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Τετάρτη 19 Μαΐου 2021

Following historical ‘tracks’ of hair follicle miniaturisation in patterned hair loss: Are elastin bodies the forgotten aetiology?

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Abstract

Pattern Hair Loss (PHL) is a chronic regressive condition of the scalp, where follicular miniaturisation and decreased scalp hair coverage occurs in affected areas. In all PHL cases there is a measurable progressive shortening of the terminal hair growth duration, along with reduced linear growth rates. In both genders, PHL initially shows an increase in short telogen hairs ≤30mm in length, reflecting a cycle completion of under six months in affected terminal hair follicles. To understand the miniaturisation process, we re-examine the dynamics of miniaturisation and ask the question, 'why do miniaturised hair follicles resist treatment?' In the light of recent developments in relation to hair regeneration, we looked back in the older literature for helpful clues 'lost to time' and reprise a 1978 Hermann Pinkus observation of an array of elastin deposits beneath the dermal papilla following subsequent anagen/telogen transitions in male balding, originally described by Ar ao and Perkins who concluded that these changes provide a "morphologic marker of the entire biologic process in the balding scalp". Thus, we have reviewed the role of the elastin-like bodies in hair pathology and we propose that alterations in elastin architecture may contribute to the failure of vellus-like hair reverting back to their terminal status and may indicate a new area for therapeutic intervention.

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Cortactin expression assessment improves patient selection for a watchful waiting strategy in pT1cN0‐staged oral squamous cell carcinomas with a tumor infiltration depth below 4 mm

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Abstract

Background

In this feasibility study we aimed to evaluate the value of previously reported molecular tumor biomarkers associated with lymph node metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) to optimize neck strategy selection criteria.

Methods

The association between expression of cortactin, cyclin D1, FADD, RAB25, and S100A9 and sentinel lymph node status was evaluated in a series of 87 (cT1-2N0) patients with OSCC treated with primary resection and SLNB procedure.

Results

Tumor infiltration depth and tumor pattern of invasion were independent prognostic markers for SLN status, while none of the tumor makers showed a better prognostic value to replace SLNB as neck staging technique in the total cohort. However, in the subgroup of patients with pT1N0 OSCC, cortactin expression (OR 16.0, 95%CI 2.0–127.9) was associated with SLN classification.

Conclusions

Expression of cortactin is a promising immunohistochemical tumor marker to identify patients at low risk that may not benefit from SLNB or END.

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Complications after Functional Neck Dissection in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: An Observational, Retrospective, Single-Centre Study

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Introduction: Functional neck dissection (FND) represents a surgical procedure usually associated with less morbidity. Methods: An observational, retrospective, analysis of patients diagnosed with any type of head and neck malignancy was designed to summarize and report the incidence of postoperative complications in patients undergoing FND including just those levels described for selective neck dissections in a tertiary university hospital between June 2016 and J une 2019. Results: 131 patients met the inclusion criteria. The total number of sides studied was 200. 40.5% of the patients suffer a complication in the postoperative period, being the spinal accessory nerve (SAN) injury the most common complication (10%). We did not find any statistical ­correlation between the previous organ-preservation treatments and surgical complications (p = 0.207). An advanced T stage (p = 0.009) and the need of bilateral FND (p = 0.034) were significantly correlated with a higher risk of surgical complications. Conclusion: FND represents a useful technique. In this study, 40.5% of the patients suffer a complication in the postoperative period, being the SAN injury the most common complication. However, these data contribute to increasing our knowledge about surgical complications related to FND.
ORL
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Effects of Several Therapeutic Agents on Mammalian Vestibular Function: Meclizine, Diazepam, and JNJ7777120

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Abstract

Management of vestibular dysfunction may include treatment with medications that are thought to act to suppress vestibular function and reduce or eliminate abnormal sensitivity to head motions. The extent to which vestibular medications act centrally or peripherally is still debated. In this study, two commonly prescribed medications, meclizine and diazepam, and a candidate for future clinical use, JNJ7777120, were evaluated for their effects on short latency compound action potentials generated by the peripheral vestibular system and corresponding central neural relays (i.e., vestibular sensory-evoked potentials, VsEPs). The effects of the selected drugs developed slowly over the course of two hours in the mouse. Findings indicate that meclizine (600 mg/kg) and diazepam (> 60 mg/kg) can act on peripheral elements of the vestibular maculae whereas diazepam also acts most effectively on central gravity receptor circuits to exert its suppressive effe cts. The novel pharmacological agent JNJ7777120 (160 mg/kg) acts in the vestibular periphery to enhance macular responses to transient stimuli (VsEPs) while, hypothetically, suppressing macular responses to sustained or slowly changing stimuli.

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Current Understanding of Epigenetics in Atopic Dermatitis

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Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disorder affecting up to 20% of the pediatric population worldwide. AD patients commonly exhibit dry skin and pruritus and are at a higher risk for developing asthma as well as allergic rhinitis. Filaggrin loss-of-function variants are the most widely replicated genetic risk factor among >40 genes associated with AD susceptibility. The prevalence of AD has tripled in the past 30 years in industrial countries around the world. This urgent public health issue has prompted the field to more thoroughly investigate the mechanisms that underlie AD pathogenesis amidst environmental exposures. Epigenetics is the study of heritable, yet reversible, modifications to the genome that affect gene expression. The past decade has seen an emergence of exciting studies identifying a role for epigenetic regulation associated with AD and at the interface of environmental factors. Such epigenetics studies have been empowered by sequencing technologies and human genome variation and epigenome maps. miRNAs that post-transcriptionally modify gene expression and circRNAs have also been discovered to be associated with AD. Here we review our current understanding of epigenetics associated with atopic dermatitis. We discuss studies identifying distinct DNA methylation changes in keratinocytes and T cells, eQTLs as DNA methylation switches that impact gene expression, and histone modification changes associated with AD-related microbial dysbiosis. We further highlight the need for integrative and collaborative analyses to elucidate the impact of these epigenetic findings as potential drivers for AD pathogenesis and the translation of this new knowledge to develop newer targeted treatments.

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Cutibacterium acnes: much ado about maybe nothing much

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Abstract

Cutibacterium acnes (also known as Propionibacterium acnes) has long been implicated in the pathogenesis of acne, inspiring both therapeutic and personal care approaches aiming to control the disease by controlling the bacterium. The purported association has made people with acne feel dirty and led to the –at times excessive- use of cleansers, antiseptics and antibiotics for the condition. However, recent evidence seems to weaken the case for C. acnes' involvement. New genetics and molecular biology findings strongly suggest that abnormal differentiation of sebaceous progenitor cells causes comedones, the primary lesions in acne. Comodegenesis is initiated by androgens and is unlikely to be triggered by C. acnes, which probably doesn't affect sebaceous differentiation. Is there still a place for it in this understanding of acne? It is necessary to critically address this question because it has consequences for treatment. Antibiotic use for acne noticeably contributes to microbial drug resistance, which we can ill afford. In this Viewpoint, we explore if and how C. acnes (still) fits into the developing view on acne. We also briefly discuss the implications for therapy in the light of antibiotic resistance and the need for more targeted therapies.

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Wound healing applications of creams and “smart” hydrogels

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Abstract

Although superficial wounds are often easy to treat for healthy individuals, there are some more severe types of wounds (burns, ulcers, diabetic wounds, etc.) that are a challenge for clinicians. A good therapeutic result is based on the delivery of a treatment at the right time, for the right patient. Our goal was to sum up useful knowledge regarding wound healing and wound treatments, based on creams and hydrogels with various active ingredients. We concluded that both preparations have application in preventing infections and promoting healing, but their efficacy is clearly conditioned by the type, depth, severity of the wound and patient profile. However, due to their superior versatility and capability of maintaining the integrity and functionality of the active ingredient, as well as it's controlled release at site, hydrogels are more suited for incorporating different active ingredients. New wound healing devices can combine smart hydrogel dressings with physical therapie s to deliver a more efficient treatment to patients if the indications are appropriate.

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Mitigating the Effects of Acute Vocal Exertion in Individuals With Vocal Fatigue

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Objectives/Hypothesis

To investigate the effects of acute vocal exertion on individuals with vocal fatigue and to determine whether semi-occluded vocal tract exercises (SOVTEs) are more effective than vocal rest in mitigating acute effects.

Study Design

Prospective, repeated-measures design.

Methods

On consecutive days, 10 individuals (6 males, 4 females) with scores indicating vocal fatigue on the Vocal Fatigue Index completed two 10-minute vocal exertion tasks. Vocal rest or SOVTEs were interspersed in counterbalanced order between exertion tasks. Respiratory kinematic, acoustic, aerodynamic, and self-perceptual measures were collected at baseline, following vocal exertion, following SOVTE/vocal rest, and following the second exertion task.

Results

Acute vocal exertion worsened phonation threshold pressure (P < .001) and vocal effort (P < .001) and reduced maximum fundamental frequency (P < .001). Speech was terminated at lower lung volumes following vocal exertion (decreased lung volume termination [LVT], P < .001). Exertion-induced changes in vocal effort and LVT were significantly reversed by both vocal rest and SOVTE. Detrimental changes in voice measures reoccurred following the second vocal exertion task. SOVTE and vocal rest protected against changes in respiratory kinematics when vocal exertion was resumed.

Conclusions

Vocal exertion impacted laryngeal, respiratory, and self-perceptual measures in individuals with vocal fatigue. Both SOVTE and vocal rest partially mitigated changes in voice measures and prompted more efficient respiratory strategies that were maintained when vocal exertion resumed. These data increase our understanding of how individuals with vocal fatigue respond to vocal exertion tasks and offer preliminary guidance for optimal clinical recommendations.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 2021

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Prevalence and Features of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux in Patients with Primary Burning Mouth Syndrome

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Objectives/Hypothesis

To investigate the prevalence and features of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in patients with primary burning mouth syndrome (BMS).

Study Design

Prospective uncontrolled study.

Methods

Patients who visited our Departments of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck and Maxillofacial surgery with BMS were prospectively recruited from September 2018 to September 2020. Patients benefited from dental, maxillofacial, otolaryngological examinations, and hypopharyngeal–esophageal impedance pH-monitoring (HEMII-pH). Oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal findings and symptoms were rated with Reflux Sign Assessment (RSA) and Reflux Symptom Score-12 (RSS-12). Patients were treated with a combination of diet, pantoprazole, and alginate.

Results

From the 81 included patients, 76 reported >1 pharyngeal reflux events (93.8%), accounting for 35 (46.1%), 24 (31.6%), and 17 (22.3%) acid, mixed, and nonacid LPR, respectively. Thirty-two patients had both LPR and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Thirty-eight patients benefited from pepsin saliva measurement, which was positive in 86.8% of cases. The mean scores of mouth/tongue burning, RSS-12, and RSA significantly improved from pre- to post-treatment (P < .004). At 3-month post-treatment, 62.5% of patients reported an improvement of mouth/tongue burning score. Patients with both GERD and LPR reported higher baseline RSS-12 and RSA scores.

Conclusion

Acid, weakly acid, and nonacid LPR may be involved in the development of BMS. The use of an appropriate treatment considering the reflux features is associated with an improvement of symptoms and findings.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 2021

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Invasive fungal sinusitis in post COVID‐19 patients: a new clinical entity

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Abstract

Objectives

Occurrence of invasive fungal respiratory superinfections in patients with COVID-19 has gained increasing attention in the latest studies. Yet, description of acute invasive fungal sinusitis with its management in those patients is still scarce. This study aims to describe this recently increasing clinical entity in relation to COVID-19 patients.

Methods

Prospective longitudinal study included patients diagnosed with acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis after a recent COVID-19 infection. Antifungal agents given included amphotericin B, voriconazole and/or posaconazole. Surgical treatment was restricted to patients with PCR negative results for COVID-19. Endoscopic, open and combined approaches were utilized to eradicate infection. Follow-up for survived patients was maintained regularly for the first postoperative month.

Results

A total of 36 patients with a mean age of 52.92 ± 11.30 years old were included. Most common associated disease was diabetes mellitus (27.8%). Mycological analysis revealed infection with Mucor and Aspergillus species in 77.8% and 30.6% of patients, respectively. Sino-nasal, orbital, cerebral and palatine involvement was found in 100%, 80.6%, 27.8% and 33.3% of patients, respectively. The most common reported symptoms and signs are facial pain (75%), facial numbness (66.7%), ophthalmoplegia and visual loss (63.9%). All patients were treated simultaneously by surgical debridement with antifungal medications except for two patients with PCR positive swab for COVID-19. These two patients received antifungal therapy alone. Overall survival rate was 63.89% (23/36).

Conclusion

Clinical suspicion of acute invasive fungal sinusitis among COVID-19 patients and early management with antifungal therapy and surgical debridement is essential for better outcomes and higher survival.

Level of evidence

IV.

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Pseudocyst in Neck: A Case Report on Rare Complication of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt

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Case Rep Otolaryngol. 2021 Apr 30;2021:6656506. doi: 10.1155/2021/6656506. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Ventriculoperitoneal shunt is a common neurosurgical procedure, for the definitive management of hydrocephalus. Shunt failures may occur due to various causes but are usually due to infections in adults and catheter occlusion in the paediatric population. Case Report. The 13-year-old girl presented with a right lateral neck swelling. In detailed history, she was found to be an old case of ventriculoperitoneal shunt. The clinical examination and radiological investigation revealed proximal dislodgment of the stent from the cranium, causing persistent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and pseudocyst formation in the neck.

CONCLUSION: The case highlights CSF pseudocyst formation as a rare differential for lateral neck swellings.

PMID:34007501 | PMC:PMC8110417 | DOI:10.1155/2021/6656506

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Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor (IMT) of the Trachea Excised by Transtracheal Surgery: Case Report

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Ear Nose Throat J. 2021 May 19:1455613211014076. doi: 10.1177/01455613211014076. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This report describes an extremely rare case of a primary inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the trachea. The patient underwent surgical resection by a transtracheal approach and reconstruction with esophageal tracheoplasty. This case report highlights the rarity of such tumors and a minimally invasive and safe surgical technique for tumors around the central ne ck structures.

PMID:34006125 | DOI:10.1177/01455613211014076

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