Deltopectoral Flap Reconstruction of the Posterior Pharyngeal Wall: A Single Stage Pedicle Flap Alternative Solution to the Free Flap Reconstruction of Circumferential Laryngopharyngeal Defects

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Deltopectoral Flap Reconstruction of the Posterior Pharyngeal Wall: A Single Stage Pedicle Flap Alternative Solution to the Free Flap Reconstruction of Circumferential Laryngopharyngeal Defects Via Otolaryngology Indian Abstract The first option for reconstruction of a circumferential pharyngeal defect following extensive pharyngo-laryngectomy is free tissue transfer. Despite that, pedicled flaps can be used when microsurgical expertise is not available or if other patient related or region related issues deem free tissue transfer unfavourable. The aim of this study was to review the operative feasibility and functional outcomes following dual flap reconstruction of circumferential pharyngeal defects.This was a retrospective study of all patients (n = 8) who underwent either primary (n = 5) or salvage (n = 3) circumferential laryngopharyngectomy + /– cervical oesophagectomy, followed by dual flap reconstruction, with a deltopectoral flap to reconstruct the posterior wall from 2005 to 2020. The main outcome measures were operative complications, hospital stay and functional outcomes (speech and swallowing). The operation was feasible in all patients, with dual flap recon struction using a deltopectoral flap, combined with a pectoralis major flap (n = 5) or a supraclavicular flap (n = 3). All patients developed a small, lateralised, self-healing fistula at the site of the deltopectoral flap 3-point junction. This did not require any intervention, or impact on adjuvant treatment. Functional outcomes were favourable, with all patients achieving oral diet. One patient required gastrostomy diet supplementation, and one patient required stricture dilatation. Of the patients able to receive a speech valve (n = 4), all achieved intelligible speech. Dual flap reconstruction of circumferential pharyngeal defects represents a feasible alternative option for a complex reconstructive problem. The predictable operative recovery and favourable functional outcomes indicate that the use of both a deltopectoral flap and a second flap is a robust reconstructive solution. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Bhramari Pranayama

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Acoustic Description of Bhramari Pranayama Via Otolaryngology Indian Abstract The study's aim was (1) To describe the acoustic characteristics of Bhramari pranayama, and (2) to compare the acoustic features of nasal consonant /m/ and the sound of Bhramari pranayama produced by yoga trainers. Cross-sectional study design. Thirty-three adult male yoga trainers performed five repeats of nasal consonant /m/ and Bhramari pranayama. These samples were recorded into Computerized Speech Lab, Kay Pentax model 4500b using a microphone (SM48). Formant frequencies (fF1, fF2, fF3, & fF4), formant bandwidths (BF1, BF2, BF3, & BF4), anti-formant, alpha and beta ratio were analyzed. Nasal consonant /m/ had higher fF2 and anti-formant compared to Bhramari pranayama. Statistical significant differences were noted in fF2, BF3, and anti-formant s. Bhramari pranayama revealed a low alpha ratio and a higher beta ratio than /m/. However, these differences were not statistically significant. Findings are discussed from acoustic and physiological perspectives. Bhramari pranayama was assumed to be produced with a larger pharyngeal cavity and narrower velar passage when compared to nasal consonant /m/. Verification at the level of the glottis and with aerodynamic parameters may ascertain the above propositions. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Robotic system for top to bottom MRgFUS therapy of multiple cancer types

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Robotic system for top to bottom MRgFUS therapy of multiple cancer types Via The International Journal of Medical Robotics and Computer Assisted Surgery ABSTRACT Background A robotic system for Magnetic Resonance guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) therapy of tumours in the breast, bone, thyroid, and abdomen was developed. Methods A special C-shaped structure was designed to be attached to the table of conventional MR imaging (MRI) systems carrying 4 computer-controlled motion stages dedicated to positioning a 2.75 MHz spherically focused transducer relative to a patient placed in the supine position. The developed system was evaluated for its MRI compatibility and heating abilities in agar-based phantoms and freshly excised tissue. Results Compatibility of the system with a clinical high-field MRI scanner was demonstrated. FUS heating in the phantom was successfully monitored by MR thermometry without any evidence of magnetically-induced phenomena. Cigar-shaped discrete lesions and well-defined areas of overlapping lesions were inflicted in excised tissue by robotic movement along grid patterns. Conclusions The developed MRgFUS robotic system was proven safe and efficient by ex-vivo feasibility studies. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Association between exposure to radioactive iodine after the Chernobyl accident and thyroid volume in Belarus 10-15 years later

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Association between exposure to radioactive iodine after the Chernobyl accident and thyroid volume in Belarus 10-15 years later Via radioactive iodine Environ Health. 2022 Jan 7;21(1):5. doi: 10.1186/s12940-021-00820-0. ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: While there is a robust literature on environmental exposure to iodine-131 (131I) in childhood and adolescence and the risk of thyroid cancer and benign nodules, little is known about its effects on thyroid volume. METHODS: To assess the effect of 131I dose to the thyroid on the volume of the thyroid gland, we examined the data from the baseline screening of the Bel arusian-American Cohort Study of residents of Belarus who were exposed to the Chernobyl fallout at ages ≤18 years. Thyroid dose estimates were based on individual thyroid activity measurements made shortly after the accident and dosimetric data from questionnaires obtained 10-15 years later at baseline screening. During baseline screening, thyroid gland volume was assessed from thyroid ultrasound measurements. The association between radiation dose and thyroid volume was modeled using linear regression where radiation dose was expressed with power terms to address non-linearity. The model was adjusted for attained age, sex, and place of residence, and their modifying effects were examined. RESULTS: The analysis was based on 10,703 subjects. We found a statistically significant positive association between radiation dose and thyroid volume (P < 0.001). Heterogeneity of association was observed by attained age (P < 0.001) with statistically significant association remain ing only in the subgroup of ≥18 years at screening (P < 0.001). For this group, increase in dose from 0.0005 to 0.15 Gy was associated with a 1.27 ml (95% CI: 0.46, 2.07) increase in thyroid volume. The estimated effect did not change with increasing doses above 0.15 Gy. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to examine the association between 131I dose to the thyroid gland and thyroid volume in a population of individuals exposed during childhood and systematically screened 10-15 years later. It provides evidence for a moderate statistically significant increase in thyroid volume among those who were ≥ 18 years at screening. Given that this effect was observed at very low doses and was restricted to a narrow dose range, further studies are necessary to better understand the effect. PMID:34996456 | DOI:10.1186/s12940-021-00820-0 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

New EMA drug approval: Nivolumab in association with chemotherapy as first line treatment for HER2-negative esophageal adenocarcinoma with PD-L1 expression (CPS≥5)

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader New EMA drug approval: Nivolumab in association with chemotherapy as first line treatment for HER2-negative esophageal adenocarcinoma with PD-L1 expression (CPS≥5) Via Association française pour l'étude du cancer Bull Cancer. 2022 Jan 4:S0007-4551(21)00576-2. doi: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2021.11.012. Online ahead of print. NO ABSTRACT PMID:34996599 | DOI:10.1016/j.bulcan.2021.11.012 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Dual VEGF/PDGF knockdown suppresses vasculogenic mimicry formation in choroidal melanoma cells via the Wnt5a/β-catenin/AKT signaling pathway

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Dual VEGF/PDGF knockdown suppresses vasculogenic mimicry formation in choroidal melanoma cells via the Wnt5a/β-catenin/AKT signaling pathway Via histochem Acta Histochem. 2022 Jan 4;124(1):151842. doi: 10.1016/j.acthis.2021.151842. Online ahead of print. ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the effects of knocking down both vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) on vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formation in choroidal melanoma (CM) cells. METHODS: Cell counting Kit (CCK)-8, monoclonal formation, wound healing, transwell and flow cytometry assays were used to observe the cell effects in CM cell line, ocular choroidal melanoma-1 cells (OCM-1) with respect to proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis. Three-dimensional (3D) cultures were also used to characterize VM tube structural effects in OCM-1 cells and western blotting was used to characterize protein expression changes in VM-related markers. RESULTS: Dual VEGF/PDGF knockdown suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion, but promoted cell apoptosis. It also reduced VM tube structures in OCM-1 cells. VM associated markers including, VE-cadherin, EphA2 and MT1-MMP were also down-regulated in OCM-1 cells. Similarly, Wnt5a, β-catenin and phosphorylated-AKT levels were also down-regulated. Western blotting and 3D cultures further demonstrated that combined Wnt5a silencing with dual VEGF/PDGF knockdown significantly decreased VE-cadherin and EphA2 levels and reduced VM tube structures in OCM-1 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Dual VEGF/PDGF knockdown suppressed cell growth and metastas is in OCM-1 cells, and blocked the Wnt5a/β-catenin/AKT signaling pathway thereby inhibiting VM formation. PMID:34995928 | DOI:10.1016/j.acthis.2021.151842 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

“Fizz Sign” in Acute Sinusitis–A CT Scan Finding

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader "Fizz Sign" in Acute Sinusitis–A CT Scan Finding Via Otolaryngology Indian Abstract To study the Computerized Tomography (CT) Paranasal Sinus findings in patients with acute bacterial sinusitis and the clinical symptom associated with it. 120 patients were examined over 2 years with coronal CT images of paranasal sinus with clinical symptoms of acute sinusitis of 2 weeks duration from the onset. Patients with symptoms of more than 2 weeks and patients with chronic sinusitis, immunocompromised status were excluded. Air mixed with fluid is seen like a Fizz of cola drink within the maxillary, frontal or sphenoid sinus, mucosal thickening of more than 5 mm, fluid level and presence of opacifications were used as evidence of acute sinusitis. 28 patients (23.3%) had Fizz sign (Air mixed with fluid seen as bubbles) coronal CT images of the paranasal sinus. The study demonstrated great variation in the CT paranasal findings amongst patients with suspected acute sinusitis. More than one sinus subsite was affected amongst pat ients in whom acute sinusitis was confirmed by CT Paranasal sinus imaging. We hereby highlight a new sign of air mixed with fluid which the senior author had named as Fizz Sign because of its resemblance to the fizz of dark cola drink. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Rhino-Cerebral Mucormycosis with Otologic Involvement

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Rhino-Cerebral Mucormycosis with Otologic Involvement Via Otolaryngology Indian Abstract Mucormycosis is an opportunistic invasive fungal infection, recently been detected in Covid-19 due to several underlying conditions. Otologic involvement in such patients though exceptional, should not be simply ignored even when presented without any clinical signs or symptoms. This report manifests the need of evaluating otologic involvement in post-covid mucormycosis. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Unusual Presentation of Otoacariasis

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Unusual Presentation of Otoacariasis: A Prospective Study at Referral Teaching Hospital Via Otolaryngology Indian Abstract Otoacariasis is the presence of ticks and mites within the ear canal. Though the coexistence of ticks and humans is known for thousands of years, tick infestation is relatively rare in urban population. The most common presenting symptoms are usually itching, otalgia and a foreign body sensation and less frequent ones are tinnitus and otorrhoea. We report cases of otoacariasis with unusual presentation. A total of 43 cases presented to the ENT clinic in our hospital over a period of three years from 2018 to 2021. We present patients who presented with unusual symptoms of conductive hearing loss, ear bleed, and facial palsy. Total of 6 cases of otoacariasis had unusual presentation. 2 cases presented with lower motor neuron palsy, 1 case with ear bleed, and 3 cases with hearing loss. Otocariasis can present with unusual symptoms of hearing loss, ear bleed or facial palsy and this should be included in the differential diagnosis of a patient with history of close p roximity to domestic or wild animals. Detailed examination often reveals the presence of the tick and identification and complete removal along with appropriate medication for associated symptoms often results in complete recovery. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Evaluation of Clinical Profile and Various Treatment Modalities in Oral Sub Mucous Fibrosis

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Evaluation of Clinical Profile and Various Treatment Modalities in Oral Sub Mucous Fibrosis in North India: Our Experience Via Otolaryngology Indian Abstract Oral submucous fibrosis is a chronic disease affecting oral cavity and sometimes the pharynx. Etiology seems to be local irritants such as capsaicin, tobacco, areca nut and spicy foods. The main concern in this is the management of trismus and burning sensation of the oral mucosa. The aim of this study was to compare various medical treatment protocol of OSMF. 210 patients were divided randomly in 3 groups. In Group A, patients were given biweekly intralesional Hyaluronidase/Dexamethasone for 6 weeks. Group B patients were given tablet Pentoxifylline 400 mg TDS.Group C patients were given Eprisone hydrochloride. All three groups were given Lycopene 10,000 mcg for period of 6 weeks. All patients were given topical Triamcelone for local application. The examinations for mouth opening were repeated at weekly intervals for a period of 6 weeks.The most common complaint was burning sensation in 75.98% cases, difficulty in mouth opening in77.45% and difficulty in swallowing food in 61.76% cases. Group A showed improvement in 41.17% cases presenting with burning sensation followed by decreased mouth opening 39.70%. Group B showed improvement in 45.58% burning sensation, 17.64% with decreased mouth opening. Group C showed improvement in 48.52% patients having pain with spicy food, 32.35% with decreased mouth opening and 17.64% with difficulty in swallowing. We conclude that patients which received intralesional dexamethasone and hyaluronidase along with oral Lycopene showed better clinical and symptomatic improvement, and at present appears to be best non-surgical treatment. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Palatal Flap: An Optimistic Salvagable Option to Negate the Maxillectomy Defects in COVID Related Rhino-Orbito-Cerebral Mucormycosis

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Palatal Flap: An Optimistic Salvagable Option to Negate the Maxillectomy Defects in COVID Related Rhino-Orbito-Cerebral Mucormycosis Via Otolaryngology Indian Abstract We present three cases diagnosed with COVID-19 associated Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis, managed by aggressive debridement and resection of the involved maxilla, followed by primary closure with preserved palatal flap, thus trying to establish its versatility for the closure of the maxillectomy defects. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Induction and generalization of nocebo effects on itch

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Induction and generalization of nocebo effects on itch Via Experimental Dermatology Abstract Nocebo effects, i.e., negative treatment outcomes due to negative expectancies, can increase itch. Moreover, indirect evidence has shown that nocebo hyperknesis can generalize to another itch modality. Knowledge on response generalization can help to prevent and decrease negative effects. The aims of this study were to investigate 1) the efficacy of inducing nocebo effects on cowhage-evoked itch via verbal suggestions and 2) whether these effects can generalize to 2a) mechanically evoked touch and 2b) mechanically evoked itch. Forty-four healthy participants watched a video suggesting that a nocebo solution increases cowhage-evoked itch and that a control solution does not affect itch. Subsequently, cowhage, mechanical itch, and mechanical touch stimuli were applied. Nocebo effects were measured as the difference in both mean and peak of the outcomes itch and urge to scratch between nocebo and control trials. Main analyses revealed significant nocebo effects on mean and peak itch for all stimuli. For urge to scratch, a significant nocebo effect was only observed for mechanical touch (peak). As mechanical stimuli did not induce pure sensations as planned, post-hoc sensitivity analyses were run for mechanical stimuli that individually induced either touch or itch at baseline. These analyses showed similar results for generalization to mechanical itch, but generalization to mechanical touch was nonsignificant. This study showed that merely verbal suggestion can induce nocebo effects on cowhage-evoked itch and that these effects can generalize to another itch modality. Future studies may examine how to prevent negative experiences from generalizing to subsequent encounters. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.