Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Translation of the Yale Pharyngeal Residue Severity Rating Scale.

This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the Turkish translation of the Yale pharyngeal residue severity rating scale. The scale measures the severity of residue in the vallecula and pyriform sinus. The original scale was translated into Turkish by two bilingual English-Turkish translators, and the Turkish version was translated back into English by two qualified professional translators to assess accuracy. The evaluators were divided into two groups (training and no-training) and two subgroups according to their experience. Intra-rater, inter-rater, and intra-class correlation coefficient measurements were analyzed by calculating agreement rates, kappa, and p values. In the analysis of the reliability, intra-class correlation coefficient values in the overall ratings for both the vallecula and the pyriform sinus were 0.9996 (95% CI 0.9992-0.9998) and 0.9997 (95% CI 0.9995-0.9999), respectively (p < 0.01). High agreement (> 95%) and perfect Fleiss kappa values were obtained for the vallecula and pyriform sinus ratings in the inter-rater initial assessments (κ = 0.959 and κ = 0.967, respectively). Perfect kappa values were found in the intra-rater results for both the vallecula and pyriform sinus (α = 0.9959 and κ = 0.9959, respectively). In the inter-rater secondary analysis, the vallecula and pyriform sinus kappa values were perfect (κ = 0.959 and κ = 0.967, respectively). In the intra-rater analysis, perfect kappa values were obtained for the vallecula and pyriform sinus in the no-training group and less-experience subgroup (κ = 0.9918 and κ = 1.0 for the vallecula, and κ = 1.0 and κ = 0.9902 for the pyriform sinus, respectively) In the inter-rater analysis, perfect kappa values were obtained for the vallecula and pyriform sinus in the no-training group and less-experience subgroup (κ = 0.9507 and κ = 0.9606 for the vallecula, and κ = 0.9836 and κ = 1.0 for the pyriform sinus, respectively). The Turkish translation of the Yale pharyngeal residue severity rating scale demonstrated high validity and reliability scores in determining pharyngeal residue location and value in the fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing.

Evaluation of the Swallowing and Voice Functions in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients.

This study aimed to evaluate the swallowing and voice functions in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Thirty patients with ankylosing spondylitis (Group 1) and 30 healthy individuals (Group 2) were included in the study. Following the laryngoscopic evaluation of the patients, the fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing was performed, and then, the penetration-aspiration score was determined. The participants were asked to fill the eating assessment tool form. Voice recordings obtained to evaluate sound disorders were measured acoustically and analyzed using the PRAAT program. In terms of swallowing, the penetration-aspiration score obtained as a result of the flexible endoscopic swallowing assessment and eating assessment tool score was found to be higher in Group 1 than in Group 2, and a statistically significant difference was noted (p ≤ 0.001). When analyzing the maximum phonation time (p < 0.001) and fundamental frequency (p = 0.408) values in phonation evaluation, a statistically significant difference was found between the two groups. Group 1 showed a deterioration in terms of jitter (p = 0.040) and shimmer (p = 0.007) compared to Group 2, and a statistically significant difference was noted. There was no statistically significant difference in the harmonic/noise ratio (mean ± standard deviation) between the two groups (p = 0.051). Swallowing and voice functions significantly affect quality of life. Therefore, approaches aimed to improve the associated symptoms have become increasingly important. In patients with ankylosing spondylitis, swallowing quality and phonation ability may be negatively affected. These patients should be monitored for hidden or overt food aspiration.Trial Registry: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04437394.

Effects of nasal packing and transseptal suturing on swallowing after septoplasty.

PURPOSE: This clinical trial aimed to investigate the effects of different nasal packing methods and transseptal suture technique on swallowing after septoplasty. METHODS: This randomized prospective study consists of 180 consecutive patients with septal deviation. All the patients underwent septoplasty. All the patients were randomly assigned to three groups. In group A, transseptal sutures were used for septal stabilization. In group B, both nasal passages were packed with Merocel tampons for septal stabilization. In group C, both nasal passages were packed with Doyle silicone splints for septal stabilization. For the evaluation of swallowing, the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) questionnaire and a visual analog scale (VAS) were administered to all the patients preoperatively and on the second and seventh postoperative days. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty two of the patients (67.7%) were female and 58 of them (32.2%) were male. The mean age was 32.41 ± 12.37 years (range: 18-57 years). Both EAT-10 and VAS scores on the second postoperative day were significantly higher than the preoperative scores in all the groups (p < 0.05). The transseptal suture group had significantly lower EAT-10 and VAS scores on the second postoperative day than the Merocel packing and silicone packing groups (p < 0.05). Both EAT-10 and VAS scores on the postop 7th day significantly decreased in all groups compared to the postop second day (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Septoplasty affects swallowing, regardless of whether a tampon is applied. Transeptal suturing has a lesser effect on swallowing than other techniques. Although silicone packing is a less invasive method, it negatively affects swallowing, similar to Merocel packing. The transseptal suture technique is more comfortable than the other techniques in terms of swallowing function in the postoperative period.

Dehiscence or thinning of bone overlying the superior semicircular canal in idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study is to evaluate a relationship between idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) of bone overlying the superior semicircular canal (SSC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 57 (114 ears) individuals, 20 of whom were controls and 37 of whom were IIH, were included in the study. Individuals were evaluated with 0.8 mm slice thickness computed tomography (CT) images for SSC bony roof thickness and SSCD. Thickness of the bony roof over the SSC was graded from Grade 1 to Grade 4. Grade 3 was defined as pre-dehiscence and Grade 4 as dehiscence. RESULTS: Bony roof thickness was 1.25 mm in the control group and 0.76 mm in the IIH group. When bony roof thickness was compared between the groups, it was found to be significantly thinner in the IIH group (p = 0.012). In the IIH group, while dehiscence was detected in 25 of 74 ears, no dehiscence was detected in 49 ears. In the control group, while dehiscence was detected in 5 ears, no dehiscence was detected in 35 ears. The difference is statistically significant (p = 0.015). The correlation between bony roof thickness and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure in the IIH group was not statistically significant (p = 0.343; rho = 0.110). The correlation between bony roof thickness and age in the IIH group was not statistically significant (p = 0.082; rho = - 0.164). CONCLUSION: Increased CSF pressure in patients with IIH may cause chronic, progressive, and irreversible damage to the bone of the SSC and, according to our study, the rate of SSCD was found to be high in IIH patients.

Histopathological Comparison of 2-Octyl Cyanoacrylate and Primary Suturing for Tongue Lacerations.

OBJECTIVE: To enable tongue incisions to be repaired more easily, rapidly, and practically, particularly in pediatric patients by using 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (OCA) tissue adhesive. METHODS: A single linear incision was made on the midline dorsal part of the tongue. Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into the four groups: Group 1 (n = 6), OCA healing at day 5; group 2 (n = 6), OCA healing at day 21; group 3 (n = 6), Vicryl healing at day 5; group 4 (n = 6), Vicryl healing at day 21. In groups 1 and 2, OCA was applied to the incision site. The incisions of the rats in groups 3 and 4 were closed using Vicryl sutures. Histopathological examination was compared between and within the groups at day 5 and 21. RESULTS: The operation duration was significantly shorter with OCA than with Vicryl sutures(P < 0.001). Regarding the histopathological results, there were no differences between group 1 and group 3 in epithelial regeneration, inflammation, fibroblastic activity, edema, presence of giant cells, fibrin deposition, ulceration, abscess formation, and granulation tissue. However, moderate infiltration of acute inflammatory cells was significantly more frequent in group 1 than in group 3. At day 5, the incidence of moderate foreign body residue was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 3. No difference was observed between group 2 and group 4 at day 21 (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: OCA is a practical, rapid, and effective method for repairing tongue lacerations. Although infiltration by inflammatory cells and foreign bodies increased in the early period, the long-term results of OCA were indistinguishable from those of suturing.

Comparison of Olfactory Function and Quality of Life With Different Surgical Techniques for Nasal Septum Deviation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the nasal functions, nasal resistance, olfactory function, and quality of life in different surgical techniques for nasal septum deviation STUDY DESIGN:: Randomized controlled trial. METHODS: This prospective controlled study was carried out on patients who underwent septoplasty. Patients participating in the study were divided into 2 groups; group 1: classic septoplasty (n: 25) and group 2: extracorporeal septoplasty (n: 14). The sinonasal outcome test-22 (SNOT-22), peak nasal flowmetry, and Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center test were applied to all patients before and 8 weeks after surgery. Surgical outcomes also assessed to evaluate complications 6 months after surgery. RESULT: In total, 39 (27 males, 12 females) patients diagnosed with nasal septum deviation were included in this study. A septoplasty was performed in all patients: 25 of them (18 males, 7 females; mean age = 29.4 [range, 23-50] years) underwent classic septoplasties and 14 (9 males, 5 females; mean age = 31.3 [range, 23-50] years) underwent extracorporeal septoplasties. Airway openness was achieved in all patients. As a result, the SNOT-22 scores, peak nasal inspiratory flowmeter results, and smell function scores showed significant improvements (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: All corrective surgical methods for a septum deviation have positive effects on nasal airflow, quality of life, and olfaction. The rates of complications were not significantly different between 2 treatment groups.

Effects of intratympanic dexamethasone on noise-induced hearing loss: An experimental study.

AIM: Aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of intratympanic steroid treatment on hearing based on oto-acoustic emission. METHODS: A total of 16 healthy female Wistar albino rats weighing were used in this study. They were divided in to 2 groups and each group was exposed to noise at 110dB for 25min to induce acoustic trauma. Intratympanic dexamethasone was administered to the middle ears of animals in the experimental group on the same day as exposure to noise. The control group was given 0.09% saline solution. Distortion product otoacoustic emission measurements were performed on days 7 and 10. RESULTS: There were no differences between the emission results of two groups before treatment at 4004, 4761, 5652, 6726, and 7996Hz. There were significant group differences on measurement days 7 and 10 at all frequencies. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed a significant difference in DPOAE measurements on days 7 and 10 between the experimental and control groups. We detected a positive effect of dexamethasone on noise-induced hearing loss.

Effect of Deviated Nasal Septum Type on Nasal Mucociliary Clearance, Olfactory Function, Quality of Life, and Efficiency of Nasal Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of deviated nasal septum (DNS) type on nasal mucociliary clearance, quality of life (QoL), olfactory function, and efficiency of nasal surgery (septoplasty with or without inferior turbinate reduction and partial middle turbinectomy). METHODS: Fifty patients (20 females and 30 males) with septal deviation were included in the study and were divided into 6 groups according to deviation type after examination by nasal endoscopy and paranasal computed tomography. The saccharin clearance test to evaluate the nasal mucociliary clearance time, Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center smell test for olfactory function, and sinonasal outcome test-22 (SNOT-22) for patient satisfaction were applied preoperatively and postoperatively at the sixth week after surgery. RESULT: Nasal mucociliary clearance, smell, and SNOT-22 scores were measured before surgery and at the sixth week following surgery. No significant difference was found in olfactory and SNOT-22 scores for any of the DNS types (both convex and concave sides) (P > 0.05). In addition, there was no difference in the saccharin clearance time (SCT) of the concave and convex sides (P > 0.05). According to the DNS type, the mean SCT of the convex sides showed no difference, but that of the concave sides showed a difference in types 3, 4, 5, and 6. These types had a prolonged SCT (P < 0.05). Olfactory scores revealed no difference postoperatively in types 5 and 6 but were decreased significantly in types 1 to 4 (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the healing of both the mucociliary clearance (MCC) and olfactory functions. SNOT-22 results showed a significant decrease in type 3. CONCLUSION: All DNS types disturb the QoL regarding nasal MCC and olfaction functions. MCC values, olfactory function, and QoL scores are similar among the DNS types. Both sides of the DNS types affect the MCC scores symmetrically. Septal surgery improves olfaction function and QoL at the sixth week following surgery but disturbs nasal MCC; thus, the sixth week is too early to assess nasal MCC.

Effects of serum zinc level on tinnitus.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess zinc levels in tinnitus patients, and to evaluate the effects of zinc deficiency on tinnitus and hearing loss. METHODS: One-hundred patients, who presented to an outpatient clinic with tinnitus between June 2009 and 2014, were included in the study. Patients were divided into three groups according to age: Group I (patients between 18 and 30years of age); Group II (patients between 31 and 60years of age); and Group III (patients between 61 and 78years of age). Following a complete ear, nose and throat examination, serum zinc levels were measured and the severity of tinnitus was quantified using the Tinnitus Severity Index Questionnaire (TSIQ). Patients were subsequently asked to provide a subjective judgment regarding the loudness of their tinnitus. The hearing status of patients was evaluated by audiometry and high-frequency audiometry. An average hearing sensitivity was calculated as the mean value of hearing thresholds between 250 and 20,000Hz. Serum zinc levels between 70 and 120µg/dl were considered normal. The severity and loudness of tinnitus, and the hearing thresholds of the normal zinc level and zinc-deficient groups, were compared. RESULTS: Twelve of 100 (12%) patients exhibited low zinc levels. The mean age of the zinc-deficient group was 65.41±12.77years. Serum zinc levels were significantly lower in group III (p<0.01). The severity and loudness of tinnitus were greater in zinc-deficient patients (p=0.011 and p=0.015, respectively). Moreover, the mean thresholds of air conduction were significantly higher in zinc-deficient patients (p=0.000). CONCLUSION: We observed that zinc levels decrease as age increases. In addition, there was a significant correlation between zinc level and the severity and loudness of tinnitus. Zinc deficiency was also associated with impairments in hearing thresholds.

The efficacy of Kinesio taping on lymphedema following head and neck cancer therapy: a randomized, double blind, sham-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to investigate the effectiveness of Kinesio taping for lymphedema following head and neck cancer therapy and its effect on patient compliance and quality of life. METHODS: A total of 66 patients with lymphedema following head and neck cancer therapy were randomly allocated to the therapeutic Kinesio taping group (n = 33) and the sham Kinesio taping group (n = 33). All participants received manual lymphatic drainage, Kinesio taping, and home exercises for the first four weeks, and only home exercises for the second four weeks. The tape measurements, a scale of external lymphedema, a scale of the internal lymphedema, and quality of life were evaluated in both groups. The perceived discomfort consisting of limitation of daily living activities, pain, tightness, stiffness, and heaviness were also recorded. RESULTS: When the group x time effect was evaluated, it was observed that external lymphedema was significantly reduced in both groups according to neck and face composite measurements (p < .001). However, in these measurements, a significant difference was found between the groups in favor of the KT group (p = .001, p = .032, respectively). At the end of the study, there was no significant difference in terms of internal lymphedema in both groups (p = .860). The quality of life parameters such as global health status and swallowing were significantly better in the Kinesio taping group (p < .001). There was no significant difference in the parameters of perceived discomfort between the two groups (p = .282, p = .225, p = .090, p = .155, p = .183, respectively). CONCLUSION: Kinesio taping is effective in tape measurements and positively affects the quality of life in lymphedema following head and neck cancer therapy.

Efficacy of Kinesio taping on Mutational Falsetto: A Double Blind, Randomized, Sham-controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of Kinesio taping on male patients with mutational falsetto undergoing voice therapy. DESIGN: Double blind, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: Interviews were conducted with thirty seven mutational falsetto patients. Included 32 participants were randomized and divided into two groups. Two were dropped out due to irregular attendance, 30 participants were included in final analysis. INTERVENTIONS: The study group was treated with voice therapy and applications of three different therapeutic Kinesio taping techniques with seven Kinesio tapes four times over two weeks, and the control group was treated with voice therapy, and applied to sham Kinesio taping. OUTCOME MEASURES: The values of fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, noise-harmonic ratio, maximum phonation time, Voice Handicap Index-10 scores, and Grade-Roughness-Breathiness-Asthenia-Strain Scale scores were recorded at the baseline and after the two weeks. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the study group and the control group with respect to the values of fundamental frequency (P = 0.011), jitter (P = 0.041), shimmer (P = 0.036), noise-harmonic ratio (P = 0.003), maximum phonation time (P ≤ 0.001), Voice Handicap Index-10 scores (P = 0.036), and Grade-Roughness-Breathiness-Asthenia-Strain Scale scores (P = 0.007; P ≤ 0.021; P = 0.022; P = 0.002; P = 0.021, respectively) at the end of the study. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated that Kinesio taping with voice therapy is an efficient and effective technique for treating mutational falsetto patients.

An assessment of the effects of adenoid hypertrophy on mucociliary clearance and nasal cytology in children.

AIM/OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the benefits of the systematic use of nasal cytology and mucociliary clearance in the diagnostic workup of nasal disorders in children with adenoid hypertrophy (AH) to reach a well-defined diagnosis, establish a rational therapeutic approach, avert from complications, and develop the patient's life quality. MATERIALS/METHODS: In this prospective study, a total of 61 pediatric patients (aged 5-12 years) were evaluated. The case group consisted of 31 children with AH symptoms, while the control group comprised 30 children without AH symptoms.Exclusions included previous adenoidectomy/adenotonsillectomy, cardiovascular/neurological diseases, acute/allergic rhinitis, genetic disorders (e.g., Down syndrome), and immunodeficiency. The control group consisted of children without nasal obstruction symptoms and without AH, who admitted for various reasons. Medical history, examinations, fiberoptic nasopharyngoscopy, cephalometric evaluations, AST, and nasal cytology were conducted. RESULTS: At the end of the study, a significant increase in the mucociliary clearance time was observed in the group with AH compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Although AH may disrupt MCC, there is no correlation between the size of the hypertrophy and MCC time.When the distribution of cells in the nasal cytology is evaluated, no difference was detected between the AH group and control groups. CONCLUSION: Nasal mucociliary clearance has been found to be decreased, particularly in the presence of significant AH.

Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Version of the Sydney Swallow Questionnaire.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Sydney Swallow Questionnaire (SSQ-T) and calculate a cutoff value to help clinicians to suspect/predict oropharyngeal dysphagia (OPD). METHOD: The original questionnaire was translated into Turkish by two bilingual English Turkish translators. The study included 170 Turkish adult subjects. Half of the participants were patients presenting with OPD, and half were healthy controls. Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) was administered to all subjects. Patients were evaluated using the Turkish Penetration Aspiration Scale and the Yale Pharyngeal Residue Severity Rating Scale. Additionally, the final version of the SSQ-T questionnaire and the Turkish Eating Assessment Tool were administered to all subjects. RESULTS: Internal consistency was high on all questions (Cronbach's α = .974). Test-retest reliability was also high (intraclass correlation coefficient = .975, p < .001; 95% confidence interval [.948-.988]). The SSQ-T score range was 0-1,240 for all participants, 57-1,240 for the patients with OPD, and 0-152 for the healthy controls. The cutoff value was 174 with 85.96% sensitivity and 99.12% specificity. CONCLUSION: The SSQ-T was demonstrated to be a valid and reliable assessment to assess the self-perceived severity of OPD.

Comparison of Isotonic Seawater Nasal Spray Containing Chamomile Liquid Extract and Other Isotonic Seawater Nasal Washing Solutions for Allergic Rhinitis.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to demonstrate the effect of an isotonic seawater spray containing chamomile liquid extract on symptoms and nasal mucociliary clearance in patients with allergic rhinitis by comparing it with other isotonic seawater nasal washing solutions. METHODS: The study included 123 patients. Based on Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma guidelines, mometasone furoate intranasal spray treatment was started for all patients in the group diagnosed with allergic rhinitis. In addition to this treatment, isotonic seawater spray with chamomile liquid extract was added to Group A, isotonic seawater spray to Group B, and isotonic seawater nasal irrigation to Group C. The fourth group (Group D) was given only nasal steroid spray without nasal washing treatment. Before and after treatment in all patients, the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 was performed, and nasal mucociliary clearance times were measured by the saccharin test. RESULTS: The differences in duration of nasal mucociliary clearance and Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 values were taken before and after treatment. In Group A, B, C, and D the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 differences were statistically significant (P ≤.001; P ≤ .001; P ≤ .001, and P = .048, respectively). Only Group A and Group B experienced a significant difference in nasal mucociliary clearance times (P ≤ .001; P = .010, respectively). When the Sino-nasal Outcome Test-22 score and nasal mucociliary clearance time differences before and after treatment were compared between all groups, the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 score difference was higher in Group A than in Groups B, C, and D, the differences were found as statistically significant (P = .010; P = .003; P ≤ .001, respectively). The nasal mucociliary clearance time difference was higher in Group A than in Groups C and D, the differences were found as statistically significant (P = .010; P = .001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Isotonic seawater spray containing chamomile liquid extract is seen as a good alternative treatment option for allergic rhinitis patients.

Effect of adenoid hypertrophy and adenoidectomy on bite force in children: Twelve month follow-up, case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: The effects of adenoid hypertrophy (AH) and adenoidectomy on maximal bite force (MBF) in patients were evaluated by comparing them with healthy controls. METHODS: A total of 118 children diagnosed with AH and undergoing adenoidectomy (Group A), and healthy controls (Group B) were included. The MBF and nasopharyngeal airway passage distance (NAPD) were recorded. RESULTS: There was a correlation between NAPD and MBF at the beginning of the study (r = -0.675 and p < 0.001). The initial mean MBF of Groups A and B were 318.37 ± 70.76 N and 344.04 ± 64.14 N, respectively (p = 0.041). However, there was no significant difference between the groups due to the increase in the MBF of Group A at 12 months (p = 0.165). CONCLUSION: The MBF may be negatively affected in proportion to decreased NAPD, and it could also be an indicator for monitoring the status of children with AH.

The Predictive Value of Proportional Evaluation Based on the Metabolic Activity of Cervical Lymph Nodes on PET/CT Imaging in Patients with Larynx Cancer.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the proportional values of maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) for cervical lymph nodes on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for prediction of the presence of metastasis in patients with larynx squamous cell cancer (LSCC). METHODS: This retrospective study involved 43 patients with LSCC. All patients underwent resection of the primary tumor and neck dissection within 4 weeks after undergoing 18F-FDG PET/CT examinations. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to evaluate the lymph node SUVmax/primary tumor SUVmax (SUVmaxLN/SUVmaxPT), lymph node SUVmax/aortic SUVmax (SUVmaxLN/SUVmaxA), and lymph node SUVmax/ liver SUVmax (SUVmaxLN/SUVmaxL) ratios for diagnosis of lymph node metastasis. RESULTS: SUVmaxLN/SUVmaxA, SUVmaxLN/SUVmaxL, and SUVmaxLN/SUVmaxPT rates were significantly higher in metastatic lymph nodes compared to non-metastatic nodes. ROC analysis for metastasis showed that the cut-off thresholds were 3.87 for SUVmaxLN; 1.78 for SUVmaxLN /SUVmaxA; 1.08 for SUVmaxLN/SUVmaxL; and 0.36 for SUVmaxLN/SUVmaxPT. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and AUC were 83.7%, 77%, 0.856 for SUVmaxLN; 79.7%, 84%, 1.78 for SUVmaxLN/SUVmaxA; 84.1%, 76%, 0.833 for SUVmaxLN/SUVmaxL; and 53.6%, 76%, 0.666 for SUVmaxLN/SUVmaxPT, respectively. CONCLUSION: SUVmaxLN/SUVmaxA, SUVmaxLN/SUVmaxL, and SUVmaxLN/SUVmaxPT ratios can be safely used for diagnosis of cervical lymph node metastasis in patients with LSCC.

[Short term olfactory memory and olfactory function after inhalation anesthetic agents: a randomized clinical trial]. / Memória olfativa de curta duração e função olfativa após anestésicos inalatórios: estudo clínico randomizado.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This clinical trial aimed to evaluate the effects of two different inhalation anesthetic agents on postoperative olfactory memory and olfactory function in patients who underwent micro laryngeal surgery. METHODS: This randomized prospective controlled study consisted of 102 consecutive patients with a voice disorder. The patients underwent micro laryngeal surgery for voice disorders under general anesthesia. Patients who did not meet inclusion criteria and/or declined to participate (n=34) were excluded from the study. Patients were divided into two groups. Four patients from Group 1 and four patients from Group 2 were lost to follow-up. Group 1 (n=30) received sevoflurane, and Group 2 (n=30) received desflurane during anesthesia. We compared the results by performing the pre-op and post-op Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center Olfactory test. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients (55%) were male and 27 (45%) were female. The mean age was 48.18±13.88 years (range: 19-70 years). Preoperative and postoperative olfactory functions did not show a significant difference within the groups postoperatively (p> 0.05). Preoperative and postoperative olfactory memory showed a significant decrease 3hours after the surgery (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Olfactory functions and memory were not affected by desflurane in the early postoperative period. Although sevoflurane did not affect olfactory functions, it had a temporary negative effect on olfactory memory in the early postoperative period.

Histopathological Analysis of the Effects of Corticosteroids on Vocal Cords: Experimental Study.

Local treatment with corticosteroids results in side effects involving the upper respiratory tract including candidiasis, sore throat, and dysphonia. Although these effects are well known, they have not been evaluated using a histopathological approach. This study investigated the histopathological aspects of steroid-induced dysphonia. A total of 16 female Wistar albino rats were divided into two groups. The eight rats in the experimental group were given an inhaled dose of mometasone furoate daily for 4 weeks. The control group was kept at room temperature for 4 weeks. The vocal cords were evaluated histopathologically using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Both groups had typical epithelial lining and basal membranes. Inflammation differed between the two groups (P = 0.024). There were no differences in squamous metaplasia and hyperplasia (P = 0.302 and 0.302, respectively). This study revealed that inhaled corticosteroids inhibit mucosal immunity, and may result in reversible mucosal changes.

The Effects of Exposure to Environmental Cigarette Smoke on the Vocal Folds of Rats.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate histopathologically and immunohistochemically the effects of environmental smoke on the vocal folds. METHODS: This study examined 20 healthy Wistar albino rats, which were divided into four groups of five rats. Group 1 was exposed to smoke for 45 days and group 2 for 90 days. Groups 3 and 4 were the respective control groups. The rats in groups 1 and 3 were sacrificed on day 45 and those in groups 2 and 4 on day 90. The larynx specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and the inflammation, hyperplasia, and metaplasia were evaluated. Ki-67 staining was used for the immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in mononuclear cell infiltration between the experimental and control groups (group 1 vs. group 3 P = 0.20, group 2 and 4 P = 0.41) (Table 3), but there was a significant difference between the two experimental groups (P = 0.007). Mild and moderate hyperplasia was seen in groups 1 and 2, respectively. CONCLUSION: Environmental exposure to cigarette smoke has destructive effects on the vocal folds of rats.

Reliability and Validation of the Turkish Version of the Pediatric Voice-Related Quality of Life Survey.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of dysphonia in children, several methods have been developed, including the Pediatric Voice Outcome Survey, the Pediatric Voice Handicap Index, and the Pediatric Voice-Related Quality of Life (PVRQOL) Survey. The aim of this study was to analyze the validity of the Turkish version of the PVRQOL Survey. METHODS: The PVRQOL Survey consists of 10 questions that evaluate the effects of dysphonia on quality of life. We translated it into Turkish by working with two translators and faculty from the English Grammar and Literature Department. The Turkish version was translated back into English by two bilingual individuals to assess accuracy. The final version was tested by 15 parents for pilot study. Following the pilot study, we enrolled 52 children who had been admitted to the outpatient clinic with dysphonia and 79 children who had no voice complaints. The parents of the children under 7 years were asked to answer the survey. Children aged between 7 and 9 years completed the survey with their parents, and children over 9 years completed the survey by themselves. RESULTS: The results of the pilot study revealed no difference between the two groups. Intergroup comparisons revealed that there were statistically significant differences between the control and patient groups in terms of question responses. When the total scores of the two groups were compared, there was a significant difference. CONCLUSION: The Turkish version is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing dysphonic patients and healthy subjects.