Phenotypic characterization and distribution of dendritic cells in parotid gland tumors.

Evidence on the relationship between the infiltration of dendritic cells (DCs) and prognosis in head and neck tumors exists. Interestingly, only limited information is available regarding the maturation state and distribution of DCs in parotid gland tumors. The purpose of our study was therefore to extend these observations and to investigate in more detail the density and distribution of mature DCs and Langerhans cells (LCs) in parotid gland tumors.

Acute otitis externa: efficacy and tolerability of N-chlorotaurine, a novel endogenous antiseptic agent.

Objective: The study's objective was to test the tolerability and efficacy of the endogenous antiseptic N-chlorotaurine (NCT) in comparison with a standard clinical treatment according to a phase IIb clinical trial protocol.

Study Design: The antimicrobial agent NCT was compared with the antibiotic component drops Otosporin (containing neomycin, polymyxin B, and hydrocortisone) for topical treatment of acute otitis externa in a randomized and rater-blinded clinical study.

Methods: Fifty patients suffering from acute otitis externa were divided into two groups according to a randomized list.