Olfactory epithelium neural stem cell implantation restores noise-induced hearing loss in rats.

Objective: In this study, we aimed to elucidate the restorative effects of olfactory epithelium neural stem cells (oe-NSCs) implantation on noise-induced hearing loss and establish their mechanism of action.

Methods: To model hearing loss, rats were subjected to consecutive seven-day noise exposure. Then, oe-NSCs were implanted into cochlear tissue by retroauricular approach.

Trends in Specific Immunotherapy for Allergic Rhinitis: A Survey of Chinese ENT Specialists.

Purpose: Specific immunotherapy (SIT) is a suitable but uncommon treatment option for allergic rhinitis (AR) in China. The current understanding and attitude of Chinese ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialists in regards to SIT is unclear. This study investigates current trends in the awareness and application status of SIT among Chinese ENT specialists.

[Comparison of clinical characteristics between patients with non-allergic and allergic rhinitis].

Objective: To analyze and compare the differences of clinical characteristics and comorbidities between patients with non-allergic rhinitis (NAR) and allergic rhinitis (AR).

Methods: A total of 556 out-patients were enrolled from January 2010 to June 2011. The chief complaints of the patients included at least two of the following nasal symptoms: nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sneezing, and nasal itching.

[Evaluation of exposure and sensitization to house dust mites among rhinitis patients in the steppe environment of Inner Mongolia].

Objective: To evaluate the correlation of exposure and sensitization to house dust mites among rhinitis patients, and the consistency of skin prick test (SPT) and serum specific IgE (sIgE) in the detection of sensitization in a steppe environment of inner Mongolia.

Methods: Three hundreds and fourteen patients with rhinitis symptoms were recruited in this study in a hospital setting at Xilinhot City, inner Mongolia. All patients underwent medical history investigation, anterior rhinoscopy, and allergen tests in vivo (SPT) and in vitro (sIgE).

[Clinical efficacy of subcutaneous and sublingual immunotherapy in mite-sensitized patients with allergic rhinitis].

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy of subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) with standardized house dust mite (HDM) extract for persistent allergic rhinitis (PER).

Methods: Ninety-eight patients with moderate to severe PER caused by HDM and who completed SCIT (Alutard SQ, ALK-Abell¨®) or SLIT (Chanllergen-Df drops, Wolwo Pharma) regimen for two years were enrolled in this open-label controlled study. The patients were divided into two groups: SCIT group consisted of 40 patients aged 7 to 57 years old [(19.