Definition of a coordinate system for multi-modal images of the temporal bone and inner ear.

Purpose: The position and orientation of the head is maintained to be relatively similar during the CT / MR imaging process. However, the position / orientation dissimilarities present in the resulting images between patients, or between different scans of the same patient, do not allow for direct comparison of the images themselves or features / metrics extracted from them. This paper introduces a method of defining a coordinate system which is consistent between patients and modalities (CT and MR) for images of the temporal bone, using easily identifiable landmarks within the semicircular canals.

Comment on Chatwin et al. Waves of Precision: A Practical Guide for Reviewing New Tools to Evaluate Mechanical In-Exsufflation Efficacy in Neuromuscular Disorders. 2024, , 2643.

We read with interest the paper published by Chatwin et al [...

Clinical Characteristics and Impact of Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction in the UK National Registry.

Background: Inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO) describes inappropriate laryngeal closure during respiration, with airflow obstruction occurring at the glottic and/or supraglottic level, leading to breathlessness.

Objective: There is a paucity of data describing the demographics and impact of ILO. We aimed to report the clinical and demographic features of ILO in individuals entered prospectively in the UK national ILO registry.

UK consensus statement on the diagnosis of inducible laryngeal obstruction in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, laryngoscopy was the mandatory gold standard for the accurate assessment and diagnosis of inducible laryngeal obstruction. However, upper airway endoscopy is considered an aerosol-generating procedure in professional guidelines, meaning routine procedures are highly challenging and the availability of laryngoscopy is reduced. In response, we have convened a multidisciplinary panel with broad experience in managing this disease and agreed a recommended strategy for presumptive diagnosis in patients who cannot have laryngoscopy performed due to pandemic restrictions.

Triggers of breathlessness in inducible laryngeal obstruction and asthma.

Background: Inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO) is often misdiagnosed as, or may coexist with, asthma. Identifying differences in triggering factors may assist clinicians to differentiate between the two conditions and could give mechanistic insights.

Objective: To identify and compare patient-reported triggers in ILO and asthma.

Speech and language therapy for management of chronic cough.

Background: Cough both protects and clears the airway. Cough has three phases: breathing in (inspiration), closure of the glottis, and a forced expiratory effort. Chronic cough has a negative, far-reaching impact on quality of life.

Heliox for inducible laryngeal obstruction (vocal cord dysfunction): A systematic literature review.

Objectives: To perform a systematic literature review on the use of Heliox with patients with inducible laryngeal obstruction/vocal cord dysfunction to: i) identify current evidence base; and ii) establish the methodological quality of published research.

Methods: Articles published up to March 2018 were searched for key words and terms using Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE and Dynamed. Studies were included if they presented original research into the use of Heliox for vocal cord dysfunction.

Is the 8th edition of the Union for International Cancer Control staging of oral cancer good enough?

Depth of invasion is an important predictor of survival. A study by the International Consortium (ICOR) for Outcome Research proposed incorporation of it (together with the greatest surface dimension, or the anatomical criteria, or both) into the T stage. This has been adopted in part by the 8th edition of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) TNM 8 classification of malignant tumours for oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

High glucose promotes the migration of retinal pigment epithelial cells through increased oxidative stress and PEDF expression.

Defects in the outer blood-retinal barrier have significant impact on the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy and macular edema. However, the detailed mechanisms involved remain largely unknown. This is, in part, attributed to the lack of suitable animal and cell culture models, including those of mouse origin.

Adaptive coded-aperture imaging with subpixel superresolution.

We describe an adaptive coded-aperture imager operating in the midwave IR. This consists of a coded-aperture mask, a set of optics, and a 4k×4k focal plane array (FPA). This system can produce images with a resolution better than the detector pixel limit by combining multiple frames of data recorded with different coding.

Electrically controllable multiple, active, computer-generated hologram.

The multiple, active, computer-generated hologram (MACH) is a novel device combining the attributes of electrically controllable diffraction gratings and computer-generated holograms. The version discussed here consists of a surface relief transmitting structure immersed in a nematic liquid crystal and sandwiched between two, planar indium tin oxide electrodes. Under control of a single applied voltage, the device can selectively generate any one of a number of desired, uncorrelated optical wave fronts.

Photodoped chalcogenides as potential infrared holographic media.

The extension of holographic techniques from the visible to the infrared is important. Potentially, holographic diffractive elements have a large range of uses in this wave band. Examples include mirrors, lenses, filters, and beam combiners.