Search

Propolis, known for its antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antiviral, immunomodulatory, and anti-parasitic properties, has been the subject of this study to evaluate its efficacy and safety in the treatment of bacterial external otitis in domestic canines. Through questionnaires administered to veterinary experts and the use of neutrosophic logic for hypothesis testing, perceptions based on clinical experiences and scientific literature were analyzed. The results indicate strong agreement that propolis is effective and safe, surpassing some aspects of conventional antibiotic treatments and demonstrating high tolerability without serious side effects. This acceptance underscores its potential as a natural alternative in veterinary treatments, particularly valuable in cases of antimicrobial resistance or allergies to traditional medications. This study provides significant evidence supporting the integration of propolis into veterinary practices, suggesting the need for further research and possible revisions of current clinical practices for managing bacterial conditions in animals. The use of neutrosophic hypotheses facilitated a more detailed and deeply informed interpretation of the level of expert agreement on the properties of propolis in the condition analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Necrotizing otitis externa (NOE) is a rare disease associated with high morbidity and mortality, and there is currently no available accurate biomarker to assess treatment responses. The aim of the current study was to evaluate and directly compare the diagnostic performances of 18-Fluoro-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) and labeled leukocyte scintigraphy (LS) to monitor treatment responses in NOE. Methods: Consecutive patients with NOE who underwent 18F-FDG PET at the end of antibiotic therapy and planar as well as single photon emission computed tomography-labeled leukocyte scintigraphy after completing the initial antibiotic treatment were retrospectively included. Semiquantitative analyses were performed to determine the ratios of affected/nonaffected sides for PET and 4 hour and 24 hour LS acquisitions as well as the kinetic PET ratios (at diagnosis and post-treatment) and LS (4 and 24 hours). The final treatment responses were assessed by 2 experienced ENT physicians based on clinical, otoscopic, and biological data and subsequent 3-month follow-up. Results: Seventeen patients (74.0 ± 10.6 years old, 5 women) were included. The best diagnostic performances were obtained with the PET maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax)-lesion-to-background ratio and the tomographic LS lesion-to-background ratio at the 4-hour acquisition timepoint (thresholds of 4.1 and 1.19, yielding accuracies of 100% and 88%, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, the PET SUVmax-lesion-to-background ratio was the only predictive factor of recovery when associated with all clinical parameters (P <.001). Conclusion: 18F-FDG PET is the first-line imaging modality for evaluating NOE treatment responses, with excellent diagnostic performances. LS with only 4-hour acquisitions appeared to suffice to evaluate NOE treatment responses. Both biomarkers constitute early prognostic biomarkers for predicting antibiotic treatment response in patients with NOE. Trial registration: The institutional ethics committee (Comité d'Ethique du CHRU de Nancy) approved the evaluation of retrospective patient data, and the trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (n°2023PI003-404). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the potential anti-inflammatory effects of lercanidipine hydrochloride (LH) in treating skin inflammation. The study used both in vitro and in vivo models to evaluate the efficacy of LH. In the in vitro model, LH was found to increase cell survival and suppress the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in TNF-α-induced HaCaT cells. In the in vivo model, LH significantly reduced ear thickness, ear weight, and epidermal thickness in a TPA-induced acute mouse ear inflammation model. LH also decreased the levels of phosphorylated proteins associated with inflammation and reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The findings suggest that LH could be a potential therapeutic drug for inflammatory skin diseases. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: To investigate clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with pneumococcal meningitis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In a Dutch prospective cohort, risk factors and clinical characteristics of pneumococcal meningitis episodes occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic (starting March 2020) were compared with those from baseline and the time afterwards. Outcomes were compared with an age-adjusted logistic regression model. Results: We included 1,699 patients in 2006–2020, 50 patients in 2020–2021, and 182 patients in 2021–2023. After March 2020 relatively more alcoholism was reported (2006–2020, 6.1%; 2020–2021, 18%; 2021–2023, 9.7%; P = 0.002) and otitis–sinusitis was less frequently reported (2006–2020, 45%; 2020–2021, 22%; 2021–2023, 47%; P = 0.006). Other parameters, i.e. age, sex, symptom duration or initial C-reactive protein level, remained unaffected. Compared to baseline, lumbar punctures were more frequently delayed (on admission day, 2006–2020, 89%; 2020–2021, 74%; 2021–2022, 86%; P = 0.002) and outcomes were worse ('good recovery', 2020–2021, OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.3–0.8). Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, we observed worse outcomes in patients with pneumococcal meningitis. This may be explained by differing adherence to restrictions according to risk groups or by reduced health care quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Summa, Animali da Compagnia is the property of Point Veterinaire Italie s.r.l. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Forsythia koreana Nakai is an ornamental plant widely cultivated in East Asia. The essential oil of F. koreana flowers (FEO) was extracted by hydrodistillation process and the volatile components were determined with gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The anti-inflammatory activity of FEO was investigated by using TPA-induced mouse ear inflammation model. The major components of FEO were identified as n-tetracosane (29.85%), n-heneicosane (17.45%), myristic acid (8.46%) and palmitaldehyde (6.22%). The TPA-induced mouse ear edema, water content, dermis thickness, epidermis thickness and nitric oxide production were decreased by FEO. Our findings suppose that the flower essential oil of F. koreana exerted anti-inflammatory activity, and may be used in the development of anti-inflammatory products in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infection is a primary cause of otitis media (OM), the most common disease for which children are prescribed antibiotics. However, the abuse of antibiotics has led to a global increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Nanozymes, as promising alternatives to traditional antibiotics, are being extensively utilized to combat AMR. Here, we synthesize a series of single-atom nanozymes (metal-C3N4 SANzymes) by loading four metals (Ag, Fe, Cu, Ru) with antibacterial properties onto a crystalline g-C3N4. These metal-C3N4 display a rob-like morphology and well-dispersed metal atoms. Among them, Ru-C3N4 demonstrates the optimal peroxidase-like activity (285.3 U mg-1), comparable to that of horseradish peroxidase (267.7 U mg-1). In vitro antibacterial assays reveal that Ru-C3N4 significantly inhibits S. aureus growth compared with other metal-C3N4 even at a low concentration (0.06 mg mL-1). Notably, Ru-C3N4 acts as a narrow-spectrum nanoantibiotic with relative specificity against Gram-positive bacteria. Biofilms formed by S. aureus are easily degraded by Ru-C3N4 due to its high peroxidase-like activity. In vivo, Ru-C3N4 effectively eliminates S. aureus and relieves ear inflammation in OM mouse models. However, untreated OM mice eventually develop hearing impairment. Due to its low metal load, Ru-C3N4 does not exhibit significant toxicity to blood, liver, or kidney. In conclusion, this study presents a novel SANzyme-based antibiotic that can effectively eliminate S. aureus and treat S. aureus-induced OM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Granular myringitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the tympanic membrane that does not involve the middle ear. Various treatment modalities have been proposed for the treatment of granular myringitis, but there is no standard treatment regime. A 60-year-old woman had left persistent ear discharge for 4 months. Examination revealed diffuse granulation tissue, forming a pseudomembrane at the medial aspect of the ear canal and obstructing the tympanic membrane. An audiogram revealed mild-to-moderate left-sided conductive hearing loss. She was treated with multiple courses of ear drop antibiotics but had no improvement. The decision for surgical intervention was driven by the presence of a grade IV medial meatal stenosis, the potential risks associated with prolonged medical management, the distressing impact on the patient's life, and a shared decision-making process. A combined transcanal and postauricular endoscopic approach whereby excision of the granulation tissue, canalplasty, and myringoplasty were performed. She exhibited complete symptom resolution and reported an improved quality of life. This approach yielded successful symptom resolution, highlighting its potential in managing refractory chronic granular myringitis. We aimed to carefully weigh the risks of surgery against its potential benefits in a refractory chronic case, acknowledging the inherent risks and disadvantages of surgical interventions. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the long-term outcomes and benefits of this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant change in the seasonal patterns of ear infections has been observed due to the modification of aquatic leisure habits, also altering the etiology of the most frequently causing otitis in its various forms of presentation. This work aims to become the largest series documenting ear infections by this bacterium, carrying out a characterization and considering the possibility that the mechanism of action occurs both through contact with contaminated waters and colonization of the middle ear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Tympanostomy tube insertion (TTI) under local anesthesia (LA) is gaining popularity but literature comparing long‐term outcomes for children undergoing TTI under LA versus general anesthesia (GA) is limited. This study compares the long‐term quality of life (QoL) between LA and GA in children undergoing TTI. Secondary objectives included long‐term behavioral changes, parental satisfaction, tube durability, and postoperative complications. Methods: We prospectively followed children aged under 6 who underwent TTI, under LA or GA, 2 years prior. We assessed QoL using validated scales (OM6, PedsQL), analyzed behavioral changes and parental satisfaction through qualitative scales, and retrieved data on tube durability and non‐immediate complications. Results: A total of 84 children (LA = 42; GA = 42) had complete data and a minimum of 1 year of follow‐up. Demographic data were similar, except for younger patients in the LA group (1.4 vs. 1.9 years, p = 0.02). LA group exhibited increased fear of health care professionals following TTI (LA: Likert scale 2.1/5, GA: 1.5/5, p = 0.04). Tube retention rate was shorter in the LA group (at 15 months: GA:72%, LA:50%, p = 0.039). Two years post‐TTI, there were no differences regarding QoL (OM‐6 score; LA: 15.2/100, GA: 21.4/100, p = 0.18, and PedsQL score; LA: 84.3/100, GA: 83.8/100, p = 0.90), parental satisfaction with anesthesia (GA: 4.5/5, LA: 4.6/5, p = 0.56), and postoperative complications (GA: 3/42, LA: 7/42, p = 0.18). Conclusions: TTI under LA in children is associated with an increased fear of health care professionals and shorter functionality of tympanostomy tubes as compared to GA. No difference was observed in long‐term QoL, parental satisfaction, and complications rate. Level of Evidence: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:5178–5183, 2024 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Timely and accurate diagnosis of the disease is the foundation for effective treatment strategies for the patient. The authors demonstrate in their study that otolaryngologists are incorrect in approximately one-quarter of their diagnoses, while general practitioners (internists, pediatricians, and paramedics) are incorrect in approximately one-half of their diagnoses. Consequently, this results in the emergence of complications, the chronicization of processes, an increase in treatment and rehabilitation time, a deterioration of the population’s ability to work, and a decline in patient confidence [1]. In the field of foreign medicine, artificial intelligence tools have been actively introduced in otorhinolaryngology. The most prevalent application of artificial intelligence in otorhinolaryngology is the use of computer vision as a tool for training and subsequently for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the ear, throat, and nose. According to the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, on average, more than 6% of the population of the country consults an otorhinolaryngologist annually with pathology of the external and middle ear. This aligns with the observation that approximately 9 million individuals require consultation with an otorhinolaryngologist on an annual basis. In otorhinolaryngology, images obtained from endoscopic examinations of patients (e.g., videolaryngoscopy) are used to train neural networks [2–4]. The development and introduction of technologies based on the application of artificial intelligence algorithms into clinical practice is one of the priorities of medical technology development and requires a careful and balanced approach to the development and training of such systems. AIM: The study aimed to develop and train a neural network (artificial intelligence algorithms) to detect ear pathology from digital endoscopic images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The initial phase of our research involved the creation of a digital database comprising endoscopic photographs. For this purpose, endovideos of normal and pathologically altered tympanic membranes in an anonymized format were collected during a standard otosurgical appointment. The subsequent step was to establish a system of criteria for evaluating the images for subsequent annotation. A diagnostic tree of ear diseases based on visual features was constructed to develop a reasoning algorithm for identifying the condition (normal/pathological) of the external auditory canal and tympanic membrane. The subjective nature of image evaluation was mitigated by implementing a collegial approach in a consilium format. In order to train the neural network, the research team performed, uploaded, and labeled 5,750 digital endoscopic images in JPEG format. A total of 750 images of the external auditory canal with an unaltered tympanic membrane were identified, while 5,000 images exhibited pathological alterations. The images were subsequently labeled in accordance with the established criteria for evaluating visual features, which were then used to assign the nosological status of the disease or norm. RESULTS: The study yielded insights into the main metrics, namely specificity, accuracy, and sensitivity. The results of the values for 11 classes (normal and 10 different nosologies) revealed a considerable degree of variation in the metrics. The specificity metric exhibited a range of values from 0.846 to 0.982, while the accuracy metric demonstrated a similar range from 0.422 to 0.950. The sensitivity metric exhibited a narrower range of values, from 0.433 to 0.900. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the potential for developing and training a neural network based on the application of artificial intelligence algorithms to assess the condition of the external auditory canal and tympanic membrane. In this case, the collection of high-quality images is not the sole crucial component; equally important is the competent annotation of data and the creation of a “tree of diagnoses” based on visual features. Further improvement of the accuracy of recognizing the main ear diseases can serve as the basis for the creation of a system of assistance in medical decision-making and provide direct assistance in practical medicine.

Background Otitis is commonly associated with community-acquired bacterial meningitis, but the role of ear surgery as treatment is debated. In this study, we investigated the impact of otitis and ear surgery on outcome of adults with community-acquired bacterial meningitis. Methods We analyzed episodes of adults with community-acquired bacterial meningitis from a nationwide prospective cohort study in the Netherlands, between March 2006 and July 2021. Results A total of 2548 episodes of community-acquired bacterial meningitis were evaluated. Otitis was present in 696 episodes (27%). In these patients the primary causative pathogen was Streptococcus pneumoniae (615 of 696 [88%]), followed by Streptococcus pyogenes (5%) and Haemophilus influenzae (4%). In 519 of 632 otitis episodes (82%) an ear-nose-throat specialist was consulted, and surgery was performed in 287 of 519 (55%). The types of surgery performed were myringotomy with ventilation tube insertion in 110 of 287 episodes (38%), mastoidectomy in 103 of 287 (36%), and myringotomy alone in 74 of 287 (26%). Unfavorable outcome occurred in 210 of 696 episodes (30%) and in 65 of 696 episodes was fatal (9%). Otitis was associated with a favorable outcome in a multivariable analysis (odds ratio 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI].59–.92; P =.008). There was no association between outcome and ear surgery. Conclusions Otitis is a common focus of infection in community-acquired bacterial meningitis in adults, with S. pneumoniae being the most common causative pathogen. Presence of otitis is associated with a favorable outcome. Ear surgery's impact on the outcome of otogenic meningitis patients remains uncertain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Otitis is an inflammation and infection of the inner lining of the middle ear. The problem known as suppurative otitis media if there are droplets and holes in the tympanic membrane due to this inflammation and infection of the mucous membrane. The present study focused on specific genes suspected to be associated with otitis media in 60 subjects clinically diagnosed with OM The study focuses on two genes, MUC5B and IL-1RN, whose genes mutations by variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) regions Methods: Variable numbers of tandem repeats (VNTR) regions were used to genotype 60 patients with otitis media and 30 healthy individuals for genotypic polymorphisms for the MUC5B and IL-1RN genes by number of tandem repeats (VNTR) regions on a variable basis Blood samples were collected from participants, and three milliliters were placed directly into EDTA tubes. Subsequently, PCR products were detected by agarose gel electrophoresis and visualized by ethidium bromide staining. The size of amplified DNA fragments was determined by comparison with a 100-bp DNA ladder molecule size marker Results: About the same, the paper represents the association of gene polymorphisms with otitis media by genotyping a total of 60 patients as OM, and, on the other hand, 30 individuals were noted to be healthy. This was to determine genotypic polymorphisms for the two genes, that is, MUC5B and IL1RN, within the VNTR region. The results showed that the carriers of allele 2 in the genotypic position had a risk of nearly twofold getting otitis media. Conclusion: Polymorphism of the MUC5B and IL-1RN genes can be responsible for the severity of the inflammatory process in the middle ear, complicated by otitis media or hearing loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Bougainvillea x buttiana is an ornamental plant with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities, which has been traditionally used to treat respiratory diseases. This study aimed to investigate whether the acetonic extract of Bougainvillea x buttiana var. Rose (BxbRAE-100%) has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties and its potential action mechanisms. Methods: Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated using three murine pain models and two acute inflammation models. In vitro, the ability of the extract to inhibit proteolytic activity and the activities of the enzymes phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and cyclooxygenase (COX) were evaluated. In silico analysis was performed to predict the physicochemical and Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) profiles of the compounds previously identified in BxbRAE-100%. Results: In vivo BxbRAE-100% decreased the nociceptive behaviors in the writhing model, the tail immersion, and the formalin test, suggesting that the extract has the potential to relieve pain at peripheral and central levels. Additionally, topical or oral BxbRAE-100% treatment reduced dose-dependent 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced ear inflammation and carrageenan-induced paw edema, respectively. In vitro, BxbRAE-100% significantly inhibited proteolytic activity and PLA2, COX-1 and COX-2 activities. In silico, the compounds previously identified in BxbRAE-100% met Lipinski's rule of five and showed adequate ADME properties. Conclusions: These results support the use of B. x buttiana in Traditional Mexican Medicine and highlight its potential for the development of new treatments for pain and inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]