Global burden of lower respiratory infections attributable to PM2.5 across global, regional, national level and China from 1990 to 2021 and predictions to 2035: A cross-sectional study
Enhao Wang, Shazhou Li, Ying Wu
et al.
Background: Particulate matter (PM) based air pollution closely linked to lower respiratory infections (LRIs). PM2.5 air pollution is identified as the leading risk factor for LRIs. This study examined deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) associated with PM2.5-related LRIs to understand and prevent their impact. Methods: Using Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 data, we analyzed PM2.5's effects on LRIs globally, regionally, and in China across different socio-demographic index (SDI) regions. Autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) modeling predicted 15-year trends in age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) and disability-adjusted life year rates (ASDR). Results: PM2.5 contributed to 0.65 million deaths and 29.1 million DALYs from LRIs in 2021. An inverse relationship existed between PM2.5-related LRIs and SDI, with males showing higher vulnerability. Age-specific rates followed a V-shaped distribution in global and lower SDI regions. Mortality peaked in those over 95, while DALYs were highest in children under 5. ASMR and ASDR projections show slight decreases over 15 years. China's burden approaches high-middle SDI levels. Conclusions: Higher SDI areas show lower disease burden, while PM2.5-related LRIs remain substantial in lower SDI regions. This necessitates targeted preventive strategies for vulnerable populations, particularly in less developed regions.
Environmental pollution, Environmental sciences
Multicancer Early Detection Tests: A State‐of‐the‐Art Review for Otolaryngologists
Elena Kennedy, Greg Durm, Janice L. Farlow
Abstract Objective To provide a review of the science and applicability of current multi‐cancer early detection (MCED) tests for otolaryngologists. Data Sources PubMed, clinicaltrials.gov, company websites. Review Methods Using PRISMA methodology, primary literature regarding MCED tests was queried from April 26 to May 12, 2024 using MCED search terms. Ongoing clinical trials incorporating MCED screens were identified via the National Institutes of Health clinicaltrials.gov website. Company websites for available or upcoming MCED tests were reviewed. Conclusion Long‐term robust data regarding the performance characteristics, effects on clinical outcomes, and cost‐utility of MCED tests for head and neck cancer are currently lacking. Otolaryngologists should be aware of the implications of MCED tests as these assays become more widely used. Implications for Practice Although not FDA‐approved or covered by insurances at the time of writing of this manuscript, MCED testing is rapidly gaining interest, and patients with positive tests are presenting to otolaryngologists for evaluation. While MCED technologies hold great promise for early detection of disease and potential reduction of morbidity and mortality, more study is needed about their utility for head and neck cancer and optimal diagnostic workflows.
Otorhinolaryngology, Surgery
Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Brief Resolved Unexplained Events (BRUEs) in Children: A Comparative Analysis of Pre-Pandemic and Pandemic Periods
Luana Nosetti, Marco Zaffanello, Giorgio Piacentini
et al.
Background: Brief Resolved Unexplained Events (BRUEs), formerly known as Apparent Life-Threatening Events (ALTEs), are concerning episodes of short duration (typically <1 min) characterized by a change in breathing, consciousness, muscle tone, and/or skin color. In some cases, SARS-CoV-2 infection has been associated with episodes of BRUEs in previously healthy children. This study aimed to compare the demographic, respiratory, perinatal, and infectious characteristics in children affected by BRUEs before the COVID-19 pandemic and after the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study covering January 2018 to March 2020 (pre-COVID-19) and April 2023 (during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic). Collected variables included clinical information during pregnancy and neonatal details of children with BRUEs. Results: The number of children in the pre-COVID-19 period was 186 (41%); after the emergence and spread of SARS-CoV-2 this number was 268 (59%). The risk of infection at birth for children developing BRUEs was higher during the pandemic. Children were less likely to have ongoing symptomatic infection during BRUEs during the pandemic (coefficient B = 0.783; <i>p</i> = 0.009). Respiratory symptoms during BRUEs were more frequent during the pandemic (coefficient B = 0.654; <i>p</i> = 0.052). Fever during BRUEs was less likely during the pandemic (coefficient B = −0.465, <i>p</i> = 0.046). Conclusions: These findings could have significant clinical implications for managing children with BRUEs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Incidence of grass and weed sensitization in Bangkok, Thailand: a clinical study
Sirirat Aud-in, Sirirat Aud-in, Yotin Juprasong
et al.
BackgroundAllergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent public health concern globally, significantly impacting quality of life. In Thailand, the prevalence of AR is rising, with grass and weed pollen identified as primary outdoor triggers.ObjectivesThis study aimed to (1) assess patterns of pollen sensitization in Thai AR patients and (2) investigate correlations between demographics/clinical data and SPT results.MethodsA total of 121 individuals aged ≥18 years with clinically diagnosed AR were recruited. Skin prick testing (SPT) was performed using a panel of commonly encountered tropical grass and weed pollen extracts. SPT wheal sizes and clinical symptom scores were recorded. Correlations between SPT outcomes and symptom scores were analyzed.ResultsAmong the participants, 104 (85.95%) exhibited positive SPT reactions to at least one pollen type. Nutsedge (76/121), para grass (57/121), and Bermuda grass (48/121) were the most frequently identified allergens. Hurricane grass elicited the strongest reaction, evidenced by the highest average wheal size (6.2 mm). Poly-sensitization was observed in 77 (63.6%) of the SPT-positive individuals, with most cases involving two different pollen extracts (35/77). Notably, AR severity positively correlated with both average wheal size and the number of positive SPT tests.ConclusionThis study highlights nutsedge, para grass, and Bermuda grass as major allergenic pollen sources for Thai AR patients. Including nutsedge, hurricane grass, and careless weed in clinical SPT panels is recommended for improved diagnostic accuracy. Additionally, the positive correlation between AR severity and pollen reaction strength emphasizes the importance of implementing patient education and avoidance strategies.
Public aspects of medicine
Clinical aPDT's effect on Candida albicans: Antifungal susceptibility, virulence gene expression, and correlation with leukocyte and neutrophil counts
Meixia Du, Weijun Xuan, Michael R Hamblin
et al.
Background: Our previous clinical trial demonstrated that antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) with methylene blue (MB) and potassium iodide (KI) effectively killed Candida albicans (C. albicans) in adult AIDS patients with oral candidiasis, regardless of biofilm formation or 25S rDNA genotype. This study evaluated changes in antifungal susceptibility and virulence gene expression in C. albicans before and after aPDT, and explored factors related to clinical aPDT efficacy. Methods: Twenty-one adult AIDS patients with C. albicans oral candidiasis were divided into Group a (400 μM MB, N = 11) and Group b (600 μM MB, N = 10). Both groups received two aPDT treatments, where MB was applied for 5 min, followed by 300 mM KI, and illuminated for 30 min (37.29 J/cm²). C. albicans isolates were collected before and after treatment to assess antifungal susceptibility (fluconazole, itraconazole, flucytosine, amphotericin B) and gene expression (CAT1, HWP1). Peripheral blood tests were analyzed for correlations with aPDT efficacy. Results: aPDT reduced minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for amphotericin B, fluconazole, and flucytosine, with significant reductions primarily after the first treatment. MIC reductions differed between groups, with Group a showing greater decreases in flucytosine and fluconazole MICs, and Group b in amphotericin B MICs. No significant changes in CAT1 or HWP1 expression were observed. Clinical efficacy of aPDT negatively correlated with leukocyte and neutrophil levels. Conclusions: aPDT effectively reduces MICs of antifungal drugs against C. albicans isolated from treated patients, particularly after the first treatment. The concentration of MB required to reduce MICs varies among different antifungal drugs. aPDT does not alter CAT1 or HWP1 expression, and its clinical efficacy in eradicating C. albicans is negatively associated with leukocyte and neutrophil levels.
Bacteriological Profile and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of CSOM at a Tertiary Care Hospital
Dimpal Goyal, Nita Pal, Yash Agrawal, Saroj Hooja, Rajini Sharma
Introduction: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is defined as chronic inflammation of the middle ear and mastoid mucosa with recurrent discharge (at least 2 weeks) through a perforated tympanic membrane. The study was undertaken to see microbiological profile and antibiotic susceptibility pattern in chronic suppurative otitis media patients in a tertiary care hospital. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in the ENT and Microbiology department at a tertiary care government teaching hospital, from June 2021 to May 2022. Ear discharge samples from 100 clinically diagnosed chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) patients were collected and processed. Microbial isolates were identified and drug susceptibility testing was conducted using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Results: Among 100 patients included in the study, Staphylococcus aureus (S aureus) (44/100, 44%) was the predominant isolate followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P aeruginosa) (36/100, 36%). All isolates of S aureus were susceptible to Vancomycin, Tigecycline, and Linezolid (100%). Susceptibility of 100% was observed with Colistin and Piperacillin-Tazobactum among P aeruginosa isolates. All isolates of Klebsiella spp and Enterobacter aerogenes showed multi-drug resistance while 88.90% Escherichia coli, 77.27% S aureus, and 19.44% P aeruginosa were multi-drug resistant (MDR). Multi-drug resistance was not observed among Proteus mirabilis isolates. Conclusion: A continuous and periodic evaluation of microbiological pattern of CSOM and antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates is necessary for forming the basis of empirical treatment which shall aid in decreasing the potential risk of complications.
Equipping your facial plastic clinic for office‐based procedures
Arman Saeedi, Danielle F. Eytan
Abstract Office‐based procedures can be a fulfilling part of the facial plastic practice with the right tools, personnel, and preparation. Equipping the clinic for office‐based procedures has several unique considerations that ultimately impact its success. It is important to strategize preemptively regarding what treatments will be offered and the respective equipment that will allow the safe, cost‐effective, and high‐quality delivery of those treatments. Most procedures in the office‐based setting are cosmetic in nature and there are often overlapping treatment modalities that target similar outcomes. Patient selection and counseling is a crucial step in preparing for office‐based procedures in the effort to maximize patient satisfaction. Nearly all the most common facial plastic procedures can be delivered in the office‐based based setting under local anesthesia and moderate sedation, depending on the expertise of the surgeon. To enable these and other categories of treatments, there are certain expensive pieces of technology that one might consider for their office‐based practice and other fundamental supplies that are necessary for almost all practices. Though the initial investment in equipment can be costly, this article also discusses more affordable alternatives or third‐party sales of devices and equipment. The field of facial plastic surgery is very dynamic and having both peer and mentorship networks is invaluable in navigating some of the financial decisions discussed herein. This article also briefly covers personnel, training, and accreditation considerations.
Otorhinolaryngology, Surgery
Overexpression of Lysosome-Associated Membrane Protein 1 in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and its Correlation with Tumor Differentiation and Metastasis
Mohammad Ali Ranjbar, Maryam Jamshidi
Introduction:The overexpression of lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1) has been demonstrated in different types of cancers, such as ovarian carcinoma, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, breast cancer, and colorectal carcinoma. Nonetheless, the expression of LAMP1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has not been investigated yet. Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted on 65 patients with OSCC selected from the Department of Pathology of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. The control group comprised 55 tissues of normal oral epithelium. The expression of LAMP1 in OSCC tissue samples was assessed using immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis. The association between LAMP1 and clinicopathological features of patients with OSCC was also evaluated. Results:The expression of LAMP1 was significantly higher in OSCC tissues, as compared to that in normal tissues (P<0.001). The chi-square analysis indicated that the high LAMP1 expression was correlated with the degree of tumor differentiation and metastasis (P=0.014).Conclusions:The obtained results pointed to the overexpression of LAMP1 in OSCC, as well as its correlation with tumor grade and metastasis; therefore, LAMP1 might have a role to play in OSCC pathogenesis and could be regarded as an independent prognostic marker in oral squamous cell carcinoma.
The Incidence of Renal Cell Carcinoma Is Increased in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Hyoung Keun Park, Woo Suk Choi, Jae Hoon Cho
Background and Objective Many studies have indicated that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to the development of cancer. However, there have been few studies about the link between OSA and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This study investigated the relationship between OSA and RCC by analyzing the data from the Korea National Health Insurance Service. Methods 198574 patients (≥ 20 years of age) newly diagnosed with OSA from 2007 to 2014 were included and 992870 control groups were selected through propensity score matching according to sex and age. The average follow-up period was 4.6 years. The primary outcome was newly diagnosed RCC. The hazard ratio for RCC in patients with OSA was compared to that in the control group. Results The incidence of RCC was significantly higher among patients with OSA than among controls (hazard ratio, 1.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.41–1.93). Conclusions OSA may be a potential risk factor for RCC.
Neurosciences. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry
A Unique Cause of Upper Airway Obstruction in a Child: Laryngeal Lipoma
Kerem Kökoğlu, İbrahim Ketenci
There are lots of diseases causing pediatric upper airway obstruction and stridor. They can be both congenital or acquired. While congenital causes are laryngomalacia, vocal cord palsy, congenital subglottic stenosis, acquired ones range from infections to foreign bodies or neoplasms. Laryngeal neoplasms develop almost epithelial in origin. Non-epithelial tumors consist 1% of laryngeal neoplasms. Although lipoma is the most common soft tissue tumor, laryngeal involvement is very rare and seen in the ages between 40–60 years. A 13-month-old child who had laryngeal lipoma and upper airway obstruction was aimed to present in this paper.
Late perilymphatic fistula with pneumolabyrinthitis in a patient with previous stapedotomy and obstructive sleep apnea: A case report
Nicholas R. Curran, Jeffrey Yu
Background: Concerns with barotrauma after otologic surgery are well-established, but rarely is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) considered despite evidenced impacts on middle ear pressure. With increasing CPAP use, it is vital to investigate CPAP's role in middle ear physiology and otologic barotrauma. Case presentation: A 47-year-old male presented with sudden complete right hearing loss. He had a history of bilateral otosclerosis treated with bilateral stapedotomies years prior. His right ear required revision complicated by otitis media and bacterial labyrinthitis. His hearing had been stable for years prior to the sudden loss. Initial treatment was antibiotics and nasal steroids for presumed otitis media. Medical history confirmed OSA treated with CPAP.Otoscopy demonstrated intact ear drums without middle ear fluid. No nystagmus was observed. An audiogram demonstrated worsened right mixed hearing loss. Oral corticosteroids were prescribed, and a temporal bone computed tomographic (CT) scan was ordered. The patient's hearing did not improve, and the CT scan demonstrated a well-positioned stapes prosthesis and air in the vestibule consistent with pneumolabyrinth.The patient was offered hearing aids, exploratory middle ear surgery, or cochlear implantation. He elected for cochlear implantation. CPAP was suspended postoperatively. After activation, his hearing improved dramatically. Six-month postoperative CT scan demonstrated no pneumolabyrinth. Conclusions: Postoperative CPAP utilization confers increased risk of barotrauma and warrants prolonged vigilance for complications in patients undergoing stapedotomy. Otologists should consider CPAP's role in sudden hearing loss after otologic surgery. Further investigation into the physiology of CPAP and pneumolabyrinth is warranted.
Can Neutrophils Be a Cellular Biomarker in Asian Chronic Rhinosinusitis?
Dae Woo Kim
Copyright © 2019 by Korean Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology Vol. 12, No. 4: 325-326, November 2019 https://doi.org/10.21053/ceo.2019.01452
Hearing Loss: Mechanisms, Prevention and Cure
Huawei Li, R. Chai, Yan Chen
et al.
Antimicrobial Activity of Garlic Derivatives on Common Causative Microorganisms of the External Ear Canal and Chronic Middle Ear Infections
Lokman Uzun, Tuba Dal, M. Tayyar Kalcıoğlu
et al.
Objective:Today, antibiotic resistance is increasing and evolving into an important health problem. Therefore, it is important to research on alternative therapies to antibiotics. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of four garlic derivatives on microorganisms commonly isolated in ear infections.Methods:The antimicrobial activities of allicin, s-allyl cysteine (SAC), diallyl disulfide (DADS), and s-allyl mercaptocysteine (SAMC) were investigated on standard strains of commonly isolated microorganisms using the broth microdilution method. The test strains were selected among the microorganisms responsible for chronic suppurative otitis media and otitis externa. These microorganisms were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecium, Candida albicans, and Candida tropicalis.Results:Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of allicin and SAC ranged from 0.125 to 20 μg/ mL for fermentative bacteria (E. coli and K. pneumoniae), 20 to 80 μg/mL for non-fermentative bacteria (P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii), 5 to 10 μg/mL for gram-positive cocci (S. aureus and E. faecium), and 40 to 80 μg/mL for yeasts (C. albicans and C. tropicalis). MIC values of DADS ranged from 40 to 80 μg/mL for fermentative bacteria, 40 to 160 μg/mL for non-fermentative bacteria, 40 to 80 μg/mL for gram-positive cocci, and 20 to 40 μg/mL for yeasts. The MICs of SAMC were >640 μg/mL for the tested bacteria and yeasts.Conclusion:Both allicin and SAC showed antimicrobial activity against the tested microorganisms, even at low concentrations. These two derivatives may be used to treat infections in the future.
Do Otolaryngology Patients Show Gender Preference When Choosing a Surgeon? — A Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis
Chandala Chitguppi, Tripti Brar
Abstract Introduction Otorhinolaryngology has always been considered a gender-neutral specialty, whereas in several other specialties, such as obstetrics, gynecology and urology, gender preference has been consistently shown by patients when choosing their treating surgeon. To date, no study has been performed to analyze whether this practice of gender preference is prevalent in otorhinolaryngology patients too. Objectives To identify if gender preference exists in the field of otorhinolaryngology, specifically in its four subspecialties, namely otology, pediatric otolaryngology, laryngology and head and neck surgery. Methods Patients attending our outpatient department were asked to complete a preformed proforma. The pro forma consisted of two parts, demographic details of the subjects and gender preference in the following subspecialties: otology, pediatric otolaryngology, laryngology and head and neck oncosurgery. Results A total of 1,112 subjects took part in the study, out of which 1,089 subjects were included in the final analysis. Female gender preference was highest in the field of pediatric otolaryngology, while male preference was highest for head and neck oncosurgery. Conclusion Though otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery has been considered a gender-neutral field, subspecialties of this field show considerable gender preference.
Evidence for Seasonal Variation of Bell’s Palsy in Germany
H. Erdur, S. Ernst, M. Ahmadi
et al.
Surgıcal Techniques for the Treatment of Concha Bullosa: A Systematic Review
E. A. Ahmed, Okmeydani Training Neck Surgery, D. Hancı
et al.
1Resident, Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Okmeydanı Training and Research Hospital, Darulaceze Cad. No: 25 Posta Kodu: 34400 Okmeydanı, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey 2Specialist, Okmeydanı Training and Reseacrh Hospital ENT Clinic, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey 3Resident, Okmeydanı Training and Reseacrh Hospital ENT Clinic, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey 4Specialist, Bahçelievler Hospital ENT Clinic, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey 5Specialist, Okmeydanı Training and Reseacrh Hospital ENT Clinic, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey 6Resident, Okmeydanı Training and Reseacrh Hospital ENT Clinic, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey 7Professor, Okmeydanı Training and Reseacrh Hospital ENT Clinic, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey 8Associate Professor, Okmeydanı Training and Reseacrh Hospital ENT Clinic, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey
Neutrophil–Lymphocyte Ratio as a Prognostic Factor in Laryngeal Carcinoma
B. Yılmaz, E. Şengül, A. Gül
et al.
Having small‐for‐gestational‐age infants was associated with maternal allergic features in the JECS birth cohort
Mayako Saito, K. Yamamoto-Hanada, K. Pak
et al.
S. W. Lee E. K. Ha K. S. Lee Y.-H. Jung H. M. Jee M. A. Kim J.-C. Ahn Y. H. Sheen M. Y. Han Department of Pediatrics, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea Department of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea Department of Pediatrics, CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea Email: drmesh@gmail.com
ENT Foreign Bodies: An Experience
A. Awad, Mostafa ElTaher
Abstract Introduction Ear, nose and throat (ENT) foreign bodies (FBs) are common occurrences, particularly among children. The proper recognition, study, and management of FBs are required to prevent complications. Their consequences are greatly variable, from mild disturbances that may not require hospitalization up to life-threatening complications. Objective To analyze the clinical spectrum of ENT FBs, the methods of removal, the outcomes and complications as seen in a tertiary referral hospital. Methods This hospital-based cross-sectional retrospective study was performed from July 2014 to June 2016. Patients with any type of ENT FBs, regardless of age, were included in the study; data was collected from 1,013 patients (572 males and 440 females) with a mean age of 12.5 years. Results Foreign bodies represented a large category among ENT emergencies (30%). Children were affected more frequently, particularly ≤ 6 years old. Swallowed FBs were the most common (53.6%), followed by aural FBs (24.68%), nasal FBs (19%), and inhaled FBs (2.6%). A total of 54.69% of ENT s were removed under general anesthesia (GA). Conclusion Foreign bodies (FB) in the ears, nose or throat are a common occurrence in otorhinolaryngology (ENT) emergency services. Children are the most affected age group. The commonest site of FB lodgment is in the throat. Ear, nose and throat FBs need to be properly managed to avoid complications.