Mechanical regulation of human vocal fold stellate cells.

OBJECTIVE: It is generally accepted that tensile and compressive strains have direct effects on cell morphology and structure, including changes in cytoskeletal structure and organization. Cytoskeletons play the role of mechanoreceptor of the cells. Vocal fold stellate cells (VFSCs) in the human maculae flavae (MFe) are inferred to be involved in the metabolism of extracellular matrices essential for the viscoelasticity of the vocal fold mucosa. Our previous studies have supported the hypothesis that the tension caused by phonation (vocal fold vibration) regulates the behavior of the VFSCs. The microstructure of the intermediate filaments and the expression of their proteins were investigated in VFSCs in the MFe, which had remained unphonated since birth. METHODS: Three adult vocal fold mucosae that had remained unphonated since birth were investigated by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. RESULTS: The intermediate filaments of the VFSCs were fewer in number. The expression of their characteristic proteins (vimentin, desmin, and glial fibrillary acidic protein) was also reduced. CONCLUSION: Vocal fold vibration seems to affect VFSC morphology and structure, such as cytoskeletal structure and organization. This supports the hypothesis that vocal fold vibration regulates VFSC behavior in the human MFe. In addition to chemical factors, mechanical factors also appear to modulate VFSC behavior.

Histopathologic investigations of the unphonated human vocal fold mucosa.

CONCLUSION: Vocal fold vibration (phonation) after birth is one of the important factors in the growth and development of the human vocal fold mucosa. OBJECTIVES: Stellate cells in the maculae flavae located at both ends of the vocal fold mucosa are inferred to be involved in the metabolism of extracellular matrices. Maculae flavae are also considered to be an important structure in the growth and development of the human vocal fold mucosa. Tension caused by phonation (vocal fold vibration) is hypothesized to stimulate stellate cells to accelerate production of extracellular matrices. Vocal fold mucosae unphonated since birth were investigated histologically. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Vocal fold mucosae, which were unphonated since birth, of three younger adults (17, 24, 28 years old) were investigated by light and electron microscopy. RESULTS: Vocal fold mucosae were hypoplastic and rudimentary and did not have a vocal ligament, Reinke's space or a layered structure. The lamina propria appeared as a uniform structure. Some stellate cells in the maculae flavae showed degeneration. Not many vesicles were present at the periphery of the cytoplasm. The stellate cells synthesized fewer extracellular matrices, such as fibrous protein and glycosaminoglycan. Cytoplasmic processes of the stellate cells were short and shrinking. The stellate cells appeared to have decreased activity.

Optimal ileocolic flap length for a reconstructed voice tube after laryngopharyngectomy.

BACKGROUND: Voice restoration after laryngopharyngectomy can be achieved with an autologous ileocolic flap. We have observed that the length of the flap influences vocal outcome. This investigation aimed to evaluate the association between ileocolic flap length and vocal quality after laryngopharyngectomy. METHODS: The charts of patients who underwent voice rehabilitation with an ileocolic flap after laryngopharyngectomy between 1 January 2011 and 30 December 2012 were abstracted. The length of ileum segment in the ileocolic flap was stratified, and voice outcome was evaluated three months post-operatively, while adjusting for confounding variables. RESULTS: There was a significant association between flap length and loudness, maximum phonation time and sound pressure level (p < 0.05). All three parameters were best in the 10 cm length group. CONCLUSION: Voice rehabilitation after laryngopharyngectomy is possible with an ileocolic flap. The optimal ileocolic flap contains a 10 cm ileum segment. Complications are frequent but amenable to revision surgery.

Antrochoanal polyp--a rare paediatric emergency.

An antrochoanal polyp, a common clinical entity, with a rare presentation is being reported. A 12 year old boy was brought to Accident and Emergency department with an unusual sudden presentation of polypoidal mass filling the oral cavity up to his incisors as a result of which he could not swallow and speak. Prior to this episode he had no complaints of the disease. An emergency removal was planned and only during the operation could it be diagnosed as a antrochoanal polyp because of its pedicle in the lateral wall of the nose, which was confirmed by histopathological examination.

Loss of speech after living-related donor liver transplantation: detection of the lesion by diffusion tensor image.

INTRODUCTION: Loss of speech after living-related liver transplantation is uncommon. Either immunosuppressive agents, related sequelae, or a neurological event may cause it. CASE REPORT: A 46-year-old man developed dysarthria and dysphagia on the 10th day after living-related donor liver transplantation for alcoholic cirrhosis with Child-Pugh class C. Brain magnetic resonance images and electroencephalograms could not detect any lesion, but the diffusion tensor image showed a subacute lacunar infarction at right midbrain. The patient's speech improved 1 month after rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: Some unexpected neurological events, such as loss of speech, may occur after liver transplantation. The differential diagnosis becomes very important before active treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging supplemented with diffusion tensor imaging is an effective imaging study in establishing the diagnosis.

Semi-automated voice evaluation.

This report describes a voice evaluation procedure that in some way parallels the audiologic tests used for hearing and has multiple uses both clinically and in research. It uses a simultaneous eight-channel input, is not difficult to use, requiring between 12 and 25 minutes to administer, and provides the physician with a printout in standardized form before the patient leaves the room. This three-page report includes 15 abstracted or calculated values, normal ranges by sex for each value, notes that draw attention to deviations from the normal, a summary profile, a graphic representation of the evaluation, and raw data waveforms.

Progressive anarthria with secondary parkinsonism: a clinico-pathological case report.

The pathological process and lesion topography in patients with the syndrome of progressive aphasia are heterogeneous and few necropsy examination cases have been investigated. This is a case report of a 53 year old right handed man with progressive anarthria and secondary Parkinsonism over a period of six years. Positron emission tomography (PET) showed a decreased cerebral blood flow and metabolism in the frontal cortex, which was more pronounced on the left. Neuropathology disclosed a spongiform vacuolation in layer II of the frontal cortex, mostly in the Broca area, and neuronal loss in the substantia nigra. This original case reinforces the view that there are different entities of the syndrome of progressive aphasia which can be identified on the basis of clinical, neuroimaging and anatomical data.