The Relevance of Assessing the Cell Proliferation Factor Ki-67 in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Larynx.

The aim of study was to investigate the expression of the proliferation factor Ki-67 and its relationship with histological grade, cancer stage, and treatment outcome in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx. Samples from 78 patients with laryngeal cancer were analysed retrospectively. Paraffin sections of tumors were immunohistochemically stained for Ki-67 expression. The patients were divided in two groups according to the proliferative factor values (a low Ki-67 index group - Ki-67≤34 and high Ki-67 index group-Ki-67 >34). Statistical analysis of the data shows significant correlation among histological tumor grade and the value of the Ki-67 proliferative index. There was no correlation between tumoral Ki-67 expression and diagnosis, stage of the disease, or treatment outcome. In conclusion, Ki-67 expression in laryngeal cancer is not the most reliable marker for making precise diagnosis and predicting the clinical course.

[Bilateral facial palsy following pulmonary infection--a possible variant of acute inflammatory polyradiculoneuropathy]. / Bilaterale Fazialisparese nach Lungeninfektion--eine mögliche Variante einer akuten inflammatorischen Polyradikuloneuropathie.

HISTORY AND CLINICAL FINDINGS: A 43-year old female presented with bilateral facial muscle weakness a month after onset of upper respiratory tract infection. INVESTIGATIONS: The neurologic examination on admission revealed bilateral facial palsy, no signs of muscular weakness, hyperreflexia and flexor plantar responses. Extensive laboratory analysis, radiological and neuroimaging assessment were unremarkable but analysis of cerebrospinal fluid revealed albumin-cytological dissociation. Sequentially, nerve conduction studies confirmed demyelination of both facial nerves. A diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome was made according to clinical findings, laboratory results and nerve study results. TREATMENT AND COURSE: IVIg therapy was initiated (2 g/kg per 5 days) after no response to tapered intravenous corticosteroid therapy. Five days after the last IVIg dose the patient started to recover. Both eyes were treated with standard protective measures. CONCLUSION: Guillain-Barré syndrome is an acute autoimmune polyneuropathy characterized by a course of rapid ascending muscular weakness and mild sensory symptoms appearing approximately two-four weeks after an infection. The facial nerve is of all cranial nerves most often affected but it is rarely the prominent sign of GBS. As well, bilateral facial palsy has never been described as a sole manifestation of GBS, as of our notion.

The effects of disclosure of sequential rhinomanometry scores on post-septoplasty subjective scores of nasal obstruction: a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the effects of awareness of rhinomanometric results on subjective sensation of nasal breathing in patients after septoplasty. DESIGN: Prospective randomised study. SETTING: Clinical Hospital Rijeka. PARTICIPANTS: A study of 60 patients (45 M, 15 F) who underwent septoplasty was performed at the ENT Clinic, Clinical Hospital Rijeka. The patients were randomised into two groups; group A was shown their rhinomanometry scores at 3 months postoperatively, while group B remained unaware of their rhinomanometry results. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The assumption is that in the same settings patients aware of their rhinomanometric results have better performances of their Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale and thereby a better quality of life (QOL) after septoplasty. RESULTS: The differences in rhinomanometric results and NOSE scale prior and after septoplasty were statistically significant (P < 0.001), all patients achieving better results after the operation. There was no statistically significant difference in resistance (F = 0.004; P = 0.948) and improvement of rhinomanometry results in postoperative measurements (F = 0.110; P = 0.896) between groups A and B. The symptoms measured by the NOSE scale were the same in both groups preoperatively and 1 month after septoplasty (F = 2.906; P = 0.094). Three months postoperatively in group A, the NOSE scale score was lower (M = 11.67; sd = 12.34) than in group B (M = 27.50; sd = 18.04). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that disclosing information to patients about their post-septoplasty rhinomanometry results may improve subjective nasal breathing, and thus improve their QOL.

The significance of rhinomanometry in evaluation of postlaryngectomy olfactory rehabilitation by polite yawning technique.

OBJECTIVE: To corroborate the result of postlaryngectomy olfactory rehabilitation evaluating the efficacy of the Polite Yawning Technique (PYT) with rhinomanometry and odours with the Smell diskettes Olfaction test (SDOT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two laryngectomised patients were subjected to olfactory rehabilitation consisting of 15-minute training and independent exercising for two weeks. The sense of smell and nasal airflow in laryngectomised patients were examined before and after implementation of PYT. RESULTS: The differences in SDOT results prior to and after introduction of PYT were statistically significant, most patients achieving better results after rehabilitation. A significant positive correlation was obtained in results of SDOT and rhinomanometry prior to and after introduction of PYT. The results of measurements after rehabilitation showed that 75% of patients had improved nasal breathing, 78% of patients had a better sense of smell and 40% of patients became normosmic. CONCLUSIONS: PYT has proved to be an effective method in olfaction rehabilitation following total laryngectomy. Using rhinomanometry, evaluation of the rehabilitation success is substantiated while the technique is simplified.

Neutralization bone-plating repair of a fractured radius and ulna in a lynx. A case report.

The article describes a case of radius/ulna fracture in a lynx, Felix (Lynx) lynx. Osteosynthesis was performed using a combination of a dog bone plate at ulna and medullary pins in radius. The special anatomical features of the radius and ulna of the lynx determined the choice of surgical technique.