Knowledge, Barriers, and Future Directions of Vestibular Rehabilitation Practice in Neurorehabilitation: An Italian Survey.

Vestibular rehabilitation, an evidence-based physical therapy approach, plays a crucial role in managing and recovering from gaze and balance disorders, including those of central origin. This study, targeted at the community of Italian healthcare practitioners, is vital in understanding the application of vestibular rehabilitation in neurological disorders and in identifying knowledge gaps, barriers, and future directions. This is a cross-sectional study directed at healthcare professionals involved in neurorehabilitation in Italy.

Unexpected Discrepancies in the Histopathological and Microbiological Diagnoses of Suspected Mucormycosis Cases at a South Indian Tertiary Care Center During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Introduction Mucormycosis is an uncommon fungal infection caused by filamentous fungi of the Mucorales order, namely Rhizopus, Lichthemia, andMucor species. The incidence and prevalence of mucormycosis reached an all-time high during the COVID-19 pandemic due to excessive steroid use and other factors, leading to the coining of the term CAM (COVID Associated Mucormycosis). The diagnosis of mucormycosis is by a combination of histopathology and microbiological techniques, such as KOH mount and culture.

Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia.

Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a vascular dysplasia inherited as an autosomal dominant trait and caused by loss-of-function pathogenic variants in genes encoding proteins of the BMP signalling pathway. Up to 90% of disease-causal variants are observed in ENG and ACVRL1, with SMAD4 and GDF2 less frequently responsible for HHT. In adults, the most frequent HHT manifestations relate to iron deficiency and anaemia owing to recurrent epistaxis (nosebleeds) or bleeding from gastrointestinal telangiectases.

Pulsed Ultrasound-Mediated Drug Delivery Enhancement Through Human Sclera.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to characterize whether pulsed ultrasound (PUS) affects transscleral drug delivery.

Methods: Fluorescein sodium (NaF, 376 Da) and fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated dextran 40 (FD-40, 40 kDa) were used as model drugs. Human sclera grafts were placed in modified Franz diffusion cells and were treated by PUS (1 megahertz [MHz], 0.

Prevalence of Ear, Nose, and Throat Problems in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) disorders are common and significantly impact the quality of life. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of ENT problems among the Saudi population and to explore its association with sociodemographic factors, knowledge, and healthcare utilization. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted among 405 participants aged 18-80 years across Saudi Arabia.

The evaluation of targeted exome sequencing of candidate genes in a Han Chinese population with primary open-angle glaucoma.

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), known as a common ocular disease with genetic heterogeneity, is characterized by progressive optic disc atrophy and visual field defects. This study aimed to assess the contribution of previously reported POAG-associated genes and investigate potential functional variations and genotype-phenotype correlations in a Han Chinese population. DNA from 500 cases and 500 controls was pooled and sequenced using a customized panel of 398 candidate genes.

Defining the caudal limits of the endoscopic endonasal approach to the craniovertebral junction: anatomic study correlating radiographic measures.

Objective: The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA), has become the preferred alternative to traditional open and transoral approaches to the ventral craniovertebral junction (CVJ) region. However, preoperative prediction of the limitations of caudal reach remains challenging. This cadaveric study aimed to quantify the CVJ area of exposure and access afforded by the EEA, evaluate the accuracy of previously described radiographic anthropometric lines, and identify the lowest limit of the EEA corridor.

Bacterial etiologies, antimicrobial susceptibility profiles and associated factors among patients with otitis media referred to Nekemte Public Health Research and Referral Laboratory Center, Western Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Otitis media is among the leading causes of illnesses responsible for causing hearing problems and adding significant costs to the public health system. Bacteria are the most common causative agents for otitis media. Currently, there is little information on the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of pathogenic bacterial isolates from patients with otitis media in Ethiopia.

Cochlear reimplantation rate, causes, and outcomes: a multicenter study.

Objective: The current study aimed to evaluate cochlear reimplantation rate, causes, and audiological outcomes in a large group of patients in a multicenter study.

Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on patients with cochlear reimplantation surgeries between 2000 and 2022 in five academic referral centers. The rate and reasons for cochlear reimplantation surgeries were evaluated.

PKM2 controls cochlear development through lactate-dependent transcriptional regulation.

Understanding the role of metabolic processes during inner ear development is essential for identifying targets for hair cell (HC) regeneration, as metabolic choices play a crucial role in cell proliferation and differentiation. Among the metabolic processes, growing evidence shows that glucose metabolism is closely related to organ development. However, the role of glucose metabolism in mammalian inner ear development and HC regeneration remains unclear.

Chronic Kidney Disease and Infection Risk: A Lower Incidence of Peritonsillar Abscesses in Specific CKD Subgroups in a 16-Year Korean Nationwide Cohort Study.

Peritonsillar abscesses and deep neck infection are potentially serious infections among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), posing risks for severe complications and drawing significant public health concern. This nationwide, population-based longitudinal study (2002-2019) assessed the extended relationship between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the likelihood of peritonsillar abscess and deep neck infection in a Korean cohort. Using a 1:4 propensity score overlap-weighted matching, we included 16,879 individuals with CKD and 67,516 comparable controls, accounting for demographic variables and comorbidities to ensure balanced group comparisons.

The Modulation of Fibrosis in Vocal Fold Repair: A Study on c-Met Agonistic Antibodies and Hepatocyte Growth in Animal Studies.

: Damage to the vocal folds frequently results in fibrosis, which can degrade vocal quality due to the buildup of collagen and modifications in the extracellular matrix (ECM). Conventional treatments have shown limited success in reversing fibrotic changes. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and c-Met-targeting antibodies are promising due to their potential to inhibit fibrosis and promote regeneration.

Transoral Robotic Surgery for Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: A Systematic Literature Review of Current Practices.

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for tongue base reduction (TBR) and/or epiglottic surgery is an effective treatment option for selected patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). This systematic review aims to provide an up-to-date overview of current practices and challenges associated with TORS for OSA. PubMed and Embase databases were searched up to December 2022 following PRISMA guidelines.

Assessment of the Peripheral and Central Auditory System in Infants Whose Mothers Tested Positive for COVID-19 During Pregnancy.

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a new member of the coronavirus family. While respiratory transmission is the main route, concerns have arisen regarding possible vertical transmission, which refers to the transmission of the virus from mother to fetus through the dissemination of viral particles in the amniotic fluid. Fetal viral infection via the placenta can affect the formation of the auditory system and lead to congenital hearing disorders.

Evaluation of the Peripheral and Central Auditory Systems in Children and Adolescents Before and After COVID-19 Infection.

Unlabelled: COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. During and after COVID-19, audiovestibular symptoms and impairments have been reported.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impacts of COVID-19 on the peripheral and central auditory systems of children and adolescents following the acute COVID-19 phase based on behavioral, electroacoustic, and electrophysiological audiological assessments.

Targeting of Non-Classical Human Leukocyte Antigens as Novel Therapeutic Strategies in Cancer.

Human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) are essential regulators of immune responses against cancer, with classical HLAs well-documented for their role in tumor recognition and immune surveillance. In recent years, non-classical HLAs-including HLA-E, HLA-F, HLA-G, and HLA-H-have emerged as critical players in the immune landscape of cancer due to their diverse and less conventional functions in immune modulation. These molecules exhibit unique mechanisms that enable tumors to escape immune detection, promote tumor progression, and contribute to therapeutic resistance.

Ossicular Chain Reconstruction With Glass Ionomer Cement Following Removal of Active Middle Ear Implant.

The use of bone cement in ossicular chain reconstruction (OCR) represents an area of recent interest. This multi-institutional retrospective study assesses the efficacy of glass ionomer cement (GIC) in OCR following the explantation of a fully implantable active middle ear implant. A postoperative 4-frequency mean air-bone gap (ABG) was obtained for 15 subjects by averaging 0.

Phaeohyphomycosis of the Eyelid: A Case Report.

Phaeohyphomycosis is a fungal infection caused by dematiaceous fungi that presents as a superficial, cutaneous, subcutaneous, or systemic infection. Subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis is the most common manifestation and presents as a subcutaneous nodule or cystic lesions and abscesses. It usually results from traumatic implantation of the saprophytic fungus from soil and vegetative matter; therefore, the commonest sites of infection are the extremities.

Energy Transfer (EnT)-Mediated Stereoselective Aryl-Heterofunctionalization of Unactivated Alkynes via Radical Rearrangement.

In this study, we present a novel catalyst-free energy transfer mediated radical rearrangement strategy for the aryl-heterofunctionalization of unactivated alkynes, leading to the synthesis of polyfunctional olefins with exceptional stereoselectivity. This innovative approach, driven by visible light, exemplifies green chemistry principles by eliminating the reliance on transition metals, external oxidants, and photocatalysts. The broad applicability of our method is demonstrated through the successful synthesis of a diverse array of compounds, including vinyl sulfones, vinyl selenides, and vinyl sulfides.

Microbiological Profiles and Patterns of Resistance in Patients With Sinus Infections After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.

Objective: Identify common pathogens and antibiotic resistances in chronic rhinosinusitis patients post-endoscopic sinus surgery presenting with an active sinus infection.

Study Design: Retrospective chart review.

Setting: Single-institution rhinology private practice in Southeast Florida.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease increases the risk of primary open-angle glaucoma.

Purpose: Liver disease is associated with a range of extrahepatic complications, which have recently been expanded to include ophthalmic conditions. However, evidence is lacking regarding its impact on primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). This study aimed to investigate whether major liver diseases, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), alcoholic liver disease (ALD), viral hepatitis, and liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, were associated with POAG.

Novel, standardized sample collection from the brain-nose interface.

Background: Diagnostics for neurodegenerative diseases lack non-invasive approaches suitable for early-stage biochemical screening and routine examination of neuropathology. Biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases pass through the brain-nose interface (BNI) and accumulate in nasal secretion. Sample collection from the brain-nose interface presents a compelling prospect as basis for a non-invasive molecular diagnosis of neuropathologies.

Ionizable polymeric micelles (IPMs) for efficient siRNA delivery.

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are widely used for nucleic acid delivery but face challenges like limited targeting and accelerated blood clearance (ABC) effect. We design three ionizable oligomers (IOs) that, with polylactide-polyethylene glycol (PLA-PEG), form a potential siRNA delivery system, named Ionizable Polymeric Micelles (IPMs). The siRNA encapsulated IPMs escape from lysosomes upon cellular uptake, and silence the target gene.