The influence of tonsillectomy on cell-mediated immune response

In order to ascertain the influence of a possible immunoregulatory effect of tonsils on the organism, phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) and concanavalin A (Con A) stimulation and the suppressor index in peripheral blood lymphocytes were determined in the pre-operative and postoperative course. Consistent statements on a possible effect of the tonsil can not be made from the results obtained.     

Immunohistochemical evidence of nNOS and changes after intraglandular application of botulinum toxin A in cephalic salivary glands of adult rats

The purpose of our study was to investigate the possible influence of local injections of botulinum toxin A on the activity of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in cephalic salivary glands of adult rats. The role of nitric oxide (NO) as a possible neuromodulator of vascular regulation and in particular regulation of secretion in the upper respiratory and aerodigestive tract is discussed. We present immunohistochemical evidence of nNOS in the salivary glands of female adult Wistar rats, both in native (untreated) glands and after intraglandular injection of botulinum toxin A under general anesthesia. Other than in the untreated glands, there was a significant decrease in nNOS in the treated organs which became stronger with extended toxin exposure time. After our laboratory had already shown a decrease in acetylcholinesterase immunoreactivity after injection of botulinum toxin A into the cephalic salivary glands of the rat, the present study discusses a possible participation of NO in the regulation of secretion from these organs. As a conclusion, it might be assumed that the influence of botulinum toxin A on nNOS in the cephalic salivary glands of the rat is able to explain the sometimes longer duration of the toxin effect at the neuroglandular junction than at the motor endplate.     

Generalisability of clinical trials in otitis media with effusion.

OBJECTIVE: The impact of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) upon practice depends on its external validity (generalisability). This paper summarises and illustrates a framework for judging and augmenting external validity, emphasising its application to treatment trials in otitis media with effusion (OME) so as to permit stronger inferences in the future. METHODS: The external validity of two surgical trials in the field of OME (TARGET, UK and KNOOP-3, the Netherlands) has been examined within a framework emphasising effect modification, in four specific ways: (1) comparison of the demographic characteristics of the trial population with the domain population; (2) studying the distributions on possible effect modifiers (i.e. variables conditioning the benefit from intervention); (3) studying whether effect modification occurs in the analyses; and (4) comparing outcome measures between the randomised and the eligible but non-randomised children. RESULTS: For neither KNOOP-3 and TARGET were large discrepancies found between randomised and non-randomised children for any of the demographic variables. Differences in distributions along possible effect modifiers were found, but the overlaps were large enough for it still to be possible to study whether these factors indeed modified the outcome. Results for the randomised and non-randomised but eligible patients were similar. The results of both trials therefore appear to be generalisable to their domain populations. CONCLUSIONS: A superficial contrast in the results (KNOOP null, TARGET positive) does not amount to a contradiction, because of differences in the clinical question appropriate to the respective age and populations defined. Attention to quality of design and external validity of randomised controlled trials should achieve higher applicability.     

Evidence-based systematic review: effects of intensity of treatment and constraint-induced language therapy for individuals with stroke-induced aphasia

PURPOSE: This systematic review summarizes evidence for intensity of treatment and constraint-induced language therapy (CILT) on measures of language impairment and communication activity/participation in individuals with stroke-induced aphasia. METHOD: A systematic search of the aphasia literature using 15 electronic databases (e.g., PubMed, CINAHL) identified 10 studies meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria. A review panel evaluated studies for methodological quality. Studies were characterized by research stage (i.e., discovery, efficacy, effectiveness, cost-benefit/public policy research), and effect sizes (ESs) were calculated wherever possible. RESULTS: In chronic aphasia, studies provided modest evidence for more intensive treatment and the positive effects of CILT. In acute aphasia, 1 study evaluated high-intensity treatment positively; no studies examined CILT. Four studies reported discovery research, with quality scores ranging from 3 to 6 of 8 possible markers. Five treatment efficacy studies had quality scores ranging from 5 to 7 of 9 possible markers. One study of treatment effectiveness received a score of 4 of 8 possible markers. CONCLUSION: Although modest evidence exists for more intensive treatment and CILT for individuals with stroke-induced aphasia, the results of this review should be considered preliminary and, when making treatment decisions, should be used in conjunction with clinical expertise and the client's individual values.     

Alport's syndrome: can carriers be identified by audiometry?

Alport s syndrome is characterized by familial nephropathy with haematuria, sensorineural hearing loss and ocular abnormalities. It is transmitted as an X-linked dominant condition. In the affected males the symptoms are severe compared with females who show a more variable clinical picture due to the effect of lyonization of the X-chromosome. The diagnosis of carriers of genetic disease is extremely valuable for the purpose of counselling the patients as well as their relatives. A number of attempts have been made in the past to diagnose these carriers. Some studies have shown that it is possible to diagnose carriers of conditions where hearing loss is a symptom, by sensitive audiometric techniques. In this study we examined obligate and possible carriers of Alport's syndrome with pure-tone audiometry (PTA) and the audioscan method. We found that all obligate carriers and a predictable proportion of possible carriers had either a hearing loss on PTA or a mid frequency notch in the audioscan.     

Handedness effects on transient evoked otoacoustic emissions in schoolchildren

Handedness, as a potentially influencing, nonpathologic factor, has not been investigated in relation to transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs). The present study aimed to examine the effects of handedness on the TEOAE spectrum in entry-level schoolchildren, with attention also to possible ear asymmetry. A total of 228 subjects (114 males, 114 females, mean age = 6.3 years) were tested using the ILO292 Otodynamics Analyzer (Quickscreen mode) in quiet rooms in 22 schools. For statistical analysis, subjects were matched for factors such as handedness, gender, age, and history of recent ear infection. The results from subjects with passing TEOAE, pure-tone screening, and tympanometry revealed no significant handedness effect overall, although a significant ear asymmetry effect on the measurement parameters of AB difference, noise level, response level, whole-wave reproducibility, band reproducibility, and signal-to-noise ratios was found.     

The effect of local injection of botulinum toxin A on the immunoreactivity of nNOS in the rat submandibular gland: an immunohistochemical study

PURPOSE: In our study, we intend to investigate the influence of local injections of botulinum toxin A on the activity of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in submandibular glands of adult rats. Since interest has been focused on the role of nitric oxide (NO) as a possible neuromodulator of secretory regulation processes in the upper aerodigestive tract, it was the aim of the present study to show that the toxin also interferes with the metabolic actions of NO on investigated rat submandibular glands. It is of great clinical interest whether the NO pathway is able to influence salivary gland secretion. Increasing of knowledge in this field maybe helpful to treat sialorrhoea, especially in juvenile otolaryngologic and neurologic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed immunohistochemical reaction of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the submandibular gland of female adult Wistar rats, both in native (untreated) glands and after intraglandular injection of botulinum toxin A under general anesthesia. The immunoreactivity of nNOS was investigated on different times after injection. RESULTS: Other than in the untreated glands, there was a significant decrease of nNOS in the treated organs, which became stronger with extended toxin exposure time. The present study shows explicit data on the effect of botulinum toxin A injection on a higher number of examined submandibular glands and is able to analyze a time course of the effect duration. CONCLUSION: In our study, it was shown that botulinum toxin A had an influence on the immunoreactivity of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in submandibular glands. Therefore, the participation of nitric oxide (NO) in the regulation of secretion from these organs seems to be evident. It might be assumed that the influence of botulinum toxin A on nNOS in the submandibular gland of the rat is able to explain the sometimes longer duration of toxin effect at the neuroglandular junction than at the motor endplate.     

Synergistic interactions of gentamicin and pure tones causing cochlear hair cell loss in pigmented guinea pigs

The effects of single and repeated combinations of gentamicin and sound on Preyer reflex and cochlear hair cells in pigmented guinea pigs have been examined. Gentamicin at 50 mg/kg for 10 days and an 8 kHz pure tone (116 dB for 60 min) cause little or no hair cell loss when given alone. In combination, hair cell loss occurs with the gentamicin and sound acting synergistically. If the pure tone is given on the first of a 10-day gentamicin course there is considerable loss of hair cells in the basal coil; if given on the 10th day the loss is several times less. Repeating the treatments after 3 weeks increases the hair cell loss and the synergistic effect. A possible explanation for the differential synergistic effect is discussed.     

Water irrigation versus air insufflation: A comparison of two caloric test protocols

The aim of the present study was to construct and compare two caloric test protocols, one for water irrigation, and one for air insufflation. A set of reference data was constructed and tabulated as well as the intersubject variability. The effect of age, sex, ear, and temperature, as well as a possible priming effect and order effect were investigated. Forty-seven subjects (18–58 years) without otological or vestibular history participated. Four response parameters were investigated: slow component velocity (SCV), frequency, unilateral weakness (UW), and directional preponderance (DP). Statistically higher SCV values were obtained for water compared to air, with statistically higher standard deviations for SCV water values. No influences of age, sex, ear, or temperature could be demonstrated on any of the response parameters. The same applied for the presence of an order effect and a priming effect. Comparing the two protocols to one another led the present authors to favour water as the standard irrigation medium, and air only in situations where water is contra-indicated.     

Acoustic Tumor Surgery and Tinnitus

A total of 311 patients with a unilateral acoustic neurinoma were operated on via the enlarged middle cranial fossa approach. A total tumor removal was achieved in 98% of cases. The mortality was 0.6%. Overall in acoustic neurinoma surgery, the percentage rates of meningitis (1.6%), cerebrospinal fluid fistula (1.6% requiring surgery), and neurological deficits were fairly low. The facial nerve could be preserved anatomically in 99%. A House I or House II classification was demonstrated in 91% of all tumors and in 98% of small- and medium-sized tumors. Preservation of the hearing function was possible in 49% of all patients (71% in small tumors). A positive effect on tinnitus usually occurred in 45% of cases. The enlarged middle cranial fossa approach allows function-preserving surgery of the cranial nerves (e.g., the facial and cochlear nerves) and cerebral structures, even including total removal of large acoustic neurinomas of up to 3-4 cm.     

全喉切除术后咽瘘病因探讨

目的 :探讨全喉切除手术后咽瘘发生的原因。方法 :对 1983～ 1998年间行全喉切除手术的 12 5例患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析 ,并应用 SAS软件进行单因素和多因素统计处理。结果 :12 5例患者中有 2 0例(16 % )发生术后咽瘘 ,单因素分析表明 ,临床 T分期、肿瘤类型、放疗剂量、手术中输血及手术时间等 5个因素与咽瘘发生有关 ;L ogistic模型全因素分析显示 ,临床 T分期和放疗剂量与咽瘘发生有关 ,但术前放疗也可能是一个导致咽瘘的因素 (P =0 .0 5 6 6 ) ;L ogistic模型逐步回归分析显示 ,临床 T分期和手术时间是导致咽瘘的相关因素。结论 :临床 T分期、手术时间这两个因素与咽瘘的发生密切相关 ,术前放疗剂量和是否术前放疗也是影响咽瘘发生的相关因素。对于晚期肿瘤 ,术前经过放疗且放疗剂量较大的患者 ,术前应估计到发生咽瘘的可能 ;术中仔细缝合 ,提高手术的熟练程度 ,缩短手术时间 ,可减少咽瘘的发生。     

Water irrigation versus air insufflation: a comparison of two caloric test protocols

The aim of the present study was to construct and compare two caloric test protocols, one for water irrigation, and one for air insufflation. A set of reference data was constructed and tabulated as well as the intersubject variability. The effect of age, sex, ear, and temperature, as well as a possible priming effect and order effect were investigated. Forty-seven subjects (18-58 years) without otological or vestibular history participated. Four response parameters were investigated: slow component velocity (SCV), frequency, unilateral weakness (UW), and directional preponderance (DP). Statistically higher SCV values were obtained for water compared to air, with statistically higher standard deviations for SCV water values. No influences of age, sex, ear, or temperature could be demonstrated on any of the response parameters. The same applied for the presence of an order effect and a priming effect. Comparing the two protocols to one another led the present authors to favour water as the standard irrigation medium, and air only in situations where water is contra-indicated.     

Acoustic neuroma surgery and tinnitus

The objectives of this study were to assess the effect that acoustic neuroma surgery has on tinnitus and to investigate possible predictors (tumour size and patients' ages at operation) as well as to ascertain if the overall quality of life in patients with acoustic neuromas is affected by their tinnitus. A questionnaire was sent to randomly selected patients post acoustic-neuroma surgery. This was based on the Glasgow Benefit Inventory and contained a standardised series of four functional gradings for tinnitus. In this study, 51 patients from a total of 68 returned the questionnaire, and there was a follow-up period of between 1 and 3 years following the acoustic neuroma surgery. The age at operation, size of the tumour and overall quality of life were correlated with the impact of surgery on tinnitus. Statistical analysis used the one-way analysis of variance, chi-square test, one-way analysis by ranks and Spearman Rank Correlations. Significance was accepted at the P<0.05 level. Overall, 30 (58.8%) of the patients had tinnitus preoperatively in comparison to 34 (66.6%) postoperatively. After surgery, tinnitus became better in 8 (16%) patients, 28 (55%) did not experience any change, and 15 (29%) became worse. Neither tumour size nor age at the time of the operation had a statistically significant association with the impact of surgery on tinnitus. There was no statistically significant association between changes in tinnitus status and changes in the quality of life following the operation ( P>0.05). A significant percentage of patients with acoustic neuromas, approximately 60%, suffer from tinnitus preoperatively, and this number may increase slightly postoperatively. It remains unpredictable which patients will improve, which will show no change and which will deteriorate as age and tumour size do not seem to be associated with the impact of surgery on tinnitus. The results also suggest that tinnitus may be of relatively minor importance in the overall quality of life of patients following acoustic neuroma surgery. However, candidates for surgery should be thoroughly informed about the possible effect of the operation on their tinnitus status.     

Evaluation of betahistine for the prevention of seasickness: effect on vestibular function, psychomotor performance and efficacy at sea

Betahistine was evaluated for the prevention of seasickness in a laboratory and sea study. The effect of 48 mg betahistine on the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) and on psychomotor performance was evaluated in twelve young healthy subjects in a double-blind, placebo controlled, randomized, crossover design. The vestibulo-ocular reflex was evaluated by the Sinusoidal Harmonic Acceleration (SHA) test at frequencies of 0.01, 0.02, 0.04, 0.08 and 0.16 Hz. Psychomotor performance was assessed by both computerized and paper and pencil test batteries. No significant differences in VOR gain or phase were found between betahistine and placebo treatment for any of the frequencies tested. No significant differences were found between treatments for any of the psychomotor performance tests or other possible side effects. The effect of 48 mg betahistine on seasickness severity was evaluated in 83 subjects during a voyage in rough seas. Betahistine had a borderline non-statistically significant effect on the prevention of seasickness in comparison with placebo (p = 0.053), with no notable side effects. Although our results are insufficient to recommend betahistine as an anti-seasickness drug, further studies are required to determine its possible effectiveness in less provocative motion sickness situations.     

The quinoxaline derivative caroverine in the treatment of sensorineural smell disorders: a proof-of-concept study

The treatment of non-conductive olfactory disorders is to a large extent an unsolved problem. This proof-of-concept study focused on possible effects of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist caroverine. Potential mechanisms for the hypothesized effect included reduced feedback inhibition in the olfactory bulb as a consequence of NMDA antagonistic actions and antagonism of an excitotoxic action of glutamate. A total of 77 consecutive patients with non-conductive olfactory disorders were included in the study. Fifty-one patients received caroverine for 4 weeks (120 mg/day); 26 controls matched for age, gender and duration of olfactory loss were treated with zinc sulfate for the same length of time (400 mg/day). Olfactory sensitivity was evaluated before and after treatment. Testing included assessment of n-butanol odor threshold and odor identification. When compared to baseline, treatment with caroverine improved both odor thresholds (p = 0.005) and odor identification (p = 0.042) in anosmic patients. In hyposmic patients it significantly improved odor identification ability (p = 0.041). In contrast, zinc sulfate had no significant effect on olfactory function. These results indicate that caroverine appears to be effective for the treatment of non-conductive smell disorders.     

The effect of indoor air pollutants on otitis media and asthma in children

This case-control study investigated the possible association between home environmental air pollutants and their effect on otitis media and asthma in children. Patients with physician-diagnosed otitis (n = 125, 74% response), with asthma (n = 137, 80% response), and controls (n = 237, 72% response) from a private pediatric practice seen between October 1986 and May 1987 were studied. A questionnaire inquired about housing characteristics (i.e., age, insulation, heating system) and sources of indoor air pollution such as cigarette smoking, use of woodburning stoves, household pets, etc. Analysis of the responses confirmed previous findings of significant relationships between maternal smoking (P = .021), and the presence of pets (P = .034) and the occurrence of asthma. A newly reported relationship between exposure to woodburning stoves and the occurrence of otitis (P less than .05) was reported. This implicates yet another risk factor (wood burning) in the etiology of otitis media.     

Arachidonate metabolites change furosemide-induced cochlear potentials

Furosemide-induced changes of cochlear potentials were used as a model to study the influence of arachidonic acid metabolites on ion movements within the cochlea. No influence was exerted by the drugs Esculetin - blocking the synthesis of lipoxygenase products - and Dazoxiben - suppressing thromboxane A2 levels within the cochlea. A weakening of the furosemide-induced changes of the endocochlear potential was found when infusing the thromboxane (TX) receptor antagonists BM 13,505 and BM 13,177 before furosemide was given. This effect was also observed when pre-treating the guinea pig with a specific platelet-activating factor receptor antagonist, BN 52,021, before the diuretics was given. Summating potential and cochlear microphonics remained insignificantly changed against controls. The results suggest that a TX receptor contributes to the control of ion movements within the cochlea. A possible involvement of loop diuretics' receptors is discussed.     

泪小管断裂吻合术131例临床分析

目的 分析显微镜下泪小管断裂吻合术的效果。方法 回顾分析2008年8月至2012年8月淮安市第一人民医院眼科收治的泪小管吻合术131例的临床资料。结果 131例下泪小管断裂患者均在手术显微镜下找到泪小管断端, 并顺利实施泪小管吻合术。其中治愈115例(87.78%), 好转11例(8.40%), 未愈5例(3.82%)。结论 寻找泪小管断端及眼睑和内眦角成形是手术成功的关键。泪小管断裂者应积极行早期吻合术, 二期吻合术亦能获得较好的疗效。     

Inhibitory effects of kampo medicine on Epstein-Barr virus antigen induction by tumor promoter

We have investigated the possible interaction of Japanese Kampo medicine; Shosaiko-to with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) induction by TPA (12-O-tetra-decanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate) in EBV-genome harboring cells. The effect of ether extract of Shosaiko-to was also studied on the induction of EBV by superinfection with EBV from P3HR-1 cells (P3H-EBV). Concomitant treatment of EBV-latently-infected cells (Raji and A2L/AH) with TPA and ether extract resulted in effective inhibition of EBV-antigen induction. However, in the experiments to test the influence of ether extract on EBV induction by superinfecting Raji cells with P3H-EBV, ether extract did not affect the percentage of EBV-antigen-positive cells. These data indicate that Shosaiko-to is effective to inhibit antigen synthesis induced by chemical promoters without affecting EBV-antigen induction after superinfection.     

Tinnitus modifications after cochlear implantation

Tinnitus can be defined as a phantom sensation in the absence of an external sound. In our study, we evaluated the effect of cochlear implant on tinnitus evolution. Among adult, postlingually deaf patients who underwent cochlear implantation at our clinic, we selected 20 subjects with pre-implantation tinnitus (group A) and 10 subjects without pre-implantation tinnitus (group B). Pre- and post-surgery tinnitus was assessed through two questionnaires: the first one dealing with tinnitus characteristics and psychosocial impact, and the second one represented by THI, an internationally validated score of evaluation of the effects of tinnitus on patient’s emotions and activities of daily living. None of the patients belonging to group B developed tinnitus after surgery. As for group A, 40% of patients declared suppression of tinnitus, 30% attenuation of tinnitus after surgery, 25% reported tinnitus was unchanged and 5% reported worsening of tinnitus. In the nine patients with bilateral tinnitus (45%), after implantation tinnitus disappeared from both sides in four patients and attenuated bilaterally in four patients. A comparison between pre- and post-implantation THI scores showed decreased score in 65% of cases, unchanged score in 30% and increased score in 5%. The beneficial effect of cochlear implant on tinnitus, reported by a majority of patients, could be due to acoustic masking, to direct electrical stimulation of the acoustic nerve, and above all to a possible cochlear implantation dependent reorganization of the central auditory pathways and associative cerebral areas. In the light of these results, the authors propose (1) to include tinnitus in the selection criteria of which ear to implant; (2) to consider implantation eligibility for patients with bilateral severe hearing loss associated with severe tinnitus; and (3) to inform patients about the small risk of post-operative tinnitus worsening.