Clinical characteristics, outcomes, and seasonality of acute respiratory infection associated with single and co‐detected rhinovirus species among hospitalized children in Amman, Jordan

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Clinical characteristics, outcomes, and seasonality of acute respiratory infection associated with single and co‐detected rhinovirus species among hospitalized children in Amman, Jordan via Journal of Medical Virology Abstract Background Rhinovirus (RV)-specific surveillance studies in the Middle East are limited. Therefore, we aimed to study the clinical characteristics, outcomes, and seasonality of RV-associated acute respiratory infection among hospitalized young children in Jordan. Methods We conducted a prospective viral surveillance study and enrolled children <2 years old admitted to a large public hospital in Amman, Jordan (2010–2013). Demographic and clinical data were collected by structured interviews and chart abstractions. Nasal and/or throat swabs were collected and tested for a panel of respiratory viruses, and RV genotyping and speciation was performed. Results At least one virus was detected in 2,641/3,168 children (83.4%). RV was the second most common virus detected (n=1,238; 46.9%) and was co-detected with another respiratory virus in 730 cases (59.0%). Children with RV co-detection were more likely than those with RV-only detection to have respiratory distress but had similar outcomes. RV-A accounted for about half of RV-positive cases (54.7%), while children with RV-C had a higher frequency of wheezing and reactive airway disease. RV was detected year-round and peaked during winter. Conclusions Though children with RV co-detection had worse clinical findings, neither co-detection nor species affected most clinical outcomes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. View on Web

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The diagnostic yield of head and neck imaging in symptomatic patients with a normal clinical examination

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader The diagnostic yield of head and neck imaging in symptomatic patients with a normal clinical examination via Head & Neck Abstract Aim Nationally, concern has been raised about the overuse of diagnostic testing. In patients with unilateral otalgia and no history of Head and Neck Cancer (HNC), 1% had a malignancy detected on imaging that was not detected on clinical examination. Methods We performed a retrospective review of "MRI soft tissue neck" scans performed at our hospital from May 2020 to May 2021. Patients were excluded if their scan was not ordered for HNC symptoms. Previous HNC patients undergoing follow-up imaging were also included. Results In total, 326 scan requests were analyzed. Of the 132 patients without clinical features of overt disease, only one received a new diagnosis of HNC. This patient had previously had a HNC and was undergoing routine follow-up imaging. Conclusion Our data demonstrate that performing MRI scans in symptomatic patients with a normal examination, FNE, and no history of HNC does not benefit the diagnosis or management of these patients. View on Web

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Overexpression of circFNDC3B promotes the progression of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma through the miR‐1322/MED1 axis

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Overexpression of circFNDC3B promotes the progression of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma through the miR‐1322/MED1 axis via Head & Neck Abstract Background The potential role of circFNDC3B in regulating oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma development (OTSCC) remains unknown. Methods The level of circFNDC3B in OTSCC tissues or cell lines was measured and its function in vitro and in vivo was analyzed. Interactions among circFNDC3B, miR-1322, and MED1 were verified by luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays. Results The level of circFNDC3B in tissues or cell lines of OTSCC was higher than that in control groups. siRNA-mediated circFNDC3B inhibition resulted in weakened proliferation, migration, and invasion, which was reversed by miR-1322. Overexpression of MED1 in OTSCC cells partially reversed the tumor suppression functions of si-circFNDC3B or miR-1322 mimics in vitro. circFNDC3B overexpression dramatically promoted tumor growth in vivo. circFNDC3B directly bound with miR-1322 and consequently promoted the MED1 expression in OTSCC cells. Conclusions The circFNDC3B/miR-1322/MED1 axis participates in OTSCC progression, which may provide novel therapeutic targets for OTSCC. View on Web

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Particular body odors matter: Disgust sensitivity differs across attachment groups

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Particular body odors matter: Disgust sensitivity differs across attachment groups via Journal of Applied Social Psychology Abstract Extensive research has highlighted how one's attachment style influences the development and maintenance of romantic relationships. Disgust is a construct that conceptually overlaps with attachment style given both include elements of behavioral avoidance. However, no previous study has examined how one's attachment style may influence disgust-based avoidance of intimacy in romantic relationships. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to determine if adult attachment style is associated with olfactory disgust ratings towards eight body odor (BO) sources from their partner, previous partner, or others. The results revealed that disgust ratings of a partner's BO differed depending on attachment style. Specifically, the participants with a dismissing-avoidant attachment style rated their partner's BO as more disgusting than the secure, fearful-avoidant, or preoccupied styles. Moreover, participants with a dismissing-avoidant attachment style rated their partner's and strangers' BO equally disgusting whereas those in the other attachment groups rated strangers' BO as more disgusting than their partner's. View on Web

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MRI has a limited role in investigating odynophagia if examination is normal: a binary logistic regression analysis of 484 patients presenting to a tertiary head and neck clinic

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader MRI has a limited role in investigating odynophagia if examination is normal: a binary logistic regression analysis of 484 patients presenting to a tertiary head and neck clinic via Clinical Otolaryngology Abstract Introduction Investigation of head and neck cancers places a significant burden on the National Health Service and effective resource allocation is of perpetual importance. Existing risk calculators are designed to stratify the likelihood of underlying malignancy according to symptoms, but are less relevant in secondary care as they do not integrate clinical examination findings (e.g. naso-endoscopy). We looked to evaluate the utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in investigating patients with unilateral odynophagia and a normal clinical examination. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted over a 54-month period; 484 consecutively-recruited adult patients who underwent MRI of the neck for suspected malignancy were included. Imaging reports, case notes, and histopathology results were reviewed. Patients with previously diagnosed/treated malignancy, undergoing surveillance, or those with pathology of the salivary glands, oral cavity or thyroid gland, were excluded. A multivariate binary logistical regression model was performed to calculate the odds ratios and probabilities of malignancy for each presenting symptom, with and without negative nasoendoscopy findings. Results The overall incidence of malignancy within the cohort was 173/484 patients (35.7%; 95% CI 31.5 – 40.2%) with no cases of malignancy in patients presenting with odynophagia and a normal nasoendoscopy (0/39). The presence of a neck lump was significantly associated with malignancy, (OR 2.03 p = 0.001; 95% CI 1.59 – 2.58), as was dysphagia (OR 1.52 p = 0.009; 95%CI 1.11 - 2.11). Conversely, globus was found to have an inverse association (OR 0.41 p < 0.001; 95% CI 0.24 – 0.70). Summary New patients presenting with odynophagia alone and normal endoscopy or globus have a low likelihood of underlying malignancy, justifying reassurance and follow-up in the event of persistent symptoms. Contrariwise, patients with a neck lump, dysphagia, odynophagia and multiple concurrent aerodigestive tract symptoms, or an abnormal endoscopy have a high likelihood of underlying malignancy and should be investigated accordingly. View on Web

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A systematic review of the feasibility and safety of day case nasal and/or palatopharyngeal surgery in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader A systematic review of the feasibility and safety of day case nasal and/or palatopharyngeal surgery in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea via Clinical Otolaryngology Abstract Introduction Recent guidelines suggest obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is not an absolute contraindication for same day discharge following surgery. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the feasibility and safety of day case nasal and/or palatopharyngeal surgery in patients with OSA. Methods We performed a systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane library. Quality assessment of included studies was done. The protocol of this systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021273451). Results A total of 1836 patients from ten observational studies were included. There were 268 (15.4%) nasal surgeries, 738 palatopharyngeal surgeries (42.4%) and 735 (42.2%) combined nasal and palatopharyngeal surgery. The majority of patients had moderate to severe OSA. A total of 860 patients (49.8%) were successfully discharged as day cases. There were no standard criteria for daycase surgery. Post-anaesthetic respiratory events were reported in 86/1750 (4.9%) patients. Oxygen desaturation was the most common respiratory event (83.7%, n = 72). There was no mortality reported. Conclusion Current data suggests day surgery is feasible in carefully selected patients with OSA undergoing nasal and/or palatopharyngeal surgery. Further well-designed prospective studies with an emphasis on the systematic assessment of complications are required to establish safety and daycase criteria. View on Web

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The Impact of Vocal Boost Manipulations on Musical Sound Quality for Cochlear Implant Users

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader The Impact of Vocal Boost Manipulations on Musical Sound Quality for Cochlear Implant Users via The Laryngoscope CI users face significant difficulty with music perception, which negatively impacts sound quality and music appreciation. Our study demonstrates commercially available vocal boost software can be used to improve the perception of musical sound quality appraisals among CI users, which may contribute positively to quality of life. Given these findings, front-end vocal manipulations and settings should be considered as an adjunct to current methods of hearing accessibility and accommodations for CI music listening experiences. Objective To evaluate the impact of vocal boost manipulations on cochlear implant (CI) musical sound quality appraisals. Methods An anonymous, online study was distributed to 33 CI users. Participants listened to auditory tokens and assessed the musical quality of acoustic stimuli with vocal boosting and attenuation using a validated sound quality rating scale. Four versions of real-world musical stimuli were created: a version with +9 dB vocal boost, a version with −9 dB vocal attenuation, a composite stimulus containing a 1,000 Hz low-pass filter and white noise ("anchor"), and an unaltered version ("hidden reference"). Subjects listened to all four versions and provided ratings based on a 100-point scale that reflected the perceived sound quality difference of the music clip relative to the reference excerpt. Results Vocal boost increased musical sound quality ratings relative to the reference clip (11.7; 95% CI, 1.62–21.8, p = 0.016) and vocal attenuation decreased musical sound quality ratings relative to the reference clip (28.5; 95% CI, 18.64–38.44, p < 0.001). When comparing the non-musical training group and musical training group, there was a significant difference in musical sound quality rating scores for the vocal boost condition (21.2; 95% CI: 1.76–40.7, p = 0.028). Conclusions CI-mediated musical sound quality appraisals are impacted by vocal boost and attenuation. Musically trained CI users to report greater musical sound quality enhancement with a vocal boost with respect to CI users with no musical training background. Implementation of front-end vocal boost manipulations in music may improve sound quality and music appreciation among CI users. Level of Evidence II (Individual cohort study) Laryngoscope, 2022 View on Web

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Free Tissue Transfer for Skull Base Osteoradionecrosis: A Novel Approach in the Endoscopic Era

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Free Tissue Transfer for Skull Base Osteoradionecrosis: A Novel Approach in the Endoscopic Era via The Laryngoscope Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the skull base and the craniovertebral junction is a challenging complication of radiation therapy. We describe an endoscopic-assisted approach for the management of ORN of the skull base using fascia lata for microvascular free tissue transfer. This approach is a novel and effective strategy for the management of ORN of the skull base and upper cervical spine with excellent postoperative outcomes and limited patient morbidity. Objectives Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the skull base and craniovertebral junction is a challenging complication of radiation therapy (RT). Severe cases often require surgical intervention through a multi-modal approach. With the evolution in endoscopic surgery and advances in skull base reconstruction, there is an increasing role for microvascular free tissue transfer (MFTT). We describe an endoscopic-assisted approach for the management of ORN of the skull base using fascia lata for MFTT. Study Design Retrospective case series. Methods Between 2017 and 2021, a review of all cases in which fascia lata MFTT was utilized for skull base ORN was performed. Patient demographics, preoperative characteristics, and postoperative outcomes with long-term follow-up were reviewed. Results Five patients were identified. Mean duration to onset of ORN was 17 months following RT. A trial of antibiotics, hyperbaric oxygen (HBO), and/or limited debridement was attempted without success. Refractory pain and progressive osteomyelitis were unifying symptoms. All patients underwent endoscopic debridement of the affected region of ORN prior to MFTT. Vascularized fascia lata was inset through a combined endonasal and transoral corridor. There was improvement in chronic pain in the postop setting with no patients requiring continued antibiotics or HBO therapy. Mean post-op follow-up was 23 months. Conclusions With continued evolution in endoscopic, minimally invasive approaches, there is an expanding indication for early surgical management in refractory ORN. Fascia lata MFTT is a novel and effective strategy for the management of ORN of the skull base and upper cervical spine with excellent postoperative outcomes and limited patient morbidity. Level of Evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 2022 View on Web

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Acute, Recurrent, and Chronic Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: The IFOS Classification

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Acute, Recurrent, and Chronic Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: The IFOS Classification via The Laryngoscope Objective To investigate the clinical patterns and disease evolution of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) patients. Methods Patients with LPR diagnosed by hypopharyngeal-esophageal impedance-pH monitoring were prospectively followed in three medical centers. Symptoms and findings were assessed with reflux symptom score (RSS) and reflux sign assessment (RSA). Patients were treated with 3-to 9-month diet and combination of proton pump inhibitors, alginate or magaldrate. Patients were followed for 3 years to determine the clinical evolution of symptoms over time. LPR that did not recur was defined as acute. Recurrent LPR consisted of reflux with one or several recurrences yearly despite successful treatment. Chronic LPR was reflux with a chronic course of symptoms. Predictive indicators of clinical evolution were investigated. Results One hundred forty patients and 82 healthy individuals completed the evaluations. Among patients, 41 (29.3%), 57 (40.7%), and 42 (30.0%) had acute, recurrent, or chronic LPR respectively. Baseline quality of life-RSS (QoL-RSS) and RSS total scores were significantly higher in chronic LPR patients. The post-treatment decrease of QoL-RSS and RSS of acute LPR patients were significantly faster as compared to recurrent and chronic patients. QoL-RSS >5 reported adequate sensitivity (94.2) and specificity (75.3). QoL-RSS thresholds defined acute (QoL-RSS = 6–25), recurrent (QoL-RSS = 26–38), and chronic (QoL-RSS > 38) LPR. Conclusion Baseline QoL-RSS may predict the clinical course of LPR patients: acute, recurrent, or chronic. A novel classification system that groups patients according to the longevity, severity, and therapeutic response of symptoms was proposed: the International Federation of Otorhinolaryngological Societies Classification of LPR. Level of Evidence III Laryngoscope, 2022 View on Web

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The role of intraoral scanners in the shade matching process: a systematic review

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader The role of intraoral scanners in the shade matching process: a systematic review via Journal of Prosthodontics ABSTRACT Purpose The variation in findings with regards to accuracy and precision of intraoral scanners for shade selection are no doubt confusing for clinicians who may find it difficult to make evidence-based decisions. The aim of this systematic review is to provide a comprehensive and in-depth assessment of available studies to determine the viability of using intraoral scanners for the purpose of shade matching. The PICO guided research question is as follows: when shade matching, are intraoral scanners as valid as visual or other digital shade measuring devices in determining tooth colors. Methods Electronic databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, SCOPUS, EBSCO, Cochrane, and ProQuest were systematically searched for articles published between January 1, 2011 and December 30, 2021 using the main search terms: "intraoral scanners", "scanners", "TRIOS", "CEREC", "Planmeca", "Medit", "digital dentistry" in concurrence with one of the following keywords: "EasyShade" OR "shade selection" OR "shade matching" OR "shade" OR "tooth color" OR "tooth shade" OR "digital shade matching". Bibliographies of included articles and the following journals were searched for relevant articles: Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, Journal of Prosthodontics, Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics and Journal of Dentistry. A total of 15 articles were included in the review. Results Intraoral scanners are highly repeatable for shade matching, and outperformed visual shade matching. Accuracy varied significantly between studies, with the majority recommending the use of visual shade matching to confirm/verify the intraoral scanner results. Setting intraoral scanners to the Vita 3D Master shade guide improved both accuracy and precision. Shade matching with intraoral scanners may be influenced by external factors such as ambient light sources and incorrect use or manipulation. Conclusion Intraoral scanners set to the Vita 3D Master shade guide may be used for shade matching, but shade should be verified with visual shade matching. Further studies are required to address limitations of current studies. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved View on Web

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