cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14289296
title: Is serum bilirubin level a predictor factor in parotid gland carcinoma?

description: Abstract Introduction: Bilirubin levels have been associated with risk of several malignancies. The association between pretreatment serum bilirubin levels and overall survival of patients with parotid gland carcinoma is unclear. Objectives: In this study, we assessed the effect of serum bilirubin levels to overall survival in malignant parotid tumors. Methods: This study included a total of 35 patients, 15 female and 20 male. The mean age of these patients was 60.7 ± 14.5 years. All patients who were diagnosed with parotid gland carcinoma and underwent total parotidectomy between 2008 and 2018, were retrospectively assessed. The relationship between the overall survival of patients and total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and indirect bilirubin levels was estimated. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the optimal cut-off points. Results: Patients with low direct bilirubin, total bilirubin and indirect bilirubin had significantly longer overall survival than those with high levels. Cut-off values for total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and indirect bilirubin were detected as 0.545 mg/dL, 0.175 mg/dL and 0.435 mg/dL, respectively. Conclusion: In our study, we observed that increased preoperative bilirubin levels are associated with reduced survival time in the postoperative period of patients with parotid gland carcinoma.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14289295
title: Efficacy of topical clotrimazole vs. topical tolnaftate in the treatment of otomycosis. A randomized controlled clinical trial

description: Abstract Introduction: Otomycosis, an infection of the ear canal by fungi, is prevalent in hot and humid weather. Nevertheless, there is not sufficient evidence for the effectiveness of different topical antifungal treatments. Tolnaftate, is a topical antifungal agent described to be effective in the treatment of otomycosis. Currently there are not sufficient studies that prove its efficacy. Objectives: To compare the efficacy of clotrimazole and tolnaftate administration in the treatment of otomycosis. Material and methods: A controlled, randomized and open clinical trial included patients diagnosed with fungal external otitis who were treated with topical antifungals, randomized into two treatment groups: (1) clotrimazole cream; (2) tolnaftate solution. They were microscopically evaluated at one and two weeks of treatment to determine resolution of disease. Recurrence and complications were recorded. Demographic and clinical variables were collected and analyzed. Follow-up and final outcomes (absence of infection) were compared between groups. Results: Forty eight patients were included, 28 in the clotrimazole group and 20 in the tolnaftate group. Spring was the weather most commonly associated with otomycosis, while otic manipulation was the risk factor more common in both groups. Predominant symptoms were itching and otic fullness. Aspergillus niger organism was isolated most frequently. Treatment with clotrimazole resulted in 75% resolution vs 45% resolution with treatment with tolnaftate at one week of treatment (p = 0.007). The Tolnaftate treatment group demonstrated higher recurrence rates and treatment failures, 20% and 15% respectively. Conclusions: Clotrimazole cream treatment is more effective than tolnaftate for uncomplicated otomycosis. More studies are needed to corroborate our results.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14289293
title: Predicting bacteria causing acute bacterial rhinosinusitis by clinical features

description: Abstract Introduction: Clinicians rely on clinical presentations to select therapeutic agents for acute bacterial rhinosinusitis. Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae are common in acute bacterial rhinosinusitis. Drug resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae require different antibiotics. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the associations between clinical features of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis and pathogenic bacteria. Methods: Sixty-four patients with acute bacterial rhinosinusitis were enrolled. Clinical features including nasal obstruction, discolored discharge, facial pain, smell disturbance, fever and laboratory findings of patients with acute bacterial rhinosinusitis were collected. The bacterial cultures of endoscopic middle meatal swabs were used as a reference. Results: Serum C-reactive protein level elevation correlated with the bacterial species (p = 0.03), by which was increased in 80.0% of Haemophilus influenzae rhinosinusitis and 57.1% of Streptococcus pneumoniae rhinosinusitis. The elevated C-reactive protein was the significant predictor for Haemophilus influenzae rhinosinusitis with the Odds Ratio of 18.06 (95% CI 2.36-138.20). The sensitivity of serum C-reactive protein level elevation for diagnosing Haemophilus influenzae rhinosinusitis was 0.80 (95% CI 0.49-0.94). Conclusion: Elevation of serum C-reactive protein level was associated with and predicted acute bacterial rhinosinusitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14289290
title: Hearing function of gold miners with and without a history of tuberculosis treatment: a retrospective data review

description: Abstract Introduction: South Africa has a high prevalence of co-existing tuberculosis and HIV. As ototoxicity linked to the treatments for these conditions occurs with concomitant exposure to other ear toxins such as hazardous noise exposure, it is important to investigate the combination impact of these toxins. Limited published evidence exists on the co-occurrence of these conditions within this population. Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare the hearing function of gold miners with (treatment group) and without (non-treatment group) the history of tuberculosis treatment, in order to determine which group had increased risk of noise induced hearing loss. Furthermore, possible influence of age and HIV in these two groups was examined. Methods: A retrospective record review of 102 miners' audiological records, divided into two groups, was conducted, with data analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Results: Findings suggest that gold miners with a history of tuberculosis treatment have worse hearing thresholds in the high frequencies when compared to those without this history; with evidence of a noise induced hearing loss notch at 6000 Hz in both groups. Pearson's correlations showed values between 0 and 0.3 (0 and −0.3) which are indicative of a weak positive (negative) correlation between HIV and hearing loss, as well as between hearing loss and age in this population. Conclusions: Current findings highlight the importance of strategic hearing conservation programs, including ototoxicity monitoring, and the possible use of oto-protective/chemo-protective agents in this population.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14289289
title: Molecular study of hearing loss in Minas Gerais, Brazil

description: Abstract Introduction: Deafness is the most frequent sensory deficit in humans. Incidence is estimated at 4:1000 births in Brazil. Specific programs for clinical care of patients with hearing loss are still scarce in Brazil and the issue is an important public health problem. Objective: To determine the frequency of 35delG and D13S1830 mutations in GJB2 and GJB6 genes respectively in patients with non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss from Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methods: This research involved 53 individuals, who were assessed by a questionnaire for predicting the possibility of non-syndromic deafness and for data collecting. Samples were tested for the presence of the 35delG mutation in GJB2 gene and D13S1830 in GJB6 gene by polymerase chain reaction and restriction enzyme digestion. Results: Epidemiological research has shown that the majority of the subjects are unaware of the etiology and the pathogenesis of hearing loss. In 9 patients (16.98%), 35delG mutation was found in heterozygosis and the allele frequency was estimate to be around 8.5%. Although 9.61% of the patients reported having some degree of consanguinity between the parents and 12.08% reported other cases of deafness in their families, this mutation was not found in homozygosis. The D13S1830 mutation was not found in this study. Conclusion: This research describes for the first time the frequency of the 35delG and D13S1830 mutation in hearing-impaired individuals from Minas Gerais, Brazil, and the collected data reinforce the need for further studies in this population due to heterogeneity of hearing loss.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14289283
title: Evaluation of circulating cell free DNA in plasma as a biomarker of different thyroid diseases

description: Abstract Introduction: Many studies have been done on proteomics, genomics, epigenetic, immunogenetics in many body fluids. Among these, circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) entered the literature in 1948, but it has not been studied for many years due to technological deficiencies. Following recent advances, geno-metastasis has been mentioned and new research is needed in this area. ccfDNA is known to be an important biomolecule in this regard. Objective: The presence of cell-free DNA in the circulatory system may offer a tremendous opportunity to provide novel biomarkers for thyroid diseases. This experimental study was conducted to determine the amount of ccfDNA in different thyroid diseases, then to evaluate whether the ccfDNA concentration varied between the disease groups and control group. Methods: In total, we included 121 individuals in the present study. We collected blood samples and then determined the ccfDNA concentration in plasma of collected blood samples from three groups: thyroiditis (n = 33), benign (n = 37), and malignant (n = 30) and from a control group (n = 21). Results: The median values of the ccfDNA groups were found as 1610, 1665, 1685 and 576 ng/mL for the thyroiditis, benign, malign, and control groups, respectively. Findings showed that the ccfDNA of the three groups was significantly higher than the control (p &lt; 0.0001). Each group was compared in terms of ccfDNA and the p-values of benign-thyroiditis, benign-malign, and thyroiditis-malign were 0.09, 0.65, and 0.29, respectively. Conclusions: The clear differences between thyroid diseases and controls suggest that ccfDNA is worthy of attention as a biomarker for further evaluation of different thyroid diseases. Likewise, it might indicate a clear tendency that ccfDNA can also be used to distinguish different thyroid diseases.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14289277
title: Endoscopic cartilage tympanoplasty: full thickness and partial thickness tragal graft,

description: Abstract Introduction: Cartilage is the grafting material of choice for certain disorders of the middle ear. The indications for its routine use remain controversial due to the possible detrimental effect on post-operative hearing. Objective: The present study was carried out to report a personal experience with "tragal cartilage shield" tympanoplasty to compare the results, in terms of graft uptake and hearing improvement, of endoscopic cartilage shield technique using either partial thickness or full thickness tragal cartilage for type 1 tympanoplasty and to highlight the tips for single-handed endoscopic ear surgery. Methods: Fifty patients with safe chronic suppurative otitis media, assisted at out-patient department from February 2014 to September 2015 were selected. They were randomly allocated into two groups, 25 patients were included in group A where a full thickness tragal cartilage was used and 25 patients included in group B where a partial thickness tragal cartilage was used. Audiometry was performed 2 months after the surgery in all cases and the patients were followed for one year. Results: Out of the total of 50 patients 39 (78%) had a successful graft take up, amongst these 22 belonged to group A and 17 belonged to the group B. The hearing improvement was similar in both groups. Conclusion: This study reveals that endoscopic tragal cartilage shield tympanoplasty is a reliable technique; with a high degree of graft take and good hearing results, irrespective of the thickness. Furthermore, the tragal cartilage is easily accessible, adaptable, resistant to resorption and single-handed endoscopic ear surgery is minimally invasive, sutureless and provides a panoramic view of the middle ear.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14289274
title: Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials in the prognosis of sudden hearing loss - a systematic review

description: Abstract Introduction: Sudden hearing loss is an otorhinolaryngological emergency that often leads to severe damage to the auditory and vestibular function. The vestibular evoked myogenic potential is a test that allows a noninvasive evaluation of the otolithic system function and vestibulospinal and vestibulo-ocular pathways. Objective: To evaluate the importance of vestibular evoked myogenic potential in determining the prognosis of patients with sudden hearing loss. Methods: A search for articles published up to December 2018 was performed in the PubMed, Cochrane, VHL and LILACS databases using MeSH descriptors. Retrospective and prospective articles were included containing cervical or ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential in sudden hearing loss patients and information on associated vertigo and/or dizziness. Results: Sixteen of 62 initially selected articles met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Regarding the methodology of the evaluated studies, 8 studies were prospective, six were retrospective, one contained part of the data from a retrospective analysis and another part from a prospective analysis, and one study was cross-sectional. A total of 872 patients were evaluated (50.22% males and 49.77% females) with a mean age of 51.26 years. Four hundred and twenty-six patients (50.35%) had vertigo and/or dizziness associated with sudden hearing loss. The cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential was performed in all studies, but only seven assessed the ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential. The cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential showed alterations in 38.65% of 846 evaluated ears, whereas ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential showed alterations in 47.88% of 368 evaluated ears. The hearing recovery rate was analyzed by 8 articles, with 63.4% of 410 evaluated ears showing hearing recovery. Conclusions: The studies suggest that the assessment of the vestibular system using vestibular evoked myogenic potential seems to be important in the prognosis of sudden hearing loss. For better follow-up of patients with sudden hearing loss, the emphasis should not be limited to the cochlea, but also include the diagnosis and treatment of vestibular abnormalities, regardless of the presence of vertigo.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14289272
title: Surgical outcomes of sinonasal inverted papilloma: a 17 year review

description: Abstract Introduction: Inverted papillomas represent one of the most common benign neoplasic lesions located in the sinonasal tract. Owing to the local erosive behavior, tendency to recur and the potential for malignant transformation, surgical management of inverted papillomas is often challenging. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the surgical outcomes of patients with inverted papillomas, according to the Krouse staging and the different surgical approaches. Methods: Retrospective study of patients diagnosed with sinonasal inverted papillomas who underwent surgical treatment between 2000 and 2016 at a tertiary referral hospital. Cases with follow-up less than 12 months were excluded. The rate and the time of recurrence were the main outcomes. Values of p &lt; 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Thirty-six cases with mean age of 60 years, predominantly male (72%), were included. The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 16 years, with an average of 4.5 years. Krouse T1 Stage corresponded to 11.1%; T2 occurred in 50% of cases; while T3 and T4 Stages accounted for 30.6% and 8.3% of patients, respectively. Most cases were approached by an endoscopic technique alone (83.3%), with a recurrence rate of 13.3%. Patients treated via a combined or open approach revealed a recurrence of 16.7%. No differences in the recurrence rate were reported when comparing endoscopic surgery with the open or combined techniques. Krouse Stage T3 had a significant association with inverted papillomas recurrence (p = 0.023). All inverted papilloma relapses occurred up to 2 years post-operatively. One case of malignant transformation was recorded (2.7%). Conclusion: Endoscopic surgery did not increase the recurrence rates and can be a safe and efficient alternative to open or combined techniques. The recurrence of inverted papillomas seem to be related to the persistence of the disease and tend to occur early after primary surgery. Krouse T3 Stages may be associated with a higher recurrence of inverted papillomas.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14289269
title: Speech-in-noise perception ability can be related to auditory efferent pathway function: a comparative study in reading impaired and normal reading children

description: Abstract Introduction: Deficient auditory processing can cause problems with speech perception and affect the development and evolution of reading skills. The efferent auditory pathway has an important role in normal auditory system functions like speech-in-noise perception, but there is still no general agreement on this. Objective: To study the performance of the efferent auditory system in a group of children with reading impairment in comparison with normal reading and evaluation of its relationship with speech-in-noise perception. Methods: A total of 53 children between the ages of 8-12 years were selected for the study of which 27 were with reading impairment and 26 were normal reading children. Transient evoked otoacoustic emissions suppression and auditory recognition of words-in-noise test were performed for all the children. Results: The average amplitude of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions suppression showed a significant difference between the two groups in the right (p = 0.004) and in the left ear (p = 0.028). Assessment of the relationship between transient evoked otoacoustic emissions suppression and monaural auditory recognition of words-in-noise scores showed a significant moderate negative relationship only in the right ear (p = 0.034, r = −0.41) of the normal reading children. Binaural auditory recognition of words-in-noise scores were significantly correlated with the amplitude of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions suppression in the right ear (p &lt; 0.001, r = −0.75) and in the left ear (p &lt; 0.001, r = −0.64) of normal reading children. In the reading impaired group, ?a weaker correlation was observed between binaural auditory recognition of words-in-noise scores and transient evoked otoacoustic emissions suppression in the right (p = 0.003, r = −0.55) and in the left ear (p = 0.012, r = −0.47). Conclusions: Transient evoked otoacoustic emissions suppression pattern in the reading impaired group was different compared with normal reading children, and this difference could be related to efferent system performance. Words-in-noise scores in children with impaired reading were lower than in normal reading children. In addition, a relationship was found between transient evoked otoacoustic emissions suppression and words-in-noise scores in both normal and impaired reading children.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14289268
title: Use of scanning electron microscopy in the cochlea of guinea pigs

description: Abstract Introduction: The use of electron microscopy in the study of the inner ear has allowed us to observe minute details of the hair cells, especially in ototoxicity studies; however, the preparation of this material is a difficult and delicate task. In an attempt to simplify the handling of these materials, two agents, toluidine blue and ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid were tested, in addition to the elimination of osmium tetroxide during the preparation of albino guinea pig cochleae. We also tested the applicability of these methodologies in an ototoxicity protocol. Objective: To verify the quality of the images obtained with and without the use of ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid, toluidine blue and osmium tetroxide in the preparation of cochleae of albino guinea pigs for the scanning electron microscopy. Methods: Three groups of cochleae were used. In Group 1, 10 cochleae were prepared with the usual methodology, dissecting the optical capsule without decalcification and using osmium tetroxide as a post-fixative agent. In Group 2, we prepared 10 cochleae decalcified with ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid, injecting toluidine blue in the endolymphatic space to facilitate the identification of the organ of Corti. In Group 3, we used 4 cochleae of guinea pigs that received 3 doses of cisplatin (7.5 mg/kg, D1-D5-D6), two prepared according to the methodology used in Group 1 and two with that used in Group 2. Scanning electron microscopy images were obtained from the organ of Corti region of the basal turn of each cochlea. Results: The organ of Corti was more easily identified with the use of toluidine blue. The dissection of the cochlea was more accurate in the decalcified cochleae. The quality of the images and the preservation of the organ of Corti obtained with the two methodologies were similar. Conclusion: The proposed modifications resulted in images of similar quality as those observed using the traditional methodology.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14289266
title: What do otolaryngologists want to learn? An educational targeted needs assessment study

description: Abstract Introduction: Targeted needs assessment which includes identifying the needs of learners is a key step of program development. However, this step is commonly underestimated in postgraduate medical education programs, including otolaryngology residency training. Determining the needs of otolaryngologists may help educators to design more purposeful continuing medical education training programs. Furthermore, needs of specialists may provide a clearer insight about effectiveness of the residency programs in that specialty. Objective: To determine training needs of otolaryngology specialists and to identify deficiencies in otolaryngology residency training programs. Methods: Seventy-eight otolaryngology specialists, who completed all data gathering forms properly, were included in this descriptive, cross-sectional study. Demographic data of the participants were collected. Training needs of the participants were determined in seven basic areas of otolaryngology via two-round Delphi method. The basic areas were otology-neurotology, rhinology, laryngology, head and neck surgery, pediatric otolaryngology, sleep disorders and facial plastic surgery. Additionally, we asked an open-ended question to investigate the reasons why the participants perceived themselves incompetent and undereducated, or why they needed further training in some of the basic otolaryngology areas. Results: Facial plastic surgery, otology-neurotology and head and neck surgery were the most cited training areas in the needs assessment. Training needs differed according to experience and place of work. Financial expectations, deficiencies in residency training, regression in knowledge and skills, and special interest were effective determinants on decisions of the participants while determining their training needs. Conclusion: Otolaryngologists need further training in some areas of their field due to different reasons. Determining these areas and reasons will help in designing more effective continuous medical education activities and residency training programs in otolaryngology.