1,721,007 research outputs found
APPLICATION OF NANOTECHNOLOGY TO THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF ORAL AND OROPHARYNGEAL CANCER
Full text linkIn head and neck oncology, the oncogenic viral role is currently debated. Particularly, the infection by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) demonstrated oncogenic properties in the development of oropharyngeal cancers.
Nowadays there are no recommended or validated methods to screen for early cases of HPV-driven oropharyngeal cancer. The present work developed and tested in vitro and in vivo performance of an innovative methods to early detect HPV-positive (HPV+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). This system is represented by a biosensor for the detection of HPV antibodies against HPV E6 and E7 oncoproteins using the Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) technique. Assays to quantify HPV-specific antibodies were based on Enzyme Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assays (ELISA); ELISA requires specialized laboratory and personnel, it is quite expensive, complex and time-consuming. Moreover, it requires pre-steps of sample processing, that can cause proteins denaturation and bioactivity modification.
An instantaneous self-test would be particularly useful to detect the presence of HPV antibodies in blood, both for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. A cheap test could really impact on developing countries in the context of cancer prevention.
The work is composed of three parts:
1. development of a biosensor based on gold screen-printed electrode (Au-SPE) functionalized with self-assembled monolayer (SAM) s and a commercial mixture of E7 peptides (PepMix) acting as the antigen to capture serum antibodies;
2. the second part of the work was focused on the recombinant production of E6 oncoproteins and a different electrode functionalization using hybrid SAMs.
3. the last part reported the analysis of biological samples testing the device in different conditions
New autostatic surgical retractor in head and neck surgery
No full textAdequate exposure of the operative field is important inall operations, and head and neck surgery encompassesseveral techniques including microscopic, endoscopic, andopen operations. Conventional self-retaining stainless steelretractors can both hinder a complete view and obstruct theplacement of other instruments. These devices often requireadjustment, their prongs are sharp, and they keep tissues intraction by increasing the stretch and injury to the wound.1The ReeTrakt (Insightra Inc. – Irvine, CA, USA) is a newdisposable retractor that was first used in the treatment of anarteriovenous fistula. The retractor used had an ergonomichook made of polycarbonate, the tip of which was too largeto be used in head and neck surger
Intracavernous Carotid Aneurysm Mimicking Pituitary Adenoma: An Insidious Surgical Trap
Full text linkIntracavernous internal carotid artery aneurysms can extend into
the sella and simulate pituitary adenomas. Correct radiological
differential diagnosis is fundamental. When treating intrasellar
masses at the slightest suspicion of a nonpituitary origin, further
workup should be considered. The possibility of a vascular lesion
simulating a pituitary adenoma should always be evaluated by
neurosurgeons and ear, nose, and throat surgeons operating in the
sellar region.
We report a case of intracavernous carotid aneurysm mimicking
a pituitary adenoma and emphasize the need for a critical
neuroradiological evaluation for correct diagnosis and to avoid a
potentially life-threatening situation.
Keywords: Carotid aneurysm; Pituitary adenoma; Differential
diagnosis; Transsphenoidal endoscopic approac
Immediate obturator stabilization (ISO) in severely atrophic edentulous maxilla: Suspension wiring technique
Full text linkThe treatment of malignant neoplasms of the hard palate comprises radical surgical resection. Defects of the maxillary sinus, hard palate and upper alveolar ridge may leave the patient with significant postoperative speech and swallowing problems [1]. Several maxillectomy defect classifications have been developed to ascertain the most effective means of rehabilitation for each type of defect. The defects can be repaired using fasciocutaneous or bone-containing free flaps or local advancement flaps [2]. A removable palatal obturator is a viable alternative when harvesting a flap is not feasible [3]
Repeated canalith repositioning procedure in BPPV: Effects on recurrence and dizziness prevention
No full textTo evaluate whether a repeated canalith repositioning procedure (CRP) influences the residual symptoms and the rate of recurrence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) in patients with post-CRP dizziness.
Materials and methods:
In this retrospective study, we analyzed 292 patients at the referral center for ENT diseases with a first episode of BPPV treated with a single CRP following clinical practice guidelines. In 178 patients (67.9%) who presented dizziness after BPPV recovery at the follow-up visit, 94 patients underwent CRP (treated group) and 84 did not (non-treated group). A subjective evaluation of vertigo was made by way of a questionnaire. The rates of recurrence of BPPV and residual dizziness were statistically compared between the treated and the non-treated groups; survival analysis was carried out as well.
Results:
In an observational period ranging from 1 to 6 years, BPPV recurred in 122 subjects (46.6%) of the investigated population. Among the patients with residual dizziness, the difference in rate of recurrence of BPPV between the treated group and the non-treated group was not statistically significant (p = 0.84). The treated group presented a significantly higher rate of recovery from dizziness compared to the non-treated group (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
A repeated CRP in patients with post-CRP dizziness increased the rate of recovery from dizziness but had no influence on BBPV recurrence. evaluate whether a repeated canalith repositioning procedure (CRP) influences the residual symptoms and the rate of recurrence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) in patients with post-CRP dizziness
Suture anchors to fix free flaps in oral and oropharyngeal reconstruction
No full textThe Mitek® suture anchors (Depuy Mitek Surgical Products,Inc.Raynham, Massachusetts) are produced in a number of differentsizes(micro, mini, GII, and Super) but we use the mini. It is composed of a body and two wings, the body being made oftitaniumalloy, and the wings of nickel-titaniumalloy, which benefits from superelasticity and its memory of shape. The packaging includes both the anchor and the insertion device, in which the anchor is already preloaded. The bottom of the anchor has a loop that contains the suture, which is charged on to the insertion device
External osteotomy in rhinoplasty: Piezosurgery vs osteotome
Full text linkPurpose: To achieve the desired outcome in rhinoplasty depends on many factors. Osteotomy and surgical reshaping of nasal bones are important steps that require careful planning and execution. The availability of different tools raises the question of which one provides significant advantages for both technique and surgical outcome. Our prospective randomized pilot study compared the outcome of post-traumatic rhinoplasty performed with two different external techniques: ultrasound osteotomic cut using the Piezosurgery Medical Device (Mectron, Carasco, Italy) and traditional external osteotomy.
Material and methods: Forty-four lateral osteotomies of the nasal wall were performed in twenty-two patients. In twelve patients the osteotomies were conducted with a 2-mm traditional osteotome (control group), while in the remaining ten patients these were done with the Piezosurgery Medical Device (experimental group).
Results: At the postoperative evaluation, significantly lower pain, edema and ecchymosis were noticed in the experimental group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the endoscopic evaluation showed fewer mucosal injuries in the experimental group (p < 0.05), whereas bleeding, symmetry of the pyramid and presence of external scars, were similar in the two groups. Conclusions: In the present study, Piezosurgery Medical Device allowed for safe lateral osteotomies in rhinoplasty preliminarily demonstrating the potential to reduce some of the most frequent complications of rhinoplasty
Liberatory vertigo: A new prognostic factor for repositioning maneuvers
No full textOBJECTIVE:
This study suggests the new concept of liberatory vertigo to facilitate emergency department treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
METHODS:
The present prospective nonrandomized study enrolled 535 patients with typical forms of positional vertigo, who were treated following clinical practice guidelines. We observed the onset of liberatory vertigo during the maneuver as a prognostic factor, and we tested the correlation between that symptom and therapeutic effectiveness. A subjective evaluation of vertigo was made by way of a questionnaire. Data analysis was performed that made use of statistical software.
RESULTS:
Complete recovery occurred in 287 patients (76.5%) with posterior semicircular canal positional vertigo and in 67 patients (80%) with horizontal semicircular canal positional vertigo; liberatory vertigo occurred in 195 (67.9%) and 59 (88%) of those cases, respectively. Differences in terms of recovery probability resulted regardless of the canal involved. Positive predictive value ranged from 93% to 97%.
CONCLUSIONS:
In our sample, liberatory vertigo could predict the effectiveness of the maneuver regardless of the canal involved
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