The effect of closed septorhinoplasty on nasal functions and on external and internal nasal valves: A prospective study.

Background: Because nasal function and shape are so closely intertwined, quantitative assessments can better define their relationship and how they are affected by septorhinoplasty.

Objective: The aim of this prospective study was to perform an analysis of the nasal airflow resistances and a three-dimensional (3D) evaluation of the soft-tissue changes after closed septorhinoplasty.

Methods: Before surgery (T0) and 6 months after closed septorhinoplasty (T1), 30 patients underwent symptoms evaluation by means of the Italian version of the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scale, endoscopic fiberoptic nasal examination, and visual analog scale for subjective assessment of nasal obstruction.

Spatial and temporal distribution of Patched-related protein in the Drosophila embryo.

Patched-related (Ptr) encodes a protein with 12 potential transmembrane domains and a sterol-sensing domain that is closely related in predicted topology and domain organization to Patched, the canonical receptor of the Hedgehog pathway. Here we describe the production of an antibody specific for Drosophila Ptr and analyse its spatial and temporal distribution in the embryo. We find that at early developmental stages Ptr is predominantly localized at cell periphery but later on it becomes strongly and almost exclusively expressed in hemocytes.

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

The aims of this study is to assess how DPOAEs can discriminate normal subjects with a risk of damage induced by noise, the effectiveness of OAEs in monitoring the effect of Q-Ter, and the role of blood tests to monitor therapy. In the placebo group, the amplitude of DPOAEs was reduced 1 hour and 16 hours after exposure, the group treated with Q-Ter showed normal DPOAEs. This pilot study confirms that DPOAEs represent a sensitive test for monitoring the effects of noise in preclinical conditions and pharmacological treatment.

Closure of an iatrogenic tracheo-esophageal fistula with bronchoscopic gluing in a mechanically ventilated adult patient.

Management of acquired nonmalignant tracheo-esophageal fistula (TEF) in mechanically ventilated patients is controversial. Surgical correction is often contraindicated because the high operative risk and spontaneous closure is unlikely due to the positive pressure ventilation. We present a case of successful closure of an iatrogenic TEF in a mechanically ventilated patient with bronchoscopic application of fibrin glue.