Αρχειοθήκη ιστολογίου

Αλέξανδρος Γ. Σφακιανάκης
ΩτοΡινοΛαρυγγολόγος
Αναπαύσεως 5
Άγιος Νικόλαος Κρήτη 72100
2841026182
6032607174

Δευτέρα 20 Δεκεμβρίου 2021

Stereotactic radiotherapy as planned boost after definitive radiotherapy for head and neck cancers: Systematic review

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Abstract

Management of locoregionally advanced head and neck cancers (HNCs) remains a challenge. Some groups have attempted to use stereotactic radiotherapy (SBRT) to deliver "boost" treatment following conventional radiotherapy to improve local control (LC) and overall survival (OS), while aiming for acceptable toxicities. Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were queried for SBRT as curative-intent planned boost in HNC after conventional radiotherapy. Individual studies were reviewed from inception until January 2021, extracting patient, treatment, and outcome data. Nine studies met inclusion criteria, representing 454 unique patients treated with curative intent across multiple head and neck sites with conventional radiotherapy. At 3 years, median LC was 92% (90%–98%), and median OS was 80% (75%–91%). Seven treatment-related grade 5 toxicities (1.5%) were reported. Despite acceptable LC and OS rates, there were severe treatment-related late toxicities. As such, SBRT boost should only be used in investigational settings until more data is available.

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A multi-centred sequential trial comparing PEGASUS, an intervention to promote shared decision making about breast reconstruction with usual care

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J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2021 Nov 15:S1748-6815(21)00577-5. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2021.11.033. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Decision making about breast reconstruction (BR) is complex. The Patients' Expectations and Goals: Assisting Shared Understanding of Surgery (PEGASUS) intervention aims to support shared decision making by helping women and clinicians clarify and discuss their expectations around reconstructive surgery. We conducted a multi-centred sequential trial comparing PEGASUS (n = 52) with usual care (UC) (n = 86) in women considering reconstruction, who completed outcome measures at baseline, and 3, 6 and 12 months post-surgery. The primary outcome was BR-specific quality of life (Breast-Q) 6 months post-intervention. Secondary outcomes were health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), capabilities (ICECAP-A) and decisional regret, compared using t-tests and Cohen's d. Comparative analyses revealed no significant diff erences between groups in Breast-Q scores at any time point, except for a favourable effect for UC on psychological well-being at 3 months (t = -2.41, p = .019, d= -0.59). Intervention participants reported significantly higher, therefore improved, ICECAP-A (t = -2.13, p = .037, d = -0.45) and EQ VAS (t = -2.28, p = .026, d = -0.49) scores at 12 months compared to UC. Decisional regret was significantly lower in the PEGASUS group compared to the UC group at 6 months (t =2.06, p = .044, d= -0.51), but this was not sustained at 12 months. In conclusion, the PEGASUS intervention offers some benefits to women considering BR. At times, women experienced less decisional regret, improved health-related quality of life and capability well-being. Findings are discussed in the light of fidelity testing and embedding PEGASUS into practice.

PMID:34924325 | DOI:10.1016/j.bjps.2021.11.033

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Assessment of deep inferior epigastric perforator flap perfusion with near-infrared fluorescence: A pilot study and description of a standardized working protocol

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J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2021 Nov 16:S1748-6815(21)00590-8. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2021.11.043. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Fat necrosis (FN) is a common complication after autologous breast reconstruction (ABR) using a free flap, which can influence reconstruction outcome and patient satisfaction. Intraoperative near-infrared fluorescence imaging using indocyanine green (ICG) permits the visualization of flap perfusion. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of near-infrared fluorescence on FN incidence in patients undergoing an ABR with a deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP) and to propose a standard working protocol for this technique. In this prospective study, patients undergoing one-sided ABR with a DIEP were included. The standard DIEP procedure was complemented with near-infrared fluorescence imaging using the fluorescent tracer ICG to evaluate flap perfusion. This cohort was compared to a retrospectiv e cohort of DIEP procedures without near-infrared fluorescence imaging. Patients and surgery characteristics, as well as postoperative complications, were registered and compared. In both cohorts, 24 patients were included. No significant differences were present between patients and surgery characteristics, including no difference in duration of surgery. In the prospective and retrospective group, the incidence of FN was 4.2% and 33%, respectively (p-value = 0.023). Moreover, microsurgeons were positive about using near-infrared fluorescence as it either provided additional information about perfusion or confirmed the clinical assessment. Our pilot study showed a significant decrease of FN in patients undergoing an ABR with a DIEP when near-infrared fluorescence imaging was used to assess flap perfusion. This study provides a standardized working protocol for near-infrared fluorescence imaging. In the future, large multicenter studies should focus on the quantification of near-infr ared fluorescence imaging.

PMID:34924327 | DOI:10.1016/j.bjps.2021.11.043

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Pharyngo‐Esophageal Modulatory Swallow Responses to Bolus Volume and Viscosity Across Time

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Objectives/Hypothesis

Modulation of the pharyngeal swallow to bolus volume and viscosity is important for safe swallowing and is commonly studied using high-resolution pharyngeal manometry (HRPM). Use of unidirectional pressure sensor technology may, however, introduce variability in swallow measures and a fixed bolus administration protocol may induce time and order effects. We aimed to overcome these limitations and to investigate the effect of time by repeating randomized measurements using circumferential pressure sensor technology.

Study Design

Sub-set analysis of data from the placebo arm of a randomized, repeated measures trial.

Methods

HRPM with impedance was recorded using a solid-state catheter with 36 circumferential pressure sensors and 18 impedance segments straddling from hypopharynx to stomach. Testing included triplicates of 5, 10, and 20 ml thin liquid and 10 ml thick liquid boluses, the order of the thin liquid boluses was randomized. The swallow challenges were repeated approximately 10 minutes after finishing the baseline measurement.

Results

We included 19 healthy adults (10/9 male/female; age 24.5 ± 4.1 year). Intrabolus pressure, all upper esophageal sphincter (UES) opening and relaxation metrics, and flow timing metrics increased with larger volumes. A thicker viscosity decreased UES relaxation time, UES basal pressure, and flow timing metrics, whereas UES opening extent increased. Pre-swallow UES basal pressure and post-swallow UES contractile integral decreased over time.

Conclusion

Using circumferential pressure sensor technology, the effects of volume and viscosity were largely consistent with previous reports. UES contractile pressures reduced over time. The growing body of literature offers a benchmark for recognizing aberrant pharyngo-esophageal motor responses.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 2021

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Comparison of p53, HSP90, E-cadherin and HPV in oral lichen planus and oral squamous cell carcinoma

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Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital. 2021 Dec;41(6):514-522. doi: 10.14639/0392-100X-N1450.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease. There are no markers that can be used to identify the risk of a malignant transformation of OLP to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining was performed among 56 patients with OLP and 66 patients with OSCC for p53, HSP90 and E-cadherin expression and presence of HPV16/18.

RESULTS: Significant differences in p53 and HSP90 expression between OLP and OSCC were found (p = 0.01 and p = 0.006, respectively). A positive correlation between HSP90 and p53 expression was seen in OLP (p = 0.017). Univariate analysis identified HSP90 expression and HPV16/18 presence as prognostic factors for overall survival time (OS) (p < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, only HSP90 expression was an independent prediction factor for shorter OS of OSCC patients (p = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that cooperation between p53 and HSP90 as well as between HPV16/18 and HSP90 exists in OLP and may affect the biological behaviour of OLP. The observed expression of HSP90 and p53 in OLP and their increase in OSCC suggests that these proteins participate in the malignant transformation of OLP. HSP90 may be a potential independent prognostic biomarker that can predict poor prognosis in OSCC.

PMID:34928263 | DOI:10.14639/0392-100X-N1450

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Evaluation of LMR, NLR and PLR as predictors of malignancy in indeterminate thyroid nodules

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Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital. 2021 Dec;41(6):530-536. doi: 10.14639/0392-100X-N1515.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology represent 20% of all thyroid nodules. Inflammation plays an important role in cancer. Lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are independent prognostic scores in numerous cancers, although no study has documented their role in cytology indeterminate nodules. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of LMR, NLR and PLR values as predictors of malignancy in patients with cytology indeterminate nodules.

METHODS: This retrospective study analysed data from 298 patients with indeterminate thyroid nodule. Anatomopathological and haematological data were analysed, dividing the population into two groups. LMR, NLR and PLR values were determined using ROC curve and data were analysed using independent samples t-test, test of proportions, Fisher's exact test and univariate and multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS: We found that a baseline LMR value ≥ 4.09 was indicative of benignity of indeterminate nodule. The probability of malignancy in patients with LMR < 4.09 was 26 times higher than patients with a LMR value ≥ 4.09.

CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that only LMR has shown a concrete probability to find a thyroid cancer in patients with indeterminate nodules. Further studies are necessary to implement tailore d treatment.

PMID:34928264 | DOI:10.14639/0392-100X-N1515

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Management of cochlear fistula and the role of hearing: a five-case report

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Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital. 2021 Dec;41(6):558-565. doi: 10.14639/0392-100X-N1237.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Cochlear fistula (CF) is a rare finding, usually associated with extensive middle ear cholesteatoma. There is agreement on the fact that removing the cholesteatoma matrix on a CF exposes the ear to a high risk of sensorineural hearing loss or dead ear. The aim of the study is to describe the presentation, possible treatment strategies and related outcomes for patients with CF in chronic otitis media (COM).

METHODS: The study considers a retrospective case series of patients with CF diagnosis supported by CT-scan and intraoperative/otoscopic evidence.

RESULTS: Five cases of CF were identified, 4 associated with cholesteatoma and 1 associated with non-cholesteatomatous COM. Two patients presenting with anacusis underwent a subtotal petrosectomy. Two patients with useful hearing underwent a radical mastoidectomy in order to preserve the cholesteatoma matrix on the promontorium. One patient with good hearing and COM was treated conservatively.

CONCLUSIONS: Conservative management should be considered for rare cases of CF in COM with residual hearing. Matrix preservation through radical/modified radical mastoidectomy is strongly advised in the presence of useful preoperative bone conduction. Subtotal petrosectomy should be considered the preferred option in presence of cholesteatoma with preoperative profound hearing loss.

PMID:34928267 | DOI:10.14639/0392-100X-N1237

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Composite Extranodal Natural Killer (NK)/T-cell Lymphoma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in Nasal Cavity: A Rare Case

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Ear Nose Throat J. 2021 Dec 20:1455613211066688. doi: 10.1177/01455613211066688. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:34928717 | DOI:10.1177/01455613211066688

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Effects of background noise on auditory response characteristics of primary auditory cortex neurons in awake mice

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Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao. 2021 Nov 20;41(11):1672-1679. doi: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2021.11.11.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of different continuous background noises on auditory response characteristics of primary auditory cortex (A1) neurons in awake mice.

METHODS: We performed in vivo cell-attached recordings in layer 4 neurons of the A1 of awake mice to investigate how continuous background noises of different levels affected the intensity tuning, frequency tuning and time characteristics of individual A1 neurons. According to the intensity tuning characteristics and types of stimulation, 44 neurons were devided into 4 groups: monotonic-intensity group (20 monotonic neurons), nonmonotonic-intensity group (6 nonmonotonic neurons), monotonic-frequency group (25 monotonic neurons) and monotonic-latency group (15 monotonic neurons).

RESULTS: The A1 neurons only had transient spike response within 10 to 40 ms af ter the onset of continuous wild-band noise stimulation. The noise intensity had no significant effects on the background firing rates of the A1 neurons (P>0.05). The increase of background noise resulted in a significant linear elevation of the intensity threshold of monotonic and nonmonotonic neurons for tone-evoked response (R2>0.90, P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in the slopes of threshold changes between monotonic and nonmonotonic neurons (P>0.05). The best intensity of nonmonotonic neurons increased along with the intensity of the background noise, and the variation of the best intensity was positively correlated with the change of the threshold of the same neuron (r=0.944, P < 0.001). The frequency response bandwidth and the firing rate of the A1 neurons decreased as the noise intensity increased (P < 0.001), but the best frequency almost remained unchanged (P < 0.001). The increase of background noise intensity resulted in an increased first spike latency of the neurons to the same tone stimulus (P < 0.05) without affecting the time accuracy of the first action potential (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: The acoustic response threshold of the A1 neurons increases linearly with the increase of background noise intensity. An increased background noise leads to compressed frequency band-width, a decreased firing rate and a prolonged spike latency, but the frequency selectivity and the time accuracy of auditory response to the same noise remain stable.

PMID:34916193 | DOI:10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2021.11.11

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