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Abstract Objective To characterize neighborhood‐level area deprivation's association with oropharyngeal carcinoma clinicodemographics, tumor staging, recurrence, and overall survival. Study Design Retrospective study. Setting Single institution academic medical center. Methods Patients diagnosed with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) between 2007 and 2022 at our institution were included in this study. The Area Deprivation Index (ADI) was used to quantify neighborhood‐level disadvantage based on patients’ primary residence at the time of their diagnosis. Continuous variables were compared between groups using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. For categorical variables, proportions were compared using Fisher's exact test. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) distributions were estimated using the Kaplan‐Meier method and log‐rank test. OS and RFS were further assessed by univariable and multivariable analyses performed using the Cox proportional hazards model. Results The higher ADI (more disadvantaged) group consisted of a significantly greater proportion of Black race (P

BackgroundChronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is traditionally classified into CRS with or without nasal polyps and more recently into eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic endotypes. Limited research exists on the relationship between CRS subtype and mucociliary function. This study compares ciliary beat frequency (CBF) across CRS subtypes.ObjectiveTo investigate CBF across different CRS subtypes and validate spectrally encoded interferometric microscopy (SEIM) against phase contrast microscopy (PCM) for measuring CBF.MethodsSinonasal mucosa from endoscopic endonasal surgery cases were imaged ex vivo at physiologic temperature with PCM and SEIM. CBF measurements were compared between disease states (control vs chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) vs chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) and control vs eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis vs noneosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis), as well as between PCM and SEIM.ResultsCRSwNP mucosa (5.77 ± 0.12 Hz) had significantly lower CBF compared to control (6.23 ± 0.11 Hz; p=0.001). Both eosinophilic rhinosinusitis (5.74 ± 0.16 Hz; p=0.005) and noneosinophilic CRS mucosa (6.00 ± 0.08 Hz; p=0.03) had significantly lower ciliary beat frequency compared to control (6.28 ± 0.11 Hz). There was no significant difference between PCM (7.65 ± 0.60 Hz) and SEIM (7.64 ± 0.51 Hz) as a means of evaluating CBF (p=0.36).ConclusionAmong CRS subtypes, eosinophilic, noneosinophilic, and CRSwNP are associated with lower ciliary beat frequency when compared to healthy controls. SEIM may have value in measuring ciliary beat frequency.

Abstract In many cases, electron counting with direct detection sensors offers improved resolution, lower noise, and higher pixel density compared to conventional, indirect detection sensors for electron microscopy applications. Direct detection technology has previously been utilized, with great success, for imaging and diffraction, but potential advantages for spectroscopy remain unexplored. Here we compare the performance of a direct detection sensor operated in counting mode and an indirect detection sensor (scintillator/fiber-optic/CCD) for electron energy-loss spectroscopy. Clear improvements in measured detective quantum efficiency and combined energy resolution/energy field-of-view are offered by counting mode direct detection, showing promise for efficient spectrum imaging, low-dose mapping of beam-sensitive specimens, trace element analysis, and time-resolved spectroscopy. Despite the limited counting rate imposed by the readout electronics, we show that both core-loss and low-loss spectral acquisition are practical. These developments will benefit biologists, chemists, physicists, and materials scientists alike.

Gold–palladium (Au–Pd) bimetallic nanostructures with engineered plasmon-enhanced activity sustainably drive energy-intensive chemical reactions at low temperatures with solar simulated light. A series of alloy and core–shell Au–Pd nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared to synergistically couple plasmonic (Au) and catalytic (Pd) metals to tailor their optical and catalytic properties. Metal-based catalysts supporting a localized surface plasmon resonance (SPR) can enhance energy-intensive chemical reactions via augmented carrier generation/separation and photothermal conversion. Titania-supported Au–Pd bimetallic (i) alloys and (ii) core–shell NPs initiated the ethanol (EtOH) oxidation reaction under solar-simulated irradiation, with emphasis toward driving carbon–carbon (C–C) bond cleavage at low temperatures. Plasmon-assisted complete oxidation of EtOH to CO2, as well as intermediary acetaldehyde, was examined by monitoring the yield of gaseous products from suspended particle photocatalysis. Photocatalytic, electrochemical, and photoelectrochemical (PEC) results are correlated with Au–Pd composition and homogeneity to maintain SPR-induced charge separation and mitigate the carbon monoxide poisoning effects on Pd. Photogenerated holes drive the photo-oxidation of EtOH primarily on the Au-Pd bimetallic nanocatalysts and photothermal effects improve intermediate desorption from the catalyst surface, providing a method to selectively cleave C–C bonds.

Handheld ultrasound devices can be used in revision rhinoplasty to evaluate the calcification of costal rib cartilage that is to be harvested for grafting. This article provides instructions on how to perform this technique. Laryngoscope, 134:651-653, 2024.

Background: Rhinoplasty osteotomes can be sharpened in various ways: professional sharpening or hand sharpening using whetstones or rotary powered devices. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of sharpening osteotomes using various sharpening methods with that of professional sharpening as measured by a custom edge tester. Materials and Methods: We performed repeated serial osteotome impacts on bovine femoral cortical bone. These dull osteotomes were sharpened using preidentified sharpening techniques. Edge morphology was evaluated. Sharpness was tested using a custom mechanical testing platform. Optimized sharpness was achieved with a whetstone sharpening method wherein the osteotome is flipped after every stroke. Results: Seven distinct sharpening methods were tested for sharpness five times each to determine the optimal sharpening method versus professional sharpening (control). The two sharpening methods, 5 (5.51 ± 0.32) and 6 (5.55 ± 0.32), that used this flipping technique were significantly sharper than other methods. Methods 5 (p = 1.0) and 6 (p = 1.0) were the only methods that were not significantly different from control. Conclusion: Single stroke with successively alternating surfaces created the sharpest blades that achieved results similar to professional sharpening.

This study aims to identify the epidemiology and effects of facial fractures on return to play (RTP) in Major League Soccer (MLS) and the English Premier League (EPL). A total of 39 MLS players and 40 EPL players who sustained facial fractures from 2007 to 2019 were identified. Data on player demographics, the injury, and the impact of their injury on RTP were collected. Elbow-to-head was the most common mechanism of injury (20.3%). The most common fracture involved the nasal bone (48.3%). Most players (90%) RTP the same season. Players who sustained nasal fractures missed significantly fewer games (p

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has led to innovation in the way scientific advancements are disseminated and the structure of physician continuing medical education. With in-person medical conferences and meetings throughout the world impacted by travel restrictions and many geographically confined, virtual teleconferences with exceptional attendance have become an integral part of medical education. Our group has successfully produced >50 virtual educational seminars, including multiple global webinar conferences ranging between 24 and 55 h of continuous lectures each. In this special communication, we discuss some of the challenges we overcame in learning "on the job" and share key elements to successful implementation of long-format virtual teleconference events. We hope our experience will guide future online continuing medical education efforts and assist others in planning their own online initiatives.

ObjectivesTraditional fat contouring is now regularly performed using numerous office- based less invasive techniques. However, some limitations of these minimally invasive techniques include high cost or limited selectivity with performing localized contouring and reduction of fat. These shortcomings may potentially be addressed by electrochemical lipolysis (ECLL), a novel approach that involves the insertion of electrodes into tissue followed by application of a direct current (DC) electrical potential. This results in the hydrolysis of tissue water creating active species that lead to fat necrosis and apoptosis. ECLL can be accomplished using a simple voltage-driven system (V-ECLL) or a potential-driven feedback cell (P-ECLL) both leading to water electrolysis and the creation of acid and base in situ. The aim of this study is to determine the long-lasting effects of targeted ECLL in a Yucatan pig model.MethodsA 5-year-old Yucatan pig was treated with both V-ECLL and P-ECLL in the subcutaneous fat layer using 80:20 platinum:iridium needle electrodes along an 8 cm length. Dosimetry parameters included 5 V V-ECLL for 5, 10, and 20 minutes, and -1.5 V P-ECLL, -2.5 V P-ECLL, -3.5 V P-ECLL for 5 minutes. The pig was assessed for changes in fat reduction over 3 months with digital photography and ultrasound. After euthanasia, tissue sections were harvested and gross pathology and histology were examined.ResultsV-ECLL and P-ECLL treatments led to visible fat reduction (12.1%-27.7% and 9.4%-40.8%, respectively) and contour changes across several parameters. An increased reduction of the superficial fat layer occurred with increased dosimetry parameters with an average charge transfer of 12.5, 24.3, and 47.5 C transferred for 5 V V-ECLL for 5, 10, and 20 minutes, respectively, and 2.0, 11.5, and 24.0 C for -1.5 V P-ECLL, -2.5 V P-ECLL, -3.5 V P-ECLL for 5 minutes, respectively. These dose-dependent changes were also evidenced by digital photography, gross pathology, ultrasound imaging, and histology.ConclusionsECLL results in selective damage and long-lasting changes to the adipose layer in vivo. These changes are dose-dependent, thus allowing for more precise contouring of target areas. P-ECLL has greater efficiency and control of total charge transfer compared to V-ECLL, suggesting that a low-voltage potentiostat treatment can result in fat apoptosis equivalent to a high-voltage DC system.

Mucociliary clearance facilitated by healthy cilia beating is crucial to normal upper airway function. Phase-contrast microscopy (PCM) is the current golden standard for measuring ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and has limitations. With PCM, one cannot appreciate how CBF varies across the complex landscape of the nasal vault and sinus tissues. With Spectrally encoded interferometric microscopy (SEIM), en face imaging of cilia can be achieved, providing insight into the changes in CBF across tissue surfaces. This study aims to validate the use of SEIM to quantify ciliary beat frequency across ex vivo upper airway tissue.

We report on the microstructure of high Al content (0.65 < x < 0.78) AlxGa1−xN planar films grown in the III-rich regime by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PA-MBE) at elevated growth temperatures from 800°C to 950°C. Films grown at or above 900°C have lateral periodic contrast oscillations in high-angle annular dark field (HAADF) images from transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The features are perpendicular to the growth direction and arise from spatial variations in the ratio of Al to Ga atoms. These oscillations begin at the AlxGa1−xN/AlN interface and are different from previously observed inhomogeneities that arose from spontaneous ordering and random compositional fluctuations. As prior studies have shown, compositional anomalies can improve certain optical properties, these vertical periodic structures observed here merit further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the association of social determinants of health (SDoH) in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue in the United States and to evaluate the real‐world contribution of specific disparities. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: United States. Methods: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention‐Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) and National Cancer Institute‐Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program database were used to study 62,103 adult tongue squamous cell carcinoma patients from 1975 to 2017. Regression analysis assessed trends in months of follow‐up and survival across social vulnerability and 4 subcategories of social vulnerability. Results: As overall SVI score increases (increased social vulnerability), there is a significant decrease in the average length of follow‐up (22.95% decrease from 63.99 to 49.31 months; P <.001) across patients from the lowest and highest social vulnerability groups. As overall SVI score increases, there is a significant decrease in the average months of survival (28.00% decrease from 49.20 to 35.43 months; P <.001). There is also a significantly greater odds ratio (OR = 1.05; P <.001) of advanced cancer staging upon presentation at higher SVI scores. Patients with higher SVI scores have a lower OR (0.93; P <.001) of receiving surgery as their primary treatment when compared to patients with lower SVI scores. Patients with higher SVI scores also have a significantly greater OR (OR = 1.05; P <.001) of receiving chemotherapy as their primary treatment when compared to patients with lower SVI scores. Conclusion: Increased social vulnerability is shown to have a detrimental impact on the treatment and prognosis of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to identify the epidemiology and effects of facial fractures on return to play (RTP) in Major League Soccer (MLS) and the English Premier League (EPL). A total of 39 MLS players and 40 EPL players who sustained facial fractures from 2007 to 2019 were identified. Data on player demographics, the injury, and the impact of their injury on RTP were collected. Elbow-to-head was the most common mechanism of injury (20.3%). The most common fracture involved the nasal bone (48.3%). Most players (90%) RTP the same season. Players who sustained nasal fractures missed significantly fewer games (p < 0.001) than those who suffered other craniofacial fractures. Players treated surgically missed significantly more games (3.21 vs. 0.71, p = 0.006) and days (30.1 vs. 8.70, p = 0.002) than those managed nonoperatively. Significantly more EPL players who sustained facial fractures wore headgear upon RTP compared to MLS players (82% vs. 56%, p <0.01). Most professional soccer players who sustain a facial fracture RTP the same season, but their recovery time can vary depending on the type of fracture, injury management, or injury severity. Our findings can help inform future craniofacial injury management as well as guidelines on player safety and fracture prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]