Αρχειοθήκη ιστολογίου

Σάββατο 15 Ιουλίου 2017

Tolerance to baked and fermented cow's milk in children with IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy in patients under two years of age

Publication date: Available online 15 July 2017
Source:Allergologia et Immunopathologia
Author(s): A. Uncuoglu, N. Yologlu, I.E. Simsek, Z.S. Uyan, M. Aydogan
BackgroundIgE-mediated cow's milk allergy (CMA) has been shown consistent in milder heated-milk tolerant and severe heated-milk reactant groups in patients older than two years. Little is known whether fermentation of milk gives rise to similar clinical phenotypes.We aimed to determine the influence of extensively heated and fermented cow's milk on the IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated CMA in children younger than two years.MethodsSubjects followed with the diagnosis of IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated CMA for at least six months underwent unheated milk challenge. IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated groups were categorised as unheated milk-reactive and tolerant, separately. Unheated milk-reactive groups were further challenged sequentially with fermented milk (yoghurt) and baked milk, 15 days apart. Allergy evaluation with skin tests, prick-to-prick tests and atopy patch tests were performed.ResultsFifty-seven children (median age: 14 months; range: 7–24 months) underwent unheated milk challenge. Eleven of 27 children with IgE-mediated CMA and 14 of 30 children with non-IgE-mediated CMA tolerated unheated milk. Among subjects who reacted to unheated milk; 15 of 16 subjects (93%) with IgE-mediated CMA also reacted to yoghurt, whereas 11 of 16 subjects (68%) with non-IgE-mediated CMA tolerated fermented milk. Thirteen subjects (81%) of the unheated milk-reactive IgE-mediated group tolerated to heated milk. None of 16 subjects of unheated milk-reactive non-IgE-mediated group reacted to baked milk.ConclusionThe majority of children under the age of two years with both IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated CMA tolerated baked-milk products. Yoghurt was tolerated in two thirds of unheated milk reactive patients suffering from non-IgE-mediated CMA.



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Expression of MyHC isoforms mRNA transcripts in different regions of the masseter and medial pterygoid muscles in chimpanzees

Publication date: November 2017
Source:Archives of Oral Biology, Volume 83
Author(s): Neus Ciurana, Rosa Artells, Carmen Muñoz, Júlia Arias-Martorell, Gaëlle Bello-Hellegouarch, Alejandro Pérez-Pérez, Juan Francisco Pastor, Josep Maria Potau
ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to examine the expression pattern of the different myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms in the masseter and medial pterygoid muscles by real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to obtain information at molecular level which can be related to the functional characteristics of these two muscles.DesignThe masseter, deep and superficial portion, and medial pterygoid muscles of five adult Pan troglodytes were dissected in order to obtain samples of the anterior and posterior regions of each portion of the masseter and of the medial pterygoid. The expression of MyHC isoforms mRNA transcripts was analyzed by RT-qPCR.ResultsNo significant differences in expression of MyHC isoforms between the masseter and the medial pterygoid were found. In contrast, when comparing the superficial and the deep portion of the masseter, we found that the MyHC-IIM isoform was expressed at a significantly higher level in the superficial portion.ConclusionsThe superficial portion of the masseter and the medial pterygoid muscle have the same expression pattern regarding the different MyHC isoforms. On the other hand, the deep portion of the masseter, which is activated mainly during lateral and repositioning movements of the mandible, has a lower MyHC-IIM isoform expression than the superficial portion. Our findings provide new data on functional aspects of the masseter and medial pterygoid that can complement results obtained by other techniques.



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In silico search of inhibitors of Streptococcus mutans for the control of dental plaque

Publication date: November 2017
Source:Archives of Oral Biology, Volume 83
Author(s): Rodrigo Ochoa, María Cecilia Martínez-Pabón, María Adelaida Arismendi-Echeverri, Willer Leandro Rendón-Osorio, Carlos Enrique Muskus-López
Biofilm is an extremely complex microbial community arranged in a matrix of polysaccharides and attached to a substrate. Its development is crucial in the pathophysiology of oral infections like dental caries, as well as in periodontal, pulp, and periapical diseases. Streptococcus mutans is one of the most effective microorganisms in lactic acid production of the dental biofilm. Identifying essential Streptococcus mutans proteins using bioinformatics methods helps to search for alternative therapies. To this end, the bacterial genomes of several Streptococcus mutans strains and representative strains of other cariogenic and non-cariogenic bacteria were analysed by identifying pathogenicity islands and alignments with other bacteria, and by detecting the exclusive genes of cariogenic species in comparison to the non-pathogenic ones. This study used tools for orthology prediction such as BLAST and OrthoMCL, as well as the server IslandViewer for the detection of pathogenicity islands. In addition, the potential interactome of Streptococcus mutans was rebuilt by comparing it to interologues of other species phylogenetically close to or associated with cariogenicity. This protocol yielded a final list of 20 proteins related to potentially virulent factors that can be used as therapeutic targets in future analyses. The EIIA and EIIC enzymatic subunits of the phosphotransferase system (PTS) were prioritized, as well as the pyruvate kinase enzyme, which are directly involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and in obtaining the necessary energy for the microorganism's survival. These results will guide a subsequent experimental trial to develop new, safe, and effective molecules in the treatment of dental caries.



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Respiratory Virus prior to Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation is associated with allo-immune mediated lung syndromes

Publication date: Available online 15 July 2017
Source:Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Author(s): Birgitta Versluys, Marc Bierings, Jean Luc Murk, Tom Wolfs, Caroline Lindemans, Kors vd Ent, Jaap Jan Boelens
BackgroundAllo-immune mediated lung syndromes (allo-LS) are life-threatening complications after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Respiratory virus (RV) has been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis.ObjectiveWe studied the relation between RV-DNA/RNA detection in upper/lower airway before HCT and the occurrence of allo-LS.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed all HCT recipients between 2004 and 2014, in whom Real-Time PCR for RV was done from Nasal-Pharyngeal-Aspirates (NPA) and Broncho-Alveolar- Lavage (BAL) before HCT. Main outcome of interest was allo-LS, defined as Idiopathic Pneumonia Syndrome or Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome. Other outcomes were overall survival and treatment related mortality (TRM). We used Cox proportional hazard models, logistic regression models and Fine-Gray competing risk regression for analyses.Results179 children (median age 6.8 years) were included. RV was found in 61% (41% in BAL/NPA, 20% in NPA-only). Rhinovirus was the most frequently detected RV (42%). Allo-LS occurred in 13 %. RV-positivity in BAL was a predictor for allo-LS (HR 3·8, 95% CI 1·4 – 10·7; p=0·01), while RV-positivity in NPA-only was not. No other predictors were found. Acute Graft-Versus-Host-Disease grade 2-4, related with steroid treatment, shows a trend towards a protective effect (OR 0·16, 95%CI 0·0–1·3; p=0·08). Allo-LS significantly increased TRM (52 ± 10% in allo-LS, 20 ± 4% in non-allo-LS, p= 0·007).ConclusionsThese results show that pre-HCT BAL RV-positivity was a predictor for allo-LS. Screening for RV before HCT may identify patients at risk for allo-LS. This may have implications for prevention and treatment and may subsequently influence the outcomes of HCT.

Graphical abstract

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Teaser

This study shows a strong relation between Respiratory Virus prior to transplant, and alloimmune lungsyndromes, which may have therapeutic implications. Our hypothesis, based on biological and pathophysiological factors, can guide reflections on immunemediated disease in general.


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A brief psychological intervention for mothers of children with food allergy can change risk perception and reduce anxiety: outcomes of a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Background

Mothers of children with food allergy have increased anxiety, which may be influenced by healthcare professionals' communication of risk.

Objective

To evaluate a brief psychological intervention for reducing anxiety in mothers of children with food allergy.

Methods

Two hundred mothers of children with food allergy were recruited from allergy clinics. A computer-generated randomization list was used to allocate participants to a single-session Cognitive Behavioural Therapy intervention including a risk communication module, or standard care. Anxiety and risk perception were assessed at 6 weeks and 1 year. Primary outcome was state anxiety at 6 weeks. Secondary outcomes included state anxiety at 1 year, risk perception at 6 weeks and 1 year, and salivary cortisol response to a simulated anaphylaxis scenario at 1 year.

Results

We found no significant difference in the primary outcome state anxiety at 6 weeks, with mean 31.9 (sd 10.2) intervention, 34.0 (10.2) control; mean difference 2.1 (95%CI -0.9, 5.0; P=0.17). There was significantly reduced state anxiety at 6 weeks in the intervention group, in the subgroup of participants with moderate/high anxiety at enrolment (103/200, 52%), with mean 33.0 (sd 9.3) intervention, 37.8 (sd 10.0) control; mean difference 4.8 (95% CI 0.9, 8.7; P=0.016; Cohen's d effect size 0.50). The psychological intervention also reduced risk perception and salivary cortisol response (P=0.032; effect size 0.36).

Conclusion

We found evidence that a brief psychological intervention which incorporates accurate risk information may impact on anxiety, risk perception and physiological stress response in mothers of children with food allergy.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.



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Food allergy phenotypes: the key to personalized therapy

Abstract

Food allergies (FAs) are of increasing public health concern and are characterized by a large spectrum of diseases. Their diversity is well known for immunologic pathways (IgE, non-IgE mediated FAs), and natural history. Many other factors and patient characteristics are involved including type of food, exposure route, allergic comorbidities, gender, racial and ethnic backgrounds, co-factors and health conditions. Food allergen components and sensitization profiles are also involved in FA phenotypes. A new approach to chronic disorders based on the identification of phenotypes through extensive knowledge of all the complex components is also applicable to FAs and could lead towards integrative care management. Diagnostic biomarkers for FAs are emerging which also contribute to better care modalities. The aim of this article is to highlight current knowledge regarding the phenotypic diversity of FA. This review will focus on IgE-mediated FAs and how identifying phenotypes may help to better understand the pathophysiological complexity, improve diagnosis and lead to personalized treatment strategies.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.



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Assessment of BRAF V600E mutation in pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis in tissue biopsies and bronchoalveolar lavages by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction

Abstract

The neoplastic nature of pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH) is still debated. As the detection of BRAF V600E and MAP2K1 mutations in patients with PCLH is now considered for such assessment, the aim of our study was to evaluate digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) in PCLH diagnosis. We retrospectively analyzed BRAFV600E detection in a cohort of 42 PCLH tissues and 18 bronchoalveolar lavages (BALs) by ddPCR, immunohistochemistry, high-resolution melting PCR (HRM), and next-generation sequencing (NGS). The presence of BRAFV600E mutation was assessed by at least two concordant techniques to further evaluate specificity and sensitivity of each method. The BRAF V600E mutation prevalence was detected in 18 out of 41 cases by ddPCR, 10 out of 36 cases by HRM PCR, and 16 out of 31 cases by NGS. BRAFV600E immunohistochemistry sensitivity was 94%, and specificity was 79%. HRM PCR sensitivity was only 59%, and specificity was 100%. NGS sensitivity and specificity were 100% for interpretable cases (n = 31), but in 11 cases, this technique was non-contributive. The analysis of BAL samples by ddPCR revealed a BRAFV600E mutation both in tissue and in BAL samples in one patient, a wild-type status both in tissue and in BAL samples in two patients, and a wild-type BRAF status in BAL and a BRAFV600E mutation in tissue samples in four patients. The study supports the usefulness of ddPCR for BRAF status assessment in either tissue or BAL samples to increase the accuracy of PLCH diagnosis.



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Trials in head and neck oncology: Evolution of perioperative adjuvant therapy

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Publication date: September 2017
Source:Oral Oncology, Volume 72
Author(s): Joseph Zenga, Patrik Pipkorn, Douglas R. Adkins, Wade L. Thorstad, Brian Nussenbaum




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Conditional relative survival of oral cavity cancer: Based on Korean Central Cancer Registry

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Publication date: September 2017
Source:Oral Oncology, Volume 72
Author(s): Seung-Ki Min, Sung Weon Choi, Johyun Ha, Joo Yong Park, Young-Joo Won, Kyu-Won Jung
ObjectivesConditional relative survival (CRS) describes the survival chance of patients who have already survived for a certain period of time after diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Thus, CRS can complement the conventional 5-year relative survival, which does not consider the time patients have survived after their diagnosis. This study aimed to assess the 5-year CRS among Korean patients with oral cancer and the related risk factors.Materials and MethodsWe identified 15,329 oral cavity cancer cases with a diagnosis between 1993 and 2013 in the Korea Central Cancer Registry. The CRS rates were calculated according to sex, age, subsite, histology, and stage at diagnosis.ResultsThe 5-year relative survival was 57.2%, and further analysis revealed that the 5-year CRS increased during the first 2years and reached a plateau at 86.5% after 5years of survival. Women had better 5-year CRS than men after 5years of survival (90.0% vs. 83.3%), and ≤45-year-old patients had better 5-year CRS than older patient groups (93.3% vs. 86.4% or 86.7%). Subsite-specific differences in 5-year CRS were observed (tongue: 91% vs. mouth floor: 73.9%). Squamous cell carcinoma had a CRS of 87.3%, compared to 85.5% for other histological types. Localized disease had a CRS of 95.7%, compared to 87.3% for regional metastasis.ConclusionPatients with oral cavity cancer exhibited increasing CRS rates, which varied according to sex, age, subsite, histology, and stage at diagnosis. Thus, CRS analysis provides a more detailed perspective regarding survival during the years after the initial diagnosis or treatment.



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Oncolytic immunotherapy: unlocking the potential of viruses to help target cancer

Abstract

Oncolytic immunotherapy is a research area of cancer immunotherapy investigating the use of modified viruses to target cancer cells. A variety of different viral backbones (e.g., adenovirus, reovirus) with a diverse range of genetic modifications are currently being investigated for the treatment of a variety of cancers. The oncolytic virus that has advanced the furthest in clinical development is talimogene laherparepvec, a recombinant HSV-1 virus expressing granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). In a phase 3 study in patients with unresectable metastatic melanoma, intralesional talimogene laherparepvec treatment resulted in a higher durable response rate compared with subcutaneous GM-CSF treatment (16.3 versus 2.1%; P < 0.001). Notably, responses were observed at uninjected lesions including visceral lesions, indicating a systemic antitumor response had occurred. Studies evaluating combination treatments involving oncolytic viruses and immunologic agents are ongoing. This review focuses on the mechanisms of action for oncolytic viruses and highlights select agents and combinations currently in development.



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A novel study on association between untreated hearing loss and cognitive functions of older adults: Baseline non-verbal cognitive assessment results

Abstract

Background

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is highly prevalent in older adults and more than two-thirds above age 70 years suffer from ARHL. Recent studies have established a link between ARHL and cognitive impairment, however, most of the studies have used verbally loaded cognitive measures to investigate the association between ARHL and cognition. It is possible that due to hearing impairment, the elderly may experience difficulty in following verbal instructions or completing tasks that heavily rely on hearing during cognitive assessments. This may result in over-estimation of cognitive impairment in such individuals. This baseline cross-sectional study investigated the associations between untreated hearing loss and a number of cognitive functions using a battery of non-auditory cognitive tests. Further, association between hearing loss and psychological status of older adults was examined.

Study design

Prospective case-controlled study.

Methods

A total of 119 participants (54 males, M = 66.33 + 10.50 years; 65 females M = 61.51 + 11.46 years) were recruited. All participants completed a hearing assessment, a computerised test battery of non-auditory cognitive functions and the depression, anxiety and stress scale.

Results

Hierarchical multiple regression analysis results revealed that hearing thresholds significantly associated with the working memory (P<.05), paired associative learning scores (P<.05), depression (P <.001), and anxiety (P<.001) and stress (P<.001) scores. Analysis of covariance results revealed that participants with moderately-severe hearing loss performed significantly poorer in paired associative learning and working memory tasks and psychological function tests compared to those with normal hearing.

Conclusion

Results of the current study suggest a significant relationship between ARHL and both cognition and psychological status. Our results also have some implications for using non-verbal cognitive tests to evaluate cognitive functions in postlingually hearing impaired ageing adults, at least for those with more than moderately-severe levels of hearing loss.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.



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CATH-2 and LL-37 increase mannose receptor expression, antigen presentation and the endocytic capacity of chicken mononuclear phagocytes

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Publication date: October 2017
Source:Molecular Immunology, Volume 90
Author(s): Marina D. Kraaij, Albert van Dijk, Henk P. Haagsman
Cathelicidins display in vitro and in vivo immunomodulatory activities and are part of the innate immune system. Previously, we found that in ovo treatment with chicken cathelicidin CATH-2 partially protects young broilers against respiratory E. coli infection. To determine the cellular aspects of this protection, we investigated immunomodulatory effects of CATH-2 and the human cathelicidin LL-37 on primary chicken peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).Treatment of chicken PBMCs with L-CATH-2, D-CATH-2 or LL-37 increased the percentage of mononuclear phagocytes, but decreased that of B cells. L-CATH-2, D-CATH-2 and LL-37 treatment of chicken PBMCs also enhanced the expression levels of mannose receptor MRC1 and antigen presentation markers MHCII, CD40 and CD86 on mononuclear phagocytes, indicating increased antigen presentation capacity. Concomitantly, L-CATH-2, D-CATH-2 and LL-37 neutralized LPS-induced cytokine production, while increasing the endocytic capacity.We conclude that L-CATH-2, D-CATH-2 and LL-37 can modulate the immune response of primary chicken immune cells by increasing mannose receptor expression, antigen presentation, endocytosis and neutralizing LPS-induced cytokine production and as a result augment activation of the adaptive immune system.



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IL-17RB enhances thyroid cancer cell invasion and metastasis via ERK1/2 pathway-mediated MMP-9 expression

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Publication date: October 2017
Source:Molecular Immunology, Volume 90
Author(s): Lei Ren, Yapei Xu, Cong Liu, Shoujun Wang, Guijun Qin
IL-17RB, a member of the IL-17 receptor family that can be activated by IL-17B, has been proved to be involved in inflammatory diseases and cancers. However, the function of IL-17RB in thyroid cancer is still unknown. In this study, IL-17RB expression in thyroid cancer cell lines and tissues was examined by real-time PCR and western blot. The effects of IL-17RB on cell invasion and migration were determined by in vitro invasion and migration assays, while the effects of IL-17RB on cell metastasis were analyzed by in vivo experiments. The results showed that IL-17RB expression was upregulated in both thyroid cancer cells and tissues. IL–17B dose-dependently promoted the invasion, growth and migration of thyroid cancer cells, whereas knockdown of IL-17RB attenuated the effects of IL–17B in vitro. Moreover, IL-17RB was involved in the metastasis and growth of thyroid cancer cells in vivo. In addition, IL-17RB induced ERK1/2 activation and increased MMP-9 expression in vitro and in vivo. Inhibition of ERK1/2 pathway blocked the IL-17RB-mediated thyroid cancer cell invasion and MMP-9 expression. Together, our findings demonstrate that IL-17RB can enhance thyroid cancer cell invasion and metastasis via ERK1/2 pathway-mediated MMP-9 expression, suggesting that IL-17RB may act as a potential therapeutic target for thyroid cancer therapy.



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Editorial Board/ Publication Information

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Publication date: August 2017
Source:Molecular Immunology, Volume 88





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Tumor programmed cell death ligand 1 expression correlates with nodal metastasis in patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Binding of tumor-expressed programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) to the programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) surface receptor blocks T-cell activation thereby leading to immune evasion. Tumor PD-L1 expression has been associated with poor outcome in a wide variety of cancers; however, data in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) are scarce and conflicting.

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Frontal fibrosing alopecia among men: A clinicopathologic study of 7 cases

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a lichen planopilaris–variant scarring alopecia that has rarely been described in men.

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Reference values for skin microanatomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of ex vivo studies

Few studies have characterized reference values of normal human skin microanatomy parameters.

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Thyroid Surgery: To Drain or Not to Drain, That Is the Problem - A Randomized Clinical Trial

Purpose: We conducted a prospective, randomized study to evaluate the necessity of drainage after thyroid surgery. Methods: The patients (n = 215) were randomly assigned to be treated with suction drains (group 1; n = 108) or not (group 2; n = 107). Results: The postoperative pain scores were significantly lower in the non-drained group than in the drained group of patients at postoperative days 0 and at 1. Hematomas, seromas, wound infections, transient biochemical hypoparathyroidism, and transient damage of the recurrent laryngeal nerve occurred more frequently in the drained group than in the non-drained group. The mean hospital stay was significantly shorter in the non-drained group than in the drained group. Conclusions: Routine drain emplacement after thyroidectomy is unnecessary.
ORL 2017;79:202-211

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The reliability of flexible nasolaryngoscopy in the identification of vocal fold movement impairment in young infants

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Publication date: September 2017
Source:International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, Volume 100
Author(s): Yi-Chun Carol Liu, Tyler McElwee, Mary Musso, Tara L. Rosenberg, Julina Ongkasuwan
ObjectiveFlexible nasolaryngoscopy (FNL) is considered the gold standard for evaluation of vocal fold mobility but there has been no data on the reliability of interpretation in the infant population. Visualization may be limited by excessive movement, secretions, or floppy supraglottic structures that prevent accurate diagnosis of vocal fold movement impairment (VFMI). We sought to evaluate the inter- and intra-rater reliability of FNL for the evaluation of VFMI in young infants.Study typeCase-control.MethodsTwenty infants were identified: 10 with VFMI and 10 normal as seen on FNL. Three pediatric otolaryngologists reviewed the video without sound and rated the presence and/or degree of vocal fold mobility. Twelve videos were repeated to assess intra-rater reliability.ResultsThere was substantial agreement between the reviewers regarding the identification normal vs. any type of VFMI (kappa = 0.67) but only moderate agreement regarding the degree of vocal fold movement (kappa = 0.49). Intra-rater reliability ranges from moderate to perfect agreement (kappa = 0.48–1).ConclusionFNL in infants is an extremely challenging procedure. Clinically, physicians frequently use the quality of the cry and the past medical and surgical history to help make a judgment of vocal fold movement when the view is suboptimal. These other factors, however, may bias the interpretation of the FNL. Without sound, there is only moderate inter-rater and variable intra-rater reliability for the identification of degree of movement on FNL. Otolaryngologists must be cognizant of the limitations of FNL when using it as a clinical tool or as a "gold standard" against which other modalities are measured.



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Formula for the prediction of apnea / hypopnea index in children with obstructive sleep apnea without polysomnography according to the clinical parameters: Is it reliable?

Publication date: September 2017
Source:International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, Volume 100
Author(s): Zlatko Kljajić, Željka Roje, Kristijan Bečić, Vesna Čapkun, K. Vilović, Petar Ivanišević, Eugenija Marušić
Purpose of the studyThe aim of the study was to propose "the risk formula" for obstructive sleep apnea in children according to the general and local clinical parameters and findings relevant for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity. The unmet need for this formula arises from the economic burden of polysomnography (device, staff, training, special sleep centers, etc) as the golden standard for the diagnostics.Materials and methods usedThe study was performed from January 2013 until January 2016 in the Sleep Center, Department for Neuroscience, School of Medicine of the University of Split, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Split, Croatia and ENT Dept. University Hospital in Split, Croatia. Inclusion criteria were: age > two years, AHI >1 diagnosed by polysomnography. Exclusion criteria were: chronic lung disease, active tonsillitis/pharyngitis at the time of the physical exam and syndromes that affect breathing. All polysomnograms were scored by a qualified sleep technologist and interpreted by two board certified sleep physicians independently. Age, sex, BMI, Mallampati score, tonsillar size and adenoids size were recorded. All statistical calculations were performed using SPSS 20.ResultsIn total 60 children were included in the study. The median of age was 5 years (range 2–9). There were 19 (32%) girls and 41 (68%) boys.Of all evaluated predictors, there were statistically significant differences in the values of AHI among children with different modified Mallampati score (χ2 = 28.2; p < 0.001), different size of tonsils (χ2 = 25.3; p < 0.001) and different size of adenoids (z = 2.7; p = 0,006) in univariate regression analysis. Strong positive association of AHI with modified Mallampati score (standardized B = 0.51; partial correlation = 0.542, r = 0.631) was found, as well as positive correlation of AHI with tonsillar size (standardized B = 0.246; partial correlation = 0.295,R = 0.489) in the multivariate forward stepwise regression analysis.ConclusionEven though we are aware that PSG is the gold standard for diagnostics of SDB there is a significant financial burden for this diagnostic procedure. That is why there is a necessity for establishing good clinical standards and possible formula for OSA severity evaluation. We propose formula which includes Mallampati score and tonsillar size for OSA -risk calculation in order to perform early therapeutic intervention thereby reducing the risk of long-term negative consequences. We recommend this formula as the screening formula in circumstances where PSG is not available, in cases when the "waiting list" is too long or when a child can not cooperate to perform it.In developing countries like Croatia on time intervention with reduced procedure–associated costs is of the utmost importance.



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Physical Models and Virtual Reality Simulators in Otolaryngology

The increasing role of simulation in the medical education of future otolaryngologists has followed suit with other surgical disciplines. Simulators make it possible for the resident to explore and learn in a safe and less stressful environment. The various subspecialties in otolaryngology use physical simulators and virtual-reality simulators. Although physical simulators allow the operator to make direct contact with its components, virtual-reality simulators allow the operator to interact with an environment that is computer generated. This article gives an overview of the various types of physical simulators and virtual-reality simulators used in otolaryngology that have been reported in the literature.

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Barrett's oesophagus and its progression to adenocarcinoma: A study of patient profile, diagnostic criteria and surveillance practice in the UK

Ramus, J; (2008) Barrett's oesophagus and its progression to adenocarcinoma: A study of patient profile, diagnostic criteria and surveillance practice in the UK. Doctoral thesis, UCL (University College London). Green open access

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Attempts to generate atheroprotective lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) phenotypes by chimeraplasty

Sperber, G; (2006) Attempts to generate atheroprotective lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) phenotypes by chimeraplasty. Doctoral thesis, UCL (University College London). Green open access

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Association of Social Support and Cognitive Aging Modified by Sex and Relationship Type: A Prospective Investigation in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing

Liao, J; Scholes, S; (2017) Association of Social Support and Cognitive Aging Modified by Sex and Relationship Type: A Prospective Investigation in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. American Journal of Epidemiology 10.1093/aje/kwx142 . (In press). Green open access

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Artefacts in longitudinal MRI of the brain

Sneller, BI; (2008) Artefacts in longitudinal MRI of the brain. Doctoral thesis, UCL (University College London). Green open access

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Sexual orientation identity and tobacco and hazardous alcohol use: findings from a cross-sectional English population survey

Shahab, L; Brown, J; Hagger-Johnson, G; Michie, S; Semlyen, J; West, R; Meads, C; (2017) Sexual orientation identity and tobacco and hazardous alcohol use: findings from a cross-sectional English population survey. BMJ Open (In press).

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Arnavutky district initiative: From environmentalism to transenvironmentalism: Practising democracy in a neighbourhood of Istanbul

Voulvouli, A; (2008) Arnavutky district initiative: From environmentalism to transenvironmentalism: Practising democracy in a neighbourhood of Istanbul. Doctoral thesis, UCL (University College London). Green open access

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Implementing the compassion intervention, a model for integrated care for people with advanced dementia towards the end of life in nursing homes: a naturalistic feasibility study

Moore, KJ; Candy, B; Davis, S; Gola, A; Harrington, J; Kupeli, N; Vickerstaff, V; Moore, KJ; Candy, B; Davis, S; Gola, A; Harrington, J; Kupeli, N; Vickerstaff, V; King, M; Leavey, G; Nazareth, I; Omar, RZ; Jones, L; Sampson, EL; - view fewer (2017) Implementing the compassion intervention, a model for integrated care for people with advanced dementia towards the end of life in nursing homes: a naturalistic feasibility study. BMJ Open , 7 (6) , Article e015515. 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-015515 . Green open access

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Appropriate scales and technologies for energy recovery by thermal processing of waste in the urban environment

Yassin, L; (2008) Appropriate scales and technologies for energy recovery by thermal processing of waste in the urban environment. Doctoral thesis, UCL (University College London). Green open access

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