Voice intensity of patients using a communi-trach I® cuffed speaking tracheostomy tube

Voice intensity levels produced by 20 patients with cuffed speaking tracheostomy tubes (Communi-Trach I^®) at three different airflow rates were investigated. Results indicated that audible and intelligible speech was produced with significantly greater intensity over ambient room noise at 5 l/minute, 10 l/minute, and 15 l/minute of airflow. Criteria for use, common causes of malfunctioning, and rehabilitation techniques necessary for the successful use of cuffed speaking tracheostomy tubes are discussed.     

Synthesis of some basic 3-(1-acylaminobenzyl)-2H-1-benzopyran-2-ones

The reaction of 3-(1-propanoyloxybenzyl)-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one (2) with the nitriles of 4-dimethylaminobenzoic, 4-diethylaminobenzoic, nicotinic, isonicotinic, and 3-dimethylaminopropionic acid in conc. H₂SO₄ yields the amides 3a-e. 3a-d were converted into hydrochlorides.     

Treatment of Patients with Early Breast Cancer: Evidence,Controversies, Consensus: German Expert Opinions on the 17th International St. Gallen Consensus Conference

This yearʼs 17th St. Gallen (SG) Consensus Conference on the Treatment of Patients with Early Breast Cancer (SG-BCC) with the title “Customizing local and systemic therapies for women with early breast cancer” focused on the challenge of targeting the treatment of early breast cancer more specifically to the individual disease situation of each patient. As in previous years, a German working group of leading breast cancer experts discussed the results of the international SG-BCC 2021 in the context of the German guideline. It is helpful to compare the SG recommendations with the recently updated treatment recommendations of the Breast Commission of the German Working Group on Gynaecological Oncology (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Gynäkologische Onkologie e. V., AGO) and the S3 guideline because the SG-BCC panel comprised experts from different countries, which is why country-specific aspects can be incorporated into the SG recommendations. The German treatment recommendations of the AGO and the S3 guideline are based on current evidence. Nevertheless, any therapeutic decision must always undergo a risk-benefit analysis for the specific situation and to be discussed with the patient.Key words: St. Gallen Consensus 2021, early breast cancer, surgery, radiotherapy, (neo)adjuvant systemic therapy, targeted therapy