PVR-AFM: A Pathological Voice Repair System based on Non-linear Structure

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader PVR-AFM: A Pathological Voice Repair System based on Non-linear Structure Via Journal of Voice Speech signal processing has become an important technique to ensure that the voice interaction system communicates accurately with the user by improving the clarity or intelligibility of speech signals. However, most existing works only focus on whether to process the voice of average human but ignore the communication needs of individuals suffering from voice disorder, including voice-related professionals, older people, and smokers. To solve this demand, it is essential to design a non-invasive repair system that processes pathological voices. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Risk stratification in differentiated thyroid cancer with RAI-avid lung metastases

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Risk stratification in differentiated thyroid cancer with RAI-avid lung metastases Via radioactive iodine Endocr Connect. 2021 Jul 1:EC-21-0215.R1. doi: 10.1530/EC-21-0215. Online ahead of print. ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: Radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy is effective for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients with lung metastasis. However, some patients have poor prognosis despite the RAI accumulation. The utility of inflammatory biomarkers, including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), has been reported as a prognostic factor for many carcinomas. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors related to DTC patient survival with RAI-avid lung metastasis and to attempt risk stratification. DESIGN AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 123 patients with RAI-accumulating lung metastatic DTC. The cause-specific survival (CSS) rate from the time of detection of lung metastasis was tested using the Kaplan-Meier log-rank test, and the multivariate analysis was calculated using the Cox proportional hazards model. NLR was retrospectively calculated using the blood sample collected before initial RAI treatment. The NLR cutoff value was 2.6 on the ROC curve. RESULTS: Age ≥55 years at time of operative treatment, follicular carcinoma, lung metastasis tumor ≥10 mm in diameter, age ≥55 years at the time of detection of lung metastasis, age ≥55 years at the time of RAI treatment, and NLR ≥2.6 at the initial RAI treatment were predictive of decreased CSS. Multivariate analysis identified that the independent prognostic factors were lung metasta tic tumor ≥10 mm in diameter and NLR ≥2.6. Patients in the high-risk group with both factors had significantly lower CSS rates than those in the low- and intermediate-risk groups with one or none of these factors. CONCLUSIONS: The high-risk group patients had significantly poorer survival, and these patients could be considered as future candidates for tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy. PMID:34223823 | DOI:10.1530/EC-21-0215 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Cochlear Implant in Klippel-Feil Syndrome: Challenges and Concerns

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Cochlear Implant in Klippel-Feil Syndrome: Challenges and Concerns Via Otolaryngology Indian Abstract Cochlear implantation (CI) can be safely performed in patients with syndromic hearing loss. Here we present a case of CI in a child with Klippel-Feil syndrome with various skeletal, extraskeletal, cochleovestibular and Arnold-Chiari malformations. Multidisciplinary approach and good preoperative imaging play a key role in planning for surgery. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

A single centre's experience of 23 cases of total rhinectomy for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma involving the nasal vestibule

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader A single centre's experience of 23 cases of total rhinectomy for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma involving the nasal vestibule Via http://link.springer.com/journal/405,European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology,The European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2021 Jul 5. doi: 10.1007/s00405-021-06972-6. Online ahead of print. ABSTRACT PURPOSE: This study aims to analyse the oncological outcomes of total rhinectomy (TR) for squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) involving the nasal vestibule, and to identify prognostic factors for disease recurrence. METHODS: A retrospective single-centre study was conducted between September 2003 and February 2021 including all patients who underwent a TR for a SCC involving the nasal vestibule. RESULTS: 23 patients were included in the study. Tumours originated from the anterior septum (n = 12), vestibule (n = 8) or skin (n = 3). Six TRs (26.1%) were salvage procedures, after primary radiotherapy or partial rhinectomy. Seven patients had a concurrent neck dissection and 17 patients (73.9%) received adjuvant treatment (14 patients had radiotherapy and 3 had chemoradiotherapy). After a median follow-up of 32 months, six patien ts (26.1%) presented with tumour recurrence. Three patients (13%) had nodal-only recurrence. The estimated 5-year overall survival, disease-free survival and disease-specific survival were 67.5%, 66.3% and 80.7%, respectively. Positive excision margins were a predictive factor for tumour recurrence (p = 0.0401). CONCLUSION: For SCCs involving the nasal vestibule that are not amenable to limited surgical resection, TR along with adjuvant radiotherapy provide good oncological outcomes and should be considered the main treatment option. PMID:34223976 | DOI:10.1007/s00405-021-06972-6 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

JianpiQinghua granule reduced PPI dosage in patients with nonerosive reflux disease: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, noninferiority study

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader JianpiQinghua granule reduced PPI dosage in patients with nonerosive reflux disease: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, noninferiority study Via Traditional dysphagia therapy Phytomedicine. 2021 Jul 15;88:153584. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153584. Epub 2021 May 3. ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) play an important role in the treatment of nonerosive reflux disease (NERD), but their long-term and excessive uses have been associated with safety concerns. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has become a popular alternative treatment for this condition. METHODS: A total of 204 patients were randomly assigned to the combination group or PPI group (1:1 ratio). They were given JianpiQinghua (JQ) granules (34.8 g) plus omeprazole (10 mg) plus dummy omeprazole (10 mg) or dummy JQ granules (34.8 g) plus omeprazole (20 mg) daily for 4 weeks. The primary endpoints were the rate of sufficient relief and complete resolution of GERD Q at week 4. Metabonomics and the gut microbiota were also assessed. RESULTS: Complete resolution was observed in 40.8% of patients in the combination group and 26.8% of patie nts in the PPI group after 4 weeks (FAS analysis, OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.03-3.44; p = 0.039). Sufficient relief was observed in 50% of patients in the combination group and 43.30% of patients in the PPI group after 4 weeks (FAS analysis, OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 0.74-2.30; p = 0.35). Three patients had liver dysfunction, one of whom had a mild case and 2 of whom had moderate-to-severe cases in the combination group. Patients in the combination group showed a significant increase in richness and diversity of their gut microbiota compared with those in the PPI group. Metabonomics showed that the combination therapy could correct the glutamate metabolism pathway. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate the superior efficacy of JQ granules combined with omeprazole (10 mg) vs. omeprazole (20 mg) in terms of symptom relief in patients with NERD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT02892357. Registered on 14 February 2019. PMID:34119741 | DOI:10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153584 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Comparison of Endoscopic Endonasal Approach and Lateral Microsurgical Infratemporal Fossa Approach to the Jugular Foramen: An Anatomical Study

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Comparison of Endoscopic Endonasal Approach and Lateral Microsurgical Infratemporal Fossa Approach to the Jugular Foramen: An Anatomical Study Via Journal of Neurological Surgery Part B: Skull Base J Neurol Surg B Skull Base DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1731034 Objective The jugular foramen is one of the most challenging surgical regions in skull base surgery. With the development of endoscopic techniques, the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) has been undertaken to treat some lesions in this area independently or combined with open approaches. The purpose of the current study is to describe the anatomical steps and landmarks for the EEA to the jugular foramen and to compare it with the degree of exposure obtained with the lateral infratemporal fossa approach. Materials and Methods A total of 15 osseous structures related to the jugular foramen were measured in 33 adult dry skulls. Three silicone-injected adult cadaveric heads (six sides) were dissected for EEA and three heads (six sides) were used for a lateral infratemporal fossa approach (Fisch type A). The jugular foramen was exposed, relevant landmarks were demonstrated, and the distances between relevant landmarks and the jugular foramen were obtained. High-quality pictures were obtained. Results The jugular foramen was accessed in all dissections by using either approach. Important anatomical landmarks for EEA include internal carotid artery (ICA), petroclival fissure, inferior petrosal sinus, jugular tubercle, and hypoglossal canal. The EEA exposed the anterior and medial parts of the jugular foramen, while the lateral infratemporal fossa approach (Fisch type A) exposed the lateral and posterior parts of the jugular foramen. With EEA, dissection and transposition of the facial nerve was avoided, but the upper parapharyngeal and paraclival ICA may need to be mobilized to adequately expose the jugular foramen. Conclusion The EEA to the jugular foramen is anatomically feasible but requires mobilization of the ICA to provide access to the anterior and medial aspects of the jugular foramen. The lateral infratemporal approach requires facial nerve transposition to provide access to the lateral and posterior parts of the jugular foramen. A deep understanding of the complex anatomy of this region is paramount for safe and effective surgery of the jugular foramen. Both techniques may be complementary considering the different regions of the jugular foramen accessed with each approach. [...] Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany Article in Thieme eJournals: Table o f contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

History, Variations, and Extensions of the Retrosigmoid Approach: Anatomical and Literature Review

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader History, Variations, and Extensions of the Retrosigmoid Approach: Anatomical and Literature Review Via Journal of Neurological Surgery Part B: Skull Base J Neurol Surg B Skull Base DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1729177 The retrosigmoid approach is the workhorse for posterior fossa surgery. It gives a versatile corridor to tackle different types of lesions in and around the cerebellopontine angle. The term "extended" has been used interchangeably in the literature, sometimes creating confusion. Our aim was to present a thorough analysis of the approach, its history, and its potential extensions. Releasing cerebrospinal fluid from the subarachnoid spaces and meticulous microsurgical techniques allowed for the emergence of the retrosigmoid approach as a unilateral variation of the traditional suboccipital approach. Anatomical landmarks are helpful in localizing the venous sinuses and p lanning the craniotomy, and Rhoton's rule of three is the key to unlock difficult neurovascular relationships. Extensions of the approach include, among others, the transmastoid, supracerebellar, far-lateral, jugular foramen, and perimeatal approaches. The retrosigmoid approach applies to a broad range of pathologies and, with its extensions, can provide adequate exposure, obviating the need for extensive and complicated approaches. [...] Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany Article in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

The Asterion-to-Transverse Process of the Atlas Line as a Surgical Landmark

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader The Asterion-to-Transverse Process of the Atlas Line as a Surgical Landmark Via Journal of Neurological Surgery Part B: Skull Base J Neurol Surg B Skull Base DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1731032 Introduction Proposed landmarks to predict the anatomical location and trajectory of the sigmoid sinus have varying degrees of reliability. Even with neuronavigation technology, landmarks are crucial in planning and performing complex approaches to the posterolateral skull base. By combining two major dependable structures—the asterion (A) and transverse process of the atlas (TPC1)—we investigate the A-TPC1 line in relation to the sigmoid sinus and in partitioning surgical approaches to the region. Methods We dissected six cadaveric heads (12 sides) to expose the posterolateral skull base, including the mastoid and suboccipital bone, TPC1 and suboccipital triangle, distal jugular vein and internal carotid artery, and lower cranial nerves in the distal cervical region. We inspected the A-TPC1 line before and after drilling the mastoid and occipital bones and studied the relationship of the sigmoid sinus trajectory and major muscular elements related to the line. We retrospectively reviewed 31 head and neck computed tomography (CT) angiograms (62 total sides), excluding posterior fossa or cervical pathologies. Bone and vessels were reconstructed using three-dimensional segmentation software. We measured the distance between the A-TPC1 line and sigmoid sinus at different levels: posterior digastric point (DP), and maximal distances above and below the digastric notch. Results A-TPC1 length averaged 65 mm and was posterior to the sigmoid sinus in all cadaver specimens, coming closest at the level of the DP. Using the transverse-asterion line as a rostrocaudal division and skull base as a horizontal plane, we divided the major surgical approaches into four quadrants: distal cervical/extreme lateral and jugular foramen (anteroinferior), presigmoid/petrosal (anterosuperior), retrosigmoid/suboccipital (posterosuperior), and far lateral/foramen magnum regions (posteroinferior). Radiographically, the A-TPC1 line was also posterior to the sigmoid sinus in all sides and came closest to the sinus at the level of DP (mean, 7 mm posterior; range, 0–18.7 mm). The maximal distance above the DP had a mean of 10.1 mm (range, 3.6–19.5 mm) and below the DP 5.2 mm (range, 0–20.7 mm). Conclusion The A-TPC1 line is a helpful landmark reliably found posterior to the sigmoid sinus in cadaveric specimens and radiographic CT scans. It can corroborate the accuracy of neuronavigation, assist in minimizing the risk of sigmoid sinus injury, and is a useful tool in planning surgical approaches to the posterolateral skull base, both preoperatively and intraoperatively. [...] Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany Article in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Abstract< /a>  |  Full text View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Endonasal Endoscopic and Hybrid Surgery Techniques for Blunt Trauma Fractures of the Skull Base With Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Endonasal Endoscopic and Hybrid Surgery Techniques for Blunt Trauma Fractures of the Skull Base With Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks Via leak of cerebrospinal fluid J Craniofac Surg. 2021 Jun 30. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000007932. Online ahead of print. ABSTRACT Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage caused by skull base fracture represents high risks of bacterial meningitis, and a rate of mortality of 8.9%. Endoscopic endonasal repair of CSF leaks is quite safe and effective procedure with high rates of success. The aim of this study is to describe our technique for management of skull base CSF leaks secondary to craniofacial trauma based on the anatomic location of the leak. This is a retrospective case series of 17 patients with diagnosis of craniofacial trauma, surgically treated with sole endonasal endoscopic and combined endonasal/transcranial approaches with diagnosis of CSF leak secondary to skull base fractures. Seventeen patients met inclusion criteria for this study. Mean age was 46 years old. Most common etiology was motor vehicle. Early surgery was performed in 8 patients, and late surgery in 9 p atients. The most common site of CSF leak was at ethmoid cells or at the fronto-ethmoid junction in 9 patients. Thirteen patients (76.4%) were treated only with endonasal endoscopic technique, and 4 (23.5%) with hybrid surgery, combining endonasal endoscopic and cranial bicoronal approaches with nasal and pericranial vascularized flaps, and nasal mucosal free flaps. Mean hospital stay was 23.7 days.The mean follow-up time was 25.6 months. When surgical reconstruction is indicated for CSF leaks secondary to skull base fractures, endonasal endoscopic techniques should be part of the surgical management either as a sole procedure, or in combination with classical transcranial approaches with high rates of success and low morbidity. PMID:34224458 | DOI:10.1097/SCS.0000000000007932 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

LncRNA MSC‐AS1 motivates the development of melanoma by binding to miR‐302a‐3p and recruiting IGF2BP2 to elevate LEF1 expression

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader LncRNA MSC‐AS1 motivates the development of melanoma by binding to miR‐302a‐3p and recruiting IGF2BP2 to elevate LEF1 expression Via Experimental Dermatology Abstract Melanoma is considered as the most common malignancy among skin cancers. The roles of many long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been clearly identified in multiple tumors. Nevertheless, lncRNA MSC antisense RNA 1 (MSC-AS1) has not been deeply investigated melanoma. In the present study, RT-qPCR and western blot analyses were used to measure the expression of RNAs and proteins. Functional and in vivo assays were implemented to detect the function of genes in melanoma. RNA pull down, RIP and luciferase reporter assays were applied for determining interactions between RNA and protein molecules. It was observed that MSC-AS1 and lymphoid enhancer binding factor 1 (LEF1) were remarkably up-regulated while microRNA-302a-3p (miR-302a-3p) down-regulated in melanoma cell lines. The silencing of MSC-AS1 hindered cell proliferation, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, MSC-AS1 regulated LEF1 expression through sponging miR-302a-3 p and recruiting insulin like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2). Eventually, LEF1 overexpression rescued cell progression impaired by MSC-AS1 knockdown. In summary, our research identified the MSC-AS1/miR-302a-3p/IGF2BP2/LEF1 axis in melanoma development, which indicated that MSC-AS1 is a potential biomarker in the treatment of melanoma. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Immunohistochemical markers for histopathological diagnosis and differentiation of acute cutaneous graft‐versus‐host disease

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Immunohistochemical markers for histopathological diagnosis and differentiation of acute cutaneous graft‐versus‐host disease Via Experimental Dermatology Abstract Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is a major complication following stem-cell or solid-organ transplantation. Accurate diagnosis of cutaneous GvHD is challenging, given that drug eruptions and viral rashes may present with similar clinical/histological manifestations. Specific markers are not available. We performed the histological examination of biopsy samples from acute GvHD (aGvHD; n = 54), Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN; n = 27), maculopapular drug eruption (MDE; n = 26) and healthy controls (n = 26). Samples of aGvHD showed a decrease in Langerhans cells (LC, p = 0.0001) and an increase in macrophages (MΦ, p = 0.0001) compared to healthy skin. Compared to SJS/TEN, MDE and healthy skin, aGvHD biopsies contained greater numbers of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. The majority of CD4+ T-helper cells were localized in the uppe r dermis, whereas cytotoxic CD8+ T cells were found in the epidermis. Increased numbers of CD56+ natural killer (NK) cells in the upper dermis of aGvHD skin (p = 0.007) were not observed in controls or SJS/TEN and MDE. There were no differences in elafin staining between aGvHD and the latter two conditions. Acute GvHD appears to have a distinct inflammatory cell profile (T cells/NK cells) that may aid establishing in a more accurate diagnosis, especially when used to rule out differential diagnoses such as SJS/TEN or MDE. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.