The mechanisms of action of metformin on head and neck cancer in the pre-clinical setting: a scoping review.

This scoping review identifies the mechanistic pathways of metformin when used to treat head and neck cancer cells, in the pre-clinical setting. Understanding the underlying mechanisms will inform future experimental designs exploring metformin as a potential adjuvant for head and neck cancer. This scoping review was conducted according to the Joanna-Briggs Institute framework.

Breath methane to hydrogen ratio as a surrogate marker of intestinal dysbiosis in head and neck cancer.

Exhaled breath compounds can non-invasively detect head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Here we investigated exhaled compounds related to intestinal bacterial carbohydrate fermentation. Fasting breath samples were collected into 3 litre FlexFoil PLUS bags from patients awaiting a biopsy procedure for suspected HNSCC.

Development of a non-invasive exhaled breath test for the diagnosis of head and neck cancer.

Background: Improving the ability to identify early-stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) can improve treatment outcomes and patient morbidity. We sought to determine the diagnostic accuracy of breath analysis as a non-invasive test for detecting HNSCC.

Methods: Standardised breath samples were collected from 181 patients suspected of HNSCC prior to any treatment.

Cross validated serum small extracellular vesicle microRNAs for the detection of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is often diagnosed at an advanced stage because the disease often causes minimal symptoms other than metastasis to neck lymph nodes. Better tools are required to assist with the early detection of OPSCC. MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are potential biomarkers for early head and neck squamous cell cancer diagnosis, prognosis, recurrence, and presence of metastatic disease.

A review of breath analysis techniques in head and neck cancer.

Cancers of the head and neck region are a severely disabling group of diseases with no method for early detection. Analysis of exhaled breath volatile organic compounds shows promise as biomarkers for early detection and disease monitoring. This article reviews breath analysis in the setting of head and neck cancer, with a practical focus on breath sampling techniques, detection technologies and valid data analysis methods.

A review of the use of transnasal humidified rapid insufflation ventilatory exchange for patients undergoing surgery in the shared airway setting.

Transnasal humidified rapid insufflation ventilatory exchange (THRIVE) is a recent technique that delivers warm humidified high flow oxygen to patients, allowing for prolonged apneic oxygenation. A review of current literature was performed to determine the use of THRIVE in apneic patients undergoing surgery in a shared airway setting. An initial free hand search was done to identify keywords followed by a systematic search of major databases with no date or language restrictions.

Circulating microRNAs in head and neck cancer: a scoping review of methods.

Circulating microRNAs have been described as head and neck cancer biomarkers in multiple anatomical subsites including the oral cavity, nasopharynx, larynx, salivary glands and the skin. While there is an expanding volume of published literature showing the significance of individual or panels of microRNAs, the clinical validation of candidate biomarkers is lacking. The various methods used to collect, store, process and interpret these microRNAs are likely introducing bias and contributing to the inconsistent results.

Reviewing indications for panendoscopy in the investigation of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: The role of panendoscopy in the modern investigation of head and neck cancer is changing with the development of improved radiological techniques, in-office biopsy capabilities and the low rate of synchronous primary tumours. This study aimed to review the indications for panendoscopy in the investigation of newly diagnosed head and neck cancer.

Method: A retrospective review was conducted of 186 patients with newly diagnosed head and neck cancer, between January 2014 and December 2015, at two tertiary centres.

Effectiveness of primary surgery versus primary radiotherapy on unknown primary head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review protocol.

The review question is: what is the effectiveness of primary surgery versus primary radiotherapy on disease-free survival and quality of life in adults with an unknown primary, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma?

A systematic review of validated sinus surgery simulators.

Background: Simulation provides a safe and effective opportunity to develop surgical skills. A variety of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) simulators has been described in the literature. Validation of these simulators allows for effective utilisation in training.

Scoping review of pediatric tonsillectomy quality of life assessment instruments.

Objectives/hypothesis: Sleep-disordered breathing or recurrent tonsillitis have detrimental effects on the child's physical health and quality of life. Tonsillectomy is commonly performed to treat these common conditions and improve the child's quality of life. This scoping review aims to present a comprehensive and descriptive analysis of quality of life questionnaires as a resource for clinicians and researchers when deciding which tool to use when assessing the quality of life effects after tonsillectomy.

Comparing surgical experience with performance on a sinus surgery simulator.

Background: This study evaluates whether surgical experience influences technical competence using the Flinders sinus surgery simulator, a virtual environment designed to teach nasal endoscopic surgical skills.

Methods: Ten experienced sinus surgeons (five consultants and five registrars) and 14 novices (seven resident medical officers and seven interns/medical students) completed three simulation tasks using haptic controllers. Task 1 required navigation of the sinuses and identification of six anatomical landmarks, Task 2 required removal of unhealthy tissue while preserving healthy tissue and Task 3 entailed backbiting within pre-set lines on the uncinate process and microdebriding tissue between the cuts.

Validation of virtual-reality-based simulations for endoscopic sinus surgery.

Background: Virtual reality (VR) simulators provide an alternative to real patients for practicing surgical skills but require validation to ensure accuracy. Here, we validate the use of a virtual reality sinus surgery simulator with haptic feedback for training in Otorhinolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (OHNS).

Methods: Participants were recruited from final-year medical students, interns, resident medical officers (RMOs), OHNS registrars and consultants.

Role of adenosine kinase in cochlear development and response to noise.

Adenosine signalling has an important role in cochlear protection from oxidative stress. In most tissues, intracellular adenosine kinase (ADK) is the primary route of adenosine metabolism and the key regulator of intracellular and extracellular adenosine levels. The present study provides the first evidence for ADK distribution in the adult and developing rat cochlea.