Influence of Different Noise Types on Hearing Function in Patients Treated for Mild Otitis Media.

BACKGROUND: Otitis media (OM) refers to a common clinical ear disease. Noise seriously damages human hearing function. This study aimed to investigate the effects of various noise types on the hearing function of patients who have recovered from mild OM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 160 patients with mild OM treated at our hospital from May 2020 to May 2023 were retrospectively selected for this study. Based on clinical data, the patients were divided into the non-noise group (n = 80) and the noise (n = 80) group. The hearing thresholds of the two groups were compared across various noise types at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz. In addition, the hearing thresholds of the noise group were compared under the same conditions. RESULTS: The noise group exhibited significantly higher hearing thresholds at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz than the non-noise group (P < 0.05). Under traffic, urban construction, and industrial noises, the auditory thresholds at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz in the noise group were significantly higher than those observed under domestic and speech noises (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Noise shows a close relationship with the hearing function of patients with OM. Traffic, urban construction, and industrial noises greatly influence the hearing function of patients who have recovered from mild OM.

Pedicled flaps reconstruction of hypopharynx and laryngeal defects: Successful preservation of laryngeal function in patients with advanced hypopharyngeal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Preserving laryngeal function and reconstructing the hypopharynx in advanced hypopharyngeal cancer pose significant challenges for head and neck surgeons. METHODS: A 48-year-old male patient was diagnosed with advanced hypopharyngeal cancer originating from the left pyriform sinus. The tumor extended into the hypopharynx, left vocal cord, ventricular fold, partial aryepiglottic fold, and a segment of the cervical esophagus. A curative tumor resection was performed, and a well-thought-out strategy was employed for hypopharyngeal repair and laryngeal reconstruction. RESULTS: Following the surgery, the patient demonstrated exceptional flap survival, and the tracheostomy tube was removed at the 6-month mark. No surgery-related complications were observed, and both swallowing and vocal functions exhibited a robust recovery. CONCLUSION: Our reconstruction strategy proves effective in preserving laryngeal function among patients with advanced hypopharyngeal cancer.

Recent Advances in the HPPH-Based Third-Generation Photodynamic Agents in Biomedical Applications.

Photodynamic therapy has emerged as a recognized anti-tumor treatment involving three fundamental elements: photosensitizers, light, and reactive oxygen species. Enhancing the effectiveness of photosensitizers remains the primary avenue for improving the biological therapeutic outcomes of PDT. Through three generations of development, HPPH is a 2-(1-hexyloxyethyl)-2-devinyl derivative of pyropheophorbide-α, representing a second-generation photosensitizer already undergoing clinical trials for various tumors. The evolution toward third-generation photosensitizers based on HPPH involves structural modifications for multimodal applications and the combination of multifunctional compounds, leading to improved imaging localization and superior anti-tumor effects. While research into third-generation HPPH is beneficial for advancing PDT treatment, equal attention should also be directed toward the other two essential elements and personalized diagnosis and treatment methodologies.

Versatility and outcomes of lateral arm free flap in head and neck reconstruction: a retrospective case series study of our experiences and innovations.

OBJECTIVES: The Lateral Arm Free Flap (LAFF) offers advantageous features like variable thickness and minimal hair growth. LAFF is primarily used in orofacial and pharyngeal reconstructions, with limited reports on tracheal/esophageal applications. Also, the psychological prognosis and quality of life in patients with LAFF reconstruction are lacking. METHODS: This retrospective case series presents outcomes of LAFF reconstruction for head and neck surgical defects which included 19 patients. The disease type, location of reconstruction, TNM staging, tumor size, chemoradiation status, anxiety, depression, quality of life and detailed perioperative information of the LAFF reconstruction surgery were presented in a descriptive pattern. Subgroup analysis was conducted using Mann-Whitney U and Pearson r test. RESULTS: All 19 patients (100%) had a viable flap after surgery with 5 (26.3%) of them developed flap-related complication. Patients with oropharyngeal reconstruction were more likely to have lower anxiety and depression score and higher quality of life than those with below-oropharyngeal reconstruction. However, no significant p-value was generated in any subgroup comparison or correlation test. And the application of LAFF in esophageal and tracheal reconstruction was proved to be successful. CONCLUSIONS: The lateral arm free flap exhibits remarkable versatility and multifunctionality, providing advantageous outcomes in head and neck reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4 according to OCEBM.

Versatility and outcomes of lateral arm free flap in head and neck reconstruction: a retrospective case series study of our experiences and innovations

Abstract Objectives: The Lateral Arm Free Flap (LAFF) offers advantageous features like variable thickness and minimal hair growth. LAFF is primarily used in orofacial and pharyngeal reconstructions, with limited reports on tracheal/esophageal applications. Also, the psychological prognosis and quality of life in patients with LAFF reconstruction are lacking. Methods: This retrospective case series presents outcomes of LAFF reconstruction for head and neck surgical defects which included 19 patients. The disease type, location of reconstruction, TNM staging, tumor size, chemoradiation status, anxiety, depression, quality of life and detailed perioperative information of the LAFF reconstruction surgery were presented in a descriptive pattern. Subgroup analysis was conducted using Mann-Whitney U and Pearson r test Conclusions: The lateral arm free flap exhibits remarkable versatility and multifunctionality, providing advantageous outcomes in head and neck reconstruction. Level of evidence: Level 4 according to OCEBM.

Sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma (SNTCS) is a highly invasive malignant tumor most frequently found in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. As a result, it can be confused with other sinonasal tumors. In addition, SNTCS progresses rapidly and often infiltrates other tissues or organs in the early phase, resulting in poor patient prognosis. The objective of this article was to report the case of a patient with SNTCS and discuss the management strategy. Furthermore, we conducted a literature review for SNTCS and summarized the findings from 107 cases.Case presentation: Here, we report a 47-year-old man diagnosed with SNTCS and treated with radiochemotherapy after an initial operation. After follow-up for 5 years, no tumor recurrence was observed. CONCLUSIONS: As SNTCS progresses rapidly, early diagnosis and surgical treatment combined with radiochemotherapy can improve patient survival.

Factors influencing readiness for hospital discharge among patients undergoing laryngectomy.

AIM: To identify factors influencing readiness for hospital discharge among Chinese patients having undergone a laryngectomy and to provide evidence for developing future processes. BACKGROUND: Laryngectomy changes the functional and psychological state of laryngeal cancer patients considerably. However, influencing factors for discharge readiness among laryngectomy patients have hardly been investigated. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used with Meleis' transitions theory as a guiding framework. This survey-based study was performed with 212 laryngeal cancer patients undergoing laryngectomy at a regional tertiary medical centre between August 2012 and September 2013. RESULTS: Quality of discharge teaching and having a designated caregiver after discharge were found to influence patients' readiness for discharge. CONCLUSION: Clinical interventions such as nursing assessment on discharge readiness, assistance to coordinate postdischarge support and individualized follow-up planning should be integrated into future clinical processes in China. However, further investigations are needed to systematically align relevant results before clinical practices in Chinese settings are eventually changed.

Correction: May the change of platelet to lymphocyte ratio be a prognostic factor for T3-T4 laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma: A retrospective study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210033.].

Pre-treatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio predicts survival in patients with laryngeal cancer.

An increased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is associated with poorer prognostic outcomes in numerous types of cancer. However, a small number of studies have demonstrated the prognostic role of NLR in patients with laryngeal cancer. The present study evaluated the association between NLR and survival outcomes in patients with laryngeal squamous cancer. All patients were scheduled for follow-up visits. The levels of cytokines from tumor tissues were analyzed by ELISA. A classification and regression tree (CART) was used to determine the optimal cutoff values of NLR. The clinical features and NLR were determined using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression to analyze the survival outcomes and associated risks. Of the total 654 patients, 70 patients (70/654; 10.7%) failed to receive follow-up. Blood and biochemical parameters, including NLR, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and albumin-to-globulin ratio were associated with clinical characteristics of the patients, with the exception of histologic grade. Only one node with NLR at 3.18 divided patients into different categories, according to CART analysis. Survival analysis demonstrated that NLR at cutoff values subdivided patients into different survival outcomes (P<0.001). Subsequent to adjustments for age and other clinical features, NLR was identified to be an independent prognostic factor for overall survival and progression-free survival (P<0.05). Increased levels of cytokines, including IL-6 and IL-8, in tumor tissues were associated with NLR values. In summary, pre-treatment NLR was associated with the prognostic outcomes for patients with laryngeal cancer, and may assist to establish prognostic factors for these patients.

May the change of platelet to lymphocyte ratio be a prognostic factor for T3-T4 laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Many blood markers have been shown to predict the recurrence and survival of various malignancies, but the effects of surgery on the body's inflammatory levels may cause changes in these inflammatory markers. Therefore, in this study, we assessed the relationship between changes in platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and survival and recurrence in patients with T3-T4 laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). METHODS: Data of patients with T3-T4 HSCC were reviewed. Continuous variables were expressed as mean ± SD and were compared using t test or Mann-Whitney U test. The covariate distributions were compared by Chi-square test. Survival curve was estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Log-Rank test were performed to estimate the survival curve and significance of the difference in survival distribution between groups, respectively. The prognostic value was uncovered by univariate and multivariate Cox hazards analysis. RESULTS: The 413 consecutive patients with LSCC were reviewed. Of these, 362 patients who met the criteria were selected, multi-factor analysis found that pathological T classification(hazard ratio [HR] = 1.878; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.342-3.023; P<0.001), pathological N classification (HR = 1.212; 95% CI = 0.867-2.125; P< 0.001) and change of PLR (HR = 2.158; 95% CI = 1.332-2.889; P = 0.004) associated with postoperative recurrence of T3-T4 LSCC. In addition, the pathological T classification (HR = 1.901; 95% CI = 1.255-2.999; P<0.001), pathological N classification (HR = 1.244; 95% CI = 0.810-2.212; P<0.001) and change of PLR (HR = 2.011; 95% CI = 1.354-2.753; P = 0.001) associated with postoperative survival in patients with T3-T4 LSCC. CONCLUSIONS: Results demonstrate that change in PLR may serve as a useful prognostic predictor for patients with T3-T4 LSCC.

Validation of the Chinese Version of the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale on Patients Who Have Undergone Laryngectomy.

BACKGROUND: The Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale (RHDS) was designed to assess the readiness of patients for discharge. The original English-language instrument has shown high degrees of reliability and validity, but no Chinese version of the scale has been verified. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to translate the RHDS into Chinese and assess the psychometric properties of this scale on laryngectomy patients in China. METHODS: The RHDS was translated into Chinese using forward and back translation, semantic equivalence assessment, and pilot testing. The content and construct validity, internal consistency, and internal reliability of the translated scale were assessed using exploratory factor analysis and Pearson correlation analysis. RESULTS: The content validity index of the developed Chinese version of the RHDS was .97, with the content validity indexes of RHDS items ranging between .75 and 1.00. The Cronbach's α coefficient for internal consistency was .97. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a three-factor structural model. All correlations among the three factor subscales were significant. Pearson's correlation coefficients between subscale factors and the total scale ranged from .81 to .97. CONCLUSIONS: The Chinese version of the RHDS is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing the discharge readiness of laryngectomy patients in China.

[Priliminary study of pedicled sternocleidomastoid clavicular periosteocutaneous flap to repair the laryngotracheal defect].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of utilizing pedicled sternocleidomastoid clavicular periosteocutaneous flap to reconstruct the laryngotracheal defect after tumor resection. METHOD: To review 6 cases of laryngotracheal defect resulting from resction of thyroid papillary carcinoma(4/6) or subglottic laryngeal carcinoma (2/6) (T1~2N1~2M0 , UICC,2002), laryngotracheal stenting was also employed in all cases. Half a year after surgery, the stoma was sutured if no local recurrence took place and safety was proved after tracheal tube had been obstructed for days. The follow-up time lasted from half a year to 3 years. RESULT: Four cases (4/6) were extubated successfully without event, one case could intermittently plug the tracheal tube. One patient couldn't breath with tracheal tube plugging. CONCLUSION: To reconstruct the laryngotracheal defect with pedicled sternocleidomastoid clavicular.periosteocutaneous flap after tumor resection is feasible in selected cases and could get satisfactory clinical results either in respiration or phonation.

Case presentation of an intranasal ectopic tooth in a pediatric patient.

An ectopic tooth in the nasal cavity is a rare phenomenon, especially on the inferior turbinate. In most of the reported cases, no etiological explanation of the intranasal teeth has been suggested or found. In children, intranasal ectopic teeth are usually associated with cleft lip and alveolus. Here, we report a rare case of a pediatric patient with unilateral nasal obstruction due to an intranasal ectopic tooth originating from the inferior turbinate without any facial and dental deformities. This case is unique due to the unusual location of the ectopic tooth and its presentation in a child without facial and dental deformities.

Longitudinal results of intratympanic injection of budesonide for otitis media with effusion in children over 12 years and adults.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the longitudinal curative effect and improvement of subjective symptoms by using intratympanic injection of Budesonide(BUD) for otitis media with effusion (OME) patients older than 12 years and adults. STUDY DESIGN: A single-blind, randomized, parallel-controlled prospective study. SETTING: Hospital, outpatient. PATIENTS: Ninety patients (112 ears) who were diagnosed as having OME were recruited and then randomized to BUD, dexamethasone (DEX), and sodium chloride (NS) groups, the latter two served as controls. INTERVENTIONS: The randomly allocated patients received intratympanic injection of BUD (0.5 mg/1 ml), DEX (2 mg/1 ml), or 0.9% NS solution (1 ml) once a week. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Survival analysis was applied to compare the longitudinal curative effects among the 3 groups. Meanwhile, the 6 main subjective symptoms were scored by 10-point visual scale, and physician's evaluations were preformed during treatment and follow-up. RESULTS: After adjustment for course of disease, volume, and characters of effusion, the relative risk (RR) of BUD is 0.139 (95% CI, 0.054-0.358) when compared with NS. Survival curve demonstrated that the rank of longitudinal therapeutic efficacy was BUD, DEX, and NS (p < 0.05). Both BUD and DEX showed improvements in subjective symptoms and quality of life compared with NS (p < 0.05). In the aspect of improving the symptom of stuffy ear, BUD showed advantage over both DEX and NS. During and after treatment, no serious complications or sequelae were observed. CONCLUSION: Intratympanic injection with BUD for OME patients showed advantages in improving long-term therapeutic efficacy, it was a safe and effective intervention for adolescents and adults with OME.

[Laryngo-tracheal flap to reconstruct the defect after resection of the hypopharyngeal carcinoma with cervical esophagus involvement].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate cervical esophageal reconstruction by means of laryngo-tracheal flap after resection of hypopharyngeal carcinoma with cervical esophageal involvement. METHOD: Eleven cases of hypopharyngeal carcinoma with cervical esophageal involvement. Unilateral piriform sinus and cervical esophagus were involved in 8 cases (8/11) while bilateral piriform sinus, posterior pharyngeal wall and cervical esophagus were involved in 3 cases. After resection of laryngeal, pharyngeal and esophageal tumors and bilateral neck dissection, direct anastomosis of larynx and trachea with esophagus of cervico-thoracic segment was performed if circular structure of larynx and trachea could be preserved (3/11), pectoralis major myocutaneous flap was employed if only part of pharynx and larynx could be preserved (8/11). Postoperative radiochemotherapy was adopted and follow-up lasted for 1-5 years. RESULT: All cases healed without event except for one case of pharyngeal fistula and one case of chylous fistula which also healed after about 2 weeks dressing change. All patients got normal diet without anastomotic stricture. There was no recurrence in 6 patients at the 3 years follow-up, 4 patients had metastases in the neck and 1 patient had thoracic esophageal carcinoma with hepatic metastasis arid gave up further treatment. The overall 3-year survival rate was 54.5%. CONCLUSION: Using laryngo-tracheal flap to reconstruct cervical esophagus after resection of hypopharyngeal carcinoma with cervical esophageal involvement is a recommendable method that is simple in processing, reliable in effect and less in postoperative complications.