Human papillomavirus tumor-infiltrating T-regulatory lymphocytes and P53 codon 72 polymorphisms correlate with clinical staging and prognosis of oropharyngeal cancer.

The association between human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA positivity, p53 codon 72 polymorphisms, and the type of leukocyte infiltration in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) and their combined impact upon patient survival is poorly investigated. For this reason, leukocyte infiltration profile and p53 codon 72 polymorphisms were assessed in freshly removed HNSCC specimens (N=71 patients). HPV detection was performed by nested-PCR followed by DNA sequencing. Viral loads were determined by quantitative RT-PCR. The choice to investigate fresh instead of archive paraffin-embedded specimens was privileged to avoid possible artifacts due to sample processing. HPV DNA was detected in 14% of cases. Oropharyngeal carcinomas were the most frequently associated with the presence of HPV16 DNA (41%) and were associated with p53 Pro/Pro or Pro/Arg polymorphisms. In HPV16-positive oropharyngeal carcinomas increased infiltrations of CD3+ and FoxP3+ T-cells correlated with higher HPV16 copy numbers. The presence of HPV may trigger a stronger immune response and may be considered a reliable marker for clinical staging and a more favorable prognosis of oropharyngeal carcinoma.

Orthostatic hypotension and psychiatric comorbidities in patients with dizziness.

PURPOSE: The present study was undertaken to investigate orthostatic hypotension and psychiatric comorbidity with anxiety and depression in dizzy patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-three patients with nonspecific dizziness and 27 volunteer subjects were evaluated with the head-up tilt test (HUTT) and the Standardized Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Axis I. RESULTS: Orthostatic hypotension was induced by HUTT in 44% of patients and in 15% of volunteers (P = .0082); we found that the incidence of anxiety and depression was significantly higher (P < .05) in patients with nonspecific dizziness than in controls. Orthostatic hypotension was related to age but not to antihypertensive therapy and sex. Dizziness during the HUTT was reported by 49% of patients and 33% of volunteers (P = .2469). Among patients, dizziness was found to be related to sex (female) and anxiety. A correlation between dizziness and anxiety was also present in volunteers. Head-up tilt test induced vasovagal reactions in 2 volunteers. CONCLUSIONS: Orthostatic hypotension is present in a high percentage of patients with orthostatic dizziness, and anxiety and depression are an important factor in the onset of dizziness. A high percentage of abnormal responses in volunteer subjects seems to indicate that the HUTT is not indicated for routine use.

Radiation Exposure during Fluoroscopy-Guided Ozone Chemonucleolysis for Lumbar Disc Herniation.

Introduction: Radiation exposure is a frequent drawback of spinal surgery, even if X-ray guidance plays a pivotal role in improving the accuracy and safety of spinal procedures. Consequently, radiation protection is essential to reduce potential negative biological effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate patients' radiation exposure, the radiation dose emission during fluoroscopy-guided ozone chemonucleolysis (OCN), and the potential role of patient characteristics. Methods: The radiation dose emission reports were retrospectively evaluated in patients who underwent single-level OCN for lumbar disc herniation. A generalized linear model (GLM) with a gamma distribution and log link function was used to assess the association between radiation emission and patients' characteristics such as age, sex, BMI, level of disc herniation, disc height, and site of disc herniation. Results: Two hundred and forty OCN cases were analyzed. A safe and low level of radiation exposure was registered during OCN. The median fluoroscopy time for OCN was 26.3 (19.4−35.9) seconds, the median radiation emission dose was 19.3 (13.2−27.3) mGy, and he median kerma area product (KAP) was 0.46 (0.33−0.68) mGy ⋅ m2. The resulting KAP values were highly dependent on patient variables. In particular, sex, obesity, and residual disc height < 50% significantly increased the measured KAP, while levels of disc herniations other than L5-S1 reduced the KAP values. Conclusions: The radiation exposure during OCN is low and quite similar to a simple discography. However, patient characteristics are significantly related to radiation exposure and should be carefully evaluated before planning OCN.

[NHIL epidemiology in Italy. 20 years from DLgs 277/91: review and expectations]. / L'epidemiologia del danno a rumore in Italia a 20 anni dal D.Lgs 277/91: stato attuale e previsioni.

Digs 277/91 and following related laws brought up a large number of NHILs, but also planned surveillance more and more effective in preventing hearing loss. In these two decades we also saw an inversion in percentages between working populations. The Authors analize these two factors, better and wider prevention and changing in work populations, related to resulting reduction of NHIL's cases. Besides, the Authors compare different insurance scales adopted to evaluate hearing damage in this period, bringing out similarities. INAIL's path achieved another last goal since 2007 in planning the new protocol about hearing aids, aiming to more effective compensation of the recognized hearing loss, looking more at "Biological value" of the person than at former "working capability".

[Socio-presbyacusis: definition and prevention]. / La sociopresbiacusia: cos'è e come si previene.

Socio-presbyacusis is a hot topic with an increasing incidence and high social costs. The main etiological factors are: genetics, smoking and drinking habits, diet, metabolic syndrome, chronic otitis and noise exposure (professional, environmental and recreative). Despite its multifactorial origin, the pathogenetic mechanism of cochlear damage is based on the increased production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). The clinical characteristic feature of socio-presbyacusis is represented by slow cochlear degeneration causing a reduction of central hearing inputs. The result is a gradual social isolation of the deaf patient with a worsening of his Quality of Life. The main target of the management of socio-presbyacusis is the early diagnosis and prosthetic remediation in order to avoid patient's isolation. New preventive and remediative strategies are represented by antioxidant drugs.

[The prevention of noise inducted hearing loss: the new challenge of active electronic hearing protection]. / La prevenzione individuale del trauma acustico cronico: la nuova frontiera degli otoprotettori attivi.

Based on today's common hearing aid design and technology, the team of researchers successfully designed a DPI which allows the worker to be "protected" against loudness and in the same time guarantee a good level of communication and perception of the surrounding environment. The design of this new device is very much similar to a standard BTE hearing aid which allows the use of an active DPI very comfortable, robust and easy to use. The research using the prototypes was divided into 3 phases: Phase 1: 24 volunteers coming from non-industry companies did undergo a specific trial protocol. Phase 2: 6 workers coming from a mining company did undergo the same protocol used in Phase 1. Phase 3: The Acoustics Laboratory from the "Energetica" Department of the Polytechnic of Turin (University/Institute) took objective measures for the DPI attenuation figures used in phase 1 and 2.

A single phantom, a single statistical method for low-contrast detectability assessment.

PURPOSE: The assessment of low-contrast-details is a part of the quality control (QC) program in digital radiology. It generally consists of evaluating the threshold contrast (Cth) detectability details for different-sized inserts, appropriately located in dedicated QC test tools. This work aims to propose a simplified method, based on a statistical model approach for threshold contrast estimation, suitable for different modalities in digital radiology. METHODS: A home-madelow-contrast phantom, made of a central aluminium insert with a step-wedge, was assembled and tested. The reliability and robustness of the method were investigated for Mammography, Digital Radiography, Fluoroscopy and Angiography. Imageswere analysed using our dedicated software developed on Matlab®. TheCth is expressed in the same unit (mmAl) for all studied modalities. RESULTS: This method allows the collection of Cthinformation from different modalities and equipment by different vendors, and it could be used to define typical values. Results are summarized in detail. For 0.5 diameter detail, Cthresults are in the range of: 0.018-0.023 mmAl for 2D mammography and 0.26-0.34 mmAl DR images. For angiographic images, for 2.5 mm diameter detail, the Cths median values are 0.55, 0.4, 0.06, 0.12 mmAl for low dose fluoroscopy, coronary fluorography, cerebral and abdominal DSA, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The statistical method proposed in this study gives a simple approach for Low-Contrast-Details assessment, and the typical values proposed can be implemented in a QA program for digital radiology modalities.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and orthostatic hypotension.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate a possible correlation between post-benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) dizziness and orthostatic hypotension (OH) using the head-up tilt test (HUTT). METHODS: Twenty-nine patients previously affected by BPPV and successfully underwent repositioning maneuvers were tested using the HUTT. RESULTS: Our data do not show a statistically significant relationship between OH and the persistence of balance disorders after recovery from BPPV; anyway the prevalence of OH in the overall sample (34%) and in subjects affected by balance disorders after recovery (40%), was higher than in the general population. INTERPRETATION: it is reasonable to hypothesize that OH plays a role in the genesis of orthostatic dizziness that patients commonly experience after recovery from BPPV. To improve the sensitivity of the HUTT, it would be advisable to use non-invasive continuous blood pressure monitoring. Although we feel that additional data are needed, we believe that the present work underlines the importance of considering anomalies of the autonomic system in the differential diagnosis of dizziness and could offer the basis for further studies about the role of sympathetic reflexes in those cases of persistence of symptoms after recovery from BPPV.

EVALUATION OF THE RADIATION DOSE TO THE HANDS OF ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEONS DURING FLUOROSCOPY USING STORED IMAGES.

Data were collected from 642 orthopaedic interventions during which the images produced by X-rays were recorded. By examining these images, it is possible to determine the time that the orthopaedic surgeons' hands were exposed to the direct radiation beam. The procedures with greater exposure to the direct beam were those involving the hand (median 15 s) and the wrist (median 13 s). Two surgeons wore a ring to measure the absorbed dose at the fingers: one on the dominant hand and the other on the non-dominant hand. The two surgeons performed 34 and 48 operations, respectively, in 14 months. The total doses measured with the rings were 2.30 and 1.04 mSv, respectively. The images of the interventions were examined, determining how much each individual hand was exposed. The interventional reference point (IRPeff (left or right)) was calculated by comparing the doses at the IRP with the exposure times of the right or the left hand. Summing the IRPeff of the two surgeons in 14 months, it is obtained the maximum values of 2.87 mGy for the left hand of one and 6.74 mGy for the right hand of the other, which are of the order of 1/100 of the annual dose limit for the extremities.

Clinical and biological prognostic factors in 179 cases with sinonasal carcinoma treated in the Italian Piedmont region.

OBJECTIVES: In spite of aggressive surgery and high-dose radiotherapy, the long-term survival of patients with sinonasal cancer remains disappointing. In this paper, we report data from 179 consecutive cases treated in the Italian Piedmont region between 1996 and 2000 according to a fixed protocol. METHODS: Clinical and pathological data and the following biological parameters were analyzed: microvessel density and growth fraction by CD31 and Ki-67 positivity, respectively, and immunohistochemical expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 75 months (range 45-108 months). Median overall survival was 26 months; 2- and 5-year overall survival rates were 52 and 36%, respectively. Patients with T1-T2 adenocarcinoma and squamous cell cancers (SCC) had better median survival than those with other lesions (p < 0.05). Patients treated with surgery with or without radiotherapy had better survival (p < 0.01), while chemotherapy had a marginally favorable effect (p = 0.09). The type of surgery and radiotherapy dose had no impact on survival; in contrast, there was a strong association between Ki-67 expression and microvessel density and overall survival (p < 0.05 and p = 0.039, respectively), while VEGF-C was a prognostic factor in SCC patients only (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In sinonasal cancer, tumor stage and histology have a clear impact on survival; surgery with or without radiotherapy represents the main choice of treatment for such tumors. The efficacy of neoadjuvant and concomitant chemoradiotherapy needs to be further investigated. The proliferative index and angiogenesis show a major role in the natural history of this cancer.

The monitoring role of otoacoustic emissions and oxidative stress markers in the protective effects of antioxidant administration in noise-exposed subjects: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress has been recently identified as the pivotal pathway of cochlear damage. The aims of this study were to evaluate whether distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) can discriminate normal subjects with a risk of damage induced by sound exposure, the effectiveness of OAEs in monitoring the protective effects of Coenzyme Q10 terclatrate (QTer), and the role of blood parameters in monitoring preventive therapies. MATERIAL/METHODS: Twenty volunteers were randomized to two groups: the first (n=10) was treated with Q-Ter (200 mg orally once daily) for 7 days before noise exposure and the second group was treated with placebo using the same schedule. All participants were exposed to white noise of 90 dB HL for 15 minutes. DPOAEs and pure-tone audiometry (PTA) were measured before and 1 h, 16 h, and 7 and 21 days after exposure. Inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters were measured before and 2 and 24 h after exposure. RESULTS: In the placebo group, DPOAE amplitudes were reduced 1 and 16 h after exposure compared with the baseline values (p<0.05). In the Q-Ter group, DPOAEs did not show any significant difference between baseline and post-exposure (p>0.1). PTA threshold values in the Q-Ter and placebo groups did not differ before and after exposure. No significantly different levels of the inflammatory markers were observed in the Q-Ter and placebo groups at the different time points. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study confirms that DPOAEs represent a sensitive test for monitoring the effects of noise in preclinical conditions and pharmacological treatment.

Mucous membrane plasmacytosis of the nose in a patient affected by B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Mucous membrane plasmacytosis (MMP) is a rare idiopathic condition characterized by infiltration of the mucosa by non neoplastic plasma cells. In this report we describe a case of mucous membrane plasmacytosis of the nose in a 72-year-old woman patient affected by B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). Two different biopsies of the lesion showed diffuse plasma cell, lymphocyte and granulocyte infiltration compatible with granulation tissue. A complete exeresis of the neoplasm was performed endoscopically without complications, allowing the diagnosis of MMP; a monthly follow up was performed with no signs of local relapse 15 months after surgery. Topical steroid therapy with budesonide nasal spray was administered. There is no standardized treatment for MMP: we have reported good result of surgical approach in a unique case of nasal MMP in a patient with B-CLL; the relation between these two diseases deserves more studies.

Patient dose in angiographic interventional procedures: A multicentre study in Italy.

PURPOSE: The Council Directive 2013/59/EURATOM considers interventional radiology to be a special practice involving high doses of radiation and requiring strict monitoring to ensure the best quality assurance programs. This work reports the early experience of managing dose data from patients undergoing angiography in a multicentre study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was based on a survey of about 15,200 sample procedures performed in 21 Italian hospitals centres involved on a voluntary basis. The survey concerned the collection of data related to different interventional radiology procedures: interventional cardiology, radiology, neuroradiology, vascular surgery, urology, endoscopy and pain therapy from a C-Arm and fixed units. The analysis included 11 types of procedures and for each procedure, air-kerma, kerma-area product and fluoroscopy time were collected. RESULTS: The duration and dose values of fluoroscopic exposure for each procedure is strongly dependent on individual clinical circumstances including the complexity of the procedure; the observed distribution of patient doses was very wide, even for a specified protocol. The median values of the parameters were compared with the diagnostic reference levels (DRL) proposed for some procedures in Italy (ISTISAN) or internationally. This work proposes local DRL values for three procedures. CONCLUSION: This first data collection serves to take stock of the situation on patient's dosimetry in several sectors and is the starting point for obtaining and updating DRL recalling that these levels are dependent on experience and technology available.

DETERMINATION OF LOCAL LEVELS OF RADIATION EXPOSURE IN ORTHOPEDIC INTERVENTIONS USING STRUCTURED DOSE REPORT DATA DRAWN FROM THE HOSPITAL PICTURE ARCHIVING AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEM.

The aim of this study was to determine the dosimetric parameters of radiation to which orthopedic in-patients are exposed, using data drawn from the hospital's picture archiving and communication system. Data for 310 patients, relating to seven different anatomical districts, were examined. Femoral operations were divided into three types. The 75th percentile dose at the interventional reference point (IRP) exceeded 2 mGy only for femoral interventions (4.6-6.2 mGy) with 75th percentile kerma-area product (KAP) values ranging from 84.8 to 109.1 µGy m2. The 75th percentile fluoroscopy time was longer than 1 min only for the humeral operations and the three types of femoral intervention. In general, the radiation exposure times and doses recorded in our institute were lower than those reported in the literature. The correlation between KAP and kerma at the IRP was very strong for all districts (R > 0.80). The correlation between KAP and fluoroscopy times was very strong for seven cases (R > 0.80), and strong for two (0.60 < R < 0.79).

Características das prescrições de metilfenidato em ambulatório de neuropediatria / Characteristics of methylphenidate prescriptions in a pediatric neurology outpatient clinic

RESUMO O metilfenidato não é disponibilizado pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), pois não faz parte da Relação Nacional de Medicamentos Essenciais. Todavia, o metilfenidato 10 mg é disponibilizado pela rede pública em Maringá-PR de acordo com a Política da Assistência Farmacêutica do município. Objetivou-se analisar as características das prescrições médicas de metilfenidato para crianças em ambulatório de neuropediatria vinculado ao SUS no município. Estudo transversal observacional retrospectivo de caráter quantitativo, realizado por meio da coleta de dados dos prontuários cadastrados no Sistema Gestor da rede pública de saúde do município, pelo ambulatório de neuropediatria na Unidade Básica de Saúde, Zona 7, entre janeiro de 2017 e novembro de 2019. Analisaram-se os dados por frequência relativa e absoluta. Emitiram-se 339 prescrições pelo neuropediatra responsável do ambulatório para 107 pacientes de 6 a 11 anos. Notou-se distribuição geográfica desigual das crianças atendidas conforme bairro da cidade, o que denota influência socioeconômica na prescrição de medicamentos. Ressaltam-se picos de prescrições coincidindo com o período do ano letivo escolar. Concluiu-se que o acompanhamento especializado adequado é premissa para o tratamento, não dispensando a rede longitudinal de assistência. Ademais, evidencia-se o impacto das condições socioeconômicas, tanto na prescrição como na aquisição do medicamento.

ABSTRACT Methylphenidate is not available through the Unified Health System (SUS), as it is not part of the National List of Essential Medicines. However, methylphenidate 10 mg is available through the public system in Maringá-PR, according to the Pharmaceutical Assistance Policy of the municipality. Retrospective cross-sectional observational study of a quantitative character occurred through the collection of data from the medical records registered in the Management System of the public health network in Maringá-PR, Brazil, by the neuropediatric outpatient clinic in the Basic Health Unit, between January 2017 and November 2019. Data were analyzed by relative and absolute frequency. 339 prescriptions were issued by the responsible neuropediatrician for 107 patients aged 6 to 11 years. There was an uneven geographic distribution of the number of children attended according to the neighborhood of the city, which points to a socioeconomic influence on the medication prescription. It is worth noting peaks of prescriptions coinciding with the period of the school year, following to a national trend. It was concluded that adequate specialized monitoring is a premise for better treatment, not dispensing the longitudinal assistance network. The impact of socioeconomic conditions is significant in the prescription and purchase of the medication.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: role of the human papillomavirus in tumour progression.

High risk human papilloma viruses (HPVs) have been shown to be independent risk factors for anogenital tract cancers, and have also been detected in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of HPV DNA in a group of 47 squamous cell carcinomas of the oropharynx and the oral cavity, and to compare the clinical behaviour of HPV positive and negative tumours. We also assessed the proliferation index, as evaluated by Ki67 immunohistochemistry positivity, and the level of p53 reactivity. HPV DNA was found in 50% of carcinomas of the oropharynx and 36% in those of the oral cavity, the only genotype detected being HPV 16. Patients with HPV-positive carcinomas had a better overall survival than those with HPV-negative carcinomas. Our data suggest that HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers comprise a distinct disease entity with an improved prognosis.

Plexiform schwannoma of the posterior pharyngeal wall in a patient with neurofibromatosis 2.

We report a case of plexiform schwannoma of the posterior pharyngeal wall that occurred in a 37-year-old man who had been previously diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). Plexiform schwannoma has been rarely reported in association with NF2. Moreover, as far as we know, only 6 cases of posterior pharyngeal wall schwannoma have been previously reported in the literature, none of which was associated with NF2 and none of which was histopathologically differentiated in schwannoma or plexiform schwannoma. The patient was treated with laser excision of the tumor via a transoral route, and at 6 and 12 months of follow-up, he exhibited no signs of recurrence. To the best of our knowledge, our patient represents the first reported case of a posterior pharyngeal wall schwannoma that occurred in association with NF2 and the first case in which the schwannoma was removed via transoral laser excision. This case illustrates that plexiform schwannoma is a possible finding in NF2 and that transoral laser excision is a safe surgical procedure in such a case.

A study of neck and shoulder morbidity following neck dissection: The benefits of cervical plexus preservation.

We conducted a study to evaluate the hypothesis that the preservation of cervical root branches of the cervical plexus is associated with greater shoulder mobility, less loss of face and neck sensation, and better quality of life (QoL) following functional neck dissection in which the spinal accessory nerve is spared. We also investigated the impact of postoperative physiotherapy on these three outcomes. Our study population was made up of 54 patients-47 men and 7 women, aged 34 to 78 years (mean: 53.4)-who had undergone functional neck dissection as a treatment for head and neck cancer over a 3-year period at our institution. Patients were divided into two groups: 23 patients whose cervical root branches were preserved during surgery (preservation group) and 31 whose branches were removed (removal group). Shoulder mobility was measured by the Arm Abduction Test (AAT), face and neck sensation was assessed by fingertip touch in eight areas of the head and neck, and QoL was determined by the University of Washington-Quality of Life questionnaire (UW-QoL4). The AAT revealed that the preservation group had significantly better shoulder mobility. The fingertip touch evaluation revealed significantly less loss of sensation in Saffold regions A and D. Analysis of the UW-QoL4 results revealed that the preservation group experienced significantly less pain, significantly fewer shoulder complaints, and significantly fewer limitations on activities and recreation, as well as significantly better health-related and overall QoL. The preservation group also had a significantly better composite score, global score, social function score, and mood and anxiety score on the UW-QoL4 assessment. Finally, we found that physiotherapy improved both QoL and shoulder mobility, although these improvements were not statistically significant. We conclude that preservation of the cervical root branches significantly improves outcomes in patients who undergo functional neck dissection.