Background: Sesamin can suppress many cancers, but its effect on nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is unclear. Herein, we set out to pinpoint the possible changes in NPC due to Sesamin. Methods: The biological function of NPC cells exposed to Sesamin/N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC)/3-Methyladenine (3-MA) was detected, followed by evaluation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production (dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate staining) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) (flow cytometry). Proteins pertinent to apoptosis (cleaved caspase-3, cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1)), cell cycle (Cyclin B1), and autophagy (microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3)-I, LC3-II, Beclin-1, P62) were quantified by Western blot. After the xenografted tumor model in mice was established, the tumor volume and weight were recorded, and Ki-67 and cleaved caspase-3 levels were determined by immunohistochemical analysis. Results: Sesamin inhibited viability, proliferation, cell cycle progression and migration, induced apoptosis, increased ROS production, and decreased MMP in NPC cells. Sesamin elevated cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3, cleaved PARP1/PARP1, and Beclin-1 expressions as well as LC3-II/LC3-I ratio, while diminishing Cyclin B1 and P62 levels. NAC and 3-MA abrogated Sesamin-induced changes as above in NPC cells. Sesamin inhibited the increase of the xenografted tumor volume and weight, down-regulated Ki-67, and up-regulated cleaved caspase-3 in xenografted tumors. Conclusion: Sesamin exerts anti-tumor activity in NPC, as demonstrated by attenuated tumor proliferation and xenografted tumor volume and weight, as well as induced apoptosis in tumor tissues, consequent upon the promotion of autophagy and reactive oxygen species production.
ABSTRACT A 62‐year‐old woman with a history of papillary thyroid carcinoma presented to our hospital with fever and cough and was diagnosed with stage IV non‐small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). One year after chemoimmunotherapy, a re‐biopsy of the left pleural tumour lesion was performed. Histological analysis revealed papillary thyroid carcinoma. Another biopsy was performed on the primary tumour, and the histological analysis of the primary tumour lesion confirmed NSCLC. BRAF V600E mutations were detected in both left pleural metastatic lesions of papillary thyroid carcinoma and the primary tumour of NSCLC. Dabrafenib and trametinib reduced both tumour lesions. Here, we report a rare case of concomitant BRAF V600E‐mutated NSCLC and pleural metastasis from papillary thyroid carcinoma.
Objective: Spasmodic dysphonia (SD) is a neurological movement disorder involving the laryngeal muscles. There are three main types: adductor, abductor, and mixed type. Adductor type is the most common and mixed type is the rarest. Botox, the gold standard in treatment, is applied to the affected muscle group according to the type of SD. Dysphagia often occurs as a side effect of botulinum toxin injection treatment in spasmodic dystonia. Dysphagia may sometimes be seen secondary to SD.
Methods: This study included 8 patients with adductor SD without dysphagia and 8 healthy subjects. The total number is 16. Swallowing evaluation of both groups was performed by fiberoptic endosopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), electromyography (EMG) and ultrasound (US).
Results: Swallowing functions of patients with adductor SD were reevaluated after botox injection into the thyroarytenoid muscle. No significant difference was observed in both groups .
Conclusion: In our study, our patient group consisted of patients with SD without dysphagia, and dysphagia was not observed in patients evaluated with FEES, EMG and US after Botox.
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an allergic disease induced by the T helper 2 (TH2) lymphocyte immune response, where its mediators are the primary cause of clinical symptoms. Environmental factors are the primary determinants of the allergic response in genetically susceptible individuals. This study investigates the effects of climate conditions (warm, cold, humid, and dry) on allergic rhinitis.
AR models were created in mice under 4 different conditions. We investigated AR-related behavior (sneezing and nose rubbing), as well as total immunoglobulin E (IgE), histamine, interleukin-4 (IL-4), leukotriene (LT) B4 and LTC4 levels, and gene expression of CysLT1R, HRH1, and MUC5a.
Nose rubbing, histamine levels, and the expression of MUC5a and HRH1 were increased in AR models in cold conditions, and sneezing was increased in AR models kept in dry conditions. LTB4 and LTC4 levels and the expression of CysLT1R in AR models kept in a wet environment also significantly increased compared with the control group. The levels of total IgE and IL-4 showed no significant changes.
Air temperature and humidity affect AR pathophysiology, and weather conditions can be essential in controlling AR.
Based on our original RNA sequence-based microRNA (miRNA) signatures of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), it was revealed that the expression levels of <i>miR-1-3p</i>, <i>miR-206</i>, <i>miR-133a-3p</i>, and <i>miR-133b</i> were significantly suppressed in cancer specimens. Seed sequences of <i>miR-1-3p</i>/<i>miR-206</i> and <i>miR-133a-3p</i>/<i>miR-133b</i> are identical. Interestingly, <i>miR-1-3p</i>/<i>miR-133a-3p</i> and <i>miR-206</i>/<i>miR-133b</i> are clustered in the human genome. We hypothesized that the genes coordinately controlled by these miRNAs are closely involved in the malignant transformation of HNSCC. Our in silico analysis identified a total of 28 genes that had putative <i>miR-1-3p</i>/<i>miR-133a-3p</i> and <i>miR-206</i>/<i>miR-133b</i> binding sites. Moreover, their expression levels were upregulated in HNSCC tissues. Multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that expression of <i>PFN2</i> and <i>PSEN1</i> were independent prognostic factors for patients with HNSCC (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Notably, four miRNAs (i.e., <i>miR-1-3p, miR-206, miR-133a-3p</i>, and <i>miR-133b</i>) directly bound the 3′untranslated region of <i>PFN2</i> and controlled expression of the gene in HNSCC cells. Overexpression of <i>PFN2</i> was confirmed in clinical specimens, and its aberrant expression facilitated cancer cell migration and invasion abilities. Our miRNA-based strategy continues to uncover novel genes closely involved in the oncogenesis of HNSCC.
Manisha K. Juneja, Sanjay Munjal, Anuradha Sharma
et al.
Introduction: Osteoporosis and osteopenia are progressive disorders characterized by decreased bone mass, especially in postmenopausal women. These can be associated with body pain, fractures, hearing loss and balance disorders. The present study aims to evaluate audio-vestibular function in postmenopausal patients with osteopenia or osteoporosis. Methods: The study included 48 postmenopausal women (new subjects) diagnosed with osteoporosis (n = 23) or osteopenia (n = 25) in the age range of 50–66 years, as well as 28 normal women as controls. Audiological testing included pure tone audiometry (conventional and extended high-frequency audiometry), speech audiometry, impedance audiometry and otoacoustic emissions, including both transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs). All subjects also underwent vestibular evoked myogenic potentials testing (both ocular and cervical VEMPs). Results: In the present study, hearing was worse at all frequencies in the osteoporosis group in comparison with the osteopenia and control groups, with worse speech recognition and discrimination scores and OAEs. Vestibular function was affected in 95.65% of women with osteoporosis and 76% of those with osteopenia. Conclusion: Osteoporosis and osteopenia are risk factors for vestibular dysfunction and hearing deficits in postmenopausal women. Thus, hearing and vestibular function should be monitored by audiological and vestibular testing periodically in these individuals.
Nichtima Chayaopas, Pornthep Kasemsiri, Panida Thanawirattananit
et al.
Abstract Background Globally increasing number of elders is concerned. Hearing loss process in older adults cannot be avoided. An effective screening tool for hearing loss is essential for proper diagnosis and rehabilitation, which can improve QOL in older adults. Methods This prospective-diagnostic test study evaluates the diagnostic value of Thai version of the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Elderly Screening (HHIE-ST) and the Thai Single Question (TSQ) surveys in screening hearing disability in 1109 Thai participants aged 60 years and older in communities in four provinces in Thailand. The HHIE-ST consisted of 10 selected questions from the validated HHIE-Thai version. A TSQ survey was developed to have the same meaning as an English Single Question survey. The participants answered both questionnaires, and a standard audiometry test assessed with air conduction from 250 to 8000 Hz was included as a gold standard. Results The prevalence of hearing disability was 38.34%. The HHIE-ST achieved a sensitivity of 88.96% (95% CI 85.77–91.64) and specificity of 52.19% (95% CI 48.24–56.13) for diagnosis hearing disability in Thai older adults, whereas the TSQ yielded a sensitivity of 88.73% and a specificity of 55.93%. A combined test including the HHIE-ST and TSQ achieved better performance with sensitivity of 85.29% and specificity of 60.13%. Conclusions Either the HHIE-ST or the TSQ is a sensitive and useful tool for screening hearing disability in Thai older adults. Using the HHIE-ST together with the TSQ resulted in a better screening tool for detecting moderate hearing loss older adults who will benefit and recommended for hearing rehabilitation. Trial registration The study is registered with the following number in the Thai Clinical Trials Registry: TCTR20151015003 . Date of registration October 14, 2015.
Luzbel Von-Haff, João Figueira, Anabela Palma
et al.
A Histiocitose de células de Langerhans (HCL) ou Histiocitose X refere-se a um grupo de doenças que são caracterizadas pela proliferação clonal de histiócitos com características semelhantes as células de Langerhans, que afetam diferentes órgãos do corpo humano, incluindo o osso temporal. O presente trabalho descreve o caso clínico de um doente de 42 anos, internado para cirurgia por otomastoidite crónica agudizada à direita. A Tomografia Axial Computorizada (TAC) revelou lesões osteolíticas petromastoideias, deiscência do seio lateral e do canal semicircular externo e solução de continuidade do tégmen timpânico, mas sem infiltração das estruturas neurológicas. O diagnóstico da HCL do osso temporal foi confirmado com exames histopatológicos e imunohistoquímicos. Dependendo do tipo de lesão, existem diferentes modalidades terapêuticas para a HCL do osso temporal que incluem cirurgia, quimioterapia, radioterapia e até corticoterapia. Neste caso o doente foi submetido a mastoidectomia à direita, seguido de corticoterapia (dexametasona) e quimioterapia (vinblastina). Até a data atual, o doente não apresenta sinais de recidiva da doença. Contudo mantem-se em vigilância periódica para despiste de eventuais manifestações clínicas.
Petra V. Membreno, Anas A. Eid, Christopher C. Vanison
et al.
Abstract Objective To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of porcine submucosal allograft (Biodesign Sinonasal Repair Graft [Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN]) in oral cavity and oropharynx reconstruction after ablative surgery. Methods We conducted a prospective and retrospective review of patients who underwent Biodesign Sinonasal Repair Graft reconstruction for oral and oropharyngeal surgical defects at a single institution between 2018 and 2020. A total of 11 patients were included in the study. Data points included their perioperative medical and demographic data, immediate postoperative course, and follow‐up visits at 10 days and at 2 months. The clinicopathologic characteristics of their disease, postoperative esthetic, and functional outcomes were recorded and analyzed. Results Eleven procedures have been performed, and all patients received Biodesign reconstruction either immediately after ablation or after they failed a previous reconstruction. None of the patients had bone exposure. The subsites included oral tongue (n = 6), floor of the mouth (n = 3), buccal mucosa (n = 1), and soft palate (n = 1). In all cases, the operations and the postoperative course were uneventful. The mean defect size was 22 cm2. The median start of oral intake was at 2 days postoperatively. The Biodesign graft healed well in all patients with no total graft loss. There was one complication that required revision surgery due to obstruction of Wharton's duct by the Biodesign material. Conclusions Biodesign can be a viable option for small and medium‐sized oral and oropharyngeal defects in patients who are medically unfit or do not want to undergo a free flap surgery. Level of Evidence 4.
Mohammad Reza Mofatteh, Mahboubeh Ahi Fersheh, Fatemeh Nikoomanesh
et al.
Introduction: Otomycosis, as a common superficial fungal infection, is the term to infection of external auditory canal. Despite numerous studies on diverse antifungal agents, there is no common consent on effective agent for treatment of otomycosis. Therefore, the purpose of this study is compared therapy of otomycosis using two therapeutic agents; clotrimazole and iodine tincture. Materials and Methods: This research is a clinical trial study included 160 patients who were presented otomycosis. All patients were randomly assigned into two therapeutic groups of clotrimazole and Iodine Tincture (80 cases in each group). The results of response to thrapy were evaluated on 4, 10, and 20 days. Statistical analyses were performed using Independent-Samples t-test, Chi-Square, and Fishers҆ Exact tests in SPSS software v.18, in 0.05 significant level. Results: Fungal species were isolated including Aspergillus (72.5%) and Candida albicans (22.5%). After 4thday of treatment, 7.5% of the tincture group and 11.2% of the clotrimazole group revealed a good response to treatment (P=0.30). A good response to treatment was observed in35.0 and 41.2% of the patients on 10th day of treatment (P=0.44); and in 67.5 and 62.5% of the patients on 20th day of treatment (P= 0.20). There was no significant relationship between the two therapeutic arms. Conclusion: In this study, both clotrimazole and tincture showed the identical therapeutic efficacy on otomycosis. Our findings suggested that tincture can be used as a supplementary antifungal option for treatment of otomycosis.
IntroductionChondroid syrigomas are rare, usually benign tumors occurring predominantly in the head and neck area. These are also known as mixed tumors of skin. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult and generally histopathology examination confirms the diagnosis. The usual presentation is that of a slowly growing mass.Case ReportA rare case of chondroid syringoma on dorsum of external nose in 30 year old female patient is presented.DiscussionChondroid syringoma presents as slow‐growing, painless, subcutaneous or intracutaneous nodule in middle‐aged adult males. The tumor is often initially confused with more common dermatologic skin disorders such as sebaceous cysts, dermoid cysts, neurofibromas, dermatofibromas, basal cell carcinoma, histiocytoma and seborrheic keratosis. The treatment of choice is surgical excision with negative margins with follow-up to detect recurrences.
Melissa Knauert, Sreelatha Naik, M. Boyd Gillespie
et al.
Objective: To provide an overview of the healthcare and societal consequences and costs of untreated obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Data sources: PubMed database for English-language studies with no start date restrictions and with an end date of September 2014. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was performed to identify all studies that discussed the physiologic, clinical and societal consequences of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome as well as the costs associated with these consequences. There were 106 studies that formed the basis of this analysis. Conclusions: Undiagnosed and untreated obstructive sleep apnea syndrome can lead to abnormal physiology that can have serious implications including increased cardiovascular disease, stroke, metabolic disease, excessive daytime sleepiness, work-place errors, traffic accidents and death. These consequences result in significant economic burden. Both, the health and societal consequences and their costs can be decreased with identification and treatment of sleep apnea. Implications for practice: Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, despite its consequences, is limited by lack of diagnosis, poor patient acceptance, lack of access to effective therapies, and lack of a variety of effective therapies. Newer modes of therapy that are effective, cost efficient and more accepted by patients need to be developed. Keywords: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, Cost, Continuous positive airway pressure, Mandibular advancement device
We describe a rare case of traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the maxillary artery following a fall. The patient presented with epistaxis that could not be controlled with anterior and posterior nasal packing. She was urgently taken to the angiography suite for evaluation and ultimately underwent embolization of a left maxillary artery pseudoaneurysm with 500–700 micron Contour PVA followed by coiling with two 3 mm Tornado coils. Bleeding subsided after embolization, and the patient suffered no neurologic sequelae.
Michael R Kotowski, Sandi W Smith, Patti M Johnstone
et al.
Brochures containing messages developed according to the Extended Parallel Process Model were deployed to increase intentions to use hearing protection for college students. These brochures were presented to one-half of a college student sample, after which a questionnaire was administered to assess perceptions of threat, efficacy, and behavioral intentions. The other half of the sample completed the questionnaire and then received brochures. Results indicated that people receiving the brochure before the questionnaire reported greater perceptions of hearing loss threat and efficacy to use ear plugs when in loud environments, however, intentions to use ear plugs were unchanged. Distribution of the brochure also resulted in greater perceptions of hearing loss threat and efficacy to use over-the-ear headphones when using devices such as MP3 players. In this case, however, intentions to use over-the-ear headphones increased. Results are discussed in terms of future research and practical applications.