Surgical interventions in velopharyngeal dysfunction: comparative perceptual speech and nasometric outcomes for three techniques.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate speech outcomes following surgical intervention for velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD). Perceptual speech outcome data were subsequently analyzed in conjunction with patient factors such as congenital abnormalities, presence of cleft lip and/or palate, and age of repair. We hope to aid in the eventual creation of treatment algorithms for VPD, allowing practitioners to tailor surgical technique selection to patient factors.

Improving Nasopharyngeal Swab Technique via Simulation for Frontline Workers.

Objectives/hypothesis: Nasopharyngeal swabs currently remain the gold standard for COVID-19 sample collection. A surge in testing volume has resulted in a large number of health care workers who are unfamiliar with nasal anatomy performing this test, which can lead to improper collection practices culminating in false-negative results and complications. Therefore, we aimed to assess the accuracy and educational potential of a realistic 3D-printed nasal swab simulator to expedite health care workers' skill acquisition.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.

Purpose of Chapter: This chapter discusses the recent progress made in understanding the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Recent Findings: Recent evidence supports the canalolithiasis model as the pathophysiological mechanism and predominant subtype of BPPV. Scanning electron micrographs of extracted posterior semicircular canal contents show free-floating otoconia of utricular origin.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Objectives: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common peripheral vestibular end-organ disease. This article aims to summarize research findings and key discoveries of BPPV. The pathophysiology, diagnosis, nonsurgical, and surgical management are discussed.

Intratympanic Dexamethasone in the Treatment of Ménière's Disease: A Comparison of Two Techniques.

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of two different intratympanic dexamethasone (IT Dex) injection protocols for intractable unilateral Ménière's disease.

Study Design: Prospective case series.

Setting: Tertiary neurotology clinic.

Improvement evident but still necessary in clinical practice guideline quality: a systematic review.

Objective: To review the quality of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) from a wide range of health care topics and report any changes seen since 1992.

Study Design And Setting: A literature search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science Core Collection, and BIOSIS was conducted in London, Ontario, Canada. Publications were screened to identify those assessing the quality of CPGs using the Appraisal of Guidelines, Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument.