Evaluating the accuracy of a self-administered smartphone hearing test application in a geriatric population.

Background: As the global population ages, hearing loss becomes increasingly prevalent, and is associated with neurocognitive and psychiatric comorbidities, impacting quality of life. Early screening and timely intervention might prevent or delay cognitive decline, a gap in care that can potentially be addressed by self-administered smartphone hearing tests.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of Mimi™ (Berlin, Germany), a commercially available self-administered smartphone hearing test compared to pure tone audiogram (PTA) in terms of both hearing levels and hearing thresholds in our local geriatric population > 65 years-old.

Association Between Hearing Loss and Cardiovascular Disease: A Meta-analysis.

Objective: Hearing loss (HL) has been postulated to be linked to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) via vascular mechanisms, but epidemiological associations remain unclear. The study aims to clarify the association between HL and stroke, coronary artery disease (CAD), and any CVD.

Data Sources: PubMed, Embase, and SCOPUS from inception until April 27, 2022.

Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial Cervicofacial Lymphadenitis in Children-10-Year Experience in a Tertiary Pediatric Center.

Background: Lymphadenitis is the most common manifestation of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection in children. We describe the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of NTM lymphadenitis, determine diagnostic yield from tissue sampling, and review management and outcomes.

Methods: This was a 10-year retrospective review of children aged 0-16 years diagnosed with NTM cervicofacial lymphadenitis who were seen in a pediatric infectious disease clinic in a tertiary public hospital.

Deconstructive versus reconstructive approach to internal carotid artery blowout in radiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A tertiary center experience and systematic review.

The objective of this study was to compare the outcomes of parent artery occlusion (PAO) versus stent-assisted reconstruction in radiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) blowouts. A retrospective review from our institution (2011-2021) and systematic review of Pubmed and Embase (1995-2022) was performed. Twenty-eight eligible studies were identified.

Pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 Infection of Nasal Respiratory and Olfactory Epithelia and Its Clinical Impact.

Purpose Of Review: While the predominant cause for morbidity and mortality with SARS-CoV-2 infection is the lower respiratory tract manifestations of the disease, the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the sinonasal tract have also come to the forefront especially with the increased recognition of olfactory symptom. This review presents a comprehensive summary of the mechanisms of action of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, sinonasal pathophysiology of COVID-19, and the correlation with the clinical and epidemiological impact on olfactory dysfunction.

Recent Findings: ACE2 and TMPRSS2 receptors are key players in the mechanism of infection of SARS-CoV-2.

Association of Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants With Cognitive Decline and Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Importance: Hearing loss is associated with cognitive decline. However, it is unclear if hearing restorative devices may have a beneficial effect on cognition.

Objective: To evaluate the associations of hearing aids and cochlear implants with cognitive decline and dementia.

Associations of Hearing Loss and Dual Sensory Loss With Mortality: A Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Meta-regression of 26 Observational Studies With 1 213 756 Participants.

Importance: Hearing loss (HL) and dual sensory loss (DSL) are prevalent, disabling, and associated with numerous age-related health conditions, including dementia and frailty. To date, no evidence-based summary of their mortality risk is available.

Objective: To clarify the epidemiological associations between HL/DSL and mortality.

Diabetes is a risk factor for hearing loss in older adults: Results of a community screening programme.

Objectives: To investigate the association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and the prevalence and severity of hearing loss in a population of community-dwelling older adults in Singapore.

Materials And Methods: This is a retrospective, cross-sectional study of 1787 adults aged 60-100 who had undergone a comprehensive audiological assessment in a community-based audiology clinic. Data extracted included their age, hearing profile, medical history, and comorbidities collected through verbal interview at the point of audiologic assessment.

Clinical predictors of internal carotid artery blowout in patients with radiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Background: The primary objective is to identify clinical predictors of internal carotid artery (ICA) blowout in radiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods: Seventeen ICA blowouts, 14 external carotid artery (ECA) bleeds, and 60 controls were identified from January 1, 2007 to July 31, 2020. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to identify features predictive of ICA blowouts.

Clinical-Pathological Correlation of the Pathophysiology and Mechanism of Action of COVID-19 - a Primer for Clinicians.

Purpose Of Review: Increasing knowledge of the pathogenesis of the SARS-CoV-2 infection and the complex interaction between host and viral factors have allowed clinicians to stratify the severity of COVID-19 infection. Epidemiological data has also helped to model viral carriage and infectivity. This review presents a comprehensive summary of the pathophysiology of COVID-19, the mechanisms of action of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and the correlation with the clinical and biochemical characteristics of the disease.

Design and Multicenter Clinical Validation of a 3-Dimensionally Printed Nasopharyngeal Swab for SARS-CoV-2 Testing.

Importance: Three-dimensionally printed nasopharyngeal swabs (3DP swabs) have been used to mitigate swab shortages during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Clinical validation for diagnostic accuracy and consistency, as well as patient acceptability, is crucial to evaluate the swab's performance.

Objective: To determine the accuracy and acceptability of the 3DP swab for identifying severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Clinical Diagnostic Study of a Novel Injection Molded Swab for SARS-Cov-2 Testing.

Introduction: The gold standard for COVID-19 diagnosis is currently a real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect SARS-CoV-2. This is most commonly performed on respiratory secretions obtained via a nasopharyngeal swab. Due to supply chain limitations and high demand worldwide because of the COVID-19 pandemic, access to commercial nasopharyngeal swabs has not been assured.

Epithelioid Sarcoma of the External Auditory Canal: An Uncommon Tumor at an Unusual Site and a Brief Overview of the Literature.

We present a case (41 years old pregnant female) with epithelioid sarcoma arising in the left external auditory canal. On immunohistochemistry, the tumor cell diffusely expressed cytokeratins and showed patchy expression of ERG and CD34. The neoplastic cells demonstrated uniform loss of INI1-expression.

Tracheostomy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Comparison of International Perioperative Care Protocols and Practices in 26 Countries.

Objective: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a global surge in critically ill patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation, some of whom may benefit from tracheostomy. Decisions on if, when, and how to perform tracheostomy in patients with COVID-19 have major implications for patients, clinicians, and hospitals. We investigated the tracheostomy protocols and practices that institutions around the world have put into place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Using 3D-printed nose models in nasopharyngeal swab training.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has swept across the globe with massive effects on health care systems as well as global economies. Enhanced testing has been put forward as a means to reduce transmission while awaiting the development of targeted therapy or effective vaccination. However, achieving accurate testing necessitates proper nasopharyngeal swab techniques.

Integration of Antiangiogenic Therapy with Cisplatin and Gemcitabine Chemotherapy in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.

Purpose: Induction cisplatin and gemcitabine chemotherapy is a standard treatment for locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Inhibition of VEGF axis has been shown to promote maturation of microvasculature and improve perfusion. We conducted a four-arm study to assess the effect of two doses of either sunitinib or bevacizumab with chemotherapy in NPC.

Sustaining Otolaryngology Services for the Long Haul during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experience from a Tertiary Health System.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been far-reaching and has profoundly affected the practice of otolaryngology in an unprecedented way. In this commentary, we draw from our experience in the first 90 days of the pandemic and discuss a set of workflow measures, personal protection equipment protocols, and strategic goals that can provide a safe environment for patients and staff to continue managing a significant proportion of patients in the otolaryngology service during the pandemic.

Efficacy of Sialendoscopy in the Management of Noncalculi-Related Sialadenitis.

Purpose: Sialendoscopy has effectively changed the paradigm for the treatment of sialolithiasis. Its effect on noncalculi-related recurrent sialadenitis is, however, unclear, especially regarding the long-term outcomes. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the long-term efficacy of sialendoscopy for noncalculi-related recurrent sialadenitis and determine the clinical and intraoperative features that might be prognosticate outcomes.

A Case Report of Absent Epiglottis in Children With Nager Syndrome: Its Impact on Swallowing.

Objective: This clinical report is the first literature report exploring the issues of an absent epiglottis in children diagnosed with Nager syndrome. Absent epiglottis has previously been described in children with Pierre Robin sequence and other syndromes.

Conclusion: The function of the epiglottis and its contribution to swallowing has always been debated.

Malignant otitis externa: an Asian perspective on treatment outcomes and prognostic factors.

Objective: Malignant otitis externa (MOE) is a severe disease with varying outcomes. Despite advances in antibiotic treatment, a significant proportion still succumbs to this disease. We aimed to analyze the effect of clinical factors on prognosis and to review treatment outcomes in our institution.

Efficacy of computed tomographic scans in the evaluation of patients with esophageal foreign bodies.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine whether computed tomographic (CT) scans on which foreign body impaction cannot be detected can be relied upon to decide whether a patient requires further investigation by esophagoscopy. This information might minimize unnecessary esophagoscopy without incurring the risk of a missed impacted foreign body.

Methods: In a retrospective chart review of all patients admitted to National University Hospital, Singapore, over the period 2004 to 2011 for an ingested foreign body, case files of patients who underwent preoperative CT scanning followed by esophagoscopy were identified and reviewed.

The use of nasal epithelial stem/progenitor cells to produce functioning ciliated cells in vitro.

Background: Although epithelial stem/progenitor cells have been isolated from many parts of the human airway epithelium such as lung and trachea, there is limited information in regard to stem cells in nasal epithelium. The aim of this study was to determine if (1) human nasal epithelial stem/progenitor cells (hNESPCs) can be isolated and propagated in vitro and (2) allogeneic adult primary human fibroblasts can serve as a feeder layer for hNESPCs expansion under serum-free conditions.

Methods: Primary cells taken from inferior turbinate biopsy specimens (n = 3) were enzymically dissociated and plated on either allogeneic human fibroblasts or murine NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, in a chemical-defined medium supplemented with growth factors.