Inner ear hair cells are the sensory receptors that detect and convert sound vibrations and head movements into neural signals. However, in humans, these cells are unable to regenerate if they are damaged or lost. Over thepast decade,there has been an exponential increase in interest and progress in understanding of the development of the inner ear and of hair cells, aiming to gain insights into hair cell repair or even regeneration. In hair cell development, various transcription factors have been found to be involved in the processes of hair cell proliferation, differentiation and survival. Among these transcription factors, Math1, Gata3, Sox2 and Atoh1 have been highlighted for their crucial role in the fate of hair cells. In this article, we will summarize the current understanding of the role of transcription factors in hair cell development, focusing on the role and possible mechanisms of Math1, Gata3, Sox2 and Atoh1.

The OSAS population had greater PWF compared to healthy subjects. The age dependency of PWF in healthy subjects implied which might play important roles in the development of OSAS. This noninvasive and reproducible technique might be a useful tool in OSAS clinical applications.

Objective: High dropout rate of CPAP is a big challenge. To improve the CPAP adherence, systemic upper airway management including subjective and objective nasal patency assessment, surgical and medical treatment to upper airway obstruction, and CPAP follow-up strategies were carried on in the present study. Method: A prospective study. A total of 169 OSA patients (women: 34; mean age, 42.9 years) and 41 healthy subjects (women: 9; mean age, 38 years) were undertaken for polysomnography and subjective and objective nasal patency assessment. CPAP users with upper airway disorder were treated with medication or surgically and followed for up to 3 years. Results: Average bilateral nasal cavity volume (2-5 cm from nostril) was 4.97 mL in OSA subjects and 6.43 in healthy subjects ( P < .01), and average nasal respiratory resistance was 2.03 Pa·cm-3·s-1 in OSA subjects and 0.44 in healthy subjects ( P < .01). There was no significant nasal patency difference among mild, moderate, and severe OSA patients. In 59 CPAP users, 27 were treated with nasal steroid spray and/or decongestant, whereas 10 were treated surgically (8 septoplasty and 2 tonsillectomy + UPPP). A total of 38 patients (64%) kept using CPAP over 4 hours per day, 9 (15%) dropped out, and 12 (21%) were lost in the 3 years follow-up. Conclusion: The incidence of nasal patency disorder was higher in OSA patients. Nasal airway assessment was helpful to foresee and deal with the problems with CPAP treatment, which would encourage patients to adhere to the treatment with medical or surgical interferences.

Presentation schedule is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, visit www.entnet.org/annual_meeting. Diego). Patients were evaluated at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Outcomes included AHI, oxygen desaturation index (ODI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index, and EQ-5D quality of life questionnaire.Results: Postsurgical transient tongue paresis was observed in 5 out of 56 patients (8.9%); all resolved spontaneously.