Condition: Marburg Virus Disease Interventions: Drug: galidesivir; Drug: placebo Sponsors: BioCryst Pharmaceuticals; National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Recruiting (Source: ClinicalTrials.gov)
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Condition: Autoimmune Diseases Interventions: Drug: Rituximab; Drug: corticosteroids'therapy Sponsor: University Hospital, Rouen Not yet recruiting (Source: ClinicalTrials.gov)
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Condition: Marburg Virus Disease Interventions: Drug: galidesivir; Drug: placebo Sponsors: BioCryst Pharmaceuticals; National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Recruiting (Source: ClinicalTrials.gov)
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Condition: Autoimmune Diseases Interventions: Drug: Rituximab; Drug: corticosteroids'therapy Sponsor: University Hospital, Rouen Not yet recruiting (Source: ClinicalTrials.gov)
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We describe a male patient from a consanguineous Arab family with infantile onset of DGA, characterized by profound psychomotor retardation, progressive microcephaly, intractable seizures, cortical blindness and deafness. Consecutive brain MR imaging showed an evolving brain atrophy, thinning of the corpus callosum and diffuse abnormal white matter signals. Whole exome sequencing identified the homozygous missense variant in theGLYCTK gene [c.455 T > C, NM_145262.3], which affected a highly conserved leucine residue located at a domain of yet unknown function of the enzyme [p.Leu152Pro, NP_660305]. In silico analysis of the variant supported its pathogenicity. A review of the 15 previously reported patients, together with the current one, con firms a clear association between DGA...
from #Head and Neck by Sfakianakis via simeraentaxei on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2RusNAA
Authors: Mittal R, Ocak E, Zhu A, Perdomo MM, Pena SA, Mittal J, Bohorquez J, Eshraghi AA Abstract Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy is an emerging treatment modality for various human diseases. Although induced pluripotent stem cells have been explored for the restoration of hearing, the potential of MSCs as a therapeutic strategy for various cochlear insults is not precisely known. MSCs possess anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective properties, making them an attractive target for the treatment of inner ear disorders such as hair cell damage in response to inflammation. Most of the previous studies have used immunosuppression or the complex surgical techniques to deliver stem cells into the cochlea. However, no information is available regarding the biocompatibil...
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This study explores and highlights the collaboration between the TGF-β1 and WNT pathways in the trauma-initiated fibrotic process within the implanted cochlea. WNT signaling is involved in the development of the inner ear and therefore a potential target in hair cell regeneration therapies. However, in light of our observations from the current study, manipulation of the WNT pathway by gene therapeutic techniques in the pathological ear seems a very complex process with an increased risk of inducing excessive fibrosis thereby compromising the efficacy of implant function. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. PMID: 30632705 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Anatomical Record)
from #Head and Neck by Sfakianakis via simeraentaxei on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2RoXdE7
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. PMID: 30632312 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Anatomical Record)
from #Head and Neck by Sfakianakis via simeraentaxei on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2CjainX
Waardenburg syndrome (WS) is the consequence of an inherited autosomal dominant mutation which causes the early degeneration of intermediate cells of cochlear stria vascularis (SV) and profound hearing loss. P... (Source: Neural Development)
from #Head and Neck by Sfakianakis via simeraentaxei on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2RoXdnB
We describe a male patient from a consanguineous Arab family with infantile onset of DGA, characterized by profound psychomotor retardation, progressive microcephaly, intractable seizures, cortical blindness and deafness. Consecutive brain MR imaging showed an evolving brain atrophy, thinning of the corpus callosum and diffuse abnormal white matter signals. Whole exome sequencing identified the homozygous missense variant in theGLYCTK gene [c.455 T > C, NM_145262.3], which affected a highly conserved leucine residue located at a domain of yet unknown function of the enzyme [p.Leu152Pro, NP_660305]. In silico analysis of the variant supported its pathogenicity. A review of the 15 previously reported patients, together with the current one, con firms a clear association between DGA...
from #Head and Neck by Sfakianakis via simeraentaxei on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2RusNAA
Authors: Mittal R, Ocak E, Zhu A, Perdomo MM, Pena SA, Mittal J, Bohorquez J, Eshraghi AA Abstract Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy is an emerging treatment modality for various human diseases. Although induced pluripotent stem cells have been explored for the restoration of hearing, the potential of MSCs as a therapeutic strategy for various cochlear insults is not precisely known. MSCs possess anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective properties, making them an attractive target for the treatment of inner ear disorders such as hair cell damage in response to inflammation. Most of the previous studies have used immunosuppression or the complex surgical techniques to deliver stem cells into the cochlea. However, no information is available regarding the biocompatibil...
MedWorm Message: If you are looking to buy something in the January Sales please visit TheJanuarySales.com for a directory of all the best sales in the UK. Any income gained via affiliate links keeps MedWorm running.
This study explores and highlights the collaboration between the TGF-β1 and WNT pathways in the trauma-initiated fibrotic process within the implanted cochlea. WNT signaling is involved in the development of the inner ear and therefore a potential target in hair cell regeneration therapies. However, in light of our observations from the current study, manipulation of the WNT pathway by gene therapeutic techniques in the pathological ear seems a very complex process with an increased risk of inducing excessive fibrosis thereby compromising the efficacy of implant function. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. PMID: 30632705 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Anatomical Record)
from #Head and Neck by Sfakianakis via simeraentaxei on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2RoXdE7
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. PMID: 30632312 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Anatomical Record)
from #Head and Neck by Sfakianakis via simeraentaxei on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2CjainX
Waardenburg syndrome (WS) is the consequence of an inherited autosomal dominant mutation which causes the early degeneration of intermediate cells of cochlear stria vascularis (SV) and profound hearing loss. P... (Source: Neural Development)
from #Head and Neck by Sfakianakis via simeraentaxei on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2RoXdnB
| Related Articles |
Surgical site infections after parotidectomy: management and benefits of an antibiotic prophylaxis protocol.
Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital. 2018 Dec 29;:
Authors: Meccariello G, Montevecchi F, D'Agostino G, Zeccardo E, Al-Raswashdeh MFH, De Vito A, Vicini C
Abstract
The use of perioperative prophylactic antibiotics in uncontaminated head and neck surgery is still controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of an institutional antibiotic prophylactic protocol in preventing surgical site infection after parotidectomy. The medical charts of 448 patients who underwent parotidectomy were reviewed. Patients were divided in two groups according the use of perioperative administration of intravenous cefazolin or post-operative week course of antibiotics. Surgical site infection was registered in 29 (6.5%) cases, 16 (5.7%) within the group before the application of protocol and 13 (7.9%) within the antibiotic prophylaxis protocol group. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that predictors for surgical site infection were the amount of drain output ≥ 50 ml in the first post-operative 24 hours (OR: 4.86; 1.59-14.82 95% CI; p < 0.01) and history of a previous parotid acute infection (OR: 13.83; 5.31-36 95% CI; p < 0.01). The majority of post-surgical infections (82%) were treated with intravenous antibiotic therapy. The remnants were treated surgically. Perioperative antibiotic treatment is recommended for patients undergoing parotid gland surgery and intravenous antibiotics during the post-operative course are highly suggested in case of history of previous acute parotid infection and drain output ≥ 50 ml in first 24 hours.
PMID: 30632521 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
| Related Articles |
Surgical site infections after parotidectomy: management and benefits of an antibiotic prophylaxis protocol.
Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital. 2018 Dec 29;:
Authors: Meccariello G, Montevecchi F, D'Agostino G, Zeccardo E, Al-Raswashdeh MFH, De Vito A, Vicini C
Abstract
The use of perioperative prophylactic antibiotics in uncontaminated head and neck surgery is still controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of an institutional antibiotic prophylactic protocol in preventing surgical site infection after parotidectomy. The medical charts of 448 patients who underwent parotidectomy were reviewed. Patients were divided in two groups according the use of perioperative administration of intravenous cefazolin or post-operative week course of antibiotics. Surgical site infection was registered in 29 (6.5%) cases, 16 (5.7%) within the group before the application of protocol and 13 (7.9%) within the antibiotic prophylaxis protocol group. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that predictors for surgical site infection were the amount of drain output ≥ 50 ml in the first post-operative 24 hours (OR: 4.86; 1.59-14.82 95% CI; p < 0.01) and history of a previous parotid acute infection (OR: 13.83; 5.31-36 95% CI; p < 0.01). The majority of post-surgical infections (82%) were treated with intravenous antibiotic therapy. The remnants were treated surgically. Perioperative antibiotic treatment is recommended for patients undergoing parotid gland surgery and intravenous antibiotics during the post-operative course are highly suggested in case of history of previous acute parotid infection and drain output ≥ 50 ml in first 24 hours.
PMID: 30632521 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Pathological complete response (pCR) following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is reached in approximately 15–30% of cases, therefore it would be useful to assess if pretreatment of 18F-FDG PET/CT and/or MRI texture features can reliably predict response to neoadjuvant therapy in LARC.
Fifty-two patients were dichotomized as responder (pR+) or non-responder (pR-) according to their pathological tumor regression grade (TRG) as follows: 22 as pR+ (nine with TRG = 1, 13 with TRG = 2) and 30 as pR- (16 with TRG = 3, 13 with TRG = 4 and 1 with TRG = 5). First-order parameters and 21 second-order texture parameters derived from the Gray-Level Co-Occurrence matrix were extracted from semi-automatically segmented tumors on T2w MRI, ADC maps, and PET/CT acquisitions. The role of each texture feature in predicting pR+ was assessed with monoparametric and multiparametric models.
In the mono-parametric approach, PET homogeneity reached the maximum AUC (0.77; sensitivity = 72.7% and specificity = 76.7%), while PET glycolytic volume and ADC dissimilarity reached the highest sensitivity (both 90.9%). In the multiparametric analysis, a logistic regression model containing six second-order texture features (five from PET and one from T2w MRI) yields the highest predictivity in distinguish between pR+ and pR- patients (AUC = 0.86; sensitivity = 86%, and specificity = 83% at the Youden index).
If preliminary results of this study are confirmed, pretreatment PET and MRI could be useful to personalize patient treatment, e.g., avoiding toxicity of neoadjuvant therapy in patients predicted pR-.
Pathological complete response (pCR) following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is reached in approximately 15–30% of cases, therefore it would be useful to assess if pretreatment of 18F-FDG PET/CT and/or MRI texture features can reliably predict response to neoadjuvant therapy in LARC.
Fifty-two patients were dichotomized as responder (pR+) or non-responder (pR-) according to their pathological tumor regression grade (TRG) as follows: 22 as pR+ (nine with TRG = 1, 13 with TRG = 2) and 30 as pR- (16 with TRG = 3, 13 with TRG = 4 and 1 with TRG = 5). First-order parameters and 21 second-order texture parameters derived from the Gray-Level Co-Occurrence matrix were extracted from semi-automatically segmented tumors on T2w MRI, ADC maps, and PET/CT acquisitions. The role of each texture feature in predicting pR+ was assessed with monoparametric and multiparametric models.
In the mono-parametric approach, PET homogeneity reached the maximum AUC (0.77; sensitivity = 72.7% and specificity = 76.7%), while PET glycolytic volume and ADC dissimilarity reached the highest sensitivity (both 90.9%). In the multiparametric analysis, a logistic regression model containing six second-order texture features (five from PET and one from T2w MRI) yields the highest predictivity in distinguish between pR+ and pR- patients (AUC = 0.86; sensitivity = 86%, and specificity = 83% at the Youden index).
If preliminary results of this study are confirmed, pretreatment PET and MRI could be useful to personalize patient treatment, e.g., avoiding toxicity of neoadjuvant therapy in patients predicted pR-.
To validate and compare ultrasound (US) versus computed tomography (CT) criteria in the localization of superficial/deep lobe tumors of the parotid gland.
This was a retrospective study of diagnostic tests performed from January 2008 to June 2017.
We included adult patients who were referred for a neck ultrasonography examination due to parotid tumors, and who subsequently underwent parotid surgery.
We assessed the location of parotid tumors, comparing the minimum fascia–tumor distance (MFTD) criterion on an US with eight CT criteria. We analyzed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of the MFTD for malignant, benign, and all parotid tumors, and compared the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the optimal MFTD with those of CT anatomical criteria.
A total of 166 parotid tumors were included. The mean (SD) MFTD in superficial lobe tumors was significantly shorter than that of deep lobe tumors (1.2 [0.7] vs 2.8 [1.9] mm, effect size: 1.84; 95% CI, 1.27 to 2.41). The areas under the ROC curve were 0.63 for malignant tumors and 0.88 for benign tumors. The optimal MFTD cut point was 2.4 mm for the 154 benign parotid tumors and the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 90%, 80% and 91%, respectively. For the 136 benign parotid tumors that underwent CT examination, three criteria had an accuracy of over 90% (FNline, tMasseter and Conn's arc), but the sensitivities were all below 50%.
MFTD is more feasible for benign tumors than for malignant tumors for the localization of parotid tumors. For benign parotid tumors, US is enough to guide operations.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Otalgia is a common presenting symptom in the specialty of ENT. In its primary form it is caused by conditions and diseases affecting the outer, middle or inner ear structures, thus giving rise to pain and discomfort around the ear itself. However, in its secondary form (referred), pain can be remote from the source and thus provide greater diagnostic challenge due to the possibility of occult disease that is not well visualised.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
To validate and compare ultrasound (US) versus computed tomography (CT) criteria in the localization of superficial/deep lobe tumors of the parotid gland.
This was a retrospective study of diagnostic tests performed from January 2008 to June 2017.
We included adult patients who were referred for a neck ultrasonography examination due to parotid tumors, and who subsequently underwent parotid surgery.
We assessed the location of parotid tumors, comparing the minimum fascia–tumor distance (MFTD) criterion on an US with eight CT criteria. We analyzed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of the MFTD for malignant, benign, and all parotid tumors, and compared the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the optimal MFTD with those of CT anatomical criteria.
A total of 166 parotid tumors were included. The mean (SD) MFTD in superficial lobe tumors was significantly shorter than that of deep lobe tumors (1.2 [0.7] vs 2.8 [1.9] mm, effect size: 1.84; 95% CI, 1.27 to 2.41). The areas under the ROC curve were 0.63 for malignant tumors and 0.88 for benign tumors. The optimal MFTD cut point was 2.4 mm for the 154 benign parotid tumors and the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 90%, 80% and 91%, respectively. For the 136 benign parotid tumors that underwent CT examination, three criteria had an accuracy of over 90% (FNline, tMasseter and Conn's arc), but the sensitivities were all below 50%.
MFTD is more feasible for benign tumors than for malignant tumors for the localization of parotid tumors. For benign parotid tumors, US is enough to guide operations.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Otalgia is a common presenting symptom in the specialty of ENT. In its primary form it is caused by conditions and diseases affecting the outer, middle or inner ear structures, thus giving rise to pain and discomfort around the ear itself. However, in its secondary form (referred), pain can be remote from the source and thus provide greater diagnostic challenge due to the possibility of occult disease that is not well visualised.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
In nasal‐ethmoidal malignancies, brain involvement is associated with dismal prognosis.
Patients undergoing endoscopic resection with transnasal craniectomy and subpial dissection (ERTC‐SD) for brain‐invading nasal‐ethmoidal cancer between 2008 and 2016 were included. Complications were analyzed in all patients, whereas oncological outcomes only in patients with pathological brain invasion. The prognostic impact of previous treatments, brain edema, and histology was assessed. Hospitalization ratio was calculated.
Nineteen patients received ERTC‐SD and 11 had pathological‐proven brain invasion. Histologies were 6 olfactory neuroblastomas (ONB), 3 neuroendocrine carcinomas, and 2 intestinal‐type adenocarcinomas. Mean follow‐up was 21.9 months. Three‐year overall, local recurrence‐free, and distance recurrence‐free survivals were 65.5%, 81.8%, and 68.2%, respectively. Overall and distant recurrence‐free survivals were significantly better in patients with ONB (P = 0.032 and P = 0.013, respectively). Hospitalization ratio was 4.1%. Complication rate was 10.5%.
In selected nasal‐ethmoidal tumors with brain invasion, ERTC‐SD can provide good local control, satisfactory survival, and limited morbidity.
The prognosis of advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma is poor. We investigated the effect of cetuximab‐based sequential therapy as a primary treatment.
Forty‐seven treatment‐naive patients with advanced tumors originating from the oral cavity or oropharynx were enrolled. Neoadjuvant cetuximab, paclitaxel, and cisplatin were administered, followed by cetuximab‐based radiotherapy. Immunohistochemical staining was applied to study the tissues.
The best overall response rate was 70.2%, including 4 patients with a complete response and 29 with a partial response. The median progression‐free and overall survival rates were 10.3 and 15.2 months, respectively. Patients with more than 50% tumor reduction with neoadjuvant therapy had better survival outcomes. Twenty‐two patients had severe adverse events with mostly dermatological complications. Of the 16 patients who received operations, 9 had increased PD‐L1 staining compared to pretreatment biopsy in the post hoc study.
The regimen was effective in selected patients. Increased PD‐L1 suggested altered tumor features.
To investigate the location of recurrences with respect to the radiation fields in oropharynx cancer after intensity‐modulated radiotherapy and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) boost.
Local and regional recurrences were delineated on diagnostic scans which were rigidly coregistered with treatment planning scans, then classified based on the location of the center of mass (COM) as well as volumetrically.
In 195 patients, the 5‐year local and regional control were 90% and 93%, respectively. By COM, 76% of local recurrences were in‐field; 24% were out‐of‐field, significantly higher than 0%‐5% in the literature for conventional regimens (P < 0.01). Regional recurrences (19 in 12 patients) were largely within unirradiated neck levels (47%) and electively irradiated regions (42%).
The regimen with biological equivalent dose intensification provides excellent overall and in‐field local control. The highly conformal boost technique was, however, associated with increased out‐of‐field local failure.
To define the prognostic factors associated with outcome in patients with soft palate squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
Previously untreated patients with soft palate and uvula SCC treated in our institution between 1997 and 2012 were collected. The prognostic value of clinical, hematological, and treatment characteristics was examined.
We identified 156 patients, median age 58 years, with 71% drinkers, 91% smokers; 19% had synchronous cancer. Front‐line treatment was chemoradiotherapy in 58 (37%), radiotherapy alone in 60 (39%), surgery in 17 (11%), and induction chemotherapy in 21 patients (14%). The 5‐year actuarial overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) were 41% and 37%, respectively. In univariate analysis, T3‐T4 vs T1‐T2 stage, N2‐N3 vs N0‐N1 stage, and neutrophil count >7 g/L were associated with worse OS and PFS (P < .05).
In patients with soft palate SCC, inflammation biomarkers were associated with OS.
We validated the new European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Head and Neck Module (EORTC QLQ‐HN43).
We enrolled 812 patients with head and neck cancer from 18 countries. Group 1 completed the questionnaire before therapy, and 3 and 6 months later. In group 2 (survivors), we determined test–retest reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's Alpha, the scale structure with confirmatory factor analysis, and discriminant validity with known‐group comparisons.
Cronbach's alpha was >0.70 in 10 of the 12 multi‐item scales. All standardized factor loadings exceeded 0.40. The ICC was >0.70 in all but two scales. Differences in scale scores between known‐groups were >10 points in 17 of the 19 scales. Sensitivity to change was found to be sufficient in 18 scales.
Evidence supports the reliability and validity of the EORTC QLQ‐HN43 as a measure of quality of life.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of the characteristics of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) to the disease progression‐free survival and distant failure‐free survival of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
We enrolled 152 HNSCC patients who underwent staging 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/CT (PET/CT). Maximum FDG uptake (standardized uptake value [SUV]) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) of the primary tumor and volume, CT‐attenuation (Hounsfield units [HU]), and FDG uptake of SAT and VAT were measured. Survival analysis using Cox proportional hazard modeling was performed to assess the relationship between the adipose tissue parameters of PET/CT and survival.
Patients with low VAT volume and high VAT HU had significantly worse progression‐free survival and distant failure‐free survival than those with high VAT volume and low VAT HU. On multivariate analysis, the volume and HU of VAT were significantly correlated with disease progression‐free survival and distant failure‐free survival after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, TNM stage, serum C‐reactive protein, maximum SUV, and TLG.
The volume and CT‐attenuation of VAT were significantly correlated with disease progression‐free survival and distant failure‐free survival in patients with HNSCC.
Data about the results of transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) in elderly patients are limited.
A retrospective study of 72 consecutive cases of glottic carcinoma (63 pT1 and 9 pT2 cases) in elderly patients (≥70 years old, mean 76 years) treated with TLM was made. A systematic review of the literature was performed.
Six patients (8%) had postoperative complications, but no treatment‐related deaths were observed. Local recurrences occurred in 12 patients (16.5%): nine with pT1 (14%) and three with pT2 (33%) tumors. Five‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS), overall survival, and laryngectomy‐free survival were 95%, 68%, and 88%, respectively. The literature review indicated that TLM is safe and effective treatment for these patients, with few complications and good local control (>85%) and DSS (>90%) rates.
Our results and the information from the literature show that TLM for glottic cancer in elderly patients can lead to satisfactory treatment results.
The aim of this study was to investigate the value of a smartphone‐compatible thermal imaging camera in the mapping of the peroneal artery perforators.
Twelve consecutive patients scheduled for fibular flap reconstruction were enrolled. The lower limbs were first studied using smartphone‐based dynamic infrared thermography (DIRT). During the rewarming, the hotspots were marked, small rubber markers were taped to the registered sites, and then the patients were sent for a CT scan. The diagnostic performance of smartphone‐based DIRT was evaluated by comparing the DIRT findings with CT angiography and intraoperative findings.
DIRT detected 42 of the 57 dominant perforators in 24 limbs and resulted in a sensitivity of 73.7% and a positive predictive value of 65.6%.
The sensitivity and positive predictive value of the smartphone‐based DIRT are low. Currently, it should be used as an adjunctive tool together with the established imaging techniques.
Several inflammatory biomarkers are considered potential prognostic factors in various cancers. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic significance and population dynamics of pretreatment inflammatory biomarker levels in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).
The influence of neutrophil counts, lymphocyte counts, monocyte counts, platelet counts, lymphocyte‐to‐monocyte ratio (LMR), neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, and platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio on progression‐free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) was analyzed. We also analyzed the peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected from patients and healthy donors (HDs).
Elevated monocyte count was an independent prognostic factor for PFS. Low LMR was an independent prognostic factor for OS. The proportion of intermediate monocytes was lower, and that of classical monocytes was higher in patients than in HDs. Furthermore, PD‐L1 expression on monocytes was higher in patients than in HDs.
We showed the prognostic significance and population dynamics of peripheral monocytes in patients with OPSCC.
In nasal‐ethmoidal malignancies, brain involvement is associated with dismal prognosis.
Patients undergoing endoscopic resection with transnasal craniectomy and subpial dissection (ERTC‐SD) for brain‐invading nasal‐ethmoidal cancer between 2008 and 2016 were included. Complications were analyzed in all patients, whereas oncological outcomes only in patients with pathological brain invasion. The prognostic impact of previous treatments, brain edema, and histology was assessed. Hospitalization ratio was calculated.
Nineteen patients received ERTC‐SD and 11 had pathological‐proven brain invasion. Histologies were 6 olfactory neuroblastomas (ONB), 3 neuroendocrine carcinomas, and 2 intestinal‐type adenocarcinomas. Mean follow‐up was 21.9 months. Three‐year overall, local recurrence‐free, and distance recurrence‐free survivals were 65.5%, 81.8%, and 68.2%, respectively. Overall and distant recurrence‐free survivals were significantly better in patients with ONB (P = 0.032 and P = 0.013, respectively). Hospitalization ratio was 4.1%. Complication rate was 10.5%.
In selected nasal‐ethmoidal tumors with brain invasion, ERTC‐SD can provide good local control, satisfactory survival, and limited morbidity.
The prognosis of advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma is poor. We investigated the effect of cetuximab‐based sequential therapy as a primary treatment.
Forty‐seven treatment‐naive patients with advanced tumors originating from the oral cavity or oropharynx were enrolled. Neoadjuvant cetuximab, paclitaxel, and cisplatin were administered, followed by cetuximab‐based radiotherapy. Immunohistochemical staining was applied to study the tissues.
The best overall response rate was 70.2%, including 4 patients with a complete response and 29 with a partial response. The median progression‐free and overall survival rates were 10.3 and 15.2 months, respectively. Patients with more than 50% tumor reduction with neoadjuvant therapy had better survival outcomes. Twenty‐two patients had severe adverse events with mostly dermatological complications. Of the 16 patients who received operations, 9 had increased PD‐L1 staining compared to pretreatment biopsy in the post hoc study.
The regimen was effective in selected patients. Increased PD‐L1 suggested altered tumor features.
To investigate the location of recurrences with respect to the radiation fields in oropharynx cancer after intensity‐modulated radiotherapy and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) boost.
Local and regional recurrences were delineated on diagnostic scans which were rigidly coregistered with treatment planning scans, then classified based on the location of the center of mass (COM) as well as volumetrically.
In 195 patients, the 5‐year local and regional control were 90% and 93%, respectively. By COM, 76% of local recurrences were in‐field; 24% were out‐of‐field, significantly higher than 0%‐5% in the literature for conventional regimens (P < 0.01). Regional recurrences (19 in 12 patients) were largely within unirradiated neck levels (47%) and electively irradiated regions (42%).
The regimen with biological equivalent dose intensification provides excellent overall and in‐field local control. The highly conformal boost technique was, however, associated with increased out‐of‐field local failure.
To define the prognostic factors associated with outcome in patients with soft palate squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
Previously untreated patients with soft palate and uvula SCC treated in our institution between 1997 and 2012 were collected. The prognostic value of clinical, hematological, and treatment characteristics was examined.
We identified 156 patients, median age 58 years, with 71% drinkers, 91% smokers; 19% had synchronous cancer. Front‐line treatment was chemoradiotherapy in 58 (37%), radiotherapy alone in 60 (39%), surgery in 17 (11%), and induction chemotherapy in 21 patients (14%). The 5‐year actuarial overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) were 41% and 37%, respectively. In univariate analysis, T3‐T4 vs T1‐T2 stage, N2‐N3 vs N0‐N1 stage, and neutrophil count >7 g/L were associated with worse OS and PFS (P < .05).
In patients with soft palate SCC, inflammation biomarkers were associated with OS.
We validated the new European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Head and Neck Module (EORTC QLQ‐HN43).
We enrolled 812 patients with head and neck cancer from 18 countries. Group 1 completed the questionnaire before therapy, and 3 and 6 months later. In group 2 (survivors), we determined test–retest reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's Alpha, the scale structure with confirmatory factor analysis, and discriminant validity with known‐group comparisons.
Cronbach's alpha was >0.70 in 10 of the 12 multi‐item scales. All standardized factor loadings exceeded 0.40. The ICC was >0.70 in all but two scales. Differences in scale scores between known‐groups were >10 points in 17 of the 19 scales. Sensitivity to change was found to be sufficient in 18 scales.
Evidence supports the reliability and validity of the EORTC QLQ‐HN43 as a measure of quality of life.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of the characteristics of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) to the disease progression‐free survival and distant failure‐free survival of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
We enrolled 152 HNSCC patients who underwent staging 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/CT (PET/CT). Maximum FDG uptake (standardized uptake value [SUV]) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) of the primary tumor and volume, CT‐attenuation (Hounsfield units [HU]), and FDG uptake of SAT and VAT were measured. Survival analysis using Cox proportional hazard modeling was performed to assess the relationship between the adipose tissue parameters of PET/CT and survival.
Patients with low VAT volume and high VAT HU had significantly worse progression‐free survival and distant failure‐free survival than those with high VAT volume and low VAT HU. On multivariate analysis, the volume and HU of VAT were significantly correlated with disease progression‐free survival and distant failure‐free survival after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, TNM stage, serum C‐reactive protein, maximum SUV, and TLG.
The volume and CT‐attenuation of VAT were significantly correlated with disease progression‐free survival and distant failure‐free survival in patients with HNSCC.
Data about the results of transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) in elderly patients are limited.
A retrospective study of 72 consecutive cases of glottic carcinoma (63 pT1 and 9 pT2 cases) in elderly patients (≥70 years old, mean 76 years) treated with TLM was made. A systematic review of the literature was performed.
Six patients (8%) had postoperative complications, but no treatment‐related deaths were observed. Local recurrences occurred in 12 patients (16.5%): nine with pT1 (14%) and three with pT2 (33%) tumors. Five‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS), overall survival, and laryngectomy‐free survival were 95%, 68%, and 88%, respectively. The literature review indicated that TLM is safe and effective treatment for these patients, with few complications and good local control (>85%) and DSS (>90%) rates.
Our results and the information from the literature show that TLM for glottic cancer in elderly patients can lead to satisfactory treatment results.
The aim of this study was to investigate the value of a smartphone‐compatible thermal imaging camera in the mapping of the peroneal artery perforators.
Twelve consecutive patients scheduled for fibular flap reconstruction were enrolled. The lower limbs were first studied using smartphone‐based dynamic infrared thermography (DIRT). During the rewarming, the hotspots were marked, small rubber markers were taped to the registered sites, and then the patients were sent for a CT scan. The diagnostic performance of smartphone‐based DIRT was evaluated by comparing the DIRT findings with CT angiography and intraoperative findings.
DIRT detected 42 of the 57 dominant perforators in 24 limbs and resulted in a sensitivity of 73.7% and a positive predictive value of 65.6%.
The sensitivity and positive predictive value of the smartphone‐based DIRT are low. Currently, it should be used as an adjunctive tool together with the established imaging techniques.
The microbiota can play important roles in the development of human immunity and the establishment of immune homeostasis. Lifestyle factors including diet, hygiene, and exposure to viruses or bacteria, and medical interventions with antibiotics or anti‐ulcer medications, regulate phylogenetic variability and the quality of cross‐talk between innate and adaptive immune cells via mucosal and skin epithelia. More recently, microbiota and their composition have been linked to protective effects for health. Imbalance, however, has been linked to immune‐related diseases such as allergy and cancer, characterized by impaired, or exaggerated immune tolerance, respectively. In this AllergoOncology position paper, we focus on the increasing evidence defining the microbiota composition as a key determinant of immunity and immune tolerance, linked to the risk for development of allergic and malignant diseases. We discuss novel insights into the role of microbiota in disease and patient responses to treatments in cancer and in allergy. These may highlight opportunities to improve patient outcomes with medical interventions supported through a restored microbiome.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Peanut is one of the most common food triggers of fatal anaphylaxis worldwide although peanut allergy affects only 1‐2% of the general population. Peanuts are the source of highly potent allergenic proteins. It is emerging that the allergenicity of certain proteins is linked to their biological function. Peanut is an unusual crop in that it flowers above ground but produces its seed‐containing pods underground. This so called geocarpic fruiting habit exposes pods and seeds during their development to soilborne pathogens and pests. Pest damage can also open routes of entry for opportunistic fungi such as Aspergillus. Although seed proteins have primary functions in nutrient reservoirs, lipid storage bodies, or the cytoskeleton, they have also evolved to act as part of the plant's defense system to enhance fitness and survival of the species. When interacting with pathogens or pests, these proteins modify and damage cells' membranes, interact with immune receptors and modulate signaling pathways. Moreover, following exposure, the immune system of predisposed individuals reacts to these proteins with the production of specific IgE. This review explores the evolutionary biology of peanut and its seed proteins and highlights possible links between the proteins' biological function and their allergenicity.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
The microbiota can play important roles in the development of human immunity and the establishment of immune homeostasis. Lifestyle factors including diet, hygiene, and exposure to viruses or bacteria, and medical interventions with antibiotics or anti‐ulcer medications, regulate phylogenetic variability and the quality of cross‐talk between innate and adaptive immune cells via mucosal and skin epithelia. More recently, microbiota and their composition have been linked to protective effects for health. Imbalance, however, has been linked to immune‐related diseases such as allergy and cancer, characterized by impaired, or exaggerated immune tolerance, respectively. In this AllergoOncology position paper, we focus on the increasing evidence defining the microbiota composition as a key determinant of immunity and immune tolerance, linked to the risk for development of allergic and malignant diseases. We discuss novel insights into the role of microbiota in disease and patient responses to treatments in cancer and in allergy. These may highlight opportunities to improve patient outcomes with medical interventions supported through a restored microbiome.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Peanut is one of the most common food triggers of fatal anaphylaxis worldwide although peanut allergy affects only 1‐2% of the general population. Peanuts are the source of highly potent allergenic proteins. It is emerging that the allergenicity of certain proteins is linked to their biological function. Peanut is an unusual crop in that it flowers above ground but produces its seed‐containing pods underground. This so called geocarpic fruiting habit exposes pods and seeds during their development to soilborne pathogens and pests. Pest damage can also open routes of entry for opportunistic fungi such as Aspergillus. Although seed proteins have primary functions in nutrient reservoirs, lipid storage bodies, or the cytoskeleton, they have also evolved to act as part of the plant's defense system to enhance fitness and survival of the species. When interacting with pathogens or pests, these proteins modify and damage cells' membranes, interact with immune receptors and modulate signaling pathways. Moreover, following exposure, the immune system of predisposed individuals reacts to these proteins with the production of specific IgE. This review explores the evolutionary biology of peanut and its seed proteins and highlights possible links between the proteins' biological function and their allergenicity.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
We tested the hypothesis that lateralized hemispheric glucose metabolism may have diagnostic implications in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
We performed FDG-PET/CT in 23 patients (mean age 63.7 years, range 50–78, 17 females) diagnosed with AD (n = 15) or MCI (n = 8) during a six-month period in 2014. Ten neurologically healthy individuals (HIs) (mean age 62.5 years, range 43–75, 5 females) served as controls. A neuroimaging expert provided visual assessment of diaschisis. The total hemispheric glucose metabolism ratio (THGr) was calculated, and with area-under the curve of receiver operating characteristics (AUC-ROC) we generated a "Network Diaschisis Test (NDT)".
The qualitative detection of cerebral (Ce) and cerebellar (Cb) diaschisis was 7/15 (47%), 0/8 (0%), and 0/10 (0%) in AD, MCI, and HI groups, respectively. Median cerebral THGr was 0.68 (range 0.43–0.99), 0.86 (range 0.64–0.98), and 0.95 (range 0.65–1.00) for AD, MCI, and HI groups, respectively (p = 0.04). Median cerebellar THGr was, respectively, 0.70 (range 0.18–0.98), 0.70 (range 0.48–0.81), and 0.84 (range 0.75–0.96) (p = 0.0138). A positive NDT yielded a positive predictive value of 100% for the presence of AD or MCI and a 86% negative predictive value for healthy brain. Moreover, the diagnostic manifestation of THGr between MCI and AD led to a positive predictive value of 100% for AD, but a negative predictive value of 42.9% for MCI.
Patients with AD or MCI had more pronounced diaschisis, lateralized hemispheric glucose metabolism and lower THGr compared to healthy controls. The NDT distinguished AD and MCI patients from HIs, and AD from MCI patients with a high positive predictive value and moderate and low negative predictive values. THGr can be a straightforward source of investigating neuronal network diaschisis in AD and MCI and in other cerebral diseases, across institutions.
REASSURE is a global, prospective, non-interventional study to assess long-term safety of radium-223 in patients with bone metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Here we report an interim analysis of patients according to previous use of chemotherapy.
Radium-223 was administered in routine clinical practice. Interim safety analysis was planned after enrolment of the first 600 patients. Patient characteristics and safety data by previous administration of chemotherapy (docetaxel and/or cabazitaxel) were investigated.
This interim analysis included 583 patients. Median duration of observation was 7 months (range, 0–20). Nineteen patients treated with concomitant chemotherapy were excluded, 564 (97%) were eligible for exploratory analysis according to prior use of chemotherapy; 190 (34%) had previously received and completed chemotherapy, and 374 (66%) had not. In the prior versus no prior chemotherapy group, a higher proportion of patients had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of ≥2 (22% vs 11%) and > 20 metastatic lesions (26% vs 15%), median alkaline phosphatase (162.0 vs 115.0 U/L) and prostate-specific antigen (132.0 vs 40.2 ng/mL) levels were higher, and a lower proportion completed 6 radium-223 injections (45% vs 63%). Drug-related treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurred in 63 and 48%, and haematological drug-related TEAEs in 21 and 9% of patients who had or had not previously received chemotherapy. Four drug-related deaths were reported, all in the prior chemotherapy group.
The short-term safety profile of radium-223 in routine clinical practice was comparable to other clinical studies, irrespective of prior chemotherapy use. Haematological TEAEs occurred more frequently in the prior chemotherapy group, presumably due to decreased bone marrow function as a consequence of more advanced disease and prior exposure to cytotoxic therapy. Patients who had not previously received chemotherapy appeared to have a lower burden of disease at baseline, and a lower proportion discontinued radium-223 treatment.
We tested the hypothesis that lateralized hemispheric glucose metabolism may have diagnostic implications in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
We performed FDG-PET/CT in 23 patients (mean age 63.7 years, range 50–78, 17 females) diagnosed with AD (n = 15) or MCI (n = 8) during a six-month period in 2014. Ten neurologically healthy individuals (HIs) (mean age 62.5 years, range 43–75, 5 females) served as controls. A neuroimaging expert provided visual assessment of diaschisis. The total hemispheric glucose metabolism ratio (THGr) was calculated, and with area-under the curve of receiver operating characteristics (AUC-ROC) we generated a "Network Diaschisis Test (NDT)".
The qualitative detection of cerebral (Ce) and cerebellar (Cb) diaschisis was 7/15 (47%), 0/8 (0%), and 0/10 (0%) in AD, MCI, and HI groups, respectively. Median cerebral THGr was 0.68 (range 0.43–0.99), 0.86 (range 0.64–0.98), and 0.95 (range 0.65–1.00) for AD, MCI, and HI groups, respectively (p = 0.04). Median cerebellar THGr was, respectively, 0.70 (range 0.18–0.98), 0.70 (range 0.48–0.81), and 0.84 (range 0.75–0.96) (p = 0.0138). A positive NDT yielded a positive predictive value of 100% for the presence of AD or MCI and a 86% negative predictive value for healthy brain. Moreover, the diagnostic manifestation of THGr between MCI and AD led to a positive predictive value of 100% for AD, but a negative predictive value of 42.9% for MCI.
Patients with AD or MCI had more pronounced diaschisis, lateralized hemispheric glucose metabolism and lower THGr compared to healthy controls. The NDT distinguished AD and MCI patients from HIs, and AD from MCI patients with a high positive predictive value and moderate and low negative predictive values. THGr can be a straightforward source of investigating neuronal network diaschisis in AD and MCI and in other cerebral diseases, across institutions.
REASSURE is a global, prospective, non-interventional study to assess long-term safety of radium-223 in patients with bone metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Here we report an interim analysis of patients according to previous use of chemotherapy.
Radium-223 was administered in routine clinical practice. Interim safety analysis was planned after enrolment of the first 600 patients. Patient characteristics and safety data by previous administration of chemotherapy (docetaxel and/or cabazitaxel) were investigated.
This interim analysis included 583 patients. Median duration of observation was 7 months (range, 0–20). Nineteen patients treated with concomitant chemotherapy were excluded, 564 (97%) were eligible for exploratory analysis according to prior use of chemotherapy; 190 (34%) had previously received and completed chemotherapy, and 374 (66%) had not. In the prior versus no prior chemotherapy group, a higher proportion of patients had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of ≥2 (22% vs 11%) and > 20 metastatic lesions (26% vs 15%), median alkaline phosphatase (162.0 vs 115.0 U/L) and prostate-specific antigen (132.0 vs 40.2 ng/mL) levels were higher, and a lower proportion completed 6 radium-223 injections (45% vs 63%). Drug-related treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurred in 63 and 48%, and haematological drug-related TEAEs in 21 and 9% of patients who had or had not previously received chemotherapy. Four drug-related deaths were reported, all in the prior chemotherapy group.
The short-term safety profile of radium-223 in routine clinical practice was comparable to other clinical studies, irrespective of prior chemotherapy use. Haematological TEAEs occurred more frequently in the prior chemotherapy group, presumably due to decreased bone marrow function as a consequence of more advanced disease and prior exposure to cytotoxic therapy. Patients who had not previously received chemotherapy appeared to have a lower burden of disease at baseline, and a lower proportion discontinued radium-223 treatment.
. (Source: Hearing, Balance and Communication)
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Authors: Tu Y, Fan G, Sun H, Cai X, Kong W Abstract Aminoglycoside antibiotics-induced hearing loss is a common sensorineural impairment. Spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) are first-order neurons of the auditory pathway and are critical for the maintenance of normal hearing. In the present study, we investigated the time-course of morphological changes and the degeneration process of SGCs following chronic kanamycin-induced deafness and determined whether the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was involved in the degeneration of SGNs. We detected density changes in SGCs and the expressions of Bip, IRE1α, ATF-6α, p-PERK, p-eIF2α, CHOP and caspase-12 at each time point after kanamycin treatment. TUNEL staining was also performed. The number of SGC deletions reached ~50% at the 70th da...
from #Head and Neck by Sfakianakis via simeraentaxei on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2AFZf8w
. (Source: Hearing, Balance and Communication)
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Authors: Tu Y, Fan G, Sun H, Cai X, Kong W Abstract Aminoglycoside antibiotics-induced hearing loss is a common sensorineural impairment. Spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) are first-order neurons of the auditory pathway and are critical for the maintenance of normal hearing. In the present study, we investigated the time-course of morphological changes and the degeneration process of SGCs following chronic kanamycin-induced deafness and determined whether the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was involved in the degeneration of SGNs. We detected density changes in SGCs and the expressions of Bip, IRE1α, ATF-6α, p-PERK, p-eIF2α, CHOP and caspase-12 at each time point after kanamycin treatment. TUNEL staining was also performed. The number of SGC deletions reached ~50% at the 70th da...
from #Head and Neck by Sfakianakis via simeraentaxei on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2AFZf8w
Publication date: Available online 10 January 2019Source: Speech CommunicationAuthor(s): Shamima Najnin, Bonny BanerjeeAbstractThough speech recognition has been widely investigated in the past decades, the role of articulation in recognition has received scant attention. Recognition accuracy increases when recognizers are trained with acoustic features in conjunction with articulatory ones. Traditionally, acoustic features are represented by mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCCs) while articulatory features are represented by the locations or trajectories of the articulators. We propose the articulatory cepstral coefficients (ACCs) as features which are the cepstral coefficients of the time-location articulatory signal. We show that ACCs yield state-of-the-art results in phoneme clas...
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In this study, we explore human brain activity prior to speech articulation alone and in combination with prosodic features to create models for off-talk prediction. The proposed EEG based models are a step towards improving response time in detecting system-directed speech in comparison with audio-based methods of detection, opening new possibilities for the integration of brain-computer interface techniques into interactive speech systems. (Source: Speech Communication)
from #Head and Neck by Sfakianakis via simeraentaxei on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2sr8FA1
Publication date: March 2019Source: Journal of Phonetics, Volume 73Author(s): Esther de LeeuwAbstractThe purpose of this study was to expose the trajectory of native speech plasticity in the context of late bilingualism through analysis of spontaneous speech of Stefanie Graf (SG) over four decades.With regard to segmental variables, results showed a significant lowering of F2 in /l/, suggesting darkening of the German lateral under the influence of English as a second language (L2). F2 significantly increased in /i/, indicating a more front pronunciation, as predicted due to English L2 acquisition. There was also a significant decrease in F1 of /l/, as well as of /i/, but a significant increase in the F1 frequency of /a/, suggesting widening of the vertical vowel space, potentially due to ...
from #Head and Neck by Sfakianakis via simeraentaxei on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2M7n25V
ConclusionsCompared to non-stuttering speakers, stuttering after TBI did not increase the number of clusters, but rather lengthened them. In speakers with neurogenic stuttering, the number and length of clusters were related to the manifestation of other communication deficits, not to the frequency of stuttering-like disfluencies. Still, SLD clusters occurred only in those people with neurogenic stuttering. These findings raise questions about the nature of both neurogenic stuttering and the dynamics of disfluency clustering. (Source: Journal of Fluency Disorders)
from #Head and Neck by Sfakianakis via simeraentaxei on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2snjfIo
AbstractThe modified barium swallow (MBS) study is a videofluoroscopic evaluation of oropharyngeal swallow function. Esophageal imaging is not routinely performed during an MBS, and few guidelines for implementation or interpretation exist. Aims of the current investigation were to (1) delineate the percentage of n ormal, oropharyngeal, esophageal, and mixed swallowing dysfunction, (2) develop operational definitions for rating our standardization cursory view of esophageal bolus flow, and (3) determine inter-rater reliability between speech pathology (SLP) and physician raters for categorizing esophageal abno rmalities. A two-phase retrospective review of 358 patient charts and MBS studies was conducted. Esophageal bolus flow was operationally defined as (1) normal, (2) anatomic abn...
from #Head and Neck by Sfakianakis via simeraentaxei on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2D4hqGm
. (Source: International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology)
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Publication date: Available online 10 January 2019Source: Speech CommunicationAuthor(s): Shamima Najnin, Bonny BanerjeeAbstractThough speech recognition has been widely investigated in the past decades, the role of articulation in recognition has received scant attention. Recognition accuracy increases when recognizers are trained with acoustic features in conjunction with articulatory ones. Traditionally, acoustic features are represented by mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCCs) while articulatory features are represented by the locations or trajectories of the articulators. We propose the articulatory cepstral coefficients (ACCs) as features which are the cepstral coefficients of the time-location articulatory signal. We show that ACCs yield state-of-the-art results in phoneme clas...
MedWorm Message: Have you tried our new medical search engine? More powerful than before. Log on with your social media account. 100% free.
In this study, we explore human brain activity prior to speech articulation alone and in combination with prosodic features to create models for off-talk prediction. The proposed EEG based models are a step towards improving response time in detecting system-directed speech in comparison with audio-based methods of detection, opening new possibilities for the integration of brain-computer interface techniques into interactive speech systems. (Source: Speech Communication)
from #Head and Neck by Sfakianakis via simeraentaxei on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2sr8FA1
Publication date: March 2019Source: Journal of Phonetics, Volume 73Author(s): Esther de LeeuwAbstractThe purpose of this study was to expose the trajectory of native speech plasticity in the context of late bilingualism through analysis of spontaneous speech of Stefanie Graf (SG) over four decades.With regard to segmental variables, results showed a significant lowering of F2 in /l/, suggesting darkening of the German lateral under the influence of English as a second language (L2). F2 significantly increased in /i/, indicating a more front pronunciation, as predicted due to English L2 acquisition. There was also a significant decrease in F1 of /l/, as well as of /i/, but a significant increase in the F1 frequency of /a/, suggesting widening of the vertical vowel space, potentially due to ...
from #Head and Neck by Sfakianakis via simeraentaxei on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2M7n25V
ConclusionsCompared to non-stuttering speakers, stuttering after TBI did not increase the number of clusters, but rather lengthened them. In speakers with neurogenic stuttering, the number and length of clusters were related to the manifestation of other communication deficits, not to the frequency of stuttering-like disfluencies. Still, SLD clusters occurred only in those people with neurogenic stuttering. These findings raise questions about the nature of both neurogenic stuttering and the dynamics of disfluency clustering. (Source: Journal of Fluency Disorders)
from #Head and Neck by Sfakianakis via simeraentaxei on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2snjfIo
AbstractThe modified barium swallow (MBS) study is a videofluoroscopic evaluation of oropharyngeal swallow function. Esophageal imaging is not routinely performed during an MBS, and few guidelines for implementation or interpretation exist. Aims of the current investigation were to (1) delineate the percentage of n ormal, oropharyngeal, esophageal, and mixed swallowing dysfunction, (2) develop operational definitions for rating our standardization cursory view of esophageal bolus flow, and (3) determine inter-rater reliability between speech pathology (SLP) and physician raters for categorizing esophageal abno rmalities. A two-phase retrospective review of 358 patient charts and MBS studies was conducted. Esophageal bolus flow was operationally defined as (1) normal, (2) anatomic abn...
from #Head and Neck by Sfakianakis via simeraentaxei on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2D4hqGm
. (Source: International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology)
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Publication date: February 2019
Source: International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Volume 48, Issue 2
Author(s):
Publication date: February 2019
Source: International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Volume 48, Issue 2
Author(s):
Publication date: April 2019
Source: Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volumes 199–200
Author(s): P. Nogueira, M. Hiller, M.-O. Aust
Vision is an important sense for the majority of the wildlife species, affecting their ability to find food and escape predation. Currently, no study on radiation induced cataract frequency on the fish eyes lens has been done. However, any thorough future study of this subject will require more accurate dose estimates for the fish eye lens than those currently available. For this purpose, the eye lens absorbed dose per unit fluence conversion coefficients for electron irradiation were calculated using the MCNPX Monte Carlo radiation transport code package. All results were validated against three different fish voxel models. The discrepancies between model results mainly originate from the different fish eye dimensions used in the different studies and in two of the cases the lack of a defined eye lens region.
The dose conversion coefficients calculated in this work can be used to estimate the dose to the fish eye lens based on the activity concentration of the surrounding water. The model developed in this work has also demonstrated that the mathematical models still have several advantages over the voxel models.
Publication date: March 2019
Source: Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volume 198
Author(s): Marta Fuente, Eduardo Muñoz, Isabel Sicilia, Jamie Goggins, Le Chi Hung, Borja Frutos, Mark Foley
The purpose of this study is to investigate gas flow through different types of granular fill materials and soil by means of a series of experimental laboratory tests, in relation to soil depressurisation systems for radon reduction under buildings and the soil surrounding the foundation. Gas permeability characterisation of materials used as granular fill material beneath the slab in buildings is a key parameter for the optimum performance of soil depressurisation systems to mitigate radon. A test apparatus was developed, adapted from previous studies, to measure the gas permeability of the samples and Finite Element Method numerical simulations were validated to simulate the flow behaviour through them. Theoretical expressions for permeability were discussed based on the analysis of experimental results and numerical simulations, finding that Darcy-Forchheimer equation provides the best match to the experimental results. Darcy's law also proved to be suitable for low gas velocities, whereas Ergun's equation resulted in a poor fit of the experimental data. Benchmark analysis of the granular fill materials under study and other European standards (Spanish, Irish and British) is also presented.
Publication date: March 2019
Source: Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volume 198
Author(s): Richard S. Woolf, Laurel E. Sinclair, Reid A. Van Brabant, Bradley J.A. Harvey, Bernard F. Phlips, Anthony L. Hutcheson, Emily G. Jackson
The spectrum of cosmogenic neutrons at Earth's surface covers a wide energy range, from thermal to several GeV. The flux of secondary neutrons varies with latitude, elevation, solar activity, and nearby material, including ground moisture. We report the results from a campaign to measure count rates in neutron detectors responding to three different energy ranges conducted near the geomagnetic North Pole at CFS Alert, Nunavut, Canada (82.5°N, 62.5°W; vertical geomagnetic cutoff rigidity, RC = 0 GV) in June of 2016. In November 2016, we performed a follow-on measurement campaign in southern Canada at similar RC (1.5 GV) and elevations. We conducted these measurements, at varying elevation and ground moisture content, with unmoderated and moderated 3He detectors for thermal and epithermal-to-MeV sensitivity, and with EJ-299-33 pulse shape discrimination plastic scintillator detectors for fast neutrons. Background gamma rays were monitored with NaI(Tl) detectors. Using these data sets, we compared the measured count rates to a predictive model. This is the first ever data set taken from this location on Earth. We find that for the thermal and epithermal-to-MeV neutron measurements the predictive model and data are in good agreement, except at one location on rock-covered ground near 1 km elevation. The discrepancy at that location may be attributable to ground moisture variability. Other measurements, during this campaign and prior, support the assertion that ground moisture plays a critical role in determining neutron flux.
Publication date: April 2019
Source: Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volumes 199–200
Author(s): P. Nogueira, M. Hiller, M.-O. Aust
Vision is an important sense for the majority of the wildlife species, affecting their ability to find food and escape predation. Currently, no study on radiation induced cataract frequency on the fish eyes lens has been done. However, any thorough future study of this subject will require more accurate dose estimates for the fish eye lens than those currently available. For this purpose, the eye lens absorbed dose per unit fluence conversion coefficients for electron irradiation were calculated using the MCNPX Monte Carlo radiation transport code package. All results were validated against three different fish voxel models. The discrepancies between model results mainly originate from the different fish eye dimensions used in the different studies and in two of the cases the lack of a defined eye lens region.
The dose conversion coefficients calculated in this work can be used to estimate the dose to the fish eye lens based on the activity concentration of the surrounding water. The model developed in this work has also demonstrated that the mathematical models still have several advantages over the voxel models.
Publication date: March 2019
Source: Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volume 198
Author(s): Marta Fuente, Eduardo Muñoz, Isabel Sicilia, Jamie Goggins, Le Chi Hung, Borja Frutos, Mark Foley
The purpose of this study is to investigate gas flow through different types of granular fill materials and soil by means of a series of experimental laboratory tests, in relation to soil depressurisation systems for radon reduction under buildings and the soil surrounding the foundation. Gas permeability characterisation of materials used as granular fill material beneath the slab in buildings is a key parameter for the optimum performance of soil depressurisation systems to mitigate radon. A test apparatus was developed, adapted from previous studies, to measure the gas permeability of the samples and Finite Element Method numerical simulations were validated to simulate the flow behaviour through them. Theoretical expressions for permeability were discussed based on the analysis of experimental results and numerical simulations, finding that Darcy-Forchheimer equation provides the best match to the experimental results. Darcy's law also proved to be suitable for low gas velocities, whereas Ergun's equation resulted in a poor fit of the experimental data. Benchmark analysis of the granular fill materials under study and other European standards (Spanish, Irish and British) is also presented.
Publication date: March 2019
Source: Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volume 198
Author(s): Richard S. Woolf, Laurel E. Sinclair, Reid A. Van Brabant, Bradley J.A. Harvey, Bernard F. Phlips, Anthony L. Hutcheson, Emily G. Jackson
The spectrum of cosmogenic neutrons at Earth's surface covers a wide energy range, from thermal to several GeV. The flux of secondary neutrons varies with latitude, elevation, solar activity, and nearby material, including ground moisture. We report the results from a campaign to measure count rates in neutron detectors responding to three different energy ranges conducted near the geomagnetic North Pole at CFS Alert, Nunavut, Canada (82.5°N, 62.5°W; vertical geomagnetic cutoff rigidity, RC = 0 GV) in June of 2016. In November 2016, we performed a follow-on measurement campaign in southern Canada at similar RC (1.5 GV) and elevations. We conducted these measurements, at varying elevation and ground moisture content, with unmoderated and moderated 3He detectors for thermal and epithermal-to-MeV sensitivity, and with EJ-299-33 pulse shape discrimination plastic scintillator detectors for fast neutrons. Background gamma rays were monitored with NaI(Tl) detectors. Using these data sets, we compared the measured count rates to a predictive model. This is the first ever data set taken from this location on Earth. We find that for the thermal and epithermal-to-MeV neutron measurements the predictive model and data are in good agreement, except at one location on rock-covered ground near 1 km elevation. The discrepancy at that location may be attributable to ground moisture variability. Other measurements, during this campaign and prior, support the assertion that ground moisture plays a critical role in determining neutron flux.
This perspective article on peri‐implantitis and its prevention was produced as a supplement to a 3‐D, computer‐animated film aiming at presenting key characteristics of peri‐implant health, the build‐up of a biofilm and the ensuing host‐response resulting in peri‐implant mucositis and, subsequently, peri‐implantitis. Treatment concepts for peri‐implantitis were briefly reviewed and prevention of the condition was brought to attention as a priority in implant dentistry. The overview also highlighted the 2017 World Workshop on Classification of Periodontal and Peri‐implant diseases and Conditions, in which new disease definitions and case definitions were presented for peri‐implant health, peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
This perspective article on peri‐implantitis and its prevention was produced as a supplement to a 3‐D, computer‐animated film aiming at presenting key characteristics of peri‐implant health, the build‐up of a biofilm and the ensuing host‐response resulting in peri‐implant mucositis and, subsequently, peri‐implantitis. Treatment concepts for peri‐implantitis were briefly reviewed and prevention of the condition was brought to attention as a priority in implant dentistry. The overview also highlighted the 2017 World Workshop on Classification of Periodontal and Peri‐implant diseases and Conditions, in which new disease definitions and case definitions were presented for peri‐implant health, peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Airway Scope (AWS) with its plastic blade does not require a head-tilt or separate laryngoscopy to guide intubations. Therefore, we hypothesized that its use would reduce the intubation time (IT) and the frequency of airway complication events when compared with the use of Macintosh Laryngoscope (ML) for infants with cleft lip and palate (CLP).
The parents of all patients provided written consents; we enrolled 40 infants with CLP (ASA-PS 1). After inducing general anesthesia using sevoflurane and rocuronium, we performed orotracheal intubations using either AWS (n = 20) or ML (n = 20), randomly. We define the duration between manual manipulation using cross finger for maximum mouth opening and the first raising motion of the chest following intubation by artificial ventilation as "IT;" further, the measured IT as primary outcomes. Airway complications were considered secondary outcomes. Moreover, we looked for associations between IT and the patient's characteristics: extensive clefts, age, height, and weight. We used the Mann–Whitney test and Fisher's exact probability test for statistical analysis; p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.
The mean IT was 31.5 ± 8.3 s in AWS group and 26.4 ± 8.9 s in ML group. Statistical significant difference was not found in IT between the two groups. The IT of AWS group was statistically related to extensive clefts. Airway complications were detected in ML group.
AWS could be useful for intubation of infants with CLP; it required IT similar to that required using ML, with a lower rate of airway complications.
UMIN-CTR Registration number UMIN000024763.
Registered 8 November 2016.
Airway Scope (AWS) with its plastic blade does not require a head-tilt or separate laryngoscopy to guide intubations. Therefore, we hypothesized that its use would reduce the intubation time (IT) and the frequency of airway complication events when compared with the use of Macintosh Laryngoscope (ML) for infants with cleft lip and palate (CLP).
The parents of all patients provided written consents; we enrolled 40 infants with CLP (ASA-PS 1). After inducing general anesthesia using sevoflurane and rocuronium, we performed orotracheal intubations using either AWS (n = 20) or ML (n = 20), randomly. We define the duration between manual manipulation using cross finger for maximum mouth opening and the first raising motion of the chest following intubation by artificial ventilation as "IT;" further, the measured IT as primary outcomes. Airway complications were considered secondary outcomes. Moreover, we looked for associations between IT and the patient's characteristics: extensive clefts, age, height, and weight. We used the Mann–Whitney test and Fisher's exact probability test for statistical analysis; p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.
The mean IT was 31.5 ± 8.3 s in AWS group and 26.4 ± 8.9 s in ML group. Statistical significant difference was not found in IT between the two groups. The IT of AWS group was statistically related to extensive clefts. Airway complications were detected in ML group.
AWS could be useful for intubation of infants with CLP; it required IT similar to that required using ML, with a lower rate of airway complications.
UMIN-CTR Registration number UMIN000024763.
Registered 8 November 2016.
Publication date: Available online 12 January 2019
Source: Hearing Research
Author(s): Bradley J. Waters, Brandon C. Cox
DNA methylation and histone modifications such as methylation, acetylation, and phosphorylation, are two types of epigenetic modifications that alter gene expression. These additions to DNA regulatory elements or to the tails of histones can be inherited or can also occur de novo. Since epigenetic modifications can have significant effects on various processes at both the cellular and organismal level, there has been a rapid increase in research on this topic throughout all fields of biology in recent years. However, epigenetic research is relativity new for the inner ear field, likely due to the limited number of cells present and their quiescent nature. Here, we provide an overview of methods used to detect DNA methylation and histone modifications with a focus on those that have been validated for use with limited cell numbers and a discussion of the strengths and limitations for each. We also provide examples for how these methods have been used to investigate the epigenetic landscape in the inner ear and related tissues.
Publication date: Available online 12 January 2019
Source: Hearing Research
Author(s): Bradley J. Waters, Brandon C. Cox
DNA methylation and histone modifications such as methylation, acetylation, and phosphorylation, are two types of epigenetic modifications that alter gene expression. These additions to DNA regulatory elements or to the tails of histones can be inherited or can also occur de novo. Since epigenetic modifications can have significant effects on various processes at both the cellular and organismal level, there has been a rapid increase in research on this topic throughout all fields of biology in recent years. However, epigenetic research is relativity new for the inner ear field, likely due to the limited number of cells present and their quiescent nature. Here, we provide an overview of methods used to detect DNA methylation and histone modifications with a focus on those that have been validated for use with limited cell numbers and a discussion of the strengths and limitations for each. We also provide examples for how these methods have been used to investigate the epigenetic landscape in the inner ear and related tissues.
Publication date: Available online 12 January 2019
Source: American Journal of Preventive Medicine
Author(s): Minji Hwang, Hyun-Soo Zhang, Boyoung Park
Family history of cancer and modifiable risk factors are each associated with cancer development, but no studies have assessed their association with each other by sex. This study aimed to examine modifiable risk factors in individuals with a family history of cancer compared with those without a family history of cancer, according to sex.
This study recruited 166,810 participants aged 40–79 years from Korea's Health Examinee Study cohort between 2004 and 2014. Results were calculated as AORs and 95% CIs to determine the relationship between family history of cancer in first-degree relatives and modifiable risk factors. Data analyses were performed in 2018.
The prevalence of modifiable cancer risk factors, including current smoking, drinking alcohol, physical inactivity, obesity, and abdominal obesity, were different according to the presence of a family history of cancer, cancer type of such a family history, and sex. Male participants with a family history of cancer were less likely to be current smokers or obese (AOR=0.95, 95% CI=0.91, 0.99 and AOR=0.95, 95% CI=0.92, 0.99, respectively) than those without a family history of cancer, whereas female participants with a family history of cancer were more likely to be current smokers but less likely to be physically inactive (AOR=1.13, 95% CI=1.03, 1.23 and AOR=0.96, 95% CI=0.93, 0.98, respectively) than those without a family history of cancer.
This study's findings suggest that, in general, males with a family history of cancer show better health behaviors, whereas females with a family history of cancer demonstrate worse health behaviors.
Publication date: Available online 12 January 2019
Source: American Journal of Preventive Medicine
Author(s): Minji Hwang, Hyun-Soo Zhang, Boyoung Park
Family history of cancer and modifiable risk factors are each associated with cancer development, but no studies have assessed their association with each other by sex. This study aimed to examine modifiable risk factors in individuals with a family history of cancer compared with those without a family history of cancer, according to sex.
This study recruited 166,810 participants aged 40–79 years from Korea's Health Examinee Study cohort between 2004 and 2014. Results were calculated as AORs and 95% CIs to determine the relationship between family history of cancer in first-degree relatives and modifiable risk factors. Data analyses were performed in 2018.
The prevalence of modifiable cancer risk factors, including current smoking, drinking alcohol, physical inactivity, obesity, and abdominal obesity, were different according to the presence of a family history of cancer, cancer type of such a family history, and sex. Male participants with a family history of cancer were less likely to be current smokers or obese (AOR=0.95, 95% CI=0.91, 0.99 and AOR=0.95, 95% CI=0.92, 0.99, respectively) than those without a family history of cancer, whereas female participants with a family history of cancer were more likely to be current smokers but less likely to be physically inactive (AOR=1.13, 95% CI=1.03, 1.23 and AOR=0.96, 95% CI=0.93, 0.98, respectively) than those without a family history of cancer.
This study's findings suggest that, in general, males with a family history of cancer show better health behaviors, whereas females with a family history of cancer demonstrate worse health behaviors.
Publication date: Available online 12 January 2019
Source: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
Author(s): Asuka Nagao, Masahiro Komori, Taihei Kajiyama, Mutsumi Shimasaki, Daigo Hirakawa, Taisuke Kobayashi, Masamitsu Hyodo
In pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the relationship between rapid eye movement sleep and upper airway collapse, and between sleep position and airway dimensions are well known. However, the interrelations between these factors and the obstructive apnea hypopnea index (O-AHI) have not been thoroughly investigated.
A retrospective study including 100 children who underwent adenotonsillectomy between March 2010 and July 2017. Total O-AHI was divided into four subcategories by sleep stage and position.
Preoperatively 14 of 47 mild cases of OSA (1 < total O-AHI) and 17 of 18 moderate (5 < total O-AHI) had time showing severe apnea (10 < subcategorized O-AHI). Twenty-two of 24 severe cases (10 < total O-AHI) exhibited very severe apnea (30 < subcategorized O-AHI). All 11 very severe cases (30 < total O-AHI) experienced more than 50 apnea events per hour in at least one of the O-AHI subcategories. After surgery, 23 of 70 cases classified as completely resolved (total O-AHI < 1) still had mild apnea in the O-AHI subcategories, and six of 13 cases who continued to experience apnea events had moderate-to-severe apnea. Seventeen cases worsened in the O-AHI subcategories, and total O-AHI deteriorated in two cases of the 17. The amount of REM sleep and use of the supine position increased significantly postoperatively in the quartile groups with the lowest baseline values (p < 0.0001).
When an unexpected AHI value is encountered, the O-AHI subcategories may be informative regarding the indications for surgery and evaluating the efficacy thereof.
Publication date: Available online 12 January 2019
Source: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
Author(s): Murray R. Thompson, Catherine S. Birman
Bilateral duplication of the internal auditory canal (IAC) is rare and is associated with profound sensorineural hearing loss. The present study aims to review our experience with bilateral cochlear implantation (CI) in children with a duplication of the IAC and to review the literature.
The Sydney Cochlear Implant Centre database was searched for children with duplication of the internal auditory canal. Data was collected regarding clinical history, MRI and CT findings, auditory brainstem responses (ABR), tympanometry and otoacoustic emissions (OAE), visually reinforced orientation audiometry, auditory brainstem response, electrocochleography (ECochG), transtympanic electrical auditory brainstem response (ABR), aided cortical evoked potentials (CAEP) and intraoperative neural response telemetry (NRT) and CI evoked electrical auditory brainstem testing.
two children with bilateral duplication of the IAC were identified who successfully underwent bilateral cochlear implantation. Audiological development was monitored for 2 and 3 years respectively, both children could spontaneously verbalise and displayed Categories of Auditory Performance (CAP) score of 5 and 6 respectively.
Children with duplication of the IAC, with accompanying cochlear nerve dysplasia (CND) can benefit from CI surgery, and verbal receptive and expressive language is possible.
