Comparison of the i-test COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test with Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase PCR.

Objective: Improvements in SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis with easy, rapid and cost-effective approaches are required to control the COVID-19 pandemic. Antigen tests result in 5 to 30 minutes, providing an advantage over polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in duration. We tested the performance of the i-test COVID-19 rapid antigen test to real-time reverse transcriptase PCR in 200 symptomatic COVID-19 suspected patients. The cycle threshold (Ct) values of the patients were found to be between 21.6 and 34.4. The Ct value of 10 patients who tested positive in the PCR test was >30. We found that the sensitivity and specificity of the antigen test were 80.6 % and 93.7 %, respectively, for samples with a Ct value of <30, and overall agreement between antigen and PCR test was 91.6 % for these samples. i-test COVID-19 rapid antigen test can be used for screening in schools, factories, nursing homes, and everywhere where PCR test is unavailable.

Effects of platelet-rich fibrin and dexamethasone on nerve regeneration after acute facial-nerve injury.

BACKGROUND: Acute facial-nerve injury. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and dexamethasone on nerve regeneration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six rats were randomly divided into six groups. Facial-nerve injury was created using a full-thickness incision in all groups except Group E. Next, primary anastomosis, PRF application, topical dexamethasone application, primary anastomosis with topical PRF and dexamethasone application, and no facial-nerve repair were performed in Groups A, B, C, D, and F, respectively. Clinical, functional, and structural improvements were evaluated at eight weeks. RESULTS: The mean eye-closure movement score in Group B was significantly higher than that in Group F (p < .001). The mean whisker-movement score in Group B was significantly higher than that in Group F (p = .001). The mean amplitude of whisker movement in Group F was significantly lower than those in Groups A, B, C, and E, and the mean amplitude in Group D was significantly lower than that in Group E (p < .001). Furthermore, an improvement in nerve ultrastructure was observed in Group B. CONCLUSION: PRF application has a positive effect on nerve recovery after anastomosis. SIGNIFICANCE: Contribute to the literature to improve nerve regeneration.

Comparison of obstetric and neonatal outcomes between Syrian adolescent refugees and local Turkish adolescent citizens.

The provision of antenatal care in adolescents in refugee populations presents particular difficulties because of conflict, nutritional deficiencies, language barriers and lack of access to health care facilities. Due to the absence of prenatal care, associated medical complications can occur. A total of 525 adolescent women who gave birth to singletons agreed to participate in this study. Data about maternal demographic and obstetric characteristics, as well as neonatal outcomes were analysed. In conclusion, adolescent pregnancy continues to be an important social problem due to health support needs. However, the results of our present study are important in terms of showing that perinatal care is quietly improving in Turkey.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? Adolescent pregnancies are at much higher risk than adult pregnancies in terms of complications. These complications include preterm delivery, intrauterine growth retardation, maternal morbidity and mortality, neonatal morbidity and mortality. According to various beliefs and traditions, marriages in early ages are observed in some societies and as a result, adolescents become pregnant. Additionally, the present study includes early adolescent aged pregnancies as 14,15 and 16. As far as we search in the literature, there is no reported about early adolescent pregnancies.What do the results of this study add? Often, such pregnancies occur more frequently in societies with low socioeconomic levels. For this reason routine pregnancy screening, support during pregnancy, prenatal care is not adequately provided. Some of the complications develop on them. Primarily, the adolescent pregnancies should be gotten under control, if not, some complications can be prevented by routine pregnancy follow-up and adequate provision of prenatal care and support.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? As a guide on clinical practices and further studies; an effective method of contraception should be applied to sexually active women at early maternal age. If not, pregnancies should be kept under close follow-up and with adequate support to avoid complications.

Booster administration can make a difference in the antibody response to intradermal foot-and-mouth disease vaccination in cattle.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious and economically important viral disease of cloven-hoofed animals. Routine vaccination is one of the preferred methods of protection against this disease in endemic countries. For protective immunity against FMD, repeated immunizations with frequent administration are required. Intradermal immunization has many advantages over intramuscular administration of vaccines. In this study, a commercial tetravalent FMD vaccine adjuvanted with Montanide ISA 206 was administered to cattle via the intramuscular (2 mL [n = 10] and 0.5 mL [n = 9]) and intradermal (0.5 mL [n = 11]) routes. Booster doses were administered 28 days later using the same vaccine and routes. Serum samples were collected on days 0, 7, 14, and 28 post-vaccination (pv) and at 30 and 60 days post-booster. Homologous and heterologous virus neutralization tests and liquid-phase blocking and isotype ELISAs were used to measure the antibody response. The results showed that intradermal administration of quarter doses of the vaccine provides an equal or better virus neutralization antibody response than intramuscular administration of the same dose of vaccine after booster administration in cattle. This means that four times more cattle can be immunized with the same amount of vaccine using the intradermal route without compromising immunity.

Reliability of CIR-S using the subperiosteal pocket technique under 2 years of age.

OBJECTIVE: It is aimed in this study to investigate the reliability of the cochlear implant receiver-stimulator (CIR-S) placement using unfixed subperiosteal tight pocket technique and the postoperative soft tissue changes that occur around the CIR-S, in toddlers under 2 years of age. METHODS: Nonsyndromic toddlers with normal radiological findings and who were planned to have cochlear implantation were included in the study. Preoperative and postoperative complications, device migration, and postoperative soft tissue changes occurred around the CIR were analyzed using objective methods. RESULTS: Twenty-six toddlers aged between 12 and 24 months who met the study criteria were followed up for a mean follow-up duration of 18 months. No intraoperative and postoperative surgical complications and device migration were observed in any of the cases included in the study. CONCLUSION: It was concluded as a result of this study that cochlear implant receiver-stimulator placement using the subperiosteal pocket technique is reliable in toddlers under 2 years of age, provided that the small incision tight subperiostal pocket technique is performed meticulously without fixation and well drilling, and that device-protective changes occur in the tissues around the CIR-S over time with the use of the device and as the child skull develops.

Could the Valsalva manoeuvre be an alternative to the tenaculum for intrauterine device insertion?

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated whether the Valsalva manoeuvre (VM) could be an alternative to use of the tenaculum for intrauterine device (IUD) insertion. The aims were to establish whether VM could provide good patient comfort and enable the insertion to be performed successfully with adequate pain control in cases where the cervix could not be passed spontaneously. METHODS: Women who attended the outpatient clinic of Alanya Education and Research Hospital between November 2017 and December 2020 for IUD insertion were randomly assigned to the VM (n = 52) or tenaculum (n = 55) group. Insertion in the latter group was carried out by grasping the cervix with a single-toothed tenaculum. In the VM group, no tenaculum was used to grasp the cervix; instead, the woman was asked to perform VM during insertion. RESULTS: IUD insertion success rates were similar between the groups. Procedural anxiety scores were slightly higher in the tenaculum group. Pain scores measured during the procedure were significantly higher in the tenaculum group compared with the VM group. Severe pain was reported by 58.2% of women in the tenaculum group, whereas 57.7% of women in the VM group reported no pain. CONCLUSION: In cases where an IUD cannot be passed through the cervical canal spontaneously, the procedure should be attempted using VM before using a tenaculum. The use of VM may lead to lower pain and anxiety levels as well as increased patient comfort.

Could fibrinogen to albumin ratio be a predictive marker for recurrent pregnancy loss.

AIMS: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is usually defined by two or more consecutive clinical miscarriages, which causes psychological trauma for couples. In this study, we aimed to investigate the predictive role of fibrinogen to albumin ratio (FAR) in patients with RPL. METHODS: Pregnant women in their first trimester of pregnancy were included in the study and divided into two groups as RPL patients (n: 44) and patients with no previous recurrent miscarriage (n: 60) as control group. Demographical parameters and routine blood parameters (fibrinogen, D-dimer, FAR, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio [NLR], platelet count, main platelet volume [MPV], and red cell distribution width [RDW] values) were compared between the RPL group and the control group. RESULTS: The groups were determined to be statistically different in regard to gravidity and parity (P < .001). The difference between the groups was statistically different in regard to fibrinogen (mg/dL), albumin (g/dL), FAR (%), NLR (%), RDW-coefficient of variation (%), RDW-standard deviation (fl), and platelet counts (10-3 /µL). However, MPV (fl) and D-dimer (µg/L) levels were similar in both groups. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the NLR levels were 84.1% sensitive and 75% specific with a cut-off value of 4.27 and the FAR levels were 79.5% sensitive and 88.3% specific with a cut-off value of 105.69 for predicting RPL. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the FAR and NLR levels seem to be effective parameters for predicting RPL with high sensitivity and specificity.

The Effect of the Mother's Participation in Therapy on Children with Vocal Fold Nodules.

OBJECTIVES: Vocal fold nodules (VFN) are a bilateral epithelial thickening of the membranous vocal folds. In this study, children with VFN and their mothers took part in voice therapy. We then compared acoustic analyzes and subjective evaluations to those in previous literature to determine whether voice therapy is more effective for children with VFN when their mothers also take part in therapy. METHODS: Children aged eight to 12 years who were diagnosed with bilateral VFN between January 2018 and January 2020 were included in this study. Participating children diagnosed with bilateral VFN were divided into two groups based on the wishes and cooperation of their families. Group 1 consisted of 16 patients; Group 2 included 17 patients. The children in Group 1 received voice therapy alone; children in Group 2 took part in therapy with their mothers. For all participants, the average fundemental frequency (F0), jitter percentages, shimmer percentages, maximum phonation time (MPT) and s/z ratios were measured. Pediatric voice handicap index (p-VHI) values were calculated as well. RESULTS: The two groups' measures pre-treatment and post-treatment were compared. Except for p-VHI, no significant difference was observed between the two groups. However, p-VHI post-treatment was significantly lower in Group 2 than in Group 1. CONCLUSIONS: Involving the families and even teachers of children with VFN in voice therapy can increase the effectiveness of therapy. The family's involvement increases the child's motivation in therapy. The mother's presence during therapy, supporting the child or even doing the work with the child, can be a very important source of motivation for the child, who may already be tired from school and other activities. Thus, the mother's involvement increases the child's compliance with and interest in therapy.

Quantitative assessment of temporal skin elasticity using shear wave elastography in pediatric cochlear implant users.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate temporal skin thicknesses and stiffness values using shear wave elastography (SWE) in asymptomatic pediatric patients who underwent cochlear implantation. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Sixty-four deafened pediatric patients with unilateral cochlear implant (CI) who had no complications were enrolled. The age, sex, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), CI side, duration of CI use and CI device brand of all participants were noted. Temporal skin thickness and stiffness values were measured from implanted and contralateral unimplanted sides using SWE. RESULTS: The mean skin thickness measurements of implanted and unimplanted sides were 11.87 ± 3.42 and 5.34 ± 1.56 mm, respectively. The mean skin stiffness measurements of implanted and unimplanted sides were 3.08 ± 0.7 and 1.29 ± 0.26 m/s, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in skin thickness and stiffness between implanted and unimplanted sides (P < .001, P < .001). The mean skin thickness and stiffness measurements did not differ among types of CI devices (P = .948, P = .362). Age had positive correlation with implanted (P < .001, P = .019) and unimplanted sides (P < .001, P < .001) skin thickness and stiffness. BMI had positive correlation with implanted (P < .001, P = .023) and unimplanted sides (P < .001, P < .001) skin thickness and stiffness. Duration of CI use had positive correlation with implanted side skin thickness (P < .001) and stiffness (P = .031). CONCLUSION: Temporal skin thickness and stiffness increase after CI surgery. SWE has the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy, and our results may provide important data for evaluation of clinical entities that affect temporal skin structures.

Serum Renin Levels in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the serum renin levels of patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients with ISSNHL and 24 asymptomatic healthy volunteers were included in the study. Subjects underwent pure-tone audiometry and serum renin levels were measured. RESULTS: There were 14 women (mean age:42.35 ± 9.53) and 10 men (mean age:43.8 ± 6.87) in the patient group. There were 14 women (mean age:42.4 ± 4.7) and 10 men (mean age:41.4 ± 4.59) in the control group. ISSNHL was detected on the right side in 13 patients and on the left side in 11 patients. Serum renin levels of the patients and controls were 788.01 ± 327.8 and 282.37 ± 107.73 pg/mL, respectively. The serum renin levels were found to be significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group (P ≤ .001). There was a statistically significant strong positive correlation between serum renin level and the severity of hearing loss (r = 0.77; P = .001). CONCLUSION: Serum renin levels of patients with ISSNHL were higher than controls. There was a statistically significant strong positive correlation between serum renin level and the severity of hearing loss.

Effects of Intracordal Estradiol and Dexamethasone Injection on Wound Healing in Vocal Fold Injuries.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of intracordal estradiol and dexamethasone injection on wound healing in vocal fold injuries. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective controlled animal study was carried out. SETTING: This study was conducted at a tertiary center. SUBJECTS-METHODS: Ten rabbits were randomly divided into two groups. As surgical procedure, cordotomy technique was performed in the middle third of the vocal folds bilaterally. In the first group, 0.1 mL of dexamethasone was injected into the right side, and 0.1 mL of saline was injected into the left side. In the second group, 0.1 mL of estradiol was injected into the right side, and 0.1 mL of saline was injected into the left side. Animals were sacrificed after 1 month and laryngeal specimens were evaluated histopathologically. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was observed in terms of inflammatory response, epithelial thickness, type I and III collagen, and hyaluronic acid parameters in dexamethasone and estradiol injections compared to the saline injection. In terms of elastin level, estradiol injection demonstrated statistically higher values compared to the saline injection. Elastin level of dexamethasone injected vocal folds was not statistically different compared to the saline injection. No significant differences were observed in terms of inflammatory response, epithelial thickness, type I and III collagen, and hyaluronic acid parameters between the estradiol and dexamethasone injected vocal folds. CONCLUSION: It is thought that the effects of estradiol or dexamethasone injections may have similar effects on wound healing in vocal fold injuries. Intracordal estradiol injection has positive effects on tissue elastin levels.

Imaging Modalities in the Etiologic Evaluation of Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the roles of computed tomography (CT) and neck ultrasonography (US) in evaluating unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) of unknown etiology and to compare our results with those of other studies to assess the differences in etiology of UVFP. METHODS: We investigated the medical records of 202 eligible patients with UVFP. In total, 168 underwent chest CT, 118 underwent neck CT, and 108 underwent head CT. One hundred and three patients were also evaluated with high-resolution neck US. The etiologic causes of UVFP were also determined. RESULTS: Of the 202 eligible patients, the occult cause of the UVFP was determined in 96 patients (47.5%). Idiopathic causes were the most common etiologies (n = 106). In occult causes group, chest lesions were the most common diseases causing paralysis (52 cases) and included lung cancer (n = 28) and mediastinal malignancy (n = 8). More than half of the neck lesions were of thyroid origin. Of the 18 thyroid lesions, 12 were thyroid malignancies. Chest CT had an intermediate yield of 30.9% (52 of 168). Neck US had a diagnostic yield close to that of neck CT (26.2%). CONCLUSION: UVFP may result mainly from idiopathic, lung cancer, mediastinal, and thyroid malignancies. The initial use of neck US as an alternative to CT may be advocated for the determination of diseases resulting in UVFP.

The Impact of Septal Deviation on Intranasal Schirmer Test Values.

OBJECTIVE: Intranasal Schirmer test serves as an objective measurement for evaluation of nasal secretion and humidity. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of septal deviation on nasal secretion and humidity by measuring the intranasal Schirmer test values in patients who had septal deviation and compare it to the values of our healthy volunteers. METHODS: The study included 52 patients with nasal septum deviation and 52 volunteers without any rhinologic complaints or deviated nasal septum. Intranasal Schirmer test was performed to all patients and volunteers for both nasal cavities. RESULTS: The intranasal Schirmer test values of the convex (deviated) side were lower than that of the concave (non-deviated) side (20.71 and 23.35 respectively); although this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.054,). After excluding the four patients with equal Schirmer test results on both sides, 70% (34/48) of our patients had lower intranasal Schirmer test values on the deviated side. There was no statistically significant difference between the Schirmer test values of the patients with septal deviation and the volunteers without septal deviation (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The Schirmer test values of the deviated sides were less than the values of the contralateral side in majority of our patients. This finding supports the negative effect of nasal septum deviation on nasal humidification, although the difference did not reach statistical significance.

Prenatal diagnosis of fetal cardiac rhabdomyoma associated with tuberous sclerosis: A case report.

Cardiac tumors are rarely diagnosed in utero. Rhabdomyomas are the most common fetal cardiac tumors. They are usually diagnosed during the first year of life after obstruction of a valve orifice or a cardiac chamber; but they can be detected by echocardiography as early as the second trimester. Rhabdomyomas are usually small. Fetal hydrops and pericardial effusion are rare. The most important indication of tuberous sclerosis in the prenatal period is cardiac rhabdomyoma. Early diagnosis of cardiac rhabdomyoma is thus important for early diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis. This case report concerns the prenatal diagnosis of both multiple fetal cardiac rhabdomyomas and tuberous sclerosis.

The Role of Fetuin-A and Electrolytes in the Etiology of Sialolithiasis.

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate serum and saliva fetuin-A, protein, and electrolyte levels in patients with sialolithiasis. Study Design Prospective randomized controlled study. Setting Tertiary center. Subjects and Methods Twenty patients with recurrent sialadenitis secondary to submandibular salivary gland stones and 20 asymptomatic healthy volunteers without salivary gland stones were included in the study. Bimanual palpation and ultrasonography were performed in the patient and control groups. The electrolyte, protein, and fetuin-A levels of the serum and saliva were measured. Results The serum calcium, phosphorus, and potassium levels of the patients were significantly lower than those of the control group (respectively, P = .04, P = .01, P = .04). There was no statistically significant difference between the serum fetuin-A levels of the 2 groups ( P = .06). The saliva phosphorus values of the patients were higher than those of the control group ( P = .05), as were their saliva fetuin-A and total protein values ( P = .001, P = .01). A positive correlation was determined between the saliva fetuin-A levels and the saliva phosphorus and potassium levels of the patients ( P = .04, P = .02). The magnesium level, which has been argued to be a factor in the prevention of calcification, showed an increased correlation with the total protein in the patient group ( P = .02). Conclusion It is possible that the high levels of saliva fetuin-A, total protein, and phosphorus with insufficient of saliva magnesium levels may make a contribution to the formation of sialoliths.

How does radioactive iodine affect the nose?

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To determine the effect of radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment on the nasal mucosa and nasal functions. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. METHODS: This study included 41 patients (31 female and 10 male) who were treated with RAI for papillary thyroid carcinoma. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used for subjective evaluation of nasal symptoms. The saccharine test, nasal Schirmer test, and acoustic rhinometry were used for objective evaluation of nasal functions. All tests were administered at baseline (before RAI treatment), and then 1 month and 1 year post-RAI treatment. Only 21 of the patients could be evaluated after 1 year of treatment and were included in the study's analysis. RESULTS: VAS obstruction and dryness scores 1 month and 1 year post-RAI were significantly higher than the baseline scores (P < .05 and P < .05, respectively). Mean cross-sectional area values 1 month and 1 year post-RAI did not differ significantly from baseline values (P > .05 and P > .05, respectively). Schirmer test results 1 month and 1 year post-RAI treatment were significantly lower than at baseline (P < .05 and P < .05, respectively). Saccharine test results 1 month and 1 year post-RAI were significantly higher than at baseline (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: RAI treatment can adversely affect the nasal mucosa. Nasal dryness and obstruction can occur immediately after RAI treatment. Additional research is warranted to further elucidate the effects of RAI treatment on nasal function. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 127:2698-2702, 2017.

Short-term Effects of Radioiodine Therapy on Auditory Function.

OBJECTIVE: Radioiodine therapy (RIT) is frequently utilized as an adjunctive treatment option for differentiated thyroid carcinoma following surgical intervention. The side effects of RIT are considered to emerge as a result of radioiodine accumulation in non-thyroidal tissues capable of iodine uptake. We aimed to evaluate the effects of RIT on auditory function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who had undergone total thyroidectomy and diagnosed to have differentiated thyroid carcinoma were analyzed. Those who were given RIT were included. Pure-tone audiometry and distortion product otoacoustic emission (DP-OAE) results were recorded along with patient demographics, RIT dose, and thyroid hormone profiles, both before and 3 months after RIT. RESULTS: Here, 63 patients were enrolled. Following RIT, audiometric thresholds at 0.25, 0.5, 4, and 8 kHz in addition to pure-tone average increased significantly; however, the change in DP-OAE results was not statistically significant at any frequency. The RIT dose had no effect on auditory function. CONCLUSION: In this study, we found some deleterious effects of RIT on audiometric thresholds, with no significant effect on DP-OAE results.

Do Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potential Abnormalities in Patients with Cochlear Implant Only Reflect Saccular Dysfunction?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore the usefulness of 1000-Hz tone burst (TB) stimuli for detecting cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) abnormalities in patients with a cochlear implant (CI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty asymptomatic patients who received unilateral CI because of severe bilateral sensorineural hearing loss were assessed for cVEMP produced by TB stimuli at two frequencies (500 and 1000 Hz) in the airway. VEMPs were recorded when the devices were switched to the on (CI-on) and off (CI-off) positions. RESULTS: At the CI-on position, the surgical side (SS) 500-Hz response rates (15/30) were significantly higher than the SS 1000-Hz response rates (9/30) (p=0.031), while the non-operated control side (CS) 500-Hz response rates (20/30) were higher than the CS 1000-Hz response rates (18/30), but the difference was not significant (p=0.50). At the CI-on position, the SS 500-Hz response rates (15/30) were lower than the CS 500-Hz response rates (20/30), but the difference was not significant (p=0.063). However, the SS 1000-Hz response rates (9/30) were significantly lower than the CS 1000-Hz response rates (18/30) (p=0.004). When there was no significant difference between the 500-Hz amplitudes on either side, the SS 1000-Hz amplitudes were found to be significantly lower (p=0.04). CONCLUSION: CIs have the potential to cause mechanical damage and electrical stimulation to the vestibular system. Possible implant-mediated mechanical damage and electrical stimulation in the high-frequency region affecting the cVEMP response could be found by a 1000-Hz stimulus.

Electrophysiologic Evaluation of the Facial Nerve and Blink Reflex Pathways in Asymptomatic Cochlear Implant Users.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the functional integrity of the facial nerve and blink reflex (BR) pathways in asymptomatic patients who underwent cochlear implantation (CI). STUDY DESIGN: Case series with planned data collection. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-four deafened patients with unilateral CI who had no complications were enrolled. Bilateral compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) of the facial nerve were recorded over the nasalis and occipitalis muscles, whereas BR responses were recorded over the orbicularis oculi after supraorbital nerve stimulation. All recordings were performed when the external part of the implant was in place (CIp) and after its removal (CIr), except occipitalis recordings, which were performed only after removal. The amplitude and latency of CMAP were measured to evaluate the axonal integrity of the zygomatic and posterior branches of the facial nerve. Latency, amplitude, and duration of the BR were measured to investigate the integrity of trigeminofacial connections. RESULTS: The amplitude and latency of CMAP over the nasalis muscle were bilaterally normal, and the difference between CIp and CIr was not statistically significant. No CMAP of the occipitalis muscle was recorded in 4 (16.7%) patients, and low-amplitude responses were recorded on the implant side of 20 (83.3%). Amplitudes of the contralateral R2 response were higher in the CIp condition versus the CIr condition (P = .031). There were no differences among other BR components. CONCLUSION: During functioning of the CI system, excitability of the facial circuit may increase either through the facial motor nucleus or through removal of the inhibitory effect of the descending pathway.

Role of Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy in the Management of Salivary Gland Masses.

OBJECTIVE: Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is widely used in the management of salivary gland masses. Its main advantage is its ability to differentiate benign from malignant disease. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic ability of FNAB in salivary gland masses. METHODS: The records of patients who had undergone FNAB before parotidectomy or submandibular gland excision between 2005 and 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. FNAB results were classified as negative, positive, suspicious for malignancy, and non-diagnostic. Preoperative FNAB results were compared with definitive histopathological results. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of FNAB results were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 285 patients were enrolled. Among them, 230 (80.7%) had parotid gland and 55 (19.3%) had submandibular gland masses. Following a definitive histopathological examination, the most common benign tumor was pleomorphic adenoma (52.6%), whereas malignant tumors were mucoepidermoid carcinoma (2%) and squamous cell carcinoma (2%). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of FNAB results were 76.9%, 95.4%, 75%, 95.9%, and 92.6%, respectively. The rate of a suspicious cytology was 5.2% (15 patients) and that of a non-diagnostic cytology was 8.8% (25 patients). CONCLUSION: FNAB is a safe and simple diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of salivary gland masses and has a relatively high sensitivity and specificity. It may provide valuable information for patient counselling and surgical planning. The major drawbacks include a lower sensitivity than specificity and a relatively high rate of non-diagnostic results.