Residential fungal β-(1,3)-D-glucan exposure is associated with decreased pulmonary function in fibrotic pulmonary sarcoidosis.

Background: Sarcoidosis is a multi-system disease frequently affecting the lungs. It is thought to be mediated by gene-environment interaction; for example, epidemiological data show organic aerosol exposure increases risk of pulmonary sarcoidosis.

Research Question: Does exposure to bioaerosol associate with worse lung disease in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis?

Research Question: Using an observational, cohort study design, we measured residential exposure to fungal and bacterial cell wall material, β-(1,3)-D-glucan (BDG) and endotoxin, respectively, in healthy control subjects and those with pulmonary sarcoidosis.

Assessment of Sex-Specific Associations between Athletic Identity and Nutrition Habits in Competitive Youth Athletes.

Given the psychological aspects of sports nutrition, understanding one's athletic identity (AI) may improve targeted nutrition education. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine nutrition habits and AI among uninjured youth athletes. Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS) and custom Sports Nutrition Assessment for Consultation (SNAC) scores collected prospectively at local sporting events were retrospectively assessed via Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, logistic regression, and ANCOVA tests (95% CI).

Exposure to structurally unique β-d-glucans differentially affects inflammatory responses in male mouse lungs.

Pro-inflammatory fungal β-d-glucan (BDG) polysaccharides cause respiratory pathology. However, specific immunological effects of unique BDG structures on pulmonary inflammation are understudied. We characterized the effect of four unique fungal BDGs with unique branching patterns, solubility, and molecular weights in murine airways.

Identifying links between athletic identity and risk factors related to youth sport participation.

Introduction: The development of identity formation occurs during adolescence through experiences, ideals and principle. With greater accessibility to sports, recent trends have shown increased rates of sports specialization over the past decade in youth athletes. Athletic identity measures the strength an individual is tied to the athlete role and can be formed in conjunction to adolescent identity formation.

Diagnostic criteria and core outcome set development for necrotising otitis externa: the COSNOE Delphi consensus study.

Objective: Evidence for necrotising otitis externa (NOE) diagnosis and management is limited, and outcome reporting is heterogeneous. International best practice guidelines were used to develop consensus diagnostic criteria and a core outcome set (COS).

Methods: The study was pre-registered on the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) database.

Ultrasonography-guided drainage versus surgical drainage for deep neck space abscesses: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To compare ultrasonography-guided drainage versus conventional surgical incision and drainage in deep neck space abscesses.

Methods: The study was pre-registered on the National Institute of Health Research Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42023466809) and adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The Medline, Embase and Central databases were searched.

Improved Recovery after Vestibular Schwannoma Excision with Intratympanic Gentamicin Prehabilitation.

Objective: Translabyrinthine excision of a vestibular schwannoma is associated with acute vestibular failure. Preoperative intratympanic gentamicin (ITG) injections can improve objective balance function after surgery but its clinical benefits remain to be established.

Methods: Adult patients undergoing translabyrinthine removal of a vestibular schwannoma between January 2014 and February 2018 underwent preoperative vestibular function testing.

Increased ENaC-mediated liquid absorption across vitamin-D deficient human airway epithelia.

Vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for exacerbation of obstructive airway disease, a hallmark of which is mucus dehydration and plugging. Calcitriol (the active form of vitamin D) deficiency in cultured human airway epithelia resulted in increased and mRNAs encoding subunits of ENaC and the Na-K pump compared with supplemented epithelia. These drive the absorption of airway surface liquid.

A systematic review of antimicrobial treatment regimens and their outcomes in necrotising otitis externa.

Background: Necrotising otitis externa is a serious infection with minimal evidence underpinning its management. This review aims to synthesise published evidence of antimicrobial therapies and their outcomes in necrotising otitis externa.

Methods: The review was PROSPERO registered (CRD42022353244) and conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses ('PRISMA') guidelines.

Blinded comparison of computed tomography, ultrasound and needle methods to measure skin flap thickness for cochlear implantation.

Purpose: Patient suitability for cochlear implant (CI) devices compatible with magnetic resonance imaging and CI processor configuration is dependent on their retro-auricular skin flap thickness. This is typically measured intra-operatively using a needle and therefore patients are not guaranteed their implant of choice prior to surgery. We aimed to identify an accurate method to measure skin flap thickness pre-operatively to streamline CI selection and simplify the consent process.

Cochlear Implantation in Sporadic Vestibular Schwannoma and Neurofibromatosis Type II.

Cochlear implantation offers significantly better hearing outcomes than auditory brainstem implantation in patients with vestibular schwannoma. Neither the primary treatment modality nor the cause of the tumor (neurofibromatosis type 2 related or sporadic) seems to have a significant effect on hearing outcome with cochlear implantation. Some uncertainty remains regarding long-term hearing outcomes; however, cochlear implantation in vestibular schwannoma serves to offer patients, with a functioning cochlear nerve, the probability of open set speech discrimination with a consequent positive impact on quality of life.

The experience of auditory implant recipients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging: Factors associated with pain.

Objective: Many patients with cochlear implants (CI) and auditory brainstem implants (ABI) require magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) following implantation. This study explores the patient experience of MRI, identifying factors associated with pain, and the effect of interventions designed to enhance comfort and safety.

Methods: A prospective observational case series from a tertiary referral unit.

UK consensus definitions for necrotising otitis externa: a Delphi study.

Objective: To establish consensus definitions for necrotising otitis externa (NOE) to facilitate the diagnosis and exclusion of NOE in clinical practice and expedite future high-quality study of this neglected condition.

Design: The work comprised of a systematic review of the literature, five iterative rounds of consultation via a Delphi process and open discussion within the collaborative. An expert panel analysed the results to produce the final outputs which were shared with and endorsed by national specialty bodies.

Blood tests as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss in adults: a systematic review.

Objective: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is considered idiopathic in up to 90 per cent of cases. This study explored the role of blood tests as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

Method: Two researchers filtered 34 papers into the final review.

Imaging-based assessment of lung function in a population cooking indoors with biomass fuel: a pilot study.

Biomass fuels (wood) are commonly used indoors in underventilated environments for cooking in the developing world, but the impact on lung physiology is poorly understood. Quantitative computed tomography (qCT) can provide sensitive metrics to compare the lungs of women cooking with wood vs. liquified petroleum gas (LPG).

Common challenges in cochlear implant surgery performed under local anaesthesia and how to overcome them: the experience of UK surgeons.

Background: Cochlear implantation performed under local anaesthesia is an increasingly accepted technique worldwide, though the literature to date includes only single-surgeon and single-centre experiences. This study explored the national experience of UK surgeons using this challenging surgical technique, with the goal of providing consensus recommendations.

Methods: A qualitative analysis was conducted of semi-structured interviews with 10 UK-based cochlear implantation surgeons, focusing on common challenges, how to overcome them and candidate selection.

Immunosuppression, infection, and epidermal compromise: an aetiological triad for necrotising otitis externa that highlights potential modifiable risk factors.

Objective: A key clinical feature of necrotising otitis externa is granulation tissue arising from the ear canal, representing epidermal compromise. The aim of this work was to explore the role of epidermal compromise in the aetiology of necrotising otitis externa.

Method: A structured risk factor history was taken from 54 patients diagnosed with necrotising otitis externa between 2017 and 2022.

Simple Soft Tissue Biceps Tenodesis.

This article describes a simple all soft tissue technique for arthroscopic long head of the biceps tenodesis to the subscapularis tendon using posterior and anterior portals. The technique uses a PDS suture that assists in passing a braided suture through both the biceps tendon and the subscapularis to allow for the desired tenodesis. This technique is simple, safe, efficient, and less costly than other techniques.

Chronic Ischial Avulsion Fracture Excision With Primary Proximal Hamstring Repair: A Technique.

Ischial avulsion fractures classically occur in the pediatric population and are relatively uncommon. These injuries are treated conservatively; however, in cases where there is greater than 2 cm of displacement, surgical intervention is recommended. In some cases, displaced fractures are either misdiagnosed or proper treatment is neglected, and patients who transition into adulthood are left with chronic nonunions that can become a source of pain and disability.

Auditory symptoms and autistic spectrum disorder: A scoping review and recommendations for future research.

Introduction: Auditory symptoms in individuals with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are well described within the neurodevelopmental literature, yet there is minimal mention of ASD in Otolaryngology literature. This is surprising considering the potential clinical and diagnostic implications of this link, and the potential for ASD to present to Otolaryngologists in the form of unexplained auditory symptoms. The aims of this literature review were to explore the intersection of auditory symptoms and ASD from the perspective of clinical Otolaryngology, and to outline a clinically focused research agenda based on emerging themes relevant to Otolaryngology.

The interface of paediatric ENT and autism spectrum disorder: a complex conundrum for otolaryngologists.

Objective: Autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition encompassing complex physical and neurological symptoms, including complex sensory symptoms. This review explores the interface between autism spectrum disorder and paediatric ENT.

Methods: Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses ('PRISMA') guideline, a robust literature search and review was conducted by two researchers.