A Summed Score From Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test Parameters Predicts 1-Year Mortality in Newly Diagnosed Interstitial Lung Disease.

Background: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is a unique diagnostic tool that assesses the functional capacity of the heart, lungs, and peripheral oxidative system in an integrated manner. However, the clinical utility of CPET for evaluating interstitial lung disease (ILD) remains uncertain. The objective of this study was to determine the predictive value of CPET for mortality in subjects with ILD.

A composite score based on cardiovascular parameters can predict the mortality risk of patients with newly diagnosed interstitial lung disease: A prospective observational study.

Background: It is crucial to identify factors that can predict the risk of mortality in patients newly diagnosed with interstitial lung disease (ILD). This study sought to develop and assess a composite scoring system for mortality prediction among ILD patients based on cardiovascular parameters, which were previously reported as predictors of survival.

Methods: We prospectively enrolled patients with newly diagnosed ILD and monitored their survival status for 24 months.

Long-term voice outcomes of medialization thyroplasty with adjustable implant for unilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Objectives: Medialization thyroplasty (MT) using various implants has been employed as a corrective procedure for unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP). A newly developed APrevent vocal implant system (VOIS) offers an innovative solution with a finely adjustable design. This study aimed to investigate the long-term functional voice outcomes and benefits of postoperative adjustments in patients receiving MT using the VOIS-implant.

Bi-Weekly Voice Therapy Versus Weekly Voice Therapy for Muscle Tension Dysphonia.

Objectives: To compare the outcomes of bi-weekly voice therapy (BWVT) with weekly voice therapy on perception, acoustics, and quality of life for individuals with muscle tension dysphonia (MTD).

Methods: Thirty participants with MTD were enrolled either BWVT (40 min/session, two sessions per week for 4 weeks) or weekly voice therapy (40 min/session, once a week for 8 weeks). Auditory perceptual ratings, acoustic parameters, and the Mandarin version of the voice-related quality of life questionnaire (MV-RQOL) scores were statistically analyzed before and after treatment.

Synergistic Effect of Thermoresponsive and Photocuring Methacrylated Chitosan-Based Hybrid Hydrogels for Medical Applications.

The thermoresponsive drug-loaded hydrogels have attracted widespread interest in the field of medical applications due to their ease of delivery to structurally complex tissue defects. However, drug-resistant infections remain a challenge, which has prompted the development of new non-antibiotic hydrogels. To this end, we prepared chitosan-methacrylate (CTSMA)/gelatin (GEL) thermoresponsive hydrogels and added natural phenolic compounds, including tannic acid, gallic acid, and pyrogallol, to improve the efficacy of hydrogels.

Voice Outcomes of Straw Phonation Exercises for Telephone Customer Service Staff.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a straw phonation exercise program in preventing voice problems in telephone customer service staff.

Study Design: Prospective study.

Methods: Twenty-eight participants with no obvious voice problems were placed into two groups: the experimental (n = 13) and control (n = 15) groups.