Computational analysis of swallowing mechanics after surgery for obstructive sleep apnea.

Multilevel upper airway surgery for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been shown to cause clinically significant dysphagia in some patients. We describe the cases of 2 adults with OSA who developed persistent dysphagia after multilevel upper airway surgery. Patient-specific computational analysis of swallowing mechanics (CASM) revealed absent pharyngeal shortening and aberrant tongue base retraction in both patients.

Effect of Chromoendoscopy Filters on Visualization of KTP Laser-Associated Tissue Changes: A Cadaveric Animal Model.

Standard KTP laser (potassium titanyl phosphate) wavelength-specific protective eyewear often impairs visualization of tissue changes during laser treatment. This sometimes necessitates eyewear removal to evaluate tissue effects, which wastes time and poses safety concerns. The objective was to determine if "virtual" or "electronic" chromoendoscopy filters, as found on some endoscopy platforms, could alleviate the restricted visualization inherent to protective eyewear.

Prospective multi-institutional transnasal esophagoscopy: Predictors of a change in management.

Objectives/hypothesis: To evaluate clinical indications and endoscopic findings for patients undergoing transnasal esophagoscopy (TNE).

Study Design: Prospective, multi-institutional, observational cohort study at four tertiary centers.

Methods: Demographics, reflux finding score, reflux symptom index, Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) scores, clinical indications, and endoscopic findings were compared among patients whose TNE findings resulted in a changes in management (FCIM), defined as a referral, new medication, or surgery recommendation.

Tracheal size variability is associated with sex: implications for endotracheal tube selection.

Purpose: Whereas selection of endotracheal tube (ETT) size in pediatric patients benefits from predictive nomograms, adult ETT sizing is relatively arbitrary. We sought to determine associations between cervical tracheal cross-sectional area (CTCSA) and clinical variables.

Methods: One hundred thirty-two consecutive patients undergoing noncontrasted chest computed tomography (CT) at a single tertiary care institution from January 2010 to June 2011 were reviewed.

Endothelial cell biology: role in the inflammatory response.

Human endothelial cells are multifunctional cells that line blood vessels and are capable of secreting a variety of biologically active mediators. They normally maintain vascular hemostasis and prevent thrombotic complications. When affected by infection, stress, hypertension, dyslipidemia, or high homocysteine levels, endothelial cells undergo changes resulting in "dysfunction," characterized typically by decreased endothelial expression of nitric oxide, enhanced expression of cell adhesion molecules, and associated increased binding of circulating leukocytes to these cells.

Regulation and dysregulation of immunoglobulin E: a molecular and clinical perspective.

Background: Altered levels of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) represent a dysregulation of IgE synthesis and may be seen in a variety of immunological disorders. The object of this review is to summarize the historical and molecular aspects of IgE synthesis and the disorders associated with dysregulation of IgE production.

Methods: Articles published in Medline/PubMed were searched with the keyword Immunoglobulin E and specific terms such as class switch recombination, deficiency and/or specific disease conditions (atopy, neoplasia, renal disease, myeloma, etc.