patients' venous blood was collected, and D-dimer level was analyzed by using fully automatic coagulation analyzer; fluorescence staining was performed by using digoxin staining solution, and SERPINC1 rs2227589 locus and SERPINE1 rs1799762 locus were used as candidate genes, and fluorescence sequencing was performed by using multichannel fluorescence quantitative analyzer, and the frequencies of C, T, 4G and 5G genes were calculated.Results:There were no statistically significant differences in the age, gender, smoking, alcohol consumption, anticoagulant use, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease, surgical treatment, intravenous cannulae, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy between the 2 groups (all P > 0.05). The level of D-dimer in the VTE group was higher than that in the non-VTE group [(8.7±6.9) kg/m 2vs. (2.8±1.0) kg/m 2], and the difference was statistically significant ( t = 5.15, P < 0.001). The differences in C and T genotypes and gene frequencies at the SERPINC1 rs2227589 locus between the VTE group and the non-VTE group were not statistically significant (all P > 0.05). The differences in 4G and 5G genotypes and gene frequencies at the SERPINE1 rs1799762 locus between the VTE group and the non-VTE group were statistically significant (all P < 0.05), and 4G allele frequency in the VTE group was higher than that in the non-VTE group (52.13% vs. 39.72%), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2 = 4.70, P = 0.030). Conclusions:The elevated expression of 4G allele at the SERPINE1 rs1799762 locus in patients with malignant tumors is associated with development of VTE.

Objective:To explore the the application and outcomes of microscopic vocal cord shortening with retrodisplacement of anterior commissure in voice feminization surgery.Methods:We conducted a retrospective analysis of 296 patients(including 3 cases of pseudohermaphroditism and 293 transgender women)who underwent this procedure at the Voice Center of Nanjing Tongren Hospital of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery between November 2014 and August 2023. The patients, aged 18-50 years (mean age of 28.3±14.5) underwent feminizing laryngoplasty via transoral microsurgery, involving resection of the superficial lamina propria of the anterior vocal cords and subglottic tissues of the anterior commissure, followed by vocal ligament plication to achieve vocal cords shortening and anterior commissure retrodisplacement. Patients adhered to a1-month voice rest postoperatively and subsequently underwent speech rehabilitation training. Subjective/objective voice analyses, aerodynamic evaluations, and stroboscopic examinations were performed at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively to assess the effectiveness of voice feminization.Results:All surgeries were performed successfully and 94.3% (279/296) of the patients reported satisfaction at the end of the one-year follow-up. For effective cases, fundamental frequency (F 0) increased by 57.42±16.72 Hz compared to baseline. Postoperative acoustic/aerodynamic parameters and stroboscopic findings of vocal cord mucosal wave motion remained within normal ranges. These results indicated that this voice feminization surgery combined with postoperative pronunciation training achieved natural and feminine vocal characteristics. Conclusion:The combination of vocal cord shortening and anterior commissure retrodisplacement, along with postoperative pronunciation training, represents an effective surgical strategy for achieving a natural feminine voice.

Objective:To investigate the correlation of SERPINC1 and SERPINE1 gene polymorphisms with venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with malignant tumors.Methods:A retrospective case-control study was conducted. A total of 227 patients with malignant tumors in the Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University from November 2023 to February 2024 were selected, of which 47 cases developed VTE (VTE group) and 180 cases did not develop VTE (non-VTE group). The patients' venous blood was collected, and D-dimer level was analyzed by using fully automatic coagulation analyzer; fluorescence staining was performed by using digoxin staining solution, and SERPINC1 rs2227589 locus and SERPINE1 rs1799762 locus were used as candidate genes, and fluorescence sequencing was performed by using multichannel fluorescence quantitative analyzer, and the frequencies of C, T, 4G and 5G genes were calculated.Results:There were no statistically significant differences in the age, gender, smoking, alcohol consumption, anticoagulant use, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease, surgical treatment, intravenous cannulae, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy between the 2 groups (all P > 0.05). The level of D-dimer in the VTE group was higher than that in the non-VTE group [(8.7±6.9) kg/m 2vs. (2.8±1.0) kg/m 2], and the difference was statistically significant ( t = 5.15, P < 0.001). The differences in C and T genotypes and gene frequencies at the SERPINC1 rs2227589 locus between the VTE group and the non-VTE group were not statistically significant (all P > 0.05). The differences in 4G and 5G genotypes and gene frequencies at the SERPINE1 rs1799762 locus between the VTE group and the non-VTE group were statistically significant (all P < 0.05), and 4G allele frequency in the VTE group was higher than that in the non-VTE group (52.13% vs. 39.72%), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2 = 4.70, P = 0.030). Conclusions:The elevated expression of 4G allele at the SERPINE1 rs1799762 locus in patients with malignant tumors is associated with development of VTE.

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of microflap suture under self-retaining laryngoscope on benign vocal cord diseases.Methods A total of 115 patients with benign vocal cord diseases who underwent surgical treatment in the Binhai People's Hospital Affiliated to Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University and Nanjing Tongren Hospital Affiliated to School of Medicine of Southeast University were enrolled in this retrospective study.According to the surgical treatment methods,the patients were divided into observation group(58 patients were treated with microflap suture under self-retaining laryngoscope)and control group(57 patients received conventional surgery).The treatment effect,Voice Handicap Index-10(VHI-10)score,the scales of overall grade(G),roughness(R),breathiness(B),asthenian(A)and strain(S),and voice related parameters were compared between the two groups.Results The overall treatment effect of the observation group was significantly better than that of the control group(P＜0.05).There were no significant differences in the VHI-10 score functional score,physiological score,emotional score,VHI-10 score,GRBAS score,longest phonation time,recording fundamental frequency,fundamental frequency perturbation,amplitude perturbation,or voice harmonic ratio before treatment between the two groups(P＞0.05).After treatment,the VHI-10 score functional score,emotional score,total score),GRBAS score,the value of fundamental frequency perturbation and voice harmonic ratio in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P＜0.05);the longest phonation time in the observation group was significantly longer than that in the control group(P＜0.05).Conclusion Microflap suture under self-retaining laryngoscope is an effective treatment for benign vocal cord diseases,and the voice recovery is better after surgery.