Background: Tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) with voice prosthesis (VP) insertion is the gold standard of surgical voice restoration in postlaryngectomy patients. The conventional technique involves rigid esophagoscopes and trocar performed by ENT surgeons alone, with technical limitations encountered in patients with cervical abnormalities - in particular those with free or rotational flap reconstructions and postradiotherapy strictures. We report our technique using flexible endoscopy which we show to be feasible and without major safety events, as a possible consideration in the anticipated difficult TEP.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNon-erosive reflux disease (NERD) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) are often regarded as bookends in the gastroesophageal reflux disease spectrum. However, there is limited clinical evidence to support this disease paradigm while the underlying mechanisms of disease progression remain unclear. In this study, we used 16S rRNA sequencing and mass-spectrometer-based proteomics to characterize the esophageal microbiota and host mucosa proteome, respectively.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThis paper presents a thermal analysis and experimental validation of natural convective heat transfer of a high-brightness light-emitting diode (LED) package assembly. The substrate materials used in the LED package assembly were filled and doped using boron nitride (BN) filler. The thermal conductivity of the BN-filled substrate was measured.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Malignant gastric outlet obstruction represents a terminal stage in pancreatic cancer. Between 5% and 25% of patients with pancreatic cancer ultimately experience malignant gastric outlet obstruction. The aim in palliating patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction is to reestablish an oral intake by restoring gastrointestinal continuity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFour of the individuals behind an unusual Dutch project to bring together, under one overall "umbrella", a range of integrated healthcare, social care, educational and leisure facilities within a multicultural, multi-activity centre located in one of Amsterdam's most socially diverse "problem" districts, describe how the project evolved, and its ambitious short- and long-term goals.
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