Σφακιανάκης Αλέξανδρος
ΩτοΡινοΛαρυγγολόγος
Αναπαύσεως 5 Άγιος Νικόλαος
Κρήτη 72100
00302841026182
00306932607174
alsfakia@gmail.com

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Κυριακή 22 Αυγούστου 2021

Identification of Cellular Voids in the Human Otic Capsule

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Abstract

The otic capsule consists of dense highly mineralized compact bone. Inner ear osteoprotegerin (OPG) effectively inhibits perilabyrinthine remodeling and otic capsular bone turnover is very low compared to other bone. Consequently, degenerative changes like dead osteocytes and microcracks accumulate around the inner ear. Osteocytes are connected via canaliculi and need a certain connectivity to sustain life. Consequently, stochastic osteocyte apoptosis may disrupt the osteocytic network in unsustainable patterns leading to widespread cell death. When studying bulk-stained undecalcified human temporal bone, large clusters of dead osteocytes have been observed. Such "cellular voids" may disrupt the perilabyrinthine OPG mediated remodeling inhibition possibly leading to local remodeling. In the common ear disease otosclerosis pathological bone remodeling foci are found exclusively in the otic capsule. We believe the pathogenesis of otosclerosis is linked to the u nique bony dynamics of perilabyrinthine bone and cellular voids may represent a starting point for otosclerotic remodeling. This study aims to identify and characterize cellular voids of the human otic capsule. This would allow future cellular void quantification and comparison of void and otosclerotic distribution to further elucidate the yet unknown pathogenesis of otosclerosis.

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Clinical efficacy and safety of MP-AzeFlu for the treatment of allergic rhinitis: a meta-analysis

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Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2021 Aug 20. doi: 10.1007/s00405-021-07048-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: MP-AzeFlu is a novel option for therapy of allergic rhinitis (AR). The purpose of our study was to assess the safety and efficacy of MP-AzeFlu for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, compared to placebo and azelastine monotherapy.

METHODS: The PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were comprehensively searched for all published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of using MP-AzeFlu nasal spray on July 26, 2019. In these studies, we selected patients with clinical symptom scores. The heterogeneity of the included studies was assessed by I2.

RESULTS: Among the 336 citations retrieved, 6 articles with over 6000 patients were finally included in the meta-analysis. The results of meta-analysis revealed that MP-AzeFlu was superior to placebo ( - 2.43 [95%CI, - 2.73 to - 2.14], P < 0.00001) and azelastine ( - 1.27 [95% CI, - 1.57 to - 0.97], P < 0.00001) in reflective total nasal symptom score. In the MP-AzeFlu group, the instantaneous total nasal symptom score ( - 2.56 [95% CI, - 3.02 to - 2.10], P < 0.00001) and the reflective total ocular symptom score ( - 1.22 [95% CI, - 1.57 to - 0.87], P < 0.00001) were significantly reduced compared to the placebo group.

CONCLUSION: MP-AzeFlu is as safe and mild as placebo and azelastine, which also is associated with symptom relief and the improvement of quality of life in AR patients. MP-AzeFlu can provide better clinical benefits than two currently available first-line intranasal therapies. It is an ideal therapy for AR patients.

PMID:34415405 | DOI:10.1007/s00405-021-07048-1

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Diagnostic performance of nasal cytology

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Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2021 Aug 19. doi: 10.1007/s00405-021-07044-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Nasal pathologies are characterized by a symptomatology that hardly allows to distinguish allergic rhinitis (AR), non-allergic rhinitis (NAR), and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Nasal cytology (NC) has shown increasing importance in helping the clinician to differentiate the various phenotypes of rhinitis. NC allows us to evaluate nasal cellularity by distinguishing AR and various types of NAR. The objective of the study is to assess the diagnostic performance of the NC by evaluating its sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value.

METHODS: We recruited 387 patients with persistent rhinitis symptoms, and nasal cytology was performed. The rhinocytogram was obtained by reading for fields and the cellular count was made using quantitative and semi-quantitative grading together.

RESULTS: Two hundred and fifteen pa tients (55.5%; 38 had acute rhinitis, 24 acute sinusitis, 153 chronic rhinosinusitis) out of 387 referred nasal symptoms. Cytological specimen showed a mean of 94 ± 4% ciliated cells, 29 ± 0.2% mucinous cells, 16 ± 0.1% neutrophils, 11 ± 0.08% eosinophils, 4 ± 0.03 lymphocytes, 4 ± 0.03% mast cells, and 4 ± 0.01% other cells. NC was positive in 271 cases (70%). After revision of medical history, 153 patients (39%) were considered positive for NAR. Test sensibility was 100% (95% CI 97-100), specificity was 49.6% (95% CI 43-56%). Positive predictive value (PPV) was 56% (95% CI 50-62%), and negative predictive value (NPV) was 100% (95% CI 96-100%). The positive likelihood ratio was 1.98 (95% CI 1.75-2.25). Accuracy of the test was 69.5% (95% CI 64.6-74.0%).

CONCLUSION: Our data showed ability to identify the true-positive patients with NAR but a low ability to identify the true-negative patients, with a global accuracy of 69.5%.

PMID:34414469 | DOI:10.1007/s00405-021-07044-5

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Ultrasonography and Fine‐Needle Aspiration in Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules: A Systematic Review of Diagnostic Test Accuracy

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Objectives/Hypothesis

Sonographic risk criteria may assist in further prognostication of indeterminate thyroid nodules (ITNs). Our aim was to determine whether sonographic criteria could further delineate the post-test probability of malignancy in ITNs.

Study Design

Meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy.

Methods

A systematic review of Web of Science, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL was performed from inception to April 15, 2021. Eligible studies included those which reported ultrasonographic evaluations with the American Thyroid Association (ATA) or the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) in adult patients with ITNs. ATA or TIRADS were scored as low (negative) or high (positive) malignancy risk using a previously validated binary classification. Primary outcomes included pooled sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratio for all sonographic criteria. Studies were appraised using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies and the data were pooled using bivariate random-effects models.

Results

Seventeen studies were included in the analysis. For Bethesda III, ATA had a specificity (0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.74–0.94), but a sensitivity of 0.52 (95% CI: 0.25–0.77). Conversely, K-TIRADS had the highest sensitivity (0.78, 95% CI: 0.62–0.89) with a specificity of 0.53 (95% CI: 0.31–0.74). Furthermore, American College of Radiology and EU TIRADS had specificities of 0.60 (95% CI: 0.36–0.80) and 0.81 (95% CI: 0.73–0.87) with sensitivities of 0.70 (95% CI: 0.37–0.90) and 0.38 (95% CI: 0.20–0.60), respectively. There were few studies with Bethesda IV nodules.

Conclusions

Though dependent on malignancy rates, Bethesda III nodules with low-suspicion TIRADS features may benefit from clinical observation, whereas nodules with high-suspicion ATA features may require molecular testing and/or surgery.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 2021

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Age and Comorbidities Impact Medical Complications and Mortality Following Free Flap Reconstruction

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Objective

Determine if age correlated with surgical or medical complications following head and neck free flap reconstruction.

Study Design

Retrospective review of prospectively collected databases.

Methods

Patients undergoing head and neck free flap reconstruction at three tertiary care institutions were included (n = 1972). Cohorts were based on age (<65, 65–75, 75–85, and >85). Outcomes reviewed operative duration, length of stay, surgical complications (free flap failure, fistula, hematoma, dehiscence, and infection), and medical complications (thromboembolism, stroke, cardiac, and pulmonary).

Results

Anatomic site (P < .0001) and donor site varied by age (P < .0001). There was no difference in operative duration (P = .3) or length of hospitalization (P = .8) by age. The incidence of medical complications increased with increasing age. Pulmonary complication rates: <65 (3.9%), 65 to 75 (4.8%), 75 to 85 (7.1%), and >85 (11%) (P = .02). Cardiac complication rates: <65 (2.0%), 65 to 75 (7.3%), 75 to 85 (6.1%), and >85 (16.4%) (P < .0001). Mortality increased with age: <65 (0.4%), 65 to 75 (0.8%), 75 to 85 (1.1%), and >85 (4.1%) (P < .003). Medical complications correlated with mortality rates: pulmonary (3.5% vs. 0.6%; OR: 5.5; 95% CI: 1.5–20.0; P = .004); cardiac (3.3% vs. 0.6%; OR: 6.0; 95% CI: 1.6–21.8; P = .002); thromboembolism (4.6% vs. 0.7%; OR: 7.3; 95% CI: 1.6–33.6; P = .003); stroke (42% vs. 0.5%; OR: 149; 95% CI: 40–558; P < .0001); and sepsis (5% vs. 0.7%; OR 7.5; 95% CI: 1.0–60.5; P = .03). Age did not correlate with free flap success (P = .5), surgical complications (hematoma, P = .33; fistula, P = .23; infection, P = .07; and dehiscence, P = .37), or thirty-day readmission (P = .3).

Conclusion

Following free flap reconstruction, patient age did not correlate with development of a surgical complication. Patient age did correlate with development of a medical complication. Postoperative medical complications were found to correlate with perioperative mortality.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 2021

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Prognostic Value of Tumor‐Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Sinonasal Mucosal Melanoma

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Objectives/Hypothesis

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) predict better outcome in several types of cancers. However, the prognostic value of TILs in sinonasal mucosal melanoma (SNMM) is uncertain. Here, we investigated whether TILs can be used as a prognostic indicator for survival in SNMM.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Patient history and histologic specimens from 27 patients with primary SNMM were retrospectively analyzed. TIL grade was determined and associations between TILs and AJCC tumor stage, overall survival, and recurrence-free survival were analyzed.

Results

Patients with TILs in the primary tumor classified as brisk or non-brisk survived significantly longer than patients with SNMMs lacking lymphocyte infiltrates. Brisk TILs were associated with the lower T3 stage and increased recurrence-free and 5-year survival.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that TIL density is a strong prognostic factor for better survival in SNMM. Prospective studies with larger case numbers are warranted to determine whether TILs should be included in future AJCC staging guidelines.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 2021

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Hearing Aid Use in Children With Unilateral Hearing Loss: A Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial

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Objectives/Hypothesis

In children with mild to moderately severe unilateral hearing loss (UHL), assess whether subject-reported quality of life (QOL) and teacher- and parent-reported perception of listening difficulty are affected by use of a hearing aid (HA) with baseline accommodations, compared to children receiving only baseline accommodations.

Study Design

Randomized crossover clinical trial.

Methods

Thirty-seven children 6–12 years of age with mild to moderately severe UHL and ≥80% word recognition scores in the poorer hearing ear were randomized into arm 1, using baseline accommodations (frequency-modulated system and strategic seating) for 12 weeks, followed by addition of a HA for 12 weeks. The other participants were randomized into the reverse methodology: arm 2, using a HA in addition to baseline accommodations for 12 weeks, followed by baseline accommodations alone. Surveys of QOL (Hearing Environments and Reflection on Quality of Life) and listening difficulties or challenges with hearing amplification (CHILD and LIFE-R questionnaires) were administered at 6-week intervals. Differences in mean survey scores, percent change, and improvement over time were computed between the two arms and inter-arm intervals. Per-protocol analysis was used.

Results

Of the 37 children enrolled, 34 children underwent the study interventions and were included in the analysis, (arm 1 = 20, arm 2 = 14) (mean [standard deviation] age = 8 [1.5] years; 21 boys [61.8%]). Survey scores averaged across both arms during the HA interval (77.79 [15.13]) were significantly higher than during the baseline-only interval (69.67 [14.69], P = .036). There was no significant difference between trial arms in mean scores between the two HA intervals (P = .450) and two baseline-only intervals (P = .539).

Conclusions

Hearing-related QOL and listening ability improved in children who met eligibility criteria with mild to moderately severe UHL with HA use compared with baseline accommodations alone. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02269124.

Level of Evidence

1 Laryngoscope, 2021

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Comparison of the Signal Intensity of Vestibular Schwannoma Between Growing and Nongrowing Tumors

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Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine the relationship between signal intensity on gadolinium (Gd)-enhanced magnetic resonance images and growth of vestibular schwannomas (VSs).

Study Design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we retrospectively reviewed the data of 31 patients with VSs who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The mean signal intensities within the regions of interest in the tumor, pons, and temporal muscles were measured on Gd-enhanced T1-weighted MRI. Relative intensity ratios were calculated as follows: T/N pons ratio (T/Np) is the tumor signal intensity/pons signal intensity and T/N muscle ratio (T/Nm) is the tumor signal intensity/temporal muscle signal intensity. Volume measurements were used to assess the tumor size. Growth rate was determined by assessing previous imaging studies. Growing VS was defined as a tumor with a growth rate >100 mm3/year.

Results

The mean (standard deviation) T/Np and T/Nm were 1.47 (0.27) and 1.50 (0.24), respectively, in nongrowing tumors and 1.78 (0.17) and 1.90 (0.12), respectively, in growing tumors. The T/Np and T/Nm differed significantly between the two groups (T/Np, P < .001; T/Nm, P < .001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that cutoffs of 1.56 and 1.76 for T/Np (93.33% sensitivity, 75.00% specificity) and T/Nm (100.00% sensitivity, 93.75% specificity), respectively, could be used to diagnose a growth rate of >100 mm3/year. The area under the curve was 0.85 (95% confidence interval, 0.70–1.00) for T/Np and 0.94 (0.82–1.00) for T/Nm.

Conclusion

Growing VSs show higher signal intensities on Gd-enhanced MRI. Thus, measuring the signal intensity of VS on Gd-enhanced MRI may aid in predicting VS growth.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 2021

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Cricothyroid Muscle Dysfunction Affects Aerodynamic Performance in Patients with Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis

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Emerging evidence has revealed that cricothyroid (CT) muscle dysfunction in unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) further impairs patients' voices. Given that CT muscle dysfunction does not influence vocal fold position, the mechanism of voice dysfunction induced by dysfunction of CT muscle in UVFP patients remains controversial. This study compares aerodynamics between UVFP patients with and without CT muscle involvement.
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Skin Microbiome Alterations in Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff: A Systematic Review

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Abstract

Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) and dandruff (DF) are common chronic inflammatory skin diseases characterized by recurrent greasy scales, sometimes with erythema and itchiness. Although the exact pathophysiology of the disease is still unclear, current theories highlight the role of microbes on the skin surface in the pathogenesis of SD. Here, we conducted a systematic review to investigate the skin microbiome alterations in patients with SD/DF. We searched Medline/PubMed, Embase and Web of Science for research studies published in English between January 1st, 2000 and December 31st, 2020. A total of 12 studies with 706 SD/DF samples and 379 healthy samples were included in this study. The scalp and face were predominated by the fungi of Ascomycota and Basidiomycota and the bacteria of Actinobacteria and Firmicutes. In general, the included studies demonstrated an increased M. restricta/M. globosa ratio and a reduction in the Cutibaterium/S taphylococcus ratio in the setting of SD/DF. Staphylococcus was associated with epidermal barrier damage, including elevated levels of trans-epidermal water loss and pH, while Cutibacterium had a positive correlation with water content. Malassezia was also found to be related to an increased itching score and disease severity. Further studies focusing on the interactions between various microbes and the host and microbes can help us to better understand the pathogenesis of SD/DF.

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Expression of clec9a in the oral cancer microenvironment. A preliminary immunohistochemical pilot study

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Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2021 Aug 20:24659. doi: 10.4317/medoral.24659. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The search for treatments to improve cancer survival has led to the emergence of immunotherapy and the study of the tumour microenvironment existing in neoplasms. This preliminary study aims to understand the clinical and pathological relationship of clec9a expression in oral cancer and to explore survival models for future studies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Immunohistochemical study that included 26 patients with a diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in mobile tongue and floor of the mouth. Clinical and histopathological variables were recorded, and the biomarkers clec9a for dendritic cells and CD8 and CD4 for lymphocytes were used.

RESULTS: Clec9a was expressed in 58% of the sample. It was more common in cases with low lymphoplasmacytic infiltration and in type 2 invasion patterns. It was sign ificantly related to CD8 expression (p=0.055 and p=0.007). No prognostic risks were evident in the survival models studied (overall survival, disease-specific survival, disease-free survival).

CONCLUSIONS: CLEC9A expression is present in the OSCC microenvironment and is mainly related to the presence of CD8 lymphocytes. The relationship of its expression with survival prognosis in OSCC could not be confirmed; however, this needs to be confirmed through future studies with larger sample size.

PMID:34415004 | DOI:10.4317/medoral.24659

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