Clinical Efficacy and Outcomes of Electro-Pneumatic Intracorporeal Lithotripsy in the Management of Sialolithiasis.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy of electro-pneumatic intracorporeal lithotripsy for the treatment of salivary gland stones.

Study Design: A prospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with obstructive salivary gland syndrome, where basket-assisted sialendoscopy alone failed to remove the calculi.

Setting: This study was conducted at the "Queen Maria" Military Hospital in Brașov, Romania, and a private practice, between February 2023 and May 2024.

Indications for an antidepressive effect of thymosin alpha-1 in a small open-label proof of concept study in common variable immune deficiency patients with depression.

Background: A considerable proportion (21%) of patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) suffers from depression. These subjects are characterized by reduced naïve T cells and a premature T cell senescence similar to that of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). It is known that T cells are essential for limbic system development/function.

Microbiological Spectrum and Antibiotics Sensitivity Pattern of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) Patients: A prospective study from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Peshawar.

Background & Objective: Chronic suppurative otitis media is a fatal condition owing to its propensity for intracranial extension. The inadvertent use of antibiotics has led to resistance among causative organisms. The objectives of this study were to determine causative bacteria, their antibiotic resistance and susceptibility patterns, and their response to antibiotics after a one-month follow-up.

The association between level IV/V metastasis and the recurrence, distant metastasis, and survival outcomes in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: The presence of level IV/V metastasis is a significant prognostic factor for patients with oral and oropharyngeal cancer, while level IV lymphadenopathy defines the N3 stage in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. However, the current staging system for hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC) does not consider the location of involved nodes.

Objectives: To evaluate the risk factors and prognostic impact of level IV/V metastasis in patients with HPSCC.

Empowering Communication in Medicine: A Workshop Approach to Improve Presentation Skills for Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialists.

Introduction Effective communication is crucial for healthcare professionals, impacting patient care and interdisciplinary collaboration. However, medical education often lacks structured training in communication and presentation techniques. Herein, we evaluate the efficacy of structured workshops aimed at enhancing presentation skills among ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctors through training in visual material design and concise verbal communication, including elevator pitches.

TAS2R38 genotype and CRS severity in children with cystic fibrosis.

Background: Cystic fibrosis is a heterogeneous disease whose severity and symptoms largely depend on the functional impact of mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene. Other genes may also modulate the clinical manifestations and complications associated with cystic fibrosis. Genetic variants of the bitter taste receptor TAS2R38 have been shown to contribute to the susceptibility and severity of chronic rhinosinusitis.

A Case of Kimura Disease in the Left Postauricular and Neck Region.

This case involved a 21-year-old male patient who was admitted due to having a lump behind the left ear that had been present for 2 years and had gradually increased in size for over a year. This was accompanied by palpable hard masses on the same side of the neck. Laboratory tests indicated an elevated eosinophil count, and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the "string-of-beads" sign in the left cervical lymph nodes.

NUT Carcinoma of the Ethmoid Sinus: A Rare Case Report Highlighting Aggressive Behavior and Management Challenges.

NUT carcinoma is a rare, aggressive malignancy characterized by chromosomal rearrangements involving the NUTM1 gene. We present the case of a 47-year-old male with a history of hypertension, diagnosed with NUT carcinoma originating in the ethmoid sinus and accompanied by extensive neck metastases. The patient underwent a left modified radical neck dissection and endoscopic nasal tumor excision, followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

Giant Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Retropharyngeal Space: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is an uncommon spindle cell neoplasm, which generally arises from the pleura. There have been documented a number of extrapleural origins including the head and neck in the literature. It is emphasized to make a diagnosis in a rare location such as the retropharyngeal space.

Clinico-Pathological Significance of Tumor Infiltrating Immune Cells in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma-Hope or Hype?

Background: To correlate between immunohistochemical expression of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and natural killer (NK) cells with the AJCC 8th edition TNM staging system and other disease-modifying clinico-pathological variables.

Methods: The representative histology sections of tumor invasive margin (IM) and tumor core (TC) were selected according to the International Immuno-Oncology Biomarker Working Group and were subjected to immunohistochemistry with antibodies for TILs (CD3, CD8, FOXP3), NK Cells (CD57), TAMs (CD68, CD163) and pan-leukocyte marker (CD45). Histo-immuno-density-intensity (HIDI) scoring was calculated as a product of the proportion and intensity of staining.

A dynamic co-expression approach reveals Gins2 as a potential upstream modulator of HNSCC metastasis.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is an aggressive cancer that is notably associated with a high risk of lymph node metastasis, a major cause of cancer mortality. Current therapeutic options remain limited to surgery supplemented by radio- or chemotherapy; however, these interventions often result in high-grade toxicities. Distant metastasis significantly contributed to the poor prognosis and decreased survival rates.

Intratumor heterogeneity of HPV integration in HPV-associated head and neck cancer.

Integration of human papillomavirus (HPV) into the host genome drives HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HPV HNSCC). Whole-genome sequencing of 51 tumors revealed intratumor heterogeneity of HPV integration, with 44% of breakpoints subclonal, and a biased distribution of integration breakpoints across the HPV genome. Four HPV physical states were identified, with at least 49% of tumors progressing without integration.

Management of nasopharyngeal stenosis post-tonsillectomy using the Madame Butterfly technique: A case report with novel approach.

Background: Nasopharyngeal stenosis (NPS) is an uncommon but significant complication that arise following tonsillectomy in adults, leading to manifestations including obstructive sleep apnea and dysphagia. This condition is often rare, underscoring the need for awareness and effective management strategies.

Case Presentation: We present a case involving a 48-year-old female who developed nasopharyngeal stenosis (NPS) 15 months after undergoing a tonsillectomy.

Beyond hearing: the impact of Cochlear implantation on the quality of life of users and their communication partners after 1 year.

Objective: To assess the impact of cochlear implantation (CI) and speech perception outcomes on the quality of life (QoL) of adult CI users and their communication partners (CP) one-year post-implantation.

Design: This research is part of a prospective multicenter study in The Netherlands, called SMILE (Societal Merit of Intervention for hearing Loss Evaluation).

Study Sample: Eighty adult CI users completed speech perception testing and the Nijmegen Cochear Implant Questionnaire (NCIQ).

CSPG4 overexpression implicates higher risks of recurrence and tumorigenesis after surgical intervention of vocal fold Leukoplakia.

Background: Vocal fold leukoplakia (VFL), a precancerous lesion of the larynx, is characterized by white plaques on the vocal fold mucous membrane. Currently, there are no reliable biomarkers to predict the recurrence and malignant transformation of VFL. Considering chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4) as a biomarker for malignant tumors such as laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), we conducted this cohort study to evaluate the prognostic influence of CSPG4 expression on VFL patients.

Ultra-high-resolution CT of the temporal bone before cochlear implantation for pre-operative prediction of chorda tympani nerve management and round window access.

Background And Purpose: To evaluate various anatomical parameters and their relationship to chorda tympani nerve (CTN) injury and round window (RW) access during cochlear implantation.

Materials And Methods: Ultra-high-resolution CT images of 66 patients were retrospectively reviewed and compared with operative reports. The facial recess and the round window were analyzed, mainly using the chorda-facial angle (CFA), the width of the facial recess, the CTN-tympanic annulus distance, the RW-mastoid portion of the facial nerve angle, and the type of RW.

Validation of the Singing Voice Handicap Index in Greek Singers: Normal and Voice-Disordered Participants.

Objectives: The Singing Voice Handicap Index (SVHI) was culturally adapted and validated in Greek to examine the impacts of voice problems on a singer's everyday life.

Methods: The translated version was administered to 120 singers in total, along with the translated version of the Voice Handicap Index (VHI), a sort voice history questionnaire, two Self-Rating Dysphonia Severity Scales (SRDSSs), and two visual analog scales. A week after the original completion of the Greek version of SVHI, a second copy of the SVHI was administered to 50% of the participants.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the tongue: A case study highlighting surgical management of an exceptionally rare entity.

Background: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignant tumor that accounts for <1 % of head and neck malignancies, with an estimated involvement of the tongue at approximately 3 %.

Case Presentation: This report presents a case of a 42-year-old male with no significant history of tobacco or alcohol use, who developed a painless, progressively enlarging mass on the ventral surface of his tongue over the course of eight months. Initial surgical resection confirmed the diagnosis of ACC, which necessitated a right hemiglossectomy followed by radiotherapy to address potential residual disease.

Lentigo maligna melanoma of the face: Clinical insights from a case of recurrence following surgical excision.

Background: Lentigo maligna (LM) and lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM) are the most prevalent subtypes of melanoma, primarily affecting sun-exposed areas of the face in individuals aged 65 to 80 years. LM accounts for approximately 80 % of in situ melanomas and carries a risk of progression to LMM, which constitutes 4 % to 15 % of global cutaneous melanoma cases. This report discusses the clinical challenges and management strategies for recurrent LM, with an emphasis on accurate diagnosis and surgical intervention.

An unexpected guest: First report of Tintelnotia destructans as an agent of maxillary fungus ball.

Fungal rhinosinusal infections comprise several nosological entities, including sinus fungus ball. Diagnosis of sinus fungus ball relies on patient interrogation and clinical and paraclinical findings. Mold species commonly involved include Aspergillus, as well as dematiaceous fungi.

Deep Neck Infections: The Effectiveness of Therapeutic Management and Bacteriological Profile.

: Deep neck infections (DNIs) are severe diagnoses that can cause serious complications. However, there are insufficient data to predict the evolution of this pathology. This study aims to review the microbiology of DNIs and to identify the factors that influence prolonged hospitalization.

Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma of Nasopharynx and Paranasal Sinuses in Children Diagnosis and Treatment-Review of the Literature and Case Report.

Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (aRMS) is a rare pediatric malignant tumor with a poor prognosis, particularly when located in the rhinopharynx and sphenoidal floor, which complicates diagnosis and increases the risk of misclassification as benign growths. The specific genotype of aRMS is associated with a worse clinical outcome. In young children, especially those aged 4 to 12 years, rhinopharyngeal masses are often attributed to chronic adenoiditis; however, other benign (e.

Beyond the Scalpel: Addressing Communication and Distress in ENT Cancer.

: Effective communication in oncology is crucial, but challenging due to the complex information and emotional burden associated with a cancer diagnosis. This cross-sectional study investigated the communication preferences of 155 Romanian adults diagnosed with ENT cancers and explored the relationship between these preferences, their levels of psychological distress, and sociodemographic factors. : Participants completed the KOPRA questionnaire, assessing communication preferences, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to measure psychological distress.