Confidential Care for Adolescents in the U.S. Health Care System.

In providing care for adolescents, maintaining confidentiality should be considered a human right and an evidence-based component of quality care. Unfortunately, complexities in the U.S. legal and health care systems have created a setting in which confidential care is inaccessible to many adolescent patients. Federal laws provide a minimum standard for confidentiality protections, but variations in state legislation relating to minor consent, special health care services, and confidentiality exemptions create large variability in adolescent confidentiality rights across the country. In certain contexts, such as consensual sexual activity, legal provisions may not align with professional ethical standards in adolescent care. In addition, contemporary clinical and administrative issues related to the electronic health record and health care financing also threaten to breach confidentiality. Although further research is necessary, providers and institutions are already well positioned to broaden protections by implementing best practices in training and education, workflow, and medical records related to adolescent confidentiality.

Comparing the Exposure-Response Relationships of Physiological and Traditional Vocal Warm-ups on Aerodynamic and Acoustic Parameters in Untrained Singers.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to quantify the effects of traditional and physiological warm-up exercises and to determine the optimal duration of these methods using acoustic and aerodynamic metrics. METHODS: Twenty-six subjects were recruited to participate in both straw phonation exercises (physiological vocal warm-up) and traditional singing exercises (traditional vocal warm-up) for 20 minutes each, 24 hours apart. Phonation threshold pressure (PTP), fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, and noise-to-harmonics ratio were measured before the intervention (m0), as well as after 5 minutes (m5), 10 minutes (m10), 15 minutes (m15), and 20 minutes (m20) of intervention. RESULTS: PTP decreased significantly after straw phonation and reached a minimum value at 10 minutes (P < 0.001) and remained stable in traditional singing exercises. There were significant differences in fundamental frequency and shimmer from m0 to m15 and m20 in the traditional singing group (P = 0.001, P = 0.001, P = 0.001, and P = 0.002, respectively). No significant changes in acoustic parameters were observed after straw phonation. CONCLUSIONS: Both straw phonation exercises and traditional singing exercises are effective for voice warm-up. Straw phonation improves the subjects' fatigue resistance and vocal economy, resulting in a reduced PTP, whereas traditional singing exercises focus on technical singing skills, leading to an improvement of acoustic variables.

Anatomical Study of the Chinese Nasal Keystone Region.

BACKGROUND: The keystone region is an important anatomical structure to consider in rhinoseptoplasty, because there are few published data regarding the keystone region in Chinese noses. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to describe the anatomy of the Chinese nasal keystone region and provide useful knowledge for rhinoseptoplasty. METHODS: Sixteen cadaveric heads (11 males, 5 females) were dissected, measured, and then compared with previously published data. RESULTS: Both the nasal bone caudal margin and nasal bone-upper lateral cartilage overlapping area displayed 5 distinct shapes, and the upper lateral cartilage showed 4 distinct shapes. The nasal bone-upper lateral cartilage overlap was 6.47 mm ± 2.50 in the midline, 3.53 mm ± 2.23 on the left, and 3.81 mm ± 2.56 on the right. The length of the whole quadrangular cartilage was 25.63 mm ± 4.27; 25% ± 8% was overlapped by the nasal bone. The height of the caudal quadrangular cartilage was 18.14 mm ± 3.44, and the width of the nasal bone-upper lateral cartilage articulation was 23.56 mm ± 8.30. The upper lateral cartilage-quadrangular cartilage complex stayed in position on the maxillary crest and nasal spine, even after being dissected from the nasal bone, perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone, and vomer. Bilateral perichondrial-periosteal mucosa detached from the nasal septum. CONCLUSIONS: We report various anatomical and structural features of the Chinese keystone region, which will be valuable for rhinoseptoplasty planning in Chinese patients.

Topical Application of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid Is Sufficient for Photodynamic Therapy on Vocal Folds.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility of topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) using 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) for vocal fold leukoplakia. STUDY DESIGN: Ex vivo and in vivo. METHODS: 5-ALA was applied topically as a 20% solution to ex vivo canine vocal folds. The penetration depth and concentrations of 5-ALA in tissue were quantified using frozen sectioning and fluorescamine derivatization after 5-ALA contact incubation or topical spraying. Then, 5-ALA solution was sprayed on leporine vocal folds once, twice, or given systemically in vivo. Protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) location was visualized using fluorescence microscopy, and PPIX concentrations were measured using a fluorescent quantitative method. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was performed to visualize the histological changes of vocal folds after PDT for each group. RESULTS: Topical incubation of 15 minutes with 5-ALA achieved a penetration depth of over 2 mm and similar concentrations within the superficial 500 µm of epithelium, compared with longer incubation times. Topical spraying of 5-ALA produced sufficient concentrations in vocal folds, but the retention time is short. An in vivo leporine model showed that laryngeal spraying of 20% 5-ALA induced similar penetration depth and concentrations of PPIX compared to systemic administration of 5-ALA. Two sprays of 20% 5-ALA solution with an interval of 30 minutes are needed to produce complete exfoliation of vocal fold epithelium. CONCLUSION: Topical PDT with laryngeal spraying of 20% 5-ALA solution achieves sufficient therapeutic effects and is potentially applicable for the treatment of vocal fold leukoplakia. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 129:E80-E86, 2019.

Comparing the Nonlinear Dynamic Acoustic Parameters of Healthy Adult and Pediatric Voices.

OBJECTIVES:: The aims of this study were to compare nondysphonic adult and pediatric voices using linear and nonlinear acoustic parameters and to evaluate the ability of adult spectrum convergence ratio (SCR) and rate of divergence (ROD) reference values to correctly identify a pediatric voice type as periodic or aperiodic. METHODS:: Twenty adult and 36 pediatric nondysphonic voice samples were collected and analyzed using linear and nonlinear acoustic parameters. Absence of voice disorder was confirmed using perceptual acoustic and spectral analysis. Mean values for jitter, shimmer, SCR, and ROD were compared between adults and children, across specific age groups, and within genders. Using adult reference values for SCR and ROD, samples were classified as primarily periodic or aperiodic and typed using spectral analysis. Rates of accurate typing were also compared between subject groups. RESULTS:: Overall, jitter and shimmer were similar among the adult and pediatric age groups. ROD was significantly different among the 3 pediatric and 1 adult group; the pediatric age groups were similar to one another. Adult SCR was also significantly different from all of the pediatric age groups. In adult men, ROD and SCR were significantly different from all of the pediatric age groups; the pediatric age groups were similar to one another. In female subjects, ROD was significantly different among all age groups. The ROD and SCR reference values were significantly better at categorizing adult voice types compared with pediatric voice types. CONCLUSIONS:: In healthy subjects, SCR and ROD have discriminatory power for identifying adult versus pediatric voices, while jitter and shimmer cannot differentiate between the 2 groups. However, age- and gender-specific pediatric reference values must be determined to accurately classify voice types using SCR and ROD.

The Mandarin Version of the Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V) and Its Reliability.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to develop the Mandarin version of the Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V) and evaluate its reliability compared with the Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, Strain (GRBAS). Method: The Mandarin version of the CAPE-V tool was translated from the validated English version with phonemic adaptations, content adjustment, and scale modification. Sixty dysphonic, 20 normal, and 20 repeated voice samples were included in this study. Ten of these were used for preassessment training; the remaining 90 were evaluated using the Mandarin CAPE-V and GRBAS for comparison of their interrater and intrarater reliabilities. Results: Intrarater reliability was measured by Pearson r for the CAPE-V and Spearman rho for the GRBAS. Average CAPE-V Pearson r ranged from 0.80 for strain to 0.91 for overall severity, compared with average GRBAS Spearman rho of 0.83 for strain to 0.89 for asthenia. Interrater reliability was measured by an intraclass coefficient (ICC). Average CAPE-V ICCs ranged from .57 for pitch to .81 for overall severity, compared with average GRBAS ICCs of .60 for asthenia to .83 for grade. Conclusions: The Mandarin CAPE-V addresses some limits of the English version. It also demonstrates good intrarater and interrater reliability, comparable to those of GRBAS.

Prolonged phonation impairs the integrity and barrier function of porcine vocal fold epithelium: a preliminary study.

PURPOSE: Voice abuse is known to be a common risk factor of voice disorders and prolonged; high-intensity phonation has been shown to damage the vocal fold epithelium. We aim to evaluate the effects of phonation on the integrity and barrier function of vocal fold epithelium using a porcine laryngeal model. METHODS: Ex vivo porcine larynges were phonated at low intensity or high intensity for 15, 30, or 60 min within 4 h after harvest. Vocal fold epithelium was visualized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The barrier function of vocal fold epithelium was evaluated by measuring the permeability to model molecules, fluorescein (376 Da), and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextrans of 4000 and 10,000 Da (FD4, FD10), in a Franz diffusing cell. RESULTS: Cell death and dilated intercellular space after phonation were observed using TEM. Thickness of vocal fold epithelium was significantly reduced after low-intensity phonation for 30 and 60 min and high-intensity phonation for 15, 30, and 60 min. Epithelial permeability to fluorescein was significantly increased after low-intensity phonation for 30 and 60 min, and high-intensity phonation. Permeability to FD4 was significantly increased after high-intensity phonation for 30 and 60 min. Phonation did not alter the permeability to FD10 significantly. CONCLUSION: Long-duration phonation destroys the integrity and barrier function of vocal fold epithelium. These effects likely make vocal folds more vulnerable to other environmental irritants, such as tobacco smoke, reflux components, allergens, and inhaled pollutants. Destroyed barrier function may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of voice lesions related to voice abuse.

Photodynamic therapy induces antifibrotic alterations in primary human vocal fold fibroblasts.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising treatment modality for laryngeal dysplasia, early-stage carcinoma, and papilloma, and was reported to have the ability to preserve laryngeal function and voice quality without clinical fibrotic response. We aimed to investigate the mechanism behind the antifibrotic effects of PDT on primary human vocal fold fibroblasts (VFFs) in vitro. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro analysis from one human donor. METHODS: Cell viability of VFFs in response to varying doses of PDT was investigated by the Cell Counting Kit-8 method. Sublethal-dose PDT (SL-PDT) was used for the following experiments. Expression of genes related to vocal fold extracellular matrix formation was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blotting. Effects of PDT on cell migration, collagen contraction, and transforming growth factor ß-1 (TGF-ß1)-induced myofibroblast differentiation were also analyzed. RESULTS: PDT affects the viability of VFFs in a dose-dependent manner. SL-PDT significantly changed the expression profile of VFFs with antifibrotic effects. It also inhibited cell migration, reduced collagen contraction, and reversed the fibroblast-myofibroblast differentiation induced by TGF-ß1. CONCLUSIONS: SL-PDT induces antifibrotic alterations in VFFs. This could explain the low incidence of vocal fold scar associated with PDT. Moreover, PDT may be useful in treating existing vocal fold scars. Further studies should focus on the in vivo effect of PDT on vocal fold wound healing and scar remodeling. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 128:E323-E331, 2018.

Development of an Innovative 3D Printed Rigid Bronchoscopy Training Model.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to create a 3D printed airway model simulating the size and mechanical properties of various age groups for foreign body removal training. METHODS: Three-dimensional printing technology was used to print the anatomically correct airway from rubber-like translucent material, simulating the mechanical properties of human airway tissue. The model's effectiveness in trainee education was evaluated by otolaryngology residents with varying levels of experience. As part of an Airway Emergencies course, a rigid bronchoscopy procedure was performed on the 3D printed model as well as a porcine model. The participants completed surveys comparing the validity of the 2 models and the effectiveness of the overall training experience. RESULTS: The 3D printed model, which is accurate in terms of anatomy and mechanical properties, was found to be comparable to a porcine model in regards to participant satisfaction as well as face validity. CONCLUSIONS: The 3D printed airway model is able to be accurately scaled to various sizes and simulate the mechanical properties of the desired age group. The 3D printed model provides an excellent alternative to animal models in terms of practicality, logistics of use, and anatomical accuracy.

Differences in Symptom Severity and Quality of Life in Patients With Obstructive Defecation and Colonic Inertia.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about how obstructive defecation and colonic inertia symptoms contribute to constipation-related quality of life. OBJECTIVE: We sought to characterize the differences in quality of life in patients with severe obstructive defecation and colonic inertia symptoms. DESIGN: This study was a cross-sectional analysis of a prospective database. SETTING: Patients were enrolled at a single tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: We included consecutive adults with severe symptoms of obstructive defecation (n = 115) or colonic inertia (n = 90) as measured by the Constipation Severity Instrument. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes measured were the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory, Constipation-Related Quality of Life instrument, Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire, and 12-item Short Form Health Survey. RESULTS: Although physical examination and anorectal physiology testing were similar between groups, patients with severe obstructive defecation symptoms reported worse pain, distress, and constipation-specific quality of life than patients with severe colonic inertia symptoms (all p < 0.001). Specifically, patients with severe obstructive defecation symptoms showed greater quality-of-life impairment related to eating, bathroom habits, and social functioning (all p ≤ 0.01). Furthermore, patients with severe obstructive defecation symptoms had inferior global quality of life on the 12-item Short Form Health Survey physical component score (p = 0.03) and mental component score (p = 0.06). LIMITATIONS: The use of patient self-report instruments resulted in a proportion of patients with incomplete data. CONCLUSION: Quality of life was impaired in both groups of patients; however, patients with severe obstructive defecation symptoms were affected to a significantly greater extent. The fact that there were no differences in objective findings on physical examination or anorectal physiology studies highlights the importance of assessing quality of life during the evaluation and treatment of constipated patients.