Lower urinary tract symptoms in young-middle aged males with a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the current study is to measure the prevalence and the potential role of International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) score as a predictor of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in male experienced lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). METHODS: A cross-sectional web-based Italian survey was administered via Google Forms between July 17 and October 31, 2022. The urinary functioning was measured through the IPSS questionnaire. Specifically, we considered symptoms occurring more than "about half the time" (score ≥ 3) as bothering symptoms. Multivariable logistic regression models (LRMs) adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), International Index of Erectile Function-5, IPSS, and hypertension were fitted to predict OSAS in the cohort of men responding to the survey and experiencing LUTS. RESULTS: Overall, 58 (24.4%) patients had a confirmed diagnosis of OSAS. The overall median IPSS was 5 (inter quartile range [IQR]: 3-8), respectively. According to IPSS items, 24 (10%), 44 (18.4%), 12 (5%), 12 (5%), 12 (5%), 11 (4.6%), 63 (26.4%) patients exhibit incomplete bladder emptying, urinary frequency, intermittency, urgency, weak stream, straining, nocturia with a score ≥ 3, respectively. After multivariable LRMs predicting the developing OSAS, age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.09, p < 0.001), BMI (OR:1.12, p < 0.001) and IPSS total score (OR:1.08, p = 0.02) were independent predicting factors. CONCLUSION: This analysis revealed that the IPSS total score, age, and BMI are independent predictors of OSAS in males. In this context, the use of IPSS in daily practice could be helpful in assessing the LUTS presence and in supporting physicians to identify a hidden sleep apnea condition.

Efficacy and preservation of hearing with low-dose gentamicin in unilateral meniere's disease: A clinical symptomatology-based study.

PURPOSE: Meniere's disease (MD), a disorder of the inner ear, presents numerous therapeutic challenges, and intratympanic (IT) gentamicin has been proposed for intractable cases. However, controversy regarding dosage and method persists. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of low-dose IT gentamicin on vertigo attacks in MD using a clinical symptomatology-based method, wherein administration was repeated only if vertigo attacks recurred, with a 2-week interval between injections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 88 patients with unilateral intractable MD. All patients received one to five IT injections with 0.5 ml of 10 mg of gentamicin (80 mg/2 ml) with an interval of 2 weeks between injections. Vertigo attacks were evaluated before and after therapy and categorized into classes A-F according to the 2015 Equilibrium Committee criteria. Audiovestibular assessments, including Pure Tone Audiometry and Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex evaluations, were performed. RESULTS: Before treatment, patients had an average of 4.4 vertigo attacks/month; after treatment, this average decreased to 0.52. The majority of patients (57 %) reached Class A or B vertigo control with five or fewer gentamicin injections. VOR gain was slightly affected on the healthy side and significantly reduced on the affected side. No hearing deterioration was found in any of the treated patients. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose IT gentamicin administration based on clinical symptomatology can produce a satisfactory control of vertigo attacks after treatment. This protocol primarily affected the vestibular function, as demonstrated by the significant reduction in VOR gain on the affected side, while avoiding cochlear damage. The lack of adverse events and preservation of hearing underscore the safety and efficacy of this method. These findings have significant clinical implications, suggesting that a low-dose, clinical symptomatology-based gentamicin treatment regimen could be an effective and safe strategy for managing unilateral Meniere's disease in a larger population.

Efficacy of tailor-made notched music training for primary tinnitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed the efficacy of Tailor-Made Notched Music Training (TMNMT) for primary subjective tinnitus in adults. The main goal was to evaluate TMNMT's impact on tinnitus symptoms. METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, we included randomized and non-randomized trials. Studies considered involved adults with primary subjective tinnitus treated with TMNMT alone or combined with other therapies. Bias risk was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 and ROBINS-I tools. Comprehensive database searches were conducted, and relevant data were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS: Three studies (total: 99 TMNMT patients, 109 sound therapy) were meta-analyzed. Using THI scores, the Forest plot showed no significant difference in tinnitus distress between TMNMT and listening to music groups (p > 0.05), with low study heterogeneity (I2 = 0 %). CONCLUSION: While TMNMT offers a non-invasive approach with a potential to reduce tinnitus distress, it did not significantly outperform the only listening to music. More research is needed to optimize TMNMT for tinnitus management and to better document its safety profile.

Enhancing the therapeutic potential of intravenous glycerol for Meniere's disease: Robust results from an extensive patient cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Meniere's disease (MD) is an idiopatic condition characterized by recurrent attacks of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness, affecting quality of life. Intravenous glycerol has shown potential as a therapeutic option. This study evaluates its efficacy in a larger patient cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study with 168 patients having unilateral MD unresponsive to dietary restrictions. Intravenous 10 % glycerol with 0.9 % sodium chloride was administered for six months. Audio-vestibular assessments and questionnaires were used. RESULTS: Significant improvements in vertigo control observed. 7.1 % achieved complete control, and 58.3 % had substantial control. Quality of life measures improved, and audiometry thresholds remained unchanged. No major adverse events reported. DISCUSSION: Intravenous glycerol effectively controlled vertigo and improved MD patients' quality of life. Limitations include lack of a control group and a relatively short-term follow-up. Future prospects include randomized controlled trials and optimization of treatment protocols. CONCLUSION: Intravenous glycerol shows promise as a therapeutic option for MD, with notable improvements in vertigo control and quality of life. Further research is needed for validation and optimization.

A novel seated repositioning maneuver for geotropic lateral canal BPPV: efficacy and technique.

PURPOSE: This study introduces and evaluates the sitting lateral canal maneuver (SLCM), a novel seated repositioning technique for treating geotropic lateral canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review at the Hospital of Salerno, focusing on 26 patients diagnosed with geotropic LC-BPPV between 2021 and 2022. The SLCM was applied, and its efficacy was assessed based on the resolution of nystagmus and vertigo symptoms. A 95% confidence interval was calculated to estimate the success rate. RESULTS: The SLCM demonstrated a high success rate, with 22 out of 26 patients (approximately 85%, 22/26 patients) showing positive outcomes. The 95% confidence interval for the success rate ranged from approximately 65.02-100%. These findings suggest that SLCM is a potentially effective intervention for LC-BPPV, especially beneficial for patients who find traditional supine or lateral maneuvers uncomfortable. CONCLUSION: The SLCM represents a promising alternative to traditional BPPV maneuvers, especially for patients requiring a seated approach. While the initial results are encouraging, further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods is needed to validate its efficacy and explore its full potential in the management of LC-BPPV. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: This study represents a Level IV source of evidence, as defined by the evidence-based practice guidelines. It is a retrospective chart review that involves a moderate cohort of patients diagnosed with geotropic horizontal positional nystagmus consistent with lateral canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (LC-BPPV). While the study provides valuable insights into the efficacy of the sitting lateral canal maneuver (SLCM) and contributes to the existing literature on BPPV management, it is important to note the inherent limitations associated with this level of evidence.

Post-operative radiotherapy in adenoid cystic carcinoma of salivary glands versus surgery alone: what is the evidence about survival and local control? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary glands is a relatively rare malignancy characterized by slow growth and a poor prognosis, and effective treatments remain challenging to identify. This systematic review, following the PRISMA guidelines, aimed to analyze the potential benefits of post-operative radiotherapy in terms of local control of recurrences and survival advantages when compared with surgery alone in patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma. METHODS: A comprehensive systematic review was conducted by searching the MEDLINE, Cochrane, EMBASE, and OVID databases from January 1999 to July 2022. The goal was to identify articles comparing surgery alone with surgery plus postoperative radiotherapy for adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary glands. Downs and Black Checklist was used to assess the methodological quality and risk of bias of each included study. The data analysis was performed using Review Manager version 5.4.1. RESULTS: This review included 8 studies comprising a total of 3103 patients, divided based on the analyzed outcomes. The pooled odds ratio for overall survival at 5 years was 0.87 (95% confidence interval 0.43-1.76, p = 0.70), and at 10 years was 1.23 (95% confidence interval 0.69-2.16, p = 0.48). In both cases, no statistically significant differences were observed. However, the pooled odds ratio for local control at 5 years was 3.37 (95% confidence interval 1.35-8.42, p = 0.009), providing strong support for the use of post-operative radiation. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from the meta-analysis suggest that post-operative radiotherapy significantly improves local control in patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma. However, there was no statistically significant increase in survival at 5 and 10 years. It is essential to note that the quality of the studies included in this meta-analysis ranged from fair to poor. To better clarify the indications for post-operative radiotherapy, future high-quality research is needed, particularly with improved stratification of patient groups. Additionally, it is important to recognize that achieving local control in adenoid cystic carcinoma is crucial for enhancing the overall quality of life for patients. We acknowledge that this review was not registered in the PROSPERO database, and the data pooling was conducted using a random effects model.

Validation of the Quality Analysis of Medical Artificial Intelligence (QAMAI) tool: a new tool to assess the quality of health information provided by AI platforms.

BACKGROUND: The widespread diffusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms is revolutionizing how health-related information is disseminated, thereby highlighting the need for tools to evaluate the quality of such information. This study aimed to propose and validate the Quality Assessment of Medical Artificial Intelligence (QAMAI), a tool specifically designed to assess the quality of health information provided by AI platforms. METHODS: The QAMAI tool has been developed by a panel of experts following guidelines for the development of new questionnaires. A total of 30 responses from ChatGPT4, addressing patient queries, theoretical questions, and clinical head and neck surgery scenarios were assessed by 27 reviewers from 25 academic centers worldwide. Construct validity, internal consistency, inter-rater and test-retest reliability were assessed to validate the tool. RESULTS: The validation was conducted on the basis of 792 assessments for the 30 responses given by ChatGPT4. The results of the exploratory factor analysis revealed a unidimensional structure of the QAMAI with a single factor comprising all the items that explained 51.1% of the variance with factor loadings ranging from 0.449 to 0.856. Overall internal consistency was high (Cronbach's alpha = 0.837). The Interclass Correlation Coefficient was 0.983 (95% CI 0.973-0.991; F (29,542) = 68.3; p < 0.001), indicating excellent reliability. Test-retest reliability analysis revealed a moderate-to-strong correlation with a Pearson's coefficient of 0.876 (95% CI 0.859-0.891; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The QAMAI tool demonstrated significant reliability and validity in assessing the quality of health information provided by AI platforms. Such a tool might become particularly important/useful for physicians as patients increasingly seek medical information on AI platforms.

Specific local nasal immunotherapy: Single center experience on 324 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of specific local nasal immunotherapy (LNIT) in patients with allergic rhinitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective single-center study of 324 patients with allergic rhinitis (191 allergic to mites, 133 allergic to Grarninaceae or Parietaria pollen) treated with specific LNIT was carried out. As control group, 158 patients without allergic rhinitis were enrolled. All patients were evaluated before and after 32 weeks of treatment by subjective analysis of their self-reported symptoms and by objective analysis of nasal provocation test, nasal resistance by anterior rhinomanometry, and mucociliary clearance time. RESULTS: Clinical efficacy of LNIT for allergy to mites and pollens was confirmed by the differences in the symptoms score between the active group and the placebo group. The nasal provocation test and the rhinomanometric analysis confirm the result with a difference statistically significant. No differnces in mucociliary clearance time were found. CONCLUSIONS: Specific LNIT is a valide alternative to subcutaneous and sublingual administration. It is effective, safe, well tolerated by the patient, it can be done at home with fewer systemic reactions.

Acinic cell carcinoma of the parotid gland: Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes? A multicenter retrospective analysis focusing on survival outcome.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the demographic data, surgical and adjuvant treatment data and the survival outcomes in adult patients affected by acinic cell carcinoma of the parotid gland (AciCC). METHODS: A retrospective multicenter analysis of patients treated for AciCC of the parotid gland from 2000 to 2021 was performed. Exclusion criteria were pediatric (0-18 years) patients, the absence of follow-up and patients with secondary metastatic disease to the parotid gland. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with survival. RESULTS: The study included 81 adult patients with AciCC of the parotid gland. The median age was 46.3 years (SD 15.81, range 19-84 years), with a gender female prevalence (F = 48, M = 33). The mean follow-up was 77.7 months (min 4-max 361, SD 72.46). The 5 years overall survival (OS) was 97.5%. The 5 years disease-free survival (DFS) was 60%. No statistical differences have been found in prognosis for age (< 65 or ≥ 65 years), sex, surgery type (superficial vs profound parotid surgery), radicality (R0 vs R1 + Rclose), neck dissection, early pathologic T and N stages and adjuvant therapy (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study did not find prognostic factor for poorest outcome. In contrast with the existing literature, our results showed how also high-grade tumours cannot be considered predictive of recurrence or aggressive behaviour.

Trans-Oral Robotic Surgery: 14 Cases of Pleomorphic Adenoma of the Parapharyngeal Space.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study has been to describe our experience with pleomorphic adenomas of the parapharyngeal space (PPS) treated with trans-oral robotic surgery (TORS). Tumors arising from the PPS comprise less than 0.5% of all head and neck tumors. Salivary gland tumors account for 40% to 50% of PPS lesions with pleomorphic adenomas representing the most common salivary tumors (80%-90%). Parapharyngeal space tumors cause nonspecific symptoms and may be difficult to diagnose. METHODS: In our study a preoperative diagnosis was conducted by fine needle aspiration biopsy and magnetic resonance imaging and the results were used to plan the correct surgical approach. RESULTS: In all cases we were able to employ TORS, a minimally invasive procedure that allows us to operate in narrow and anatomically complex spaces that we can only reach thanks to the use of well-articulated hand pieces. CONCLUSIONS: This report indicates that TORS is a safe surgical procedure for the excision of benign tumors of the PPS in selected cases.

Metagenomic monitoring of soil bacterial community after the construction of a crude oil flowline.

This study aimed to assess the metagenomic changes of soil bacterial community after constructing a crude oil flowline in Basilicata region, Italy. Soils identified a total of 56 taxa at the phylum level and 485 at the family level, with a different taxa distribution, especially in samples collected on 2014. Since microbiological diversity occurred in the soils collected after 2013 (the reference year), we performed a differential abundance analysis using DESeq2 by GAIA pipeline. In the forest area, 14 phyla and 126 families were differentially abundant (- 6.06 < logFC > 7.88) in 2014 compared to 2013. Nine families were differentially abundant in 2015, with logFC between - 3.16 and 4.66, while 20 families were significantly more abundant and 16 less abundant in 2016, with logFC between - 6.48 and 6.45. In the cultivated area, 33 phyla and 260 families showed differential abundance in 2014. In the next year (2015), 14 phyla were significantly more abundant and 19 less abundant, while 29 families were substantially more abundant and 139 less abundant, with fold changes ranging between - 5.67 and 4.01. In 2016, 33 phyla showed a significantly different abundance, as 14 were more abundant and 19 decreased, and 81 families showed a significantly increased amount with logFC between - 5.31 and 5.38. These results hypothesise that the analysed site is an altered soil where the development of particular bacterial groups attends to bioremediation processes, naturally occurring to restore optimal conditions.

Surgical oncology of the head and neck district during COVID-19 pandemic.

PURPOSE: A new member of the Coronaviridae family caused a worldwide pandemic emergency called Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Health care workers who come into contact with the upper aero-digestive tract during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, such as otolaryngologists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and head and neck surgeons, may undergo profound changes in their activities and are particularly at risk. We analysed the impact of COVID-19 on our oncological surgical activity. METHODS: To address the emergency and guarantee safety of patients referred to our Unit, reproducible guidelines were followed. Surgical activity data during COVID-19 were compared to previous years (2018 and 2019). RESULTS: From 21st February to 25th of May 113 surgical procedures were performed. The average of the two selected years (2018-2019) is 84.5, showing an increase of 34.5% of our activities (statistically significant, p = 0.0011). No patient showed perioperative or postoperative contagion. CONCLUSION: Due to the conversion of regular Hospitals into COVID Centers, Cancer Centers may encounter an increased demand for procedures. Following strict guidelines, it seems possible to face surgical activity on cancer patients and respect standard procedures aimed at containing the spread of COVID-19 infection.

Have There Been any Changes in the Epidemiology and Etiology of Maxillofacial Trauma During the COVID-19 Pandemic? An Italian Multicenter Study.

ABSTRACT: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has had a significant impact on people's behavior. The aim of this study has been to evaluate how the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has impacted the incidence and the features of maxillofacial fractures presented at 6 Italian tertiary centers. Clinical records of all the patients diagnosed for facial fractures between February 23 and May 23, 2019 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Any differences in patient number and characteristics and fracture etiology and site between the 2 groups were then statistically analyzed.There has been a 69.1% decrease in the number of incoming patients during the pandemic. The number of foreign patients has decreased significantly (23.3% versus 9.6%, P = 0.011) while the average age has increased (38.6 versus 45.6 years old, P = 0.01). Specific statistical significant differences for accidental falls (31.8% versus 50.1%, P = 0.005) and sports injuries (16.9% versus 1.4%, P < 0.001) were found. Concerning fracture sites, significant differences have been found in relation to nasal (22.5% versus 11.4%, P = 0.009) and frontal sinus (0.9% versus 4.4%, P = 0.037) fractures. In conclusion, SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has significantly changed the epidemiology and the etiology of facial traumas.

Self-Made Rapid Prototyping Technique for Orbital Floor Reconstruction: Showcases for Technical Description.

BACKGROUND: Restoring the orbital cavity integrity in orbital floor defects is a challenging issue due to the anatomical complexity of the floor's surface. This is a showcase for technical description of a novel "in house" rapid prototyping protocol aimed to customize implant for orbital floor reconstruction. METHODS: The authors present 4 cases to show our Computer-aided-design and Computer-aided-manufacturing digital workflow. The system was based on a 3D-printed press that; through a virtually designed mold, was used to conform a patient specific titanium mesh for orbital floor reconstruction. RESULTS: The merging procedure analysis by iPlan Cranial 3.0 (Brainlab, Munich, Germany) highlighted a 0.71 ±â€Š0.23 mm (P <0.05) discrepancy in a point-to-point superimposition between the digital planned reconstruction and the real in vivo result. CONCLUSIONS: The authors expect that this technique will reduce operative time and cost however further study and larger series may better define the applicability in everyday surgical practice.

Septal branches of the anterior ethmoidal artery: anatomical considerations and clinical implications in the management of refractory epistaxis.

PURPOSE: Epistaxis is a commonly presenting complaint. In severe cases, nosebleeds may occur despite antero-posterior nasal packing and often in the absence of identifiable sources of bleeding. In such cases, epistaxis may occur from septal branches of the anterior ethmoidal artery (sbAEA). The purposes of this study are to highlight the clinical role of the sbAEA in different fields of endoscopic endonasal surgery and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of their selective endoscopic endonasal ligation in the management of refractory epistaxis. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of all patients presenting with epistaxis who underwent endoscopic endonasal coagulation of sbAEA in three Italian tertiary-care referral centers between October 2010 and October 2017. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients met the inclusion criteria. Sixteen patients had never experienced nosebleeds before, while 14 patients recalled previous epistaxes. Seventeen patients were treated under local anesthetic, while 13 required general anesthesia. No intra- or post-operative complications were observed and none of the patients received nasal packing after the procedure. In all cases the coagulation was effective in controlling the bleeding, with only two relapses in the series (2/30, 6.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The sbAEA are of great interest in endoscopic endonasal surgery, both as surgical landmarks and as feeding vessels for a variety of pedicled nasal flaps. What is more, they can be crucial for the management of refractory epistaxis. Their selective endoscopic coagulation represents an effective and safe procedure in cases of difficult-to-control epistaxis from the upper nasal fossa, with several advantages over nasal packing.

HPV Virus Transcriptional Status Assessment in a Case of Sinonasal Carcinoma.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) can play a causative role in the development of sinonasal tract malignancies. In fact, HPV may be the most significant causative agent implicated in sinonasal tumorigenesis and is implicated in as many as 21% of sinonasal carcinomas. To date, there are no definitive, reliable and cost-effective, diagnostic tests approved by the FDA for the unequivocal determination of HPV status in head and neck cancers. We followed an exhaustive algorithm to correctly test HPV infection, including a sequential approach with p16INK4a IHC, viral DNA genotyping and in situ hybridization for E6/E7 mRNA. Here, we report a case of sinonasal carcinoma with discordant results using HPV test assays. The tumor we describe showed an irregular immunoreactivity for p16INK4a, and it tested positive for HPV DNA; nevertheless, it was negative for HR-HPV mRNA. We discuss the possible meaning of this discrepancy. It would be advisable to test HPV transcriptional status of sinonasal carcinoma on a diagnostic routine basis, not only by p16INK4a IHC assay, but also by HPV DNA genotyping and HR-HPV mRNA assessment.

Functional Endoscopic Surgery After Facial Trauma.

The present study describes 3 patients of previous facial trauma who have subsequently been treated with functional endoscopic sinus surgery. The authors want pay attention on the possible correlation between facial trauma and sinusitis. Such fractures can be the cause of onset of paranasal sinusitis or of worsening of a previous sinusitis. The correlation between these 2 pathologies could be due to the fact that facial fractures concern the anatomic structures of paranasal sinuses. The damage to these structures during the facial trauma and tissue regeneration after injury or surgical treatment subverts the anatomy and function of the sinuses in a basically compromised situation.