A Retrospective Analysis from Western Romania Comparing the Treatment and Survivability of p16-Positive versus p16-Negative Oropharyngeal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Oropharyngeal cancer is a global health concern due to its multifaceted nature. Recent molecular studies have linked p16 overexpression, associated with the human papillomavirus, to oropharyngeal cancer and its prognostic implications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study in Western Romania examined 60 patients, categorizing them based on p16 biomarker status: 28 were p16 positive, and 32 were p16 negative. Statistical tests, including Fisher's exact and chi2, were used for analysis. RESULTS: Patients with p16-positive oropharyngeal cancer exhibited a better prognosis (3-year survival, p = 0.0477; midtreatment, p = 0.0349) and reported lower alcohol (p = 0.0046) and tobacco (p < 0.0001) use. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the importance of p16 testing in oropharyngeal carcinoma diagnosis. It suggests modifying treatment approaches based on p16 status and underscores the differing prognoses associated with p16-positive and p16-negative cases.

Development and Preliminary Characterization of Polyester-Urethane Microparticles Used in Curcumin Drug Delivery System for Oropharyngeal Cancer.

Background and Objectives: Curcumin (Cc) as an active substance is known for its anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, antioxidant, and anti-carcinogenic effects, together with its role in cholesterol regulation, and its use in different gastrointestinal derangements. On the other hand, curcumin can be used for its properties as an inactive substance, with Cc particles being more often tested in pharmaceutical formulations for drug delivery, with promising safety records and kinetics. The aim of this research was to obtain and characterize polyurethane microparticles that can be used as a carrier with a controlled Cc release. Materials and Methods: The in vitro samples were characterized by the Zetasizer procedure, and UV-Vis spectroscopy, while the in-vivo measurements on human subjects were performed by non-invasive skin assays (trans-epidermal water loss, erythema, and skin hydration). A total of 16 patients with oropharyngeal cancer stages II and III in equal proportions were recruited for participation. Results: The experimental values of sample characteristics using the Zetasizer identified a mean structural size of 215 nm in the polyester-urethane preparate (PU), compared to 271 nm in the curcumin-based PU. Although the size was statistically significantly different, the IPDI and Zeta potential did not differ significantly (22.91 mV vs. 23.74 mV). The average age during the study period was 57.6 years for patients in the PU group, respectively, and 55.1 years in those who received the curcumin preparations. The majority of oropharyngeal cancers were of HPV-related etiology. There were no significant side effects; 75.0% of patients in the PU group reporting no side effects, compared to 87.5% in the Cc group. The 48 h TEWL measurement at the end of the experiment found a statistically significant difference between the PU and the Cc group (2.2 g/h/m2 vs. 2.6 g/h/m2). The erythema assessment showed a starting measurement point for both research groups with a 5.1-unit difference. After 48 h, the difference between PU and PU_Cc was just 1.7 units (p-value = 0.576). The overall difference compared to the reference group with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) was statistically significant at a 95% significance level. Conclusions: Our findings indicate the obtaining of almost homogeneous particles with a medium tendency to form agglomerations, with a good capacity of encapsulation (around 60%), a medium release rate, and a non-irritative potential. Therefore, this polyester-urethane with Cc microparticles can be tested in other clinical evaluations.

Adenoidal bacterial biofilm in pediatric rhinosinusitis.

The aim of the study was to observe, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the ratio of bacterial biofilm coverage of adenoidal tissue in children diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis (CR), compared to the ratio of adenoid bacterial biofilm coverage in children diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We also performed histopathological and immunohistochemical tests to correlate the results with the images obtained from SEM. We estimated, using an image analysis program, the coverage ratio with bacterial biofilm on the surface of the lymphatic tissue. Adenoid vegetation extracted from children with CR had a higher percentage of bacterial biofilm coverage compared to the group diagnosed with OSA. In the nasopharynx of children with CR, the bacterial biofilm had a constant role of infection generator, and adenoidectomy was the only effective therapeutic procedure to relieve the symptoms. Allergy tests were performed in all children to establish a link between CR, OSA and allergic rhinitis.

Laryngotracheal foreign body: chicken neck bone.

We herein present a case involving a 78-year-old patient who had aspirated a laryngotracheal foreign body 3 days prior to hospital admission. The patient had severe congenital intellectual disability; however, no agitation, suffocation, or death occurred despite almost complete laryngeal obstruction. The laryngotracheal foreign body was removed by tracheotomy and suspended microlaryngoscopy.

Rare benign tumor of the larynx - laryngeal amyloidosis.

We report a case of rare benign tumor of the larynx - amyloidosis of larynx - in a 52-year-old female who presented to the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), Timisoara Municipal Hospital, Romania, with dysphonia. The patient's first presentation was in June 2012, with a polypoid formation localized on left vocal cord. The patient underwent a suspended microlaryngoscopy (SM) with tumor removal followed by histopathological examination, which revealed a laryngeal amyloidosis. The tumor recurred in 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018. The patient underwent tracheotomy, followed by SM with endoscopic CO2 laser procedures, in order to remove the tumor and to ensure the airway. The follow-up was for six years. In May 2018, amyloid was located in subglottis, glottis and left false vocal fold. The patient needed five revision surgical procedures. The patient did not developed systemic amyloidosis during the follow-up period.