Functional assessment of the ex vivo vocal folds through biomechanical testing: A review.

The human vocal folds are complex structures made up of distinct layers that vary in cellular and extracellular composition. The mechanical properties of vocal fold tissue are fundamental to the study of both the acoustics and biomechanics of voice production. To date, quantitative methods have been applied to characterize the vocal fold tissue in both normal and pathologic conditions.

Preliminary investigation of a novel technique for the quantification of the ex vivo biomechanical properties of the vocal folds.

The human vocal fold is a complex structure made up of distinct layers that vary in cellular and extracellular matrix composition. Elucidating the mechanical properties of vocal fold tissues is critical for the study of both acoustics and biomechanics of voice production, and essential in the context of vocal fold injury and repair. Both quasistatic and dynamic behavior in the 10-300 Hz range was explored in this preliminary investigation.

Hoarseness and laryngopharyngeal reflux: a survey of primary care physician practice patterns.

Importance: Current approaches to the diagnosis and subsequent management of specific voice disorders vary widely among primary care physicians (PCPs). In addition, sparse literature describes current primary care practice patterns concerning empirical treatment for vocal disorders.

Objective: To examine how PCPs manage patients with dysphonia, especially with regard to laryngopharyngeal reflux.

Patient-based outcomes of in-office KTP ablation of vocal fold polyps.

Objectives/hypothesis: Recent data have suggested that in-office potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser treatment for benign vocal fold lesions yields significant reduction in lesion size with favorable effects on both mucosal wave and glottic closure. However, these previous studies omitted voice-related outcomes. We sought to compliment these previous data with voice-related outcomes in a cohort of patients undergoing KTP ablation of vocal fold polyps.

Olfactory cleft inflammation is present in seasonal allergic rhinitis and is reduced with intranasal steroids.

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is commonly associated with olfactory loss, although the mechanism is not well studied. This study was designed to determine the effect of mometasone furoate (MF) on olfactory loss in seasonal AR (SAR) and study its effect on inflammation in the olfactory region.

Methods: We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel clinical trial in 17 patients with SAR who had symptoms of impaired olfaction.

Rhinitis in the geriatric population.

The current geriatric population in the United States accounts for approximately 12% of the total population and is projected to reach nearly 20% (71.5 million people) by 20301. With this expansion of the number of older adults, physicians will face the common complaint of rhinitis with increasing frequency.