Gene transfer into primary cultures of fetal neural stem cells by a recombinant adenovirus carrying the gene for green fluorescent protein

Objective: To evaluate the transduction efficiency of a recombinant adenovirus carrying the gene for green fluorescent protein (Ad-GFP) into the primary cultures of fetal neural stem cells (NSCs) by the expression of GFP. Methods: The Ad-GFP was constructed by homologous recombination in bacteria with the AdEasy system; NSCs were isolated from rat fetal hippocampus and cultured as neurosphere suspensions. After infection with the recombinant Ad-GFP, NSCs were examined with a fluorescent microscopy and a flow cytometry for their expression of GFP. Results: After the viral infection, flow cytometry analysis revealed that the percentage of GFP-positive cells was as high as 97.05%. The infected NSCs sustained the GFP expression for above 4 weeks. After differentiated into astrocytes or neurons, they continued to express GFP efficiently. Conclusion: We have success- fully constructed a viral vector Ad-GFP that can efficiently infect the primary NSCs. The reporter gene was showed fully and sustained expression in the infected cells as well as their differentiated progenies.

Cochlear implant challenges encountered in tuberculous otitis media

Tuberculous otitis media(TOM) is rare in ENT department,and is frequently misdiagnosed as otitis media.Thus early systemic treatment is very important for TOM.We reported a case report with TOM to highlight development of the disease and difficulties in clinical treatment in late stage of TOM.Implantation of ossified and eroded cochlea poses many unique challenges to both the surgeon and programming learn.With thorough preparation and complete knowledge about characters of specific issues,implantation would be performed successfully,and patients with ossified cochlear could benefit from cochlear implantation.

Bone remodeling in sigmoid sinus diverticulum after stenting for transverse sinus stenosis in pulsatile tinnitus: A case report

BACKGROUND Pulsatile tinnitus(PT)is a potentially disabling symptom that has received increasing attention.Multiple causes of PT have been confirmed by targeted treatment.However,dynamic changes of related structures in PT patients with multiple causes after stenting for ipsilateral transverse sinus stenosis(TSS)have not been previously reported.We report such a case and present postoperative computed tomography venography(CTV)follow-up findings to demonstrate the decreased sigmoid sinus diverticulum and bone remodeling.CASE SUMMARY A 45-year-old man suffered from left-sided PT for 15 years that was occasionally accompanied by headache and dizziness.Pre-operative CTV revealed left-sided sigmoid sinus wall anomalies(SSWAs),TSS,outflow dominance,large posterior condylar emissary vein,and an empty sella turcica.A cerebrospinal fluid pressure of 270 mmH2O was further detected.The sound disappeared immediately after stenting for ipsilateral TSS,with no recurrence during 2 years of follow-up.After the procedure,the patient underwent four consecutive CTV examinations.The diverticulum decreased 6 mo after the procedure with new bone remodeling.The density of the remodeled bone was further increased 1 year later,and a hardened edge was formed 2 years later.CONCLUSION PT associated with SSWAs,TSS,and idiopathic intracranial hypertension can be cured by stenting for TSS alone.And bone remodeling around SSWAs is a more significant finding.

Diploic vein as a newly treatable cause of pulsatile tinnitus: A case report

BACKGROUND Pulsatile tinnitus(PT)is an annoying sound that can be eliminated with targeted treatment of the cause.However,the causes of PT have not been fully elucidated.CASE SUMMARY A 38-year-old woman with right-sided objective PT underwent preoperative computed tomography arteriography and venography(CTA/V).A 3.8 mm vine diploic vein(DV),which passed through the mastoid air cells posteriorly in a dehiscent canal and was continuous with the transverse-sigmoid sinus,was thought to be the causative finding.Four-dimensional flow magnetic resonance(4D flow MR)imaging showed that the blood in the DV flowed toward the transverse-sigmoid sinus.The closer the blood was to the transverse-sigmoid sinus,the higher the velocity.No vortex or turbulence was found in the DV or adjacent transverse sinus.The sound was eliminated immediately after ligation of the DV with no recurrence during a three-month follow-up.No flow signal of the DV was noted on postoperative 4D flow MR.CONCLUSION A DV may be a treatable cause of PT.CTA/V and 4D flow MR could be utilized to determine the morphological and hemodynamic characteristics of the DV.

Transmastoid Approach for Resurfacing the Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence with a Dumpling Structure

Background： Superior semicircular canal dehiscence （SSCD） is gradually recognized by otologists in recent years. The patients with SSCD have a syndrome comprising a series of vestibular symptoms and hearing function disorders which can be cured by the operation. In this study, we evaluated the characteristics of patients with SSCD and determined the effectiveness of treating this syndrome by resurfacing the canal via the transmastoid approach using a dumpling structure. Methods： Patients with SSCD, confirmed by high-resolution computed tomography and hospitalized at Beijing Tongren Hospital between November 2009 and October 2012, were included in the study. All of the patients underwent the unilateral transmastoid approach for resurfacing the canal, and received regular follow-up after surgery. Data from preoperative medical records and postoperative follow-up were comparatively analyzed to evaluate the effect of surgery. Results： In total, 10 patients and 13 ears （three left ears, four right ears, three bilateral ears） were evaluated in the study, which included 7 men and 3 women. Different symptoms and distinctive manifestations of vestibular evoked myogenic potential were found in these patients. Alter surgery, 4 patients had complete resolution, 5 had partial resolution, and 1 patient, with bilateral SSCD, had aggravation. None of the patients suffered from serious complications such as sensorineural hearing loss, facial paralysis, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, or intracranial hypertension. Conclusions： In patients with unilateral SSCD, resurfacing the canal via the transmastoid approach using a dumpling structure is an effective and sate technique. However, more consideration is needed for patients with bilateral SSCD.