Clinical high-resolution imaging and grading of endolymphatic hydrops in Hydropic Ear Disease at 1.5 T using the two-slice grading for vestibular endolymphatic hydrops in less than 10 min

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Clinical high-resolution imaging and grading of endolymphatic hydrops in Hydropic Ear Disease at 1.5 T using the two-slice grading for vestibular endolymphatic hydrops in less than 10 min Via http://link.springer.com/journal/405,European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology,The European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2021 Mar 9. doi: 10.1007/s00405-021-06731-7. Online ahead of print. ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Hydropic Ear Disease (Menière) is one of the most common inner ear disorders and one of the most common causes of vertigo attacks. The underlying pathology is a distension of the endolymphatic space of the inner ear, termed endolymphatic hydrops. However, the unequivocal morphologic confirmation of ELH has been restricted to post-mortem histologic analysis until 2007, when the first clinical MR imaging report demonstrated ELH in living patients with Menière's disease at 3 T combined with intratympanic application of contrast. Imaging techniques have since then evolved further. However, a high magnetic field strength of 3 T has consistently been mandatory for reliable clinical imaging of ELH. This limitation has significantly prevented ELH imaging from being widely available across different health care systems around th e world. With the aim of filling this gap, in the present study, we aim to describe the feasibility of ELH imaging at 1.5 T in clinical practice and to develop a dedicated grading system for cochlear and vestibular ELH for MR imaging at 1.5 T. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we examined 30 patients with suspected hydropic ear disease undergoing diagnostic MR imaging. Contrast agent was diluted eightfold in saline solution and unilaterally applied by intratympanic injection as described previously. MRI scanning was performed using a 16-channel head coil on a 1.5 T Achieva Philips Medical Systems Scanner using a 3D FLAIR sequence. For the cochlea, a 3-stage grading was developed. For the vestibulum, a 4-stage grading based on two axial slices was developed by analysing both the superior and the inferior part of the vestibulum. The presence of hydropic herniation of the endolymphatic space into the posterior crus of the horizontal semicircular canal was evaluated. RES ULTS: In all 30 patients, the perilymphatic fluid spaces of the inner ear showed clear and high signal intensity, while the endolymphatic space was not enhanced. In all patients, the vestibular endolymphatic space could be clearly delineated and differentiated from the perilymphatic space. Analysis of the cochlear endolymphatic space revealed no evidence of ELH in 7 patients, a grade 1 cochlear ELH in 11 patients and a grade 2 cochlear ELH in 12 patients. Analysis of the vestibular endoylmphatic space revealed no evidence of ELH in 8 patients, a grade 1 vestibular ELH in 5 patients, a grade 2 vestibular ELH in 9 patients and a grade 3 vestibular ELH in 8 patients. Three patients showed a clear hydropic herniation of the vestibular endolymphatic space into the posterior non-ampullated crus of the horizontal SCC. CONCLUSION: In summary, the findings presented in this study offer an easy, reliable and universally available technique of ELH imaging for diagnostic management of pat ients with suspected Hydropic Ear Disease. PMID:33687507 | DOI:10.1007/s00405-021-06731-7 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Clinical and videofluoroscopic outcomes of laparoscopic treatment for sliding hiatal hernia and associated gastroesophageal reflux in brachycephalic dogs

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Clinical and videofluoroscopic outcomes of laparoscopic treatment for sliding hiatal hernia and associated gastroesophageal reflux in brachycephalic dogs Via swallowing exercises Vet Surg. 2021 Mar 9. doi: 10.1111/vsu.13622. Online ahead of print. ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To describe a laparoscopic technique for treatment of sliding hiatal hernia (SHH) and associated gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in brachycephalic dogs and document clinical and videofluoroscopic outcomes postoperatively. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical trial. ANIMALS: Eighteen client-owned dogs. METHODS: A three-port laparoscopic approach was used. Intracorporeal suturing wa s used for hiatal plication and esophagopexy, and left-sided laparoscopic or laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy was performed. A standardized canine dysphagia assessment tool (CDAT) questionnaire was completed by owners pre- and postoperatively. Videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) were used to evaluate esophageal function, and impedance planimetry was used to assess lower esophageal sphincter geometry preoperatively and in a subset of dogs postoperatively. RESULTS: Median age was 27.5 (range 5-84) months. Conversion to open surgery was necessary in 1 (5.5%) of 18 dogs. Regurgitation after eating, and associated with activity/exercise, improved significantly when comparing pre- and postoperative CDAT assessments. Hiatal hernia and GER severity scores improved significantly between pre- and postoperative VFSS assessments, whereas SHH and GER frequency scores did not. One dog developed pneumothorax intraoperatively, underwent cardiopulmonary arrest, and died. Minor complicatio ns included splenic (n = 6) and hepatic lacerations (n = 3) that did not require specific therapy. CONCLUSION: A laparoscopic approach to treatment of SHH and GER led to improvements in clinical and VFSS indices in the majority of brachycephalic dogs. However, a subset of dogs still demonstrated some clinical signs postoperatively. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In experienced hands, laparoscopic treatment of SHH and GER offers a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery. PMID:33687078 | DOI:10.1111/vsu.13622 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Use of Radiofrequency Technology in Endonasal Skull Base and Transcranial Procedures

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Use of Radiofrequency Technology in Endonasal Skull Base and Transcranial Procedures Via Journal of Neurological Surgery Part B: Skull Base J Neurol Surg B Skull Base DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1721820 Objective Radiofrequency ablation is widely utilized in otorhinolaryngology. It is used for ablation, coagulation and resection, and hemostasis. It causes tissue destruction through a chemical interaction of ions. The potential benefit is to cause less thermal injury to surrounding tissues compared with other coagulative tools. In this article, we present novel uses of radiofrequency ablation in endoscopic endonasal, and transcranial surgery. This is the first study to describe its use in transcranial cases. Design, Setting, and Participants This is a retrospective study of patients between 2016 and 2018 who underwent either endoscopic endonasal or transcranial surgery where radiofrequency ablation was used. Main Outcome Measures We looked at indication for usage, blood loss, postoperative imaging to identify any stroke or edema, and clinical outcomes of these patients. Results The radiofrequency device was used in eight endoscopic endonasal cases and four craniotomies. Four cases were for encephalocele repair and eight were for various intracranial pathologies. In endonasal encephalocele repair, the radiofrequency ablation helped in shrinking the herniated brain while minimizing thermal injury to the surrounding tissue. In tumors resection, the combination of ablation and coagulation effect was particularly effective for highly vascularized tumors. There were no vascular or major neurologic injuries. Postoperative periencephalocele edema was noted in one case. Conclusion Initial experience with radiofrequency ablation showed that it was a safe technique to use in both endonasal skull-base and transcranial procedures. It seemed particularly useful for highly vascularized tumors but a greater experience is needed to further clarify its role in these procedures. [...] Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany Article in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Impact of Type of Treatment Center and Access to Care on Mortality and Survival for Skull Base Chordoma and Chondrosarcoma

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Impact of Type of Treatment Center and Access to Care on Mortality and Survival for Skull Base Chordoma and Chondrosarcoma Via Journal of Neurological Surgery Part B: Skull Base J Neurol Surg B Skull Base DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1722228 Background In adults with skull base chordoma or chondrosarcoma, the impact of treatment center and access to care have not been well described in regard to perioperative mortality and survival. Methods A query of the National Cancer Database (NCDB) and review of 1,102 adults—488 with chordomas and 614 with chondrosarcomas—was performed. The Kaplan–Meier's product limit method and chi-square analysis, respectively, assessed overall survival and 30-day (30D) and 90-day (90D) mortalities. Results For 925 patients who had surgery and available mortality data, the 30D and 90D mortality rates were 0.9 and 1.5%. Lower education level (p = 0.0185) and treatment at a nonacademic facility (p = 0.016) were associated with increased risk of 90-day mortality. Median follow-up was 52 months and analysis was dichotomized by histology. For those with skull base chordoma, patients from a larger metro size (p = 0.002), age below the median 52 years (p ≤ 0.001), and private insurance (<0.001) were associated with prolonged survival, whereas for skull base chondrosarcoma, the factors were treatment at an academic medical center (p = 0.001), high-volume center (p = 0.007), age below the median 52 years (p ≤ 0.001), higher income (p = 0.043), higher education (p = 0.017), and private insurance (p ≤ 0.001). Comparing high-, medium-, and low-volume centers, high-volume centers were most likely to be academic, deliver radiotherapy, escalate doses >70 Gy, and utilize proton radiotherapy consistent across both disease subsets. Conclusion Higher educational attainment and treatment at an academic facility were associated with decreased 90D mortality for patients with skull base chordoma and chondrosarcoma. For those with skull base chordoma, larger metro size, younger age, and private insurance were associated with prolonged survival; for those with chondrosarcoma, it was treatment at a high-volume or academic medical center, younger age, higher income or education, and private insurance. [...] Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany Article in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Transmastoid Trautman's Triangle Combined Low Retrosigmoid Approach for Foramen Magnum Meningiomas: Surgical Anatomy and Technical Note

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Transmastoid Trautman's Triangle Combined Low Retrosigmoid Approach for Foramen Magnum Meningiomas: Surgical Anatomy and Technical Note Via Journal of Neurological Surgery Part B: Skull Base J Neurol Surg B Skull Base DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1713755 Objective This study was aimed to assess the potential of utilizing a transmastoid Trautman's triangle combined low retrosigmoid approach for ventral and ventrolateral foramen magnum meningiomas (FMMs) surgical treatment. Methods We simulated this transmastoid Trautman's triangle combined low retrosigmoid approach using five adult cadaveric heads to explore the associated anatomy in a step-by-step fashion, taking pictures of key positions as appropriate. We then employed this approach in a single overweight patient with a short neck who was suffering from large ventral FMMs and cerebellar tonsillar herniation. Results Through cadaver studies, we were able to confirm that this transmastoid Trautman's triangle combined with low retrosigmoid approach achieves satisfactory cranial nerve and vasculature visualization while also offering a wide view of the whole of the ventrolateral medulla oblongata. We, additionally, have successfully employed this approach to treat a single patient suffering from large ventral FMMs with cerebellar tonsillar herniation. Conclusion This transmastoid Trautman's triangle combined low retrosigmoid approach may represent a complement to treatment strategies for ventral and ventrolateral FMMs, particularly in patients with the potential for limited surgical positioning due to their being overweight, having a short neck and suffering from cerebellar tonsillar herniation. [...] Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany Article in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Multi-level factors associated with more intensive use of radioactive iodine for low-risk thyroid cancer

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Multi-level factors associated with more intensive use of radioactive iodine for low-risk thyroid cancer Via radioactive iodine J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2021 Mar 4:dgab139. doi: 10.1210/clinem/dgab139. Online ahead of print. ABSTRACT CONTEXT: The use of radioactive iodine (RAI) for low-risk thyroid cancer is common, and variation in its use exists, despite the lack of benefit for low-risk disease and potential harms and costs. OBJECTIVE: To simultaneously assess patient- and physician-level factors associated with patient-reported receipt of RAI for low-risk thyroid cancer. DESIGN, SETTING, PART ICIPANTS: This population-based survey study of patients with newly-diagnosed differentiated thyroid cancer identified via the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registries of Georgia and Los Angeles County included 989 patients with low-risk thyroid cancer, linked to 345 of their treating general surgeons, otolaryngologists and endocrinologists. MAIN OUTCOMES: Patient-reported receipt of RAI for low-risk thyroid cancer. RESULTS: Among this sample, 48% of patients reported receiving RAI, and 23% of their physicians reported they would use RAI for low-risk thyroid cancer. Patients were more likely to report receiving RAI if they were treated by a physician who reported they would use RAI for low-risk thyroid cancer compared to those whose physician reported they would not use RAI (Adjusted OR: 1.84, 95%CI: 1.29-2.61). The odds of patients reporting they received RAI was 55% lower among patients whose physicians reported they saw a higher volume of patients w ith thyroid cancer (40+ vs. 0-20) (Adjusted OR: 0.45, 0.30-0.67). CONCLUSIONS: Physician perspectives and attitudes about using RAI, as well as patient volume, influence RAI use for low-risk thyroid cancer. Efforts to reduce overuse of RAI in low-risk thyroid cancer should include interventions targeted towards physicians, in addition to patients. PMID:33687063 | DOI:10.1210/clinem/dgab139 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Diagnostic use of fine‐needle aspiration cytology and core‐needle biopsy in head and neck sarcomas

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Diagnostic use of fine‐needle aspiration cytology and core‐needle biopsy in head and neck sarcomas Via Head & Neck Abstract The diagnostic role of fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and core‐needle biopsy (CNB) has not been comprehensively assessed in head and neck sarcomas. A systematic review of published cases (1990–2020) was conducted. Diagnostic performance of both FNAC/CNB to determine tumor dignity and histopathological diagnosis was calculated. One hundred and sixty‐eight cases were included for which FNAC (n = 156), CNB (n = 8), or both (n = 4) were used. Predominant histologies were skeletal muscle, chondrogenic and vascular sarcomas. FNAC correctly assessed dignity in 76.3% and histology in 45% of cases. Dignity was significantly better for vascular tumors, metastatic and recurrent specimens, and worse for chondrogenic sarcomas. CNB showed a 92% accuracy to identify dignity and 83% for histopathology. FNAC and CNB are useful methods for the diagnosis of head and neck sarcomas, particularly well‐suited in the context of recurrent or metastatic disease. The role of CNB remains largely unexplored for this indication. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Intensity‐modulated radiation therapy for nasal cavity and paranasal sinus tumors: Experience from a single institute

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Intensity‐modulated radiation therapy for nasal cavity and paranasal sinus tumors: Experience from a single institute Via Head & Neck Abstract Background To assess the efficacy of intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for tumors of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus (PNS) region. Materials and Methods Two hundred fourteen patients with tumors of the nasal cavity and PNS region treated with curative intent IMRT between 2007 and 2019 were included in this retrospective analysis. Results Fifty‐one (24.1%) received definitive RT/CTRT and 163 (75.9%) received adjuvant RT. Most common histology was squamous cell carcinoma (26.1%) followed by adenoid cystic carcinoma (21.5%). The median follow‐up was 43.5 months. The 5‐year local control (LC), event‐free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS) for the entire cohort was 66.9%, 59%, and 73.9%, respectively. On univariate analysis treatment with nonsurgical modality, T classification and undifferentiated/poorly differentiated histology were associated with inferior 5‐year LC, EFS, and OS. Four patients had late Grade 3/Grade 4 ocular toxicity. Conclusions IMRT should be the standard of care for tumors of PNS region across all histologies and treatment setting. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Swallowing and communication outcomes following primary transoral robotic surgery

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Swallowing and communication outcomes following primary transoral robotic surgery Via Head & Neck Abstract Background Heterogeneity within studies examining transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) has made it challenging to make clear conclusions on functional outcomes. Infrequent use of instrumental swallow examinations compounds uncertainty surrounding the proposed functional advantage to TORS. Methods A prospective cohort of 49 patients underwent speech and swallowing assessment 12 months following treatment for OPC. Patients were assessed using fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), clinician‐ and patient‐reported outcomes. Participants were matched according to tumor site, T category, and age. Speech and swallowing outcomes were compared for those receiving TORS versus chemoradiation. Results When adjuvant radiotherapy to the primary site could be avoided, TORS demonstrated an advantage for feeding tube duration, secretion severity, penetration/aspiration, M. D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI), and airway protection. Conclusion This explorative study suggests that a treatment philosophy of selecting patients for TORS where adjuvant therapy can be omitted or confined to the neck warrants further evaluation. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

ASPP2 expression predicts the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader <em>ASPP2</em> expression predicts the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization Via Experimental and therapeutic medicine Exp Ther Med. 2021 Apr;21(4):397. doi: 10.3892/etm.2021.9828. Epub 2021 Feb 24. ABSTRACT Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) induces ischemia-hypoxia and local chemotherapy-induced cytotoxicity which destroys cancerous cells. However, some patients do not respond to TACE. The causes for such a lack of response remain unclear. Recent studies have revealed that self-regulation of apoptosis-stimulating p53 protein 2 (ASPP2) may play an important role in promoting cell survival under hypoxic conditions as well as chemotherapy resistance via autophagy in various types of cancer. We measured the expression of ASPP2, autophagy-related proteins and apoptotic proteins by western blot assays. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent risk factor. The present study found that ASPP2 expression was negatively correlated with that of BECN-1 (Beclin-1) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues. The expression of ASPP-1 was lower while that of Beclin-1 was higher in patients who underwent recurrence of HCC following TACE, than in those who do not undergo such a relapse. ASPP2 expression was also lower in cancerous tissues subjected to TACE, compared with that of directly resected cancerous tissue. The expression of LC3-II was also higher in patients with post-operative recurrence of HCC than in those without relapse. In vitro experiments showed that administration of an autophagy inhibitor, together with hypoxia activation and 5-FU treatment, promoted apoptosis in HepG2 liver cancer cells and primary HCC cells. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that ASPP2 expression in cancer tissue following TACE is an independent risk factor for HCC recurrence as well as overall survival. Higher levels of ASPP2 expression were notably associated with higher objective responses evaluated via mRECIST. Thus, patients with resectable HCC showing high levels of ASPP2 ex pression may benefit from neoadjuvant TACE prior to resection. Our study provided a novel biomarker for HCC prognosis following TACE, based on cell survival mechanisms related to autophagy. PMID:33680119 | PMC:PMC7918402 | DOI:10.3892/etm.2021.9828 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Schisantherin A improves learning and memory abilities partly through regulating the Nrf2/Keap1/ARE signaling pathway in chronic fatigue mice

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Schisantherin A improves learning and memory abilities partly through regulating the Nrf2/Keap1/ARE signaling pathway in chronic fatigue mice Via Experimental and therapeutic medicine Exp Ther Med. 2021 Apr;21(4):385. doi: 10.3892/etm.2021.9816. Epub 2021 Feb 23. ABSTRACT Chronic fatigue is frequently accompanied by decreased learning and memory capabilities. Schizantherin A (SCA) is one of the main active monomer components in Schisandra chinensis lignans. In the present study, a chronic fatigue mouse model was established using the exhausted swimming approach to investigate the effects of SCA on learning and memory and its associated mechanism of action. Learning and memory abilities were tested by step through tests and water maze methods. Levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in hippocampal tissue were measured by corresponding assays. The effect of SCA on the expression of kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), Bcl2, Bax and cleaved caspase-3 were determined by we stern blot. The present results showed that SCA can improve the learning and memory capabilities of chronic fatigue mice. SCA was found to increase the activities of SOD and CAT in addition to increasing the levels of GSH but reduced the levels of MDA in hippocampus tissues. Furthermore, SCA treatment downregulated the protein expression levels of Keap1, Bax and cleaved caspase-3 and upregulated the protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO1 and Bcl2 in the hippocampus. These results suggested that modulations in the Nrf2-Keap1-antioxidant response element pathway, anti-oxidative and anti-apoptosis effects are the causes underlying the improvements from SCA treatment on the learning and memory abilities of chronic fatigue mice. PMID:33680107 | PMC:PMC7918174 | DOI:10.3892/etm.2021.9816 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.