Using the external auditory canal skin graft of the healthy side to treat unilateral congenital aural atresia: preliminary results of clinical research / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To investigate whether the contralateral normal external auditory canal (EAC) skin graft can maintain the ear canal health after EAC reconstruction in unilateral congenital aural atresia (CAA) cases. Methods: A Zelen design randomized controlled study was used to collect unilateral CAA patients for EAC reconstruction prospectively (clinical trial registration number: ChiCTR2000032103). The patients were randomly divided into the control group and the trial group. The trial group used the contralateral normal EAC skin graft group (transplant part of the contralateral normal EAC skin to repair the atresia side for unilateral CAA patients), the control group all used scalp blade thick skin. We observed the EAC health and hearing results of the two groups after EAC reconstruction. Results: A total of 13 cases were enrolled from July 2020 to August 2021. There were eight patients in the trial group, including six males and two females, with an average age of 22.3 years (14-36 years). There were two patients with CAA on the left and six patients on the right. The average follow-up time was 8.8 months (4-14 months). There were five patients in the control group, all cases were male with an average age of 16.2 years (12-20 years). There were four patients with CAA on the left and one patient on the right. The average follow-up time was 7.0 months (2-14 months). In the trial group, eight cases of reconstructed EAC epithelium were healthy, one patient had cicatricial stenosis of EAC opening and lateralization of the tympanic membrane. The other patient had cicatricial stenosis of reconstructed EAC, this case also had scar hyperplasia of the contralateral EAC opening but recovered after soft packing and triamcinolone acetonide injection treatment. The healthy side EAC of the rest trial group had no scarring stenosis or local bone hyperplasia during long-term follow-up. In the control group, one patient was lost to follow-up and the other four patients had dry ears of reconstructed EAC, but easily to form crusts and needed to be cleaned repeatedly, one patient had lateralization of the tympanic membrane, the EAC epithelium was not healthy for long-term follow-up. The incidence of complications related to EAC reconstruction was lower than previous studies (χ²=5.55, P=0.018), and the average postoperative Air-Bone Gap increased (18.8±10.0)dB. Conclusion: By optimizing the EAC reconstruction technology, the health of the reconstructed EAC is improved compared with the previous study. After active intervention and treatment, there should be no scarring stenosis or local bone hyperplasia on the contralateral side EAC.

Erianin Inhibits Proliferation of Bladder Cancer 5637 Cells Through Akt / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the role of protein kinase B （Akt） overexpression in the inhibition of human bladder cancer 5637 cell proliferation by erianin and related mechanisms. MethodThe 5637 cells stably over-expressing Akt were induced using the lentivirus vector. The 5637 cells infected with the empty vector were classified into blank group. Then the Akt group， empty vector combined with erianin （62.5 μg·L-1） group， and Akt combined with erianin （62.5 μg·L-1） group were set up. The cell viability was detected by cell counting kit-8 （CCK-8） assay， and the clone formation of 5637 cells in each group was determined in the clone formation experiment. The cell cycle distribution was detected by flow cytometry. Western blot was used to assay the protein expression levels of phosphorylated （p）-Akt， Akt， p21. The glycolysis of 5637 cells was determined in glucose uptake and lactate secretion assays. ResultCompared with the blank group， erianin inhibited the proliferation of bladder cancer 5637 cells （P<0.05）. Overexpression of Akt partially reversed the inhibitory effect of erianin on the proliferation of bladder cancer 5637 cells （P<0.05）. Clone formation assay showed that erianin inhibited the clone formation of bladder cancer 5637 cells （P<0.05）， which was partially reversed by the overexpressed Akt （P<0.05）. As revealed by comparison with the blank group， erianin arrested the bladder cancer 5637 cells in G1 phase （P<0.05）， which was also reversed by the overexpressed Akt （P<0.05）. Western bolt showed that erianin promoted the expression of p21 but suppressed the expression of p-Akt and Akt （P<0.05）. By contrast， the overexpression of Akt down-regulated the elevated p21 protein expression induced by erianin （P<0.05）. Compared with the blank group， erianin inhibited the glucose uptake and lactate secretion of bladder cancer 5637 cells （P<0.05）. Overexpression of Akt weakened the inhibitory effect of erianin against the glycolysis of 5637 cells （P<0.05）. ConclusionErianin is able to inhibit the proliferation of bladder cancer 5637 cells， promote the expression of p21， and inhibit the expression of p-Akt. Overexpressed Akt reduces the inhibitory effect of erianin on the proliferation of bladder cancer 5637 cells， suggesting that Akt plays an important role in the inhibition of 5637 cell proliferation by erianin， which has provided a new target for the application of erianin in the treatment of bladder cancer.

Correction of severe cup ears using postauricular tongue-shaped flap combined with deep fascial suspension / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the effect and satisfaction of using the postauricular tongue-shaped flap combined with deep fascia suspension in correcting severe cup ear malformation. Methods: Between August 2018 and November 2019, nine cases (10 ears) of Tanzer type Ⅲ severe cup ear malformation were treated with postauricular tongue-shaped flap combined with deep fascia suspension in this study. Results: Nine cases primary healed without hematoma, infection or skin necrosis, except one case with postoperative incision dehiscence. The cup ear deformity was significantly improved after the operation, the helix was intact, and the anti-helix was visible. The length, width, and circumference of the auricle were significantly enlarged three months following surgeries. There were no other complications except 1 patient recurrence 12 months after surgery. The patients were highly satisfied with the results of the surgery. Conclusions: Although the aesthctic of the reconstructed auricle is insufficient, this new technology makes full use of the autologous auricle tissue to correct severe cup ear malformation with good results.

Toxicological characteristics of Ochratoxin A and its impact on male reproduction / 中华男科学杂志

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is found not only nephrotoxic, teratogenic, neurotoxic, and immunotoxic, but also reprotoxic for human and animals. In the recent decade, more attention has been paid to the impact of OTA on human reproduction and the studies of its underlying mechanisms. Many studies show that OTA affects the function of the reproductive system by acting as an endocrine disrupter and, as a testicular toxin, decreases sperm quality and even induces testis cancer. This review summarizes the toxicological characteristics and toxicokinetic process of OTA as well as recent progress in the studies of various toxic effects of OTA and their underlying mechanisms, hoping to call the attention from more people to the toxicity of OTA to male reproductive health.

The Age-Related Orientational Changes of Human Semicircular Canals

OBJECTIVES: Some changes are found in the labyrinth anatomy during postnatal development. Although the spatial orientation of semicircular canals was thought to be stable after birth, we investigated the age-related orientational changes of human semicircular canals during development. METHODS: We retrospectively studied the computed tomography (CT) images of both ears of 76 subjects ranged from 1 to 70 years old. They were divided into 4 groups: group A (1-6 years), group B (7-12 years), group C (13-18 years), and group D (>18 years). The anatomical landmarks of the inner ear structures were determined from CT images. Their coordinates were imported into MATLAB software for calculating the semicircular canals orientation, angles between semicircular canal planes and the jugular bulb (JB) position. Differences between age groups were analyzed using multivariate statistics. Relationships between variables were analyzed using Pearson analysis. RESULTS: The angle between the anterior semicircular canal plane and the coronal plane, and the angle between the horizontal semicircular canal plane and the coronal plane were smaller in group D than those in group A (P<0.05). The JB position, especially the anteroposterior position of right JB, correlated to the semicircular canals orientation (P<0.05). However, no statistically significant differences in the angles between ipsilateral canal planes among different age groups were found. CONCLUSION: The semicircular canals had tendencies to tilt anteriorly simultaneously as a whole with age. The JB position correlated to the spatial arrangement of semicircular canals, especially the right JB. Our calculation method helps detect developmental and pathological changes in vestibular anatomy.

Anatomic Variants on Computed Tomography in Congenital Aural Atresia and Stenosis

OBJECTIVES: To quantitatively analyzing the anatomic variants on temporal computed tomography (CT) in congenital external auditory canal stenosis (EACS), congenital aural atresia (CAA), and normal ear structure. METHODS: Through a retrospective study, we analyzed 142 temporal high-resolution CT studies performed in 71 microtia patients. The following 6 parameters were compared among the three groups: Marx classification, medial canal diameter, vertical facial nerve (VFN) anterior displacement, tegmen mastoideum position, tympanic cavity volume, and malleus-incus joint or malleus-incus complex (MIC) area. RESULTS: The results showed that the microtia distributions in the Marx classification in these three groups were significantly different, as 86% (31 of 35) of ears with major microtia (third-degree dysplasia) had an atresia, and in 54.8% (23 of 42) of the minor microtic (first-degree or second-degree) ears, the bony or cartilaginous part of the external auditory canal was stenotic. Measurement data also showed that the potential medial canal diameter of the atresia group was obviously shorter than that of the stenosis group. The VFN anterior displacement and temporomandibular joint backward-shift together lead to medial canal diameters in ears with atresic canals that is smaller than those with stenotic canals. The tegmen mastoideum position was not significantly different between the three groups. CONCLUSION: The mal-development of the external auditory canal is significantly associated with auricle and middle ear developmental anomalies. Compared with CAA ears, EACS have better development of the auricle, canal, tympanic cavity and MIC and relatively safer surgical operation except for the position of the tegmen mastoideum and the VFN.

Laryngotracheal reconstruction in children with subglottic stenosis / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) in children with subglottic stenosis (SGS), and to discuss the indications and the risks of intraoperative and postoperative treatment of LTR.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From September 2008 to February 2010, 5 children (4 girls and 1 boy, aged 4 to 6 years) were treated by LTR. Among the 5 children, there were 2 congenital SGS and 3 acquired SGS. One had mild grade III SGS, 3 had severe grade III SGS, and one had grade IV SGS. One child with mild III SGS was treated by single-stage LTR, and the rest four children were treated by double-stage LTR. The surgical technique consisted of cricoid lamina midline vertical incision, rib cartilage graft interposition and endotracheal tube (ETT) stenting for 2 to 3 weeks.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Four children with grade III SGS were de-cannulated 3 months after operation, and the child with grade IV SGS got de-cannulated 6 months after operation. Of all children, rib cartilage graft grower well, and the size of subglottis were amplified by grade III SGS to grade I SGS, and grade IV SGS to grade II SGS. All children obtained stable airway. One child with grade IV SGS who had hoarseness got effective phonation during follow-up 2 years after operation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>LTR is a safe and effective treatment for pediatric subglottic stenosis. The important factors of successful operation are correct assessment and evaluation of the severity and overall medical status and selection of suitable surgical techniques.</p>

Morphological changes associated with low-tone hearing loss in guinea pig models of early endolymphatic hydrops / 生理学报

The present study was to explore the functional and morphological changes in cochleas of guinea pig models of early endolymphatic hydrops. Thirty albino guinea pigs were randomly divided into three groups: control, 4-week model and 8-week model groups. For each group, n = 10. Model groups were operated on the right ears to result in endolymphatic hydrops with the method of slight destruction of endolymphatic sac and duct from extradural posterior cranial fossa approach, and the animals in control group were sham operated. Electrocochleogram recorded by trans-tympanic approach and auditory brainstem response (ABR) were tested in preoperative model groups, control group, 4-week model group and 8-week model group to assess the hearing changes. Histologic morphometry was used to quantify hydrops by testing scala media area (SMA) ratio. Scanning electron microscope was used to assess the changes of cochlea hair cells. The results showed that the summating potential/compound action potential (SP/AP) ratio of electrocochleogram in 4-week model group (0.33 ± 0.14) and 8-week model group (0.43 ± 0.14) increased significantly, compared with that in control group (0.07 ± 0.06). The maximum SMA ratio in 4-week model group (2.64 ± 0.10) and 8-week model group (3.54 ± 0.13) increased significantly, compared with that in control group (1.06 ± 0.08). The results of maximum SMA ratio correlated with SP/AP ratio of electrocochleogram (r = 0.86). The results of hearing threshold of ABR revealed that the operated ears of model groups were higher than the preoperative results at frequencies of 2 kHz and 4 kHz. And the damage of cochlea hair cells in operated ears occurred in apical and subapical turns. These results suggest the increased SP/AP ratio of electrocochleogram can indicate early endolymphatic hydrops. There is low-tone hearing loss in guinea pig models of early endolymphatic hydrops, and it may be associated with the abnormalities of the stereocilia among the outer hair cells in operated ears which occurs in apical and subapical turns.

Analysis of correlation between congenital auricular deformities and middle ear malformations / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the potential value of knowing the relationship between congenital auricular deformities and middle ear malformations.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 86 patients with congenital auricular deformities and middle ear malformations, including 51 males and 35 females, were admitted from January 2008 to December 2009 to the Eye Ear Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan University. Fifty-eight patients had unilateral deformities (R:L = 34:24), while 28 were bilateral. One hundred and fourteen ears with congenital auricular deformities were included. High-resolution CT (HRCT) data was obtained from each patient. The auricular deformities were classified into three grades using the Marx H classification system. The modified Jahrsdoerfer grading system was used to score the malformations using HRCT data. The correlation between the grades of auricular deformities and scores of middle ear malformations was analyzed using Spearman rank correlation analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The Marx H grades of congenital auricular deformities were 12 patients with grade I, 25 patients with grade II and 77 patients with grade III, while their corresponding Jahrsdoerfer scores were 7.8 ± 2.4, 6.8 ± 2.6 and 6.0 ± 2.8, respectively. The statistical analysis suggested a trend of negative correlation between the Marx H grades of auricular deformities and the Jahrsdoerfer scores of middle ear malformations (r = -0.2386, P = 0.0106).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There was a trend to a negative correlation between congenital auricular deformities and middle ear malformations.</p>

Different prognostic characteristics between profound sudden sensorineural hearing loss and total sudden hearing loss / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To clarify the different prognostic characteristics between profound sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and total SSNHL.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The patients with SSNHL who visited Eye Ear Nose and Throat Hospital from June 2007 to September 2008 were reviewed retrospectively. All the 204 patients, with pure tone average (PTA) threshold more than 90 dB, were enrolled and divided into two groups, including total SSNHL and profound SSNHL groups. The relationship between recovery rate and prognostic factors including the age, complications, time period between onset and therapy was analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were 57 cases of total SSNHL and 147 cases of profound SSNHL in this series. Tinnitus was complained in more than 90% of the patients in both groups, which was higher than that of dizziness and ear fullness. Dizziness was present in 64.9% (37/57) patient with total SSNHL group and 45.6% (67/147) patients with profound SSNHL, which had significant difference between the two groups (χ(2) = 5.72, P = 0.017). The PTA threshold improvement in total SSNHL group and profound SSNHL group was (36.4 ± 19.3) dB and (40.2 ± 21.3) dB respectively, which was no significant difference between the two groups (t = 1.165, P = 0.245). The cured patients were all those received therapy within 1 week following the onset of SSNHL, which was of 2.6% (1/38) patients in the total SSNHL group and 14.3% (14/98) patients in the profound SSNHL group (P = 0.045). Furthermore, 3.5% (2/57) patients in total SSNHL group as well as 29.9% (44/147) patients in profound SSNHL group obtained a good result with PTA threshold ≤ 50 dB after therapy (χ(2) = 15.92, P = 0.001). In addition, the favorable prognosis was related with the onset-therapy time point(P = 0.001), but not related to the patients' age.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Profound SSNHL and total SSNHL though both with PTA threshold > 90 dB had significant differences recovery rate and need to be studied separately.</p>

Distribution of dexamethasone in cochlea after intratympanic injection in rats / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the distribution and pharmacokinetics of dexamethasone of different concentrations in the inner ears of SD rats after intratympanic injection.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 144 adult SD rats were anaesthetized and dexamethasone sodium phosphate of different concentrations (5 mg/ml, 10 mg/ml, 20 mg/ml) was injected into the tympanums. The rats were sacrificed at various postinjection survival times (5 min, 10 min, 15 min, 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h), and every 4 rats were included into each group. Then after a series of processes the inner ear tissue was cryostat sectioned. The distribution of dexamethasone was evaluated using immunofluorescence with semiquantitative analysis. Immunofluorescence was also used in another 4 normal SD rats to detect the distribution of Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in the inner ear.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Dexamethasone was observed initially 15 min after local drug administration and 30 min to its peak level. The highest concentration of dexamethasone labeling was seen in the spiral ligament, organ of Corti and spiral ganglion, which paralleled the distribution of GR. The tissue concentration of 10 mg/ml and 20 mg/ml groups was higher than 5 mg/ml every corresponding time point, and the lasting time was also prolonged from 48 hours to 72 hours.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Dexamethasone can enter into the cochlear tissue quickly after transtympanic injection, and its distribution accords nearly exactly with that of GR. Increase of the concentration of dexamethasone results in higher tissue distribution and longer lasting time.</p>

Preliminary study on intratympanic dexamethasone injection for management of patients with profound sudden hearing loss / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effects of intratympanic dexamethasone injection on patients with profound sudden hearing loss.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>All patients in the present study were profound sudden hearing loss, with initial hearing loss of more than 90 dB, but no previous interventions was conducted on the 78 patients within 2 weeks onset of sudden hearing loss. Patients were assigned to 3 groups according to patients' choice, Group I (local and general dexamethasone administration, 22 cases), Group II (Intravenous dexamethasone injection, 44 cases), Group III (intratympanic dexamethasone injection, 12 cases). In addition, vessel dilation drugs, neurotrophic and hyperbaric oxygen therapy were also conducted on all patients. Intravenous dexamethasone was applied 15 mg/dx3 d, 10 mg/dx3 d and 5 mg/dx3 d, respectively. Intratympanic dexamethasone (5 mg/ml, 0.8 ml) injection was performed during 10 days (1 injection/2 days). Pure tone test was conducted on 10th, 20th, and 30th day after intervention.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The factors which may impact on the prognosis were matched in all three groups. The threshold improvement more than 30 dB was 81.82% in group I, 83.3% in group II and 88.64% in group III. Statistical study showed there was no significant different among 3 groups (P=0.726). On the 30th day after intervention, pure tone threshold improvement was 41.36 dB in group I (local and general dexamethasone administration), 43.08 dB in group II (intravenous dexamethasone injection) and 51.70 dB in group III (intratympanic dexamethasone injection). Furthermore, pure tone threshold improvement among the 3 groups was no statistical different (F=1.58, P=0.2133). Obvious hearing improvement was noted on the 10th day after intervention, but no further improvement showed after 20 days intervention. More hearing improvement was revealed in the low frequency, while less hearing improvement was achieved in the high frequency.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Comparison with intravenous dexamethasone injection, intratympanic dexamethasone injection did not provide more hearing improvement on patients with profound sudden hearing loss.</p>

Prognostic factors for patients with the idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the prognostic factors associated with the sudden idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss, to predict the prognosis of patient with idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss precisely.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eight hundreds and eighty two patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss were retrospectively reviewed during January 2006 to March 2007. Patients whose initial hearing threshold < or =40 dB were excluded. The patients with initial hearing threshold >40 dB were recruited, which was divided into six subgroups based on the patterns of audiogram: downgrade audiogram subgroup, upgrade audiogram subgroup, flat audiogram subgroup, concave audiogram subgroup, profound audiogram subgroup and total deafness subgroup.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Regarding to the relationship between the time point for initial intervention and the prognosis, better prognosis was obtained in patients whose initial intervention was within 3 days of the disease, good prognosis was achieved within 1 or 2 weeks of the disease, poor prognosis was noted beyond 2 weeks of this disease. Furthermore, comparison with the initial intervention within 3 week, 1 month and 1 month later, the prognosis among them was not statistical different. 97.7% hearing recovery was achieved in the concave subgroup with the initial hearing threshold >40 dB group. Comparison with the other subgroup (except total deafness subgroup), the cure rate and recovery rate was 23.8% and 57.9% respectively in the profound subgroup. Poor prognosis was demonstrated in the total deafness subgroup and inefficacy rate was 67.4% in the total deafness subgroup. Comparison with patients without companying complications, the prognosis of patients with companying complications such as diabetes or high blood pressure has negative impact in hearing recovery. The age was correlated with the prognosis, elder had poor prognosis, patients more than 50 years old present with worse hearing than that less than 50 years old (H = 7.851, P = 0.0051).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The initial intervention beyond 2 weeks had negative impact on the prognosis. The initial audiogram patterns and hearing threshold were both significant factors on the prognosis of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss. In addition, old patient had poor prognosis. The companying complications such as high blood pressure and diabetes had negative impact on the prognosis of idiopathic sudden hearing sensorineural loss.</p>

Diversity analysis of soil dematiaceous hyphomycetes from the Yellow River source area: I / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Twenty-four soil samples of eight ecosystem-types around the Yellow River source area were investigated for the number and specific composition of soil dematiaceous hyphomycetes by dilution plate technique. And then the co-relationship between genus species of soil dematiaceous hyphomycetes and ecosystem-types was analyzed. The results show that the amount and species distribution of soil dematiaceous hyphomycetes had an obvious variability in different ecosystem-types, and that the dominant genus species varied in the eight ecosystem-types studied, with Cladosporium being the dominant genus in seven of the eight ecosystem-types except wetland. The index of species diversity varied in different ecosystem-types. The niche breadth analysis showed that Cladosporium had the highest niche breadth and distributed in all ecosystem-types, while the genera with a narrow niche breadth distributed only in a few ecosystem-types. The results of niche overlap index analysis indicated that Stachybotrys and Torula, Doratomyces and Scolecobasidium, Cladosporium and Chrysosporium had a higher niche overlap, whereas Arthrinium and Gliomastix, Phialophora and Doratomyces, Oidiodendron and Ulocladium had no niche overlap.

Precise three-dimensional modeling and virtual visualization of human membranous labyrinthine / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish a precise three-dimensional model of membranous labyrinth for further morphologic investigation and physiological research.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Complete series of serial unstained celloidin sections of a fresh human temporal bone were taken photos by high-pixel digital camera. The images were then processed with the technique of photo stitch and employed to reconstruct the three-dimensional model of the membranous labyrinth using the method of surface rendering.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In 3D-Doctor software, the model was displayed by different methods. The model was also exported to VRML format and their virtual visualization was realized through the software of Cortona virtual reality modeling language viewer.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Precise modeling of membranous labyrinth could be realized by advanced imaging technique. With the advanced virtual reality software and equipment, the virtual visualization of membranous labyrinth could be realized, which would benefit the morphologic investigation and education.</p>

Three-dimensional morphological measurements of the utricle, saccule and stapes footplate / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the optimal drill area on the footplate with the 3D measurements of the stapes and the vestibular end organs.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Four temporal bones were extracted from the fresh cadavers and undecalcified polymer-embedded. After serially sectioning, image processing and the 3D precisely reconstruction, a local Cartesian coordinates was established in which the tympanic surface of the footplate was supposed to be XY plane and the Z coordinate axis passed through the central point of the footplate and was vertical to the XY plane. The configurations of the utricle and saccule were delineated quantitatively, and then any distance between one point on the surface of the footplate and another point on the surface of the utricle or saccule and its orientation can be measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was a "V" shaped cleft between the utricle and the saccule. The angle of the" V" shaped cleft was 50.31 +/- 19.90 (17.00 - 68.00) degrees. The apex of the cleft directed anterosuperiorly and approached the footplate center, while beneath the posteroinferior part of the footplate was an open and deep area. The vertical distance from the center point of the footplate to the vestibular end organs was (2.20 +/- 0.548) mm, the maximum of 3.0 mm and the minimum of 1.6 mm.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The posterior and inferior quadrant of the footplate may be the optimal drill area for the fenestra.</p>

Molida therapy in the out-patient department for patients with III B prostatitis / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the therapeutic effect of Molida therapy in the out-patient department for patients with III B prostatitis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and thirty-six patients with II B prostatis accompanied with psychological disorder of different degrees were divided into two groups: Group A (68 cases), treated with routine drug and Molida therapy, and Group B (68 cases), treated with routine drug only. The therapeutic effects of the two groups were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After an 8-week treatment, the scores of self-feeling symptoms of SCL-90, SAS and SDS in Group A were 70.5 +/- 22.3, 18.7 +/- 8.5 and 21.4 +/- 9.0, respectively, significantly lower than those in Group B (P < 0.05) and the rates of efficacy and obvious efficacy in alleviating prostatodynia in Group A were 100% and 72.1%, respectively, both higher than in Group B (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Molida therapy in the out-patient department is useful in improving the psychological disorder and enhancing the therapeutic effect for patients with III B prostatitis.</p>

IMPROVING TOBACCO QUALITY BY FUNGAL LEAVENS / 微生物学通报

Effects of 7 fungus strains on tobacco quality by applying fungal leavens on upper leaves were studied. Results showed that BF03, BF06 and BF63 can remarkably change the chemical components of tobacco, such as soluble sugar, protein, nicotine etc., and make them more harmonious. And the smoking quality of the flue-cured tobacco leaves treated was much better than the control.