Camelia Mia Hotnog, Marinela Bostan, Matei Anghelescu
et al.
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is an aggressive cancer with a complex molecular landscape. Despite extensive research, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms remains incomplete, hindering the development of effective therapeutic strategies for this disease. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as crucial factors in cancer biology, regulating key networks across various malignancies. These molecules exert their regulatory functions through interactions with nucleic acids or proteins, thereby influencing signaling pathways within tumor cells. Consequently, lncRNAs play a significant role in key processes like cell proliferation, metastasis, immune evasion, and treatment resistance. This review offers a comprehensive overview of current knowledge regarding lncRNA-mediated mechanisms in HNSCC. The first section explores how lncRNAs influence tumor processes through various modulation mechanisms, including transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation, chromatin remodeling, and epigenetic modifications. We also highlight the impact of lncRNAs on specific signaling pathways that control essential cellular functions (e.g., proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis). Ultimately, this underscores the promising potential of lncRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets capable of enhancing patient care in oncology. Gaining a deep understanding of how lncRNAs modulate carcinogenic mechanisms may yield innovative approaches for early detection, personalized treatment, and improved clinical outcomes for HNSCC patients.
Word recognition in tone languages like Mandarin is influenced not only by phonological structure but also by lexical tone. Prior research using auditory lexical decision tasks has shown that real monosyllables are generally processed more quickly and accurately than tonal gaps i.e., impossible syllable-tone combinations. However, these studies often did not control for syllable overlap between tonal gaps and real monosyllables, potentially underestimating lexical competition effects. The present study addressed this gap by contrasting real monosyllables, syllable-matched tonal gaps, and syllable-unmatched tonal gaps in a controlled auditory lexical decision task with 54 native Mandarin speakers. Results revealed that reaction times were significantly faster and accuracy higher for real monosyllables compared to both syllable-matched tonal gaps and syllable-unmatched tonal gaps. More importantly, syllable-matched tonal gaps elicited slower reaction times than syllable-unmatched tonal gaps, indicating increased lexical competition when tonal gaps share the same syllable as real monosyllables. These findings emphasize the critical role of phonological similarity and lexical competition in Mandarin word recognition. By controlling syllabic overlap, this study improves upon previous methodologies and offers a clearer assessment of auditory word processing in tone languages.
John Christian Lemoine, Vilija Vaitaitis, Trisha Jarreau
et al.
Introduction Head and neck lymphedema is an omnipresent morbidity related to head and neck cancer therapies. Studies on therapy for these patients in the acute postsurgical population have not been published to date.
Objective To assess changes in the measurements of lymphedema in surgical head and neck cancer patients during the hospital stay with implementation of modified decongestive therapy (MDT).
Methods Patients aged > 18 years undergoing neck dissection with or without primary-site resection or laryngectomy between 2016 and 2019 were included. Facial measurements were obtained prior to beginning MDT and again prior to discharge. A total facial composite measurement was calculated and used to assess change over time. Rates ≥ 2% of change were considered significant.
Results A total of 38 patients were included (subsites: larynx = 27; thyroid = 4; oral cavity = 3; and neck = 4). The mean number of days between surgery and the start of lymphedema therapy was 3.0 days. The mean number of days between measurements was 5.2 days. Reduction in the total composite score was observed in 37 (97%) patients, and 35 (92%) patients had a total composite reduction score > 2%. Tumor subsite and surgery type did not portend toward greater percent change, except for those patients treated with total laryngectomy, regional flap reconstruction, and neck dissection (p = 0.02).
Conclusion Acute postsurgical inpatient MDT was associated with reduced total composite measurements in patients after head and neck surgery. As the first published study on lymphedema therapy in this acute postsurgical period, further prospective case-control studies are warranted to explore further benefits of acute therapy.
AbstractVertigo is a symptom with several possible etiologies. In this case, a 53-year-old woman presented with a 1-month history of vertigo. She had smelled an unpleasant organic solvent for three hours while working at a desk before the onset of vertigo. Physical examination revealed upbeat nystagmus and a wide-based gait but was otherwise unremarkable; no problems with coordination were observed. Further diagnostic tests, including MRI, inner ear function tests, blood sample analysis assessment of Vitamin B12 levels, and urinalysis, were performed. Vestibular rehabilitation and prevention of exposure to organic solvent were recommended to the patient. The upbeat nystagmus gradually subsided, then the nystagmus and gait disturbance resolved after six months. Patient history and past reports show that such a small amount of organic solvent can cause vertigo. This case highlights a diagnostic approach to vertigo and emphasizes the importance of obtaining a comprehensive history from the patient.
Jongmyung Kim, Suresh Mukherji, Missak Haigentz
et al.
Concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the cornerstones of curative intent treatment for nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). When planning radiation, classic teaching is that nasopharyngeal carcinoma can involve the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) through either direct extension or retrograde perineural spread from branches of V2, and then spread towards the middle cranial fossa via the foramen rotundum. Radiation oncologists are trained to cover this pathway by giving a prophylactic dose to the PPF, the posterior nasal cavity and maxillary sinuses, and also the foramen rotundum. Here we present a case in which the patient had disease recurrence in the bilateral orbits and ipsilateral premaxillary soft tissues despite standard therapy. This case is notable because it clearly demonstrates not just retrograde, but antegrade perineural spread (PNS) via bilateral infraorbital nerves.
Nuno O'Neill Mendes, Joselina Antunes, Gustavo Pedrosa
et al.
Objectives: Describe the population of cochlear implant (CI) recipients in one hospital across 9 years.
Study design: Retrospective
Material & methods: Hearing evaluation before and after cochlear implantation was obtained using tonal and vocal audiometry (each ear individually and sound field). Cases not suitable for conventional audiometry were tested using visual reinforcement audiometry or Brain Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA).
Results and Conclusions: 37 individuals (46 ears); mean age 35,1 years (min:1; max:74); 62,2% male. In terms of pre-CI hearing, in children there were 3 cases of absent waves on BERA, 6 cases of profound and 2 cases of severe hearing loss. In adults, pure tone average (PTA) pre-CI of the best ear was 91,9 dB (min:72,5; max:103,7). On post-IC audiometric evaluation, in children, PTA was 46,5
dB (min:26; max:71,3). Adults had a PTA of 39,9 dB (mín:22,8; máx:77,5). In terms of vocal audiometry, the maximum of intelligibility for disyllabic words went from 18,1% (min:0; max:80) without CI to 79,5% (min:30; max:100) with CI; p<0,001. Generally speaking, hearing performance of cochlear implant recipients improved.
Laura Jacxsens, Laura Jacxsens, Joke De Pauw
et al.
IntroductionAccumulating evidence suggests a role of the brainstem in tinnitus generation and modulation. Several studies in chronic tinnitus patients have reported latency and amplitude changes of the different peaks of the auditory brainstem response, possibly reflecting neural changes or altered activity. The aim of the systematic review was to assess if alterations within the brainstem of chronic tinnitus patients are reflected in short- and middle-latency auditory evoked potentials (AEPs).MethodsA systematic review was performed and reported according to the PRISMA guidelines. Studies evaluating short- and middle-latency AEPs in tinnitus patients and controls were included. Two independent reviewers conducted the study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. Meta-analysis was performed using a multivariate meta-analytic model.ResultsTwenty-seven cross-sectional studies were included. Multivariate meta-analysis revealed that in tinnitus patients with normal hearing, significantly longer latencies of auditory brainstem response (ABR) waves I (SMD = 0.66 ms, p < 0.001), III (SMD = 0.43 ms, p < 0.001), and V (SMD = 0.47 ms, p < 0.01) are present. The results regarding possible changes in middle-latency responses (MLRs) and frequency-following responses (FFRs) were inconclusive.DiscussionThe discovered changes in short-latency AEPs reflect alterations at brainstem level in tinnitus patients. More specifically, the prolonged ABR latencies could possibly be explained by high frequency sensorineural hearing loss, or other modulating factors such as cochlear synaptopathy or somatosensory tinnitus generators. The question whether middle-latency AEP changes, representing subcortical level of the auditory pathway, are present in tinnitus still remains unanswered. Future studies should identify and correctly deal with confounding factors, such as age, gender and the presence of somatosensory tinnitus components.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021243687, PROSPERO [CRD42021243687].
Objective: Our objective is to provide observations demonstrated with 3Dimensional Computed x-ray Stereoscopic Imaging (3DCTSI) in the evaluation of the anterior ethmoid and frontal sinus development from birth to age 18.
Methods: This is a retrospective evaluation of patient’s CT studies performed over a fifteen-year period, reported as normal studies, and included 53 patients (142 sides) from birth to age 18.
Results: At birth, there are two spaces covered by folds, the uncinate and bulla lamellae. The spaces communicate with the Middle Meatus (MM) through the emerging ethmoid infundibulum (EI) and the retrobulbar recess space (RBRS). In the first month after birth, an expansile and breakdown developmental phase blend and continue throughout the growth into the teenage years. The 3D images reveal dark lamellar structures, on the surface of the medial lamina papyracea as well as bridging the broken spatial outlines. The dark lamellae represent the mucosal lamina propria, in unossified lamellae and are the origin of permanent spatial walls. From ages 4 to 18 years, initially, the frontal recess (FR) and later the MM penetrate into the cancellous frontal bone creating the frontal Sinus (FS), the frontal septum (FS), Inter-Frontal Sinus Septal Cell (IFSSC), as well as the Fronto-Ethmoidal and Frontal Bulla Spaces.
Conclusion: 3DCTSI is the first intuitive imaging modality to reveal the microanatomical development of the anterior ethmoid and frontal sinus anatomy.
Objective To observe the clinical effect of Chinese medicine preparations at Shenque and Dazhui acupoints on relieving the symptoms of sleep disorders in patients with laryngocarcinoma. Methods A total of 50 hospitalized patients with laryngocarcinoma and sleep disorders were selected and randomly divided into treatment group (n=25) and control group(n=24, as one case lost to follow-up). In the treatment group, homemade herbal powders (the rhizome of Chinese goldthread and cinnamon) mixed with petroleum jelly and vinegar were applied to Dazhui and Shenque acupoints. In the control group, corn cobs and starch were used to make powder mixed with petroleum jelly and vinegar to make a placebo and then the same operation was performed to apply to the acupoints. The patient sleep quality was measured by using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) before treatment, after treatment and during follow-up. The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome score of insomnia was compared between two groups, and the complication was recorded during treatment and follow-up. Results The total PSQI score decreased in both group after intervention and during follow-up, and the treatment group showed a significant reduction in total PSQI score compared with the control group (P＜0. 05). The TCM syndrome score decreased in both group after intervention, and TCM syndrome score in the treatment group was lower than that in the control group (P＜0. 05). One person in the treatment group experienced skin reaction. Conclusion Homemade Chinese medicine preparations applied externally to acupuncture points have relieved the symptoms of sleep disorders and improved the sleep quality of patients with laryngocarcinoma, which is worthy of promotion and application. (目的 观察中药制剂贴敷神阙和大椎改善喉癌患者睡眠障碍中的效果。方法 选取50例喉癌并发失眠的患者, 随机分入治疗组25例和对照组24例(脱落1例)。对照组给予常规护理并使用安慰剂贴敷神阙和大椎穴。治疗组则在常规护理的基础上采用黄连、肉桂中药粉剂掺入凡士林、陈醋赋形后贴敷于神阙、大椎穴。观察两组干预前后以及随访时匹兹堡睡眠量表(PSQI)得分, 比较两组干预前后失眠中医证候积分, 记录两组并发症发生情况。结果 干预后及随访时, 两组PSQI总分较干预前降低, 且治疗组PSQI总分均低于同期对照组, 差异有统计学意义(P＜0. 05)。干预后, 两组中医证候积分均降低, 且治疗组中医证候积分低于对照组, 差异有统计学意义(P＜0. 05)。对照组未发生不良反应事件, 治疗组仅出现1例皮肤发红症状。结论 自制黄连、肉桂中药制剂贴敷神阙、大椎穴可以有效改善喉癌患者失眠症状, 提高其睡眠质量, 值得临床推广运用。)
Abstract Background Velopharyngeal dysfunction causes abnormal speech due to altered nasal resonance during the production of oral speech sounds. The development of computer-based speech therapy has been growing to make use of computer technology in providing an organized effective source for speech therapy and feedback. The development of a remediation software program that is specific for patients with velopharyngeal dysfunction in the Arabic language and testing its efficacy on patients’ speech was the aim of this study. Results The study showed significant improvement in speech parameters after intervention with p value less than 0.05 for nasometer values and parameters of auditory perceptual assessment. The study proved a significant relation between nasometer values and auditory perceptual assessment. Conclusion The designed software program proved to be a good therapeutic tool in improving speech in patients with velopharyngeal dysfunction. The application of the program on a larger number of patients and in comparison with traditional methods of speech therapy and biofeedback is recommended. Trial registration The study was retrospectively registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT04392817
Halil Yazgi, M. Hamidullah Uyanik, Ozgur Yoruk
et al.
Abstract
A 5-year-old child living in Erzurum, Turkey, complaining of otalgia, otorrhea and pruritus in the right ear for three days, was examined. Otoscopic examination at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology revealed live maggots in the external auditory canal. Ten maggots were recovered and were identified as third stage larvae of Wohlfahrtia magnifica (Diptera: Sarcophagidae). Local and systemic antibiotic therapies were applied. No pathological findings were present at the follow-up examination after 15 days of therapy.
Background Evidence suggests that olfactory impairment (OI) may be a degenerative neurologic complication of diabetes; however, the association is not yet well established. The objective of this work was to systematically review existing literature on the association between diabetes and OI in adults, with meta‐analysis of evaluable studies. Methods A literature search encompassing 358 abstracts from the last 75 years in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane was performed. English‐language articles investigating adults with diabetes and OI in comparison to control groups with original data and ≥7 subjects were included. The Newcastle‐Ottawa scale was applied for quality assessment. Two investigators independently reviewed all articles. For meta‐analysis, the odds ratio of OI in diabetes compared with control groups was calculated using the fixed effects model. Results The initial search yielded 358 abstracts, from which 21 articles were reviewed and 11 articles (n = 6,747) were included. Studies included were case‐control (64%) or cross‐sectional (36%) with evidence level 3b. On the Newcastle‐Ottawa scale, the mean quality assessment score for case‐control and cross‐sectional studies was 7.4 (maximum of 9) and 7.0 (maximum of 10), respectively. A statistically significant association between diabetes and olfaction compared with controls was found in 6 (55%) of the 11 articles. Four studies were eligible for meta‐analysis, which yielded an overall odds of having OI with diabetes as 1.58 times more likely than in control groups (95% CI [1.16, 2.16]; I2 = 10.3%). Conclusions The reviewed studies support a significant association between diabetes and OI. Further studies are warranted to characterize this association. Level of Evidence 3a
Abstract
Introduction High mobility group box 1 is a versatile protein involved in gene transcription, extracellular signaling, and response to inflammation. Extracellularly, high mobility group box 1 binds to several receptors, notably the receptor for advanced glycation end-products. Expression of high mobility group box 1 and the receptor for advanced glycation end-products has been described in many cancers.
Objectives To systematically review the available literature using PubMed and Web of Science to evaluate the clinical value of high mobility group box 1 and the receptor for advanced glycation end-products in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.
Data synthesis A total of eleven studies were included in this review. High mobility group box 1 overexpression is associated with poor prognosis and many clinical and pathological characteristics of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas patients. Additionally, the receptor for advanced glycation end-products demonstrates potential value as a clinical indicator of tumor angiogenesis and advanced staging. In diagnosis, high mobility group box 1 demonstrates low sensitivity.
Conclusion High mobility group box 1 and the receptor for advanced glycation end-products are associated with clinical and pathological characteristics of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Further investigation of the prognostic and diagnostic value of these molecules is warranted.
Importance. Superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SCD) is a third window lesion of the inner ear causing symptoms of vertigo, autophony, tinnitus, and hearing loss. A “two-hit” hypothesis has traditionally been proposed, whereby thinly developed bone overlying the superior canal is disrupted by a sudden change in intracranial pressure. Although the symptoms of SCD may be precipitated by head injury, no previous reports have described a temporal bone fracture directly causing SCD. Observations.
Two patients sustained temporal bone fractures after closed head trauma, and developed unilateral otologic symptoms consistent with SCD. In each instance, computed tomography imaging revealed fractures extending through the bony roof of the superior semicircular canal. Conclusions and Relevance. Temporal bone fractures, which are largely treated nonoperatively, have not previously been reported to cause SCD. As it is a potentially treatable entity, SCD resulting from temporal bone fracture must be recognized as a possibility and diagnosed promptly if present.
Ringtones are designed to draw attention away from on-going activities. In the present study, it was investigated whether the disruptive effects of a ringing cell phone on short-term memory are inevitable or become smaller as a function of exposure and whether (self-) relevance plays a role. Participants performed a serial recall task either in silence or while task-irrelevant ringtones were presented. Performance was worse when a ringing phone had to be ignored, but gradually recovered compared with the quiet control condition with repeated presentation of the distractor sound. Whether the participant′s own ringtone was played or that of a yoked-control partner did not affect performance and habituation rate. The results offer insight into auditory distraction by highly attention-demanding distractors and recovery therefrom. Implications for work environments and other applied settings are discussed.