Delivering Therapy to the Olfactory Cleft: A Comparison of the Various Methods of Administering Topical Nasal Medications.

Background and objective Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an inflammatory condition affecting the nasal mucosa, and it causes olfactory dysfunction (OD) in up to 78.2% of patients. Corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment to shrink nasal polyposis, reduce inflammation, and improve olfactory function. While many delivery methods for topical nasal corticosteroids exist, there is scarce data on the efficacy of the various medication delivery methods to the olfactory cleft (OC). In light of this, this study aimed to compare the following delivery methods to the OC: conventional nasal spray (NS), nasal drops in the Kaiteki position (KP), and exhalation delivery system (EDS). Methods We evaluated 16 sinonasal cavities from eight cadaver specimens in this study. Each sinonasal cavity was administered fluorescein dye solution via NS, KP, and EDS. Following administration, nasal endoscopy was employed to capture staining patterns in the OC. OC staining was rated with scores ranging from 0 (no staining) to 3 (heavy staining) after each administration of dye solution. Mean OC staining ratings were calculated and compared using the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results The mean OC staining score for the different delivery methods was as follows - NS: 1.095 ± 1.008, EDS: 0.670 ± 0.674, and KP: 2.038 ± 1.097. Nasal drops in the KP had a significantly higher staining score compared to NS (p=0.041) and EDS (p=0.003). However, there was no significant difference in staining scores between NS and EDS. Conclusions Nasal drops in the KP are more effective at reaching the OC than NS or EDS and should be considered as a first-line modality for administering topical medications when treating OD.

Accessing the Eustachian tube: Conventional nasal spray vs. exhalation delivery system and the impact of targeted endoscopic sinus surgery on topical distribution patterns.

BACKGROUND: Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) may occur distinct from, or in conjunction with, chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS+ETD). Intranasal corticosteroid sprays are often prescribed for ETD, although ET distribution may be limited. To date, no anatomic studies compare nasopharynx (NP) distribution between conventional nasal sprays (NS) and exhalation delivery systems (EDS) after surgery. This study utilizes a cadaver model to examine topical NP delivery using EDS vs. NS before and after targeted endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). METHODS: Sixteen sinonasal cavities were administered fluorescein solution via NS and EDS before and after maxillary antrostomy and anterior ethmoidectomy, followed by nasal endoscopy of the NP and ET orifice. Seven blinded experts submitted staining ratings of endoscopy images on a 0- to 3-point scale, with ratings averaged for analysis. RESULTS: Interrater reliability was excellent (intraclass correlation, 0.956). EDS was associated with significantly greater NP staining vs. NS in a pooled cohort of nonsurgical and ESS specimens (1.19 ± 0.81 vs. 0.78 ± 1.06; p = 0.043). Using a logistic regression model, EDS significantly outperformed NS in nonsurgical (odds ratio [OR], 3.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21-10.09; p = 0.021) and post-ESS (OR, 9.00; 95% CI, 1.95-41.5; p = 0.005) specimens, with the greatest relative staining observed for EDS after targeted ESS (OR, 18.99; 95% CI, 3.44-104.85; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: EDS is more effective than NS in topical delivery to the NP and ET orifices in cadavers. Targeted ESS may facilitate greater NP penetration by EDS compared with NS, with possible synergism after ESS for augmented delivery. These findings suggest a role for EDS delivery methods for ETD management and in CRS+ETD patients undergoing sinus surgery.

The Role of Positron Emission Tomography for the Management of Sinonasal Malignancies: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Positron emission tomography (PET) scan is a valuable imaging modality widely used in the management of cancers. Its usage is well defined for most head and neck malignancies. However, there is a lack of consensus regarding the utility of PET scan for sinonasal malignancies. This is highlighted by the latest international consensus statement on endoscopic skull base surgery. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to clarify the role of PET scan in the management of sinonasal malignancies. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive literature search using PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases for research studies of interest. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) updated statement was used to guide the review. RESULTS: In total, 1807 articles were assessed for eligibility. Thirty-nine original papers, published between 2004 and 2021, met inclusion criteria. Seven articles focused on the role of PET scan for inverted papilloma, 23 for sinonasal carcinoma, 4 for melanoma, and 3 for lymphoma, and finally, 3 articles focused on the use of specific PET scan tracers for sinonasal malignancies. Qualitative summaries for each potential role of PET scans were provided. In general, included studies were retrospective in nature with low level of evidence. CONCLUSIONS: In general, and across all types of sinonasal malignancies, PET scan yielded positive results regarding detection and initial staging. It was also considered as the modality of choice for detection of distant metastases, except in the case of sinonasal lymphoma. PET scan's main limit resides in its inability to detect lesions in or close to the metabolic activity of the brain.

Combined Endoscopic Endonasal and Transpalatal Repair of Congenital Anterior Cranial Fossa Agenesis.

BACKGROUND: Congenital basal meningoceles and encephaloceles are rare pathologies that may present in isolation or with characteristic-associated clinical features. Rarely, children with congenital midline defects may present with massive encephaloceles secondary to anterior cranial fossa agenesis. Traditionally, transcranial approaches with frontal craniotomies were used to reduce the herniated contents and repair the skull base defect. However, high rates of morbidity and mortality associated with craniotomies have favored the development and adoption of less-invasive techniques. OBJECTIVE: To present a novel technique for combined endoscopic endonasal and transpalatal repair of a giant basal meningocele through an extensive sphenoethmoidal skull base defect. METHODS: A representative case of congenital anterior cranial fossa agenesis with a giant meningocele was selected. Clinical and radiological presentations were reviewed, and the intraoperative surgical technique was documented and recorded. RESULTS: A surgical video highlighting each surgical step was included to complement the description of the technique. The surgical outcome from the selected case is also presented. CONCLUSION: This report describes a combined endoscopic endonasal and transpalatal approach to repair an extensive anterior skull base defect with herniation of intracranial content. This technique capitalizes on the advantages of each approach to address this complex pathology.

Pediatric Unified Airway: Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Lower-Airway Disease.

The unified airway concept is a framework for the understanding and management of the upper and lower airways as one integrated physiologic unit. The sinonasal and bronchopulmonary systems have an interdependent physiologic function, and inflammatory conditions that impact one system tend to impact the other similarly. The application of the unified airway concept in the pediatric population is not well described. This study identifies and characterizes the common manifestations of the pediatric unified airway, including pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis, adenoid disease, asthma, cystic fibrosis, and primary ciliary dyskinesia.

Development of an optimized preoperative computed tomography imaging checklist for endoscopic sinus surgery utilizing a systematic review of the literature and the modified Delphi method.

BACKGROUND: Critical review of computed tomography (CT) imaging is essential in preoperative planning for endoscopic sinus surgery. In this study, we used a systematic review and a modified Delphi method to develop a comprehensive checklist that facilitates preoperative review of sinus CT imaging. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases to identify existing checklists developed to evaluate sinus CT imaging. An inclusive list of items from these checklists was compiled and a modified Delphi methodology was used to assign ranked priority. The Delphi process involved 14 rhinologists and had three phases: an initial survey with Likert priority (scale of 1-9) and two rounds of live discussions followed by survey to confirm consensus. RESULTS: Ninety-seven possible checklist items were identified from a systematic review and panelist input. On initial survey, 63 items reached a consensus score of 7+, and 13 items had near consensus scores between 6 and 7; two of these 13 borderline items were retained after subsequent panelist discussion. The resulting items were consolidated into an 11-item disease checklist and a 24-item anatomical checklist; the anatomical checklist was further divided into six subsections: nasal cavity, maxillary, ethmoid, sphenoid, frontal, skull base, and orbit. Additionally, panelists identified six core aspects of patient history to consider prior to surgery. CONCLUSIONS: After establishing content validity through a systematic literature review and a modified Delphi method, we developed a comprehensive checklist for preoperative sinus CT imaging review; implementation and evaluation of validity among trainees will suggest overall utility.

Adherence to a caloric budget and body weight change vary by season, gender, and BMI: An observational study of daily users of a mobile health app.

Objective: Self-monitoring, one of the most important behaviors for successful weight loss, can be facilitated through mobile health applications (mHealth apps). Therefore, it is of interest to determine whether consistent users of these apps succeed in achieving their weight goals. This study used data from an mHealth app that enabled tracking of caloric intake, body weight, and physical activity and provided a caloric budget depending on weight goal. The primary objective was to evaluate adherence to caloric budget and body weight change among the most consistent (i.e., daily) trackers of caloric intake over a calendar year (n = 9372, 50% male). Methods: Gender-stratified linear mixed models were conducted to examine the effects of quarter of year (Q1-Q4 as season proxies) and body mass index (BMI) group (normal weight, overweight, obesity) on adherence to a caloric budget (kcal/day). Change in body weight was analyzed using a subset of users (n = 5808) who entered their weight in the app at least once per week, once per month, or once in Q1 and Q4. Physical activity entries were evaluated in exploratory analyses. Results: Only users with obesity met their caloric budget in Q1. Deviation from budget increased for all groups from Q1 to Q2 (mean change[±standard error of the mean]: +23.7[±1.8] and +39.7[±2.2] kcal/day for female and male users, p < 0.001), was stable between Q2 and Q3, and fluctuated thereafter depending on gender and BMI, with greater deviation among males with overweight. Users with obesity with weight entries at least once per month lost the most weight (-6.1[±0.3] and -4.5[±0.3] kg for females and males, p < 0.001). Physical activity was highest in the summer months. Conclusions: Among consistent calorie trackers, adherence to a caloric budget and body weight vary by season, gender, and BMI. Self-monitoring of body weight in addition to calorie tracking may lead to improved weight loss outcomes.

Assessment of surgical competence for neck dissection: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Progressive implementation of the milestone competence-based curriculum has created a need for new objective and validated means to assess resident surgical proficiency. A previous systematic review of the literature by our group has highlighted a shortage of tools assessing surgical competence in oncologic procedures in otolaryngology - head and neck surgery. METHODS: We developed a procedure-specific assessment tool for neck dissection using a modified Delphi method. The 2-part design was modelled on the previously validated Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills checklist. The tool was then validated through a 1-year multicentric prospective study in collaboration with the residents and faculty from our academic centre. Additionally, we developed an online survey to assess the acceptability by residents and staff before and after the validation studies. RESULTS: A total of 29 evaluations were completed throughout the 2016-2017 academic year. Acceptability ranked high for both residents and staff, with a single discrepancy in responses regarding a potential formative as opposed to summative use of the tool. Validation study results showed significantly higher checklist scores among senior residents than junior residents, as well as a significant score progression over time (p < 0.05). Trends in scores on the task-specific tool correlated highly to results obtained on a validated global rating scale (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The first tool assessing surgical competence in oncologic otolaryngology - head and neck surgery has been developed and shows promising validity.

Benign bony tumors of the paranasal sinuses, orbit, and skull base.

Benign bony tumors of the skull base and paranasal sinuses are uncommon entities, with an overall higher incidence in males. Benign bony tumors may lead to local expansion with resultant mass effect of potentially critical structures. Some benign bony tumors may undergo malignant transformation. This article reviews the presentation and management of benign bone tumors of the skull base and paranasal sinuses with special consideration to involvement of the adjacent orbit, intracranial and critical neurovascular structures. This review covers tumor incidence, location, gross and histologic appearance as well as radiographic findings, treatment, and recurrence rates. Tumors discussed in this article include osteochondromas, osteomas, osteoid osteomas, aneurysmal bone cysts, fibrous dysplasia, giant cell tumors, cemento-ossifying fibroma, ameloblastic fibro-odontoma, ecchordosis physaliphora, chondromyxoid fibroma, primary chronic osteomyelitis, primary chronic osteomyelitis, osteochondromyxoma, and dense bone islands.

Development, translation, and preliminary validation of the neck dissection assessment tool.

BACKGROUND: The objective was to develop an assessment tool to evaluate residents' competency for neck dissection and provide preliminary evidence of feasibility, reliability, and validity. METHODS: Six surgeons developed a neck dissection assessment tool using a modified Delphi method and evaluated 58 neck dissections from six junior and six senior otolaryngology residents. RESULTS: The assessment tool uses a double checklist: a previously validated global rating scale (GRS) and a task-specific checklist (TSC). Use of the instrument appeared feasible and the average scores on the GRS and TSC differed significantly between junior and senior residents. The Pearson correlation coefficient between both checklists was 0.87. Intraclass correlation (ICC) for inter-rater reliability was 0.69 for the GRS, and 0.80 for the TSC. CONCLUSION: This study provides preliminary evidence of feasibility, reliability, and validity for the first neck dissection assessment tool and provides a foundation for further psychometric analysis and research.

Describing polymer polarizability with localized orbital scaling correction in density functional theory.

Polarizability reflects the response of the molecular charge distribution to an applied external electric field and thus closely relates to the molecular electron density. For the calculation of polarizability within density functional theory (DFT), it is well known that conventional density functional approximations (DFAs) greatly overestimate the results for polymers with long chains and the π-conjugated system. This is a manifestation of the delocalization error of the commonly used DFAs-they normally produce too delocalized electron density and underestimate the total energy for systems with fractional charge character, which occurs for long molecules in a longitudinal electric field. Thus, to achieve an accurate description of polarizabilities for polymeric molecular systems from DFT, applying DFAs with minimal delocalization error is very important. In this work, we use the recently developed localized orbital scaling correction (LOSC) to the conventional DFAs, which has been shown to largely eliminate the delocalization error, to calculate and study the polarizabilities of three classic polymers, polyyne, polyacetylene, and hydrogen chain. The results from this work demonstrate that applying LOSC to conventional DFAs with self-consistent field calculations can largely improve the description of polarizability from DFT calculations and the improved quality of electron density in LOSC leads to the improved results of polarizability of the polymers. However, the improvement is not complete and adjustment of the parameters in the LOSC method can further improve the accuracy to reach the level similar to the MP2 method. This work also points to the direction for the further development of LOSC in self-consistent calculations.

Subannular ventilation tubes in the pediatric population: Clinical outcomes of over 1000 insertions.

OBJECTIVES: Long-term transtympanic tube insertions for chronic middle ear disease are associated with high rates of complications. The objective of this study was to examine the clinical outcomes achieved with an alternate technique, the subannular tube insertion, by determining mean tube lifespan, cumulative incidence of post-operative events and complications, audiometric changes and risk factors associated with earlier tube extrusion in the pediatric population. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients operated for subannular tube insertion between January 2007 and 2013 was conducted in a single pediatric tertiary care center. Exploratory Cox regression analysis was performed to identify potential risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 1014 tubes from 459 patients were included in the study. Mean subannular tube lifespan was 41.3 months with median time of 35.0 months. Cumulative incidence of post-operative events in decreasing frequency were otorrhea (21.7%), tube blockage (16.0%), tympanic membrane retraction (12.5%), otitis media with effusion (10.0%), acute otitis media (6.4%), perforation (4.6%) and cholesteatoma formation (1.1%). For patients with available pre- and post-operative audiograms, mean air-bone gap improved from 19.5 dB to 7.0 dB after subannular tube insertion (p < 0.01). Increasing age and previous subannular tube insertion carried hazard ratios of 1.029 (p < 0.01) and 1.749 (p < 0.01) for tube extrusion respectively, while craniofacial anomalies and concomitant tympanoplasty at the time of tube insertion had hazard ratios of 0.795 (p < 0.01) and 0.680 (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Subannular tube insertion appears to be a safe and effective alternate technique for middle ear ventilation in cases of intractable disease.

Rapid head and neck tissue identification in thyroid and parathyroid surgery using optical coherence tomography.

BACKGROUND: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive imaging modality that may reproduce the microarchitecture of tissues in real-time. This study examines whether OCT can render distinct images of thyroid, parathyroid glands, adipose tissue, and lymph nodes in both healthy and pathological states. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients undergoing thyroidectomy, parathyroidectomy, and/or neck dissection for thyroid cancer were recruited prospectively for imaging prior to histopathological analysis. RESULTS: Based on 122 imaged specimens, qualitative OCT descriptions were derived for healthy thyroid, parathyroid gland, adipose tissue, and lymph node. The frequencies at which distinguishing features were present for each tissue type were 88%, 83%, 100%, and 82%. OCT appearance of pathological specimens were also described. CONCLUSIONS: Healthy neck tissues have distinct OCT appearances, which could facilitate parathyroid identification during thyroidectomies. However, images of parathyroid adenomas could be confused with those of lymph nodes, and benign and malignant thyroid nodules could not be differentiated.

Identifying high quality medical education websites in Otolaryngology: a guide for medical students and residents.

BACKGROUND: Learners often utilize online resources to supplement formalized curricula, and to appropriately support learning, these resources should be of high quality. Thus, the objectives of this study are to develop and provide validity evidence supporting an assessment tool designed to assess the quality of educational websites in Otolaryngology- Head & Neck Surgery (ORL-HNS), and identify those that could support effective web-based learning. METHODS: After a literature review, the Modified Education in Otolaryngology Website (MEOW) assessment tool was designed by a panel of experts based on a previously validated website assessment tool. A search strategy using a Google-based search engine was used subsequently to identify websites. Those that were free of charge and in English were included. Websites were coded for whether their content targeted medical students or residents. Using the MEOW assessment tool, two independent raters scored the websites. Inter-rater and intra-rater reliability were evaluated, and scores were compared to recommendations from a content expert. RESULTS: The MEOW assessment tool included a total of 20 items divided in 8 categories related to authorship, frequency of revision, content accuracy, interactivity, visual presentation, navigability, speed and recommended hyperlinks. A total of 43 out of 334 websites identified by the search met inclusion criteria. The scores generated by our tool appeared to differentiate higher quality websites from lower quality ones: websites that the expert "would recommend" scored 38.4 (out of 56; CI [34.4-42.4]) and "would not recommend" 27.0 (CI [23.2-30.9]). Inter-rater and intra-rater intraclass correlation coefficient were greater than 0.7. CONCLUSIONS: Using the MEOW assessment tool, high quality ORL-HNS educational websites were identified.

Using a virtual game system to innovate pulmonary rehabilitation: safety, adherence and enjoyment in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

OBJECTIVE: The present pilot study tested the use of a virtual game system (VGS) for exercise training in patients with moderate to very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease undergoing pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). Safety, feasibility, enjoyment and adherence were assessed. METHODS: VGS (Wii [2006], Nintendo, USA) games were prescreened and categorized into lower- and upper-body workouts. Patients admitted for a three- to four-week inpatient PR program exercised daily. They were provided an opportunity to individually engage in VGS sessions three times weekly, varying with length of stay. Dyspnea, oxygen saturation and heart rate were measured before, during and after game sessions. Patients were considered to be adherent if they attended at least 50% of VGS sessions. Adverse events and enjoyment were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients with a mean (± SD) age of 66±9 years and a mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s of 0.72±0.40 L participated. Among the 25 patients completing the program, adherence was 76%, with a mean attendance rate of 64±35%. Mean dyspnea score was 1.5±1.1 before and 3.2±1.2 after exercise. Mean oxygen saturation changed from 94±3% to 91±5% (P<0.001), while heart rate increased from 88±15 beats/min to 102±18 beats/min (P<0.001). One patient reported chest pain requiring nitroglycerin spray and five experienced transient desaturation below 85% with play. Patients enjoyed the program (visual analogue score 8±2.6/10) and most would highly recommend it to others. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate exercise using a VGS was safe, feasible and enjoyed as an adjunct to inpatient PR. This modality may encourage patients to maintain physical activity after PR.

Late thrombosis after gamma-brachytherapy.

Late stent thrombosis (> 30 days after treatment) is a new phenomenon occurring after vascular brachytherapy. We report the analysis of 11 patients with late thrombosis after gamma-irradiation treatment of in-stent restenosis. All patients had in-stent restenosis and angina. Contributing factors to late thrombosis include long stents, small distal vessels, and complex lesion morphology.

Effectiveness of radioactive tungsten source in the prevention of restenosis in stented porcine coronary arteries.

PURPOSE: Intracoronary radiation has shown the potential to inhibit neointimal proliferation in porcine models of restenosis. The objective of this study was to determine whether intracoronary radiation using a new coiled wire of tungsten-188 ((188)W), a pure beta emitter (half-life 69.4 days) is safe. In addition, a dose of 0 Gy, 18 Gy, or 25 Gy prescribed to 2 mm from the center of the source and delivered intraluminally is sufficient to prevent restenosis and free from adverse effects. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Ten domestic swine underwent 13-mm stent implantation (SI) into two arteries, left anterior descending plus either the left circumflex or right coronary artery. After SI, a closed-end lumen radiation catheter was inserted to the treated artery and a 40-mm coiled (188)W source was manually delivered to cover the stented segment and its margins. A total of 20 arteries were randomized to treatment with a radiation dose of 0, 18 Gy, or 25 Gy delivered to 2 mm depth from the center of the source. Four weeks after the procedure, the swine underwent angiography and intravascular ultrasound using automated pullback at 0.5 mm/s. before being killed and the arteries perfusion fixed. Histopathologic and histomorphometric analyses were performed at 28 days after injury and radiation. RESULTS: Irradiation with (188)W at a dose of 25 Gy after SI significantly inhibited neointima formation (intimal area: 1.05 +/- 0.64 vs. 2.75 +/- 0.99 mm(2), p < 0.01) and at an 18 Gy dose of radiation (intimal area: 1.73 +/- 0.49 vs. 2.75 +/- 0.99 mm(2)), as compared to controls. One artery receiving 18 Gy and two arteries receiving 25 Gy were totally occluded at follow-up due to thrombus formation but no edge stenosis was observed in any of the irradiated arteries. CONCLUSIONS: Intracoronary radiation therapy using a new coiled wire of (188)W source delivered after SI appeared to be safe and well tolerated. The radiation doses demonstrated efficacy in reducing neointima formation in the porcine coronary stent injury model.