[Transnasal endoscopic anatomy and approaches to the cavernous sinus].

Objective: The goal of the current study is to describe the transnasal endoscopic anatomy of the cavernous sinus and to provide the surgical approaches to this area.

Methods: Six silicon-injected adult cadaveric heads (12 sides) were dissected through endoscopic endonasal approach. The cavernous sinus and adjacent structures were exposed; detailed anatomies were demonstrated.

[A preliminary study on the regulation mechanism of p38MAPK on MUC5AC in allergic rhinitis].

Objective: To detect the effect of p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) on the expression of mucin5AC (MUC5AC) in human nasal mucosa induced by histamine in vitro, and to investigate the pathogenesis of mucus hypersecretion in allergic rhinitis (AR).

Method: Western blot was performed to detect the protein expressions of p38MAPK, COX-2 and MUC5AC in nasal mucosa induced by histamine or blocked by selective inhibitors of p38MAPK and COX-2 of different concentration gradient.

Result: Weak expressions of p38MAPK.

Endoscopic transsphenoidal approach to pituitary adenomas invading the cavernous sinus.

Background: Surgery of pituitary adenomas invading cavernous sinus has always been thought as a challenge due to the complex anatomical structures and high risk of complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate endoscopic transsphenoidal approach to pituitary adenomas invading cavernous sinus.

Methods: The clinical data of 22 patients who admitted to Xuanwu Hospital with pituitary adenomas invading cavernous sinus were analyzed retrospectively.

Diagnosis and clinical characteristics of congenital anosmia: case series report.

Objective: congenital anosmia is extremely rare and tends to present late. We report on a series of patients with congenital anosmia to analyze its clinical characteristics and present illustrative cases.

Design: retrospective chart review.

[Construction, expression and refolding of recombinant luteinizing hormone releasing hormone-angiogenin toxin].

Objective: To express, purify and refold recombinant luteinizing hormone releasing hormone-angiogenin (LHRH-Ang) toxin using E. coli. expression system.

[Five cases of invasive rhino-orbital-skull base aspergillosis with orbit apex syndrome initial presentation].

Objective: Although rare, invasive rhino-orbital-skull base aspergillosis usually is fatal and necessitates prompt diagnosis, surgical intervention and antifungal treatment.

Method: A case series of 5 patients, with review of treatments and outcomes.

Result: Five patients initially presented with orbital apex syndrome without apparent rhino-sinus disease.

Transclival cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea as the initial presenting symptom of a tiny intradural chordoma.

We report a patient with a tiny intradural clival chordoma, which was identified following presentation with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea as the initial symptom. The transclival dural defect and the intradural tumor were successfully localized by both radiological investigation and intraoperative endoscopic inspection. The tumor was totally resected and the CSF fistula was repaired by an endoscopic endonasal approach.

[Expression of E-cadherin catenin complex and invasiveness of pituitary adenoma].

Objective: To explore the relationship between the E-cadherin catenin complex and invasiveness of pituitary adenoma.

Methods: The expression of E-cadherin catenin complex was determined by immunohistochemistry in 78 cases of human pituitary adenomas including invasive adenoma 44 cases, noninvasive adenoma 34 cases and the relativity of their expressions with hormone-producing, pituitary apoplexy and necrosis or cystoid change, tumor diameter were analyzed.

Results: The invasive group had a significantly lower expression of E-cad and alpha-cat than that of noninvasive group (chi-squared = 13.

[Using of titanium mesh for the reconstruction of skull base defect].

Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the possibility and surgical principle of titanium mesh used for the reconstruction of skull base bone defect.

Methods: The clinical data of 11 patients with defect of skull base bone repaired with titanium mesh were retrospectively analysed.

Results: Among 11 patients, there were 6 patients with skull base tumor, 3 patients with fibrosis hyperplasia, 2 patients with encephalomeningocele.