EBF1 Limits the Numbers of Cochlear Hair and Supporting Cells and Forms the Scala Tympani and Spiral Limbus during Inner Ear Development.

Early B-cell factor 1 (EBF1) is a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor essential for the differentiation of various tissues. Our single-cell RNA sequencing data suggest that is expressed in the sensory epithelium of the mouse inner ear. Here, we found that the murine gene and its protein are expressed in the prosensory domain of the inner ear, medial region of the cochlear duct floor, otic mesenchyme, and cochleovestibular ganglion.

Validation of indications for enucleation for benign parotid gland tumors.

Background: Enucleation has been reported as a minimally invasive surgery for Warthin's tumor (WT). However, the definite indications for enucleation have not been clarified.

Methods: Enucleation was indicated by the following findings: findings of WT, cystic fluid, or benign leukocytes by fine-needle aspiration cytology; a well-margined and homogeneous pattern on imaging; and a tumor location in the tail or preauricular area of the parotid gland.

A New Device for Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology Consisting of a Vibrating Linear Resonant Actuator.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a new device for fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) consisting of a vibrating linear resonant actuator (LRA).

Study Design: Prospective clinical study.

Methods: The LRA frequency was optimized by visualization of the needle motion using a high-speed camera.

Successful treatment of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis and eosinophilic otitis media using the anti-IL-5 receptor monoclonal antibody benralizumab: A case report.

Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) is characterized by the presence of nasal polyps, dominant ethmoid shadows in computed tomography (CT) scans, and elevated levels of eosinophil infiltration into the nasal polyps and peripheral blood. ECRS is often accompanied by severe asthma. The recent development of monoclonal antibody-based biologics, including benralizumab, has offered new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of asthma and allergic diseases.

Real-World Outcomes and Prognostic Factors in Patients Receiving Nivolumab Therapy for Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Carcinoma.

Recently, a global phase III study demonstrated that nivolumab markedly improved patient outcomes in recurrent or metastatic head and neck carcinoma (RMHNC). However, the efficacy of nivolumab in patients who are ineligible for clinical trials is unknown. We investigated nivolumab efficacy in real-world patients and prognostic factors associated with the response to nivolumab.

Real-Time Acoustic Voice Analysis Using a Handheld Device Running Android Operating System.

Objectives: We developed a highly accessible acoustic voice analysis system (VArt) using a handheld device running Android operating system. To provide stable and reliable analysis using readily obtainable equipment under unfavorable conditions, we modified the fundamental frequency (F0) extraction algorithm and designed an intuitive user interface representing a new hoarseness index (real-time Ra: Rart), which is a derivative of harmonics-to-noise ratio developed by Kojima and Shoji (Ra2). Since Rart continues to display analysis results in real time, unlike conventional acoustic analysis, it can be used for evaluation such as during phonosurgery and speech therapy.

Adrenal insufficiency following nivolumab therapy in patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer.

Nivolumab, an anti-programmed cell death-1 monoclonal antibody, is currently used to treat many types of advanced cancers including recurrent and metastatic head and neck cancer. However, there are increasing reports concerning immune-related adverse events related to nivolumab therapy. Here, we report three patients who presented with adrenal insufficiency following nivolumab therapy.

Individualized kV selection and tube current reduction in excretory phase computed tomography urography: potential for radiation dose reduction and the contribution of iterative reconstruction to image quality.

Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze radiation dose reduction and image quality by combining automated kV selection, tube current reduction, and iterative reconstruction.

Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of the excretory phase of 55 patients with 2 computed tomography urography examinations: automated kV selection with tube current reduction ("low-dose protocol": with filtered back projection vs iterative reconstruction) and routine dose examinations. Image quality was analyzed blindly and in side-by-side analyses, in addition to quantitative measurements.