Formaldehyde-hardened albumin as a non-penetrating embedding matrix for frozen and vibratome sectioning

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Formaldehyde-hardened albumin as a non-penetrating embedding matrix for frozen and vibratome sectioning Via histochem Acta Histochem. 2021 Dec 31;124(1):151838. doi: 10.1016/j.acthis.2021.151838. Online ahead of print. ABSTRACT In this paper, we describe a protocol for a non-penetrating embedding matrix that can be used for frozen or vibratome sectioning of various formaldehyde-fixed tissue specimens. In our experiments, we wanted to prepare thin frozen sections from miniature specimens for fluorescent staining. As we could not achieve satisfactory results with any of the previously publish ed methods, we have tried to modify the existing protocols, and systematically evaluated the effect of these modifications on the properties of the embedding matrix. The resulting protocol is simple, the matrix gets firmly attached to the tissues, does not cause autofluorescence and enables preparing extremely thin frozen sections. The matrix can be used for 1, embedding miniature specimens from problematic tissues to enable cutting very thin frozen sections, 2, grouping multiple specimens into one large block for simultaneous processing, and 3, dispersing single cells and preparing cell blocks for frozen sectioning. PMID:34979375 | DOI:10.1016/j.acthis.2021.151838 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Pain at the Cochlear Implant Site Requiring Device Removal in Pediatric Patients

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Pain at the Cochlear Implant Site Requiring Device Removal in Pediatric Patients Via The Laryngoscope Objectives Idiopathic pain at the cochlear implant (CI) site outside of the immediate postoperative period is an uncommon occurrence but may necessitate device explantation. Our objective was to describe the clinical course for pediatric patients with CI site pain who ultimately required device explantation. Study Design Retrospective chart review. Methods We performed a retrospective database review of CIs performed at a tertiary referral center for pediatric cochlear implantation. We specifically evaluated pediatric patients who presented with pain at or near the CI device site and ultimately required explantation. Results Fifteen patients (16 CIs) had pain at or near the CI site requiring device explantation. Cultures taken during site exploration or device explantation identified bacteria in 86% and 81% of procedures, respectively. Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus non-aureus were the most commonly identified organisms. Conclusions The majority of patients with idiopathic pain in this cohort ultimately requiring CI explantation had chronic bacterial colonization. Level of Evidence Level 4 (Case series) Laryngoscope, 2022 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Prevalence and associated factors of aspiration and severe dysphagia in asymptomatic patients in the late period after open partial laryngectomy: a videofluoroscopic evaluation

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Prevalence and associated factors of aspiration and severe dysphagia in asymptomatic patients in the late period after open partial laryngectomy: a videofluoroscopic evaluation Via http://link.springer.com/journal/405,European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology,The European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2022 Jan 4. doi: 10.1007/s00405-021-07231-4. Online ahead of print. ABSTRACT PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate late and asymptomatic patients after open partial horizontal laryngectomy (OPHL), investigating the clinical-surgical and socio-demographic factors associated with aspiration and severe dysphagia. METHODS: One-thousand videofluoroscopic swallowing studies were performed in 100 asymptomatic patients in the late period after OPHL(median 6.5 years). Aspiration and severe dysphagia were, respectively, assessed by the Penetration-Aspiration scale (PAS) and by the Dynamic Imaging Grade of Swallowing Toxicity (DIGEST) classification. Associated factors were investigated by multivariate logistic regressions. RESULTS: 34% (95% CI 24.3-47.6%) of patients presented aspiration and 23% (95% CI 15.3-34.6%) had severe or life-threatening dysphagia (DIGEST grades 3-4). On logistic regression, the pre sence of aspiration was associated with lower preoperative serum albumin (odds ratio [OR]: 0.22; 95% CI 0.07-0.64; p = 0.005, for each 1 g/dL increment); a greater weight loss in early postoperative period (OR: 1.19, 95% CI 1.05-1.35; p = 0.008, for each 1 kg loss); older age at surgery (OR: 1.08; 95% CI 1.01-1.17, for each 1-year older); and with the presence of diabetes (OR: 5.16; 95% CI 1.09-27.47; p = 0.039). CONCLUSION: Deglutition abnormalities are frequent in asymptomatic patients later after OPHL. Older patients, with lower preoperative serum albumin levels, with greater postoperative weight loss, and with diabetes compose the clinical profile at risk for having worse swallowing function in the late period after OPHL. PMID:34982204 | DOI:10.1007/s00405-021-07231-4 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

The usefulness of a free thinned deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap and measurement of the vascular pedicle length: A thin flap with a long pedicle

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader The usefulness of a free thinned deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap and measurement of the vascular pedicle length: A thin flap with a long pedicle Via Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery : JPRAS J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2021 Dec 7:S1748-6815(21)00654-9. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2021.11.105. Online ahead of print. ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The thinned deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap branching from the main trunk to the superolateral direction may be useful because of its long vascular pedicle. DIEP flap is used as an axial-pattern adipose flap. The vascular pedicle length of the thinned DIEP flap was investigated using originally developed software. The clinical application of the thinned DIEP flap was verified in a case series. METHODS: In 40 patients with enhanced computed tomography (CT) data, the vascular pedicle length of the longest thinned DIEP flap was simulated using the software. A free thinned DIEP flap was used in 10 clinical cases of facial or breast reconstruction. RESULTS: In all simulated cases, the vascular pedicle of the DIEP branching to the superolateral direction was the longest, and the vascular pedicle could be lengthened up to 34.8% by dissecting the vessels on the fascia as a vascular pedicle. In all the clinical cases, the reconstruction of a complex form defect or reconstruction requiring a long vascular pedicle could be achieved in one stage without any perioperative complications. The intraclass correlation coefficient between simulated pedicle length and dissected pedicle length was 0.99. CONCLUSION: Thinned DIEP flaps with long vascular pedicles could be elevated safely. Multiple adipose or muscle flaps could be combined without complications. The length of the winding vascular pedicle could be measured using imaging data using the software first developed in the present study. This software would be useful in the planning of a thinned DIEP flap and other free flaps. PMID:34973933 | DOI:10.1016/j.bjps.2021.11.105 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Novel Fibroblast Activation Protein Inhibitor-Based Targeted Theranostics for Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Patients: A Pilot Study

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Novel Fibroblast Activation Protein Inhibitor-Based Targeted Theranostics for Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Patients: A Pilot Study Via liebertpub1 Thyroid, Ahead of Print. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Screening for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction in Clinical Practice Using the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire‐7

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Message: https://entsurrey.com/Download/Questionaires/Eustachian_Tube_Dysfunction_(ETDQ_7).pdf Screening for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction in Clinical Practice Using the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire‐7 Via The Laryngoscope Objectives/Hypothesis To evaluate the ability of the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7 (ETDQ-7) to discriminate between patients with Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) and Non-ETD diagnoses, and identify symptom information to improve ability to discriminate these groups. Study Design Cohort study. Methods Pilot retrospective study with consecutive adult patients presenting to otology clinics and one general otolaryngology clinic in an academic health system. Patients were administered ETDQ-7 with eight additional symptom items. Electronic health records were reviewed for demographic and diagnostic information. Patients were grouped into diagnosis categories: 1) True ETD, 2) experiencing ear fullness (EF) not due to ETD, and 3) Control patients without ETD-related disorders or EF. ETDQ-7 and symptom item scores were compared by the diagnosis group. Receiver-operative characteristics curves and area under the curve (AUC) were generated for each ETD diagnosis group based on ETDQ-7 and symptom scores. Results Of the 108 patients included in this study 74 (68.5%) were diagnosed with ETD. Patients with ETD had higher (indicating worse symptom burden) overall ETDQ-7 scores than Control group (Median [Q1, Q3] 3.0, [1.7, 4.1]; versus 1.5 [1.0, 3.4] P = .008). There was no statistically significant difference between overall ETDQ-7 scores for ETD and Non-ETD EF patients (P = .389). The AUC for the ETDQ-7 in discriminating ETD from other conditions that cause EF was 0.569; the addition of 8 symptom questions to the ETDQ-7 improved AUC to 0.801. Conclusion Additional patient-reported symptom information may improve the ability to discriminate ETD from other similarly presenting diagnoses when using ETDQ-7. Level of Evidence 3 Laryngoscope, 2022 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Screening for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction in Clinical Practice Using the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire‐7

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Screening for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction in Clinical Practice Using the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire‐7 Via The Laryngoscope Objectives/Hypothesis To evaluate the ability of the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7 (ETDQ-7) to discriminate between patients with Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) and Non-ETD diagnoses, and identify symptom information to improve ability to discriminate these groups. Study Design Cohort study. Methods Pilot retrospective study with consecutive adult patients presenting to otology clinics and one general otolaryngology clinic in an academic health system. Patients were administered ETDQ-7 with eight additional symptom items. Electronic health records were reviewed for demographic and diagnostic information. Patients were grouped into diagnosis categories: 1) True ETD, 2) experiencing ear fullness (EF) not due to ETD, and 3) Control patients without ETD-related disorders or EF. ETDQ-7 and symptom item scores were compared by the diagnosis group. Receiver-operative characteristics curves and area under the curve (AUC) were generated for each ETD diagnosis group based on ETDQ-7 and symptom scores. Results Of the 108 patients included in this study 74 (68.5%) were diagnosed with ETD. Patients with ETD had higher (indicating worse symptom burden) overall ETDQ-7 scores than Control group (Median [Q1, Q3] 3.0, [1.7, 4.1]; versus 1.5 [1.0, 3.4] P = .008). There was no statistically significant difference between overall ETDQ-7 scores for ETD and Non-ETD EF patients (P = .389). The AUC for the ETDQ-7 in discriminating ETD from other conditions that cause EF was 0.569; the addition of 8 symptom questions to the ETDQ-7 improved AUC to 0.801. Conclusion Additional patient-reported symptom information may improve the ability to discriminate ETD from other similarly presenting diagnoses when using ETDQ-7. Level of Evidence 3 Laryngoscope, 2022 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Advantages of Pulse Rate Compared to Modulation Frequency for Temporal Pitch Perception in Cochlear Implant Users

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Advantages of Pulse Rate Compared to Modulation Frequency for Temporal Pitch Perception in Cochlear Implant Users Via Journal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology Abstract Most cochlear implants encode the fundamental frequency of periodic sounds by amplitude modulation of constant-rate pulsatile stimulation. Pitch perception provided by such stimulation strategies is markedly poor. Two experiments are reported here that consider potential advantages of pulse rate compared to modulation frequency for providing stimulation timing cues for pitch. The first experiment examines beat frequency distortion that occurs when modulating constant-rate pulsatile stimulation. This distortion has been reported on previously, but the results presented here indicate that distortion occurs for higher stimulation rates than previously reported. The second experiment examines pitch resolution as provided by pulse rate compared to modulation frequency. The results indicate that pitch discrimination is better with pulse rate than with modulation frequency. The advantage was large for rates near what has been suggested as the upper limit of temporal pit ch perception conveyed by cochlear implants. The results are relevant to sound processing design for cochlear implants particularly for algorithms that encode fundamental frequency into deep envelope modulations or into precisely timed pulsatile stimulation. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Biomarkers in melanoma and non‐melanoma skin cancer prevention and risk stratification

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Biomarkers in melanoma and non‐melanoma skin cancer prevention and risk stratification Via Experimental Dermatology Abstract The rates of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) have been increasing over the last twenty years in the United States, and this has been attributed to increased ultraviolet radiation exposure (UVR). Given these rising rates, preventative measures have become increasingly important to reduce the incidence and promote early detection of these cancers. Skin cancer prevention remains a challenging task to accomplish mainly due to the lack of reliable and sensitive methods to provide objective risk information that can educate and motivate individuals to avoid sunburn. Currently, minimal erythema dose (MED) is used as a marker of UVR. However, it is not an ideal marker because significant cancer-related molecular damage can occur after UVR exposure that cannot be detected by MED. Thus, over the recent years there has been significant interest in development of biomarkers indicative of exposure to UVR to improve early detection of cutaneous malignancies. Here, we will discuss e merging biomarkers for melanoma and NMSC that can help with risk stratification and targeted prevention and treatment. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Dispersed Bone Spicules as a Cause of Postoperative Headache after Retrosigmoid Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery: A Myth?

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Dispersed Bone Spicules as a Cause of Postoperative Headache after Retrosigmoid Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery: A Myth? Via Journal of Neurological Surgery Part B: Skull Base J Neurol Surg B Skull Base DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1741112 Objectives Dispersion of bone dust in the posterior fossa during retrosigmoid craniectomy for vestibular schwannoma (VS) resection could be a source of meningeal irritation and lead to development of persistent postoperative headaches (POH). We aim to determine risk factors, including whether the presence of bone spicules that influence POH after retrosigmoid VS resection. Design Present study is a retrospective case series. Setting The study was conducted at a tertiary skull-base referral center. Participants Adult patients undergoing VS resection via a retrosigmoid approach between November 2017 and February 2020 were included for this study. Main Outcome Measures Development of POH lasting ≥ 3 months is the primary outcome of this study. Results Of 64 patients undergoing surgery, 49 had complete data (mean age, 49 years; 53% female). Mean follow-up time was 2.4 years. At latest follow up, 16 (33%) had no headaches, 14 (29%) experienced headaches lasting <3 months, 19 (39%) reported POH lasting ≥3 months. Twenty-seven (55%) patients had posterior fossa bone spicules detectable on postoperative computed tomography (CT). Age, gender, body mass index, length of stay, tumor diameter, size of craniectomy, the presence of bone spicules, or the amount of posterior petrous temporal bone removed from drilling did not differ significantly between patients with POH and those without. On multivariate logistic regression, patients with POH were less likely to have preoperative brainstem compression by the tumor (odds ratio [OR] = 0.21, p = 0.028) and more likely to have higher opioid requirements during hospitalization (OR = 1.023, p = 0.045). Conclusion The presence of bone spicules in the posterior fossa on postoperative CT did not contribute to headaches following retrosigmoid craniectomy approach for VS resection. [...] Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany Article in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Intervention Strategies to Reduce Surgical Site Infection Rates in Patients Undergoing Rectal Cancer Surgery

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Intervention Strategies to Reduce Surgical Site Infection Rates in Patients Undergoing Rectal Cancer Surgery Via In vivo (Athens, Greece) In Vivo. 2022 Jan-Feb;36(1):439-445. doi: 10.21873/invivo.12722. ABSTRACT BACKGROUND/AIM: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of surgical site infection (SSI) prevention approaches in rectal cancer surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 1,408 patients who underwent elective rectal cancer surgery between 1995 and 2017 were reviewed. Patients were divided into three groups: control group (group A, n=245), SSI prevention intervention group (group B, n=516), and laparoscopic or robotic surgery group (group C, n=647). The groups were compared in terms of SSI and anastomotic leakage (AL) incidences, and risk factors for SSI were investigated. RESULTS: The overall SSI and AL rates were 19.4% and 3.6%, respectively. These rates were significantly lower in Group C (9.3%, 1.7%), compared to Groups A (40.0%, 6.1%) and B (22.5%, 3.5%). Abdominoperineal resection, open surgery, operation time, intraoperative bleeding, lac k of absorbable sutures, lack of mechanical bowel preparation, and lack of oral antibiotics were independently associated with SSI. CONCLUSION: SSI reduction after rectal cancer surgery was achieved through various intervention strategies. PMID:34972746 | DOI:10.21873/invivo.12722 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.