Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio predicts long-term survival in laryngeal cancer.

Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio predicts long-term survival in laryngeal cancer.

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2017 Dec 23;:

Authors: Mao Y, Fu Y, Gao Y, Yang A, Zhang Q

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Although the survival rate of laryngeal cancer is relatively high, some patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) show the least benefit from laryngectomy, owing to few determining diagnostic tools. We aimed to identify high-risk patients according to a preoperatively determined signature of the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) of > 193.55, as an indicator of poor treatment outcome in LSCC patients.
METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 899 patients who underwent laryngectomy for LSCC. The patients were stratified by PLR into three subgroups: low (≤ 119.55), moderate (> 119.55 and ≤ 193.55), and high (> 193.55). Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted to compare the intergroup cancer-specific survival (CSS).
RESULTS: Patients with high PLR had significantly worse survival outcomes (5-year CSS, low vs. moderate vs. high: 75.3 vs. 68.4 vs. 53.9%; 10-year CSS, low vs. moderate vs. high: 65.0 vs. 56.0 vs. 38.6%, P < 0.001). Patients with PLR > 193.55 represented malnutrition and more advanced cancer stage..
CONCLUSION: Patients with PLR > 193.55 experience poor outcomes and represent malnutrition, more advanced cancer stage.

PMID: 29275426 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Oropharyngeal and tongue exercises (myofunctional therapy) for snoring: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Oropharyngeal and tongue exercises (myofunctional therapy) for snoring: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2017 Dec 23;:

Authors: Camacho M, Guilleminault C, Wei JM, Song SA, Noller MW, Reckley LK, Fernandez-Salvador C, Zaghi S

Abstract
PURPOSE: Oropharyngeal and tongue exercises (myofunctional therapy) have been shown to improve obstructive sleep apnea. However, to our knowledge, a systematic review has not been performed for snoring. The study objective is to perform a systematic review, with a meta-analysis, dedicated to snoring outcomes after myofunctional therapy.
METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE and three other databases were searched through November 25, 2017. Two authors independently searched the literature. Eligibility (1) patients: children or adults with snoring, (2) intervention: oropharyngeal and/or tongue exercises, (3) comparison: pre and post-treatment data for snoring, (4) outcomes: snoring frequency and snoring intensity, (5) study design: publications of all study designs.
RESULTS: A total of 483 articles were screened, 56 were downloaded in their full text form, and nine studies reported outcomes related to snoring. There were a total of 211 patients (all adults) in these studies. The snoring intensity was reduced by 51% in 80 patients from pre-therapy to post-therapy visual analog scale values of 8.2 ± 2.1 (95% CI 7.7, 8.7) to 4.0 ± 3.7 (95% CI 3.2, 4.8). Berlin questionnaire snoring intensity reduced by 36% in 34 patients from 2.5 ± 1.0 (95% CI 2.2, 2.8) to 1.6 ± 0.8 (95% CI 1.3, 1.9). Finally, time spent snoring during sleep was reduced by 31% in 60 patients from 26.3 ± 18.7% (95% CI 21.6, 31.0) to 18.1 ± 20.5% (95% CI 12.9, 23.3) of total sleep time.
CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review demonstrated that myofunctional therapy has reduced snoring in adults based on both subjective questionnaires and objective sleep studies.

PMID: 29275425 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Mechanism of Action of the Anti-Influenza Virus Active Kampo (Traditional Japanese Herbal) Medicine, Hochuekkito.

Mechanism of Action of the Anti-Influenza Virus Active Kampo (Traditional Japanese Herbal) Medicine, Hochuekkito.

Pharmacology. 2017 Dec 22;101(3-4):148-155

Authors: Dan K, Takanashi K, Akiyoshi H, Munakata K, Hasegawa H, Ogawa K, Watanabe K

Abstract
When the Kampo medicine, Hochuekkito (Hochu), was administered to normal mice for 2 weeks, influenza virus titer was reduced. The mechanism of action of Hochu was examined using the plaque assay method. It was suggested that Hochu may either obstruct the first stage of the infection process (adsorption and entry) or may directly target viral particles. Using the plaque assay method, these 2 modes of action could not be differentiated. Virus RNA in the infected cell was verified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. An equal inhibition effect was obtained when Hochu was preprocessed for normal cells and when they were made to act simultaneously with virus adsorption. The viral load at the cell surface following UV irradiation was higher in the Hochu-administered group as compared with that of the control. Moreover, the affinity of Hochu for the influenza virus was hundred times higher than its affinity for the host cell. The effect of entry obstruction by Hochu was observed via image analysis, where the amount of virus nucleocapsid protein (NP) invading the cell was visualized with FITC-labeled NP antibody. Hochu does not seem to have an effect on nucleic acid synthesis, viral release from infected cells, and on the subsequent second round of infection. In conclusion, Hochu binds to viral particles and forms complexes that can obstruct the entry of influenza virus into cells.

PMID: 29275416 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Maxillary chondrosarcoma mimicking torus palatinus.

Maxillary chondrosarcoma mimicking torus palatinus.

BMJ Case Rep. 2017 Dec 22;2017:

Authors: Brimioulle M, Bowles PF, Pelser A

PMID: 29275381 [PubMed - in process]

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Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) of the head and neck: A French multicenter study.

Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) of the head and neck: A French multicenter study.

J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2017 Dec 12;:

Authors: Moreau A, Galmiche L, Minard-Colin V, Rachwalski M, Belhous K, Orbach D, Joly A, Picard A, Kadlub N

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) of the head and neck is a rare entity with uncertain clinical behavior. Radical surgical resection is the current recommended treatment, however this can cause severe aesthetic and functional sequelae. The aim of this study was to clinically characterize MNTIs and to stratify risk factors that may influence locoregional recurrence.
METHODS: A retrospective multicenter study, including 11 patients from eight centers with a confirmed diagnosis of MNTI, was conducted. Epidemiological, clinical, radiological, pathological, and immunohistochemical examinations were reviewed. A statistical analysis using a t-test was conducted to calculate parameters correlating with tumor recurrence.
RESULTS: MNTIs mainly occurred in the maxilla, with a mean age at diagnosis of 3.18 months (range: 0-6 months). Primary surgery was performed on 10 patients, with a clear margin resection on two patients. Overall recurrence rate was 27% with a survival of 100% at time of follow-up. No statistical correlation between recurrence rate, age at diagnosis, localization, resection margins, and pathological and immunohistochemical characteristics could be established.
CONCLUSION: In our study, locoregional tumor recurrence did not seem to correlate with resection margins, so a conservative surgical approach may need to be considered to avoid functional and aesthetic sequelae.

PMID: 29275074 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Comparison of Video Head Impulse Test and Caloric Reflex Test in advanced unilateral definite Menière's disease.

Comparison of Video Head Impulse Test and Caloric Reflex Test in advanced unilateral definite Menière's disease.

Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis. 2017 Dec 20;:

Authors: Rubin F, Simon F, Verillaud B, Herman P, Kania R, Hautefort C

Abstract
AIMS: There have been very few studies of the Video Head Impulse Test (VHIT) in patients with Menière's Disease (MD). Some reported 100% normal VHIT results, others not. These discrepancies may be due to differences in severity. The present study compared VHIT and caloric reflex test results in advanced unilateral definite MD.
MATERIAL AND METHOD: A prospective study included 37 consecutive patients, with a mean age of 56±12 years. Mean hearing loss was 59±18dB HL; 12 patients were subject to Tumarkin's otolithic crises. Abnormal caloric reflex was defined as ≥20% deficit, and abnormal VHIT as presence of saccades or <0.64 gain in vertical semicircular canals and <0.78 in horizontal canals.
RESULTS: All patients had normal VHIT results, and 3 had normal caloric reflex; mean caloric reflex deficit was 45%.
CONCLUSION: The present study is the only one to use the August 2015 updated definition of MD. The results showed that, outside of episodes of crisis, VHIT was normal during advanced unilateral definite MD, in contrast to abnormal caloric reflex. This feature could help distinguish MD from other inner ear diseases, and it would be interesting to try to confirm this hypothesis by studying MD patients.

PMID: 29274769 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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The role of craving in emotional and uncontrolled eating

Publication date: 1 April 2018
Source:Appetite, Volume 123
Author(s): Christina L. Verzijl, Erica Ahlich, Robert C. Schlauch, Diana Rancourt
This study presents a novel application of the cognitive processing model of alcohol craving (CPMA) from the addictions field to the role of food craving in the well-established restrained eating–overeating relationship associated with binge eating disorder (BED). A community sample (N = 1058, ages 18-66) completed an online survey assessing four core domains: restrained eating, trait food craving, uncontrolled eating, and emotional eating. In accordance with the CPMA, food craving emerged as a significant indirect effect of the association between restrained eating and both uncontrolled and emotional eating. Gender did not significantly moderate any direct or indirect associations, suggesting that gender may not change the pattern of association between restrained eating and different facets of overeating. Results suggest that treatments targeting binge eating behaviors may benefit from 1) explicitly addressing the activation of food craving rather than concentrating on reducing restrained eating and 2) recognizing that food craving may be an important gender-neutral target with the potential to reduce binge and overeating behaviors. Future research should extend these preliminary findings by examining the application of the CPMA to eating behaviors while jointly investigating antecedents and contextual factors.



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