Tube Function Research Articles

Tubomanometry-Score as Predictor of Outcome for Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty in Patients With Eustachian Tube Dysfunction.

To investigate the predictive value of tubomanometry (TMM) in predicting subjective outcome of Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty (BET) in patients with long-lasting Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). Retrospective case series. Single tertiary referral center. A total of 111 ETD patients undergoing 194 BET procedures were included. Demographics, TMM measurements, and tympanograms were registered before and 3 to 6 months after BET. The time ratio between the pressure increase in the nasopharynx and the outer ear canal was labelled R value. At follow-up, 58.8% of the patients were satisfied with BET outcomes. The prevalence of normal R values increased significantly at 30 mbar (12%, P = .024), 40 mbar (14%, P = .0082), and 50 mbar (13%, P = .011). The prevalence of R = 0 decreased at all three pressure levels (-20%, P = .0001; -15%, P = .0013, and -16%, P = .0005, respectively). Type A tympanograms increased from 37% to 56% (P = .0002), while type B tympanograms decreased from 44% to 25% (P = .0006). Stratifying TMM measurements (R ≤ 1, R > 1, and R = 0) showed that preoperative R values were not prognostic of subjective outcome. Preoperative type B tympanogram indicated a risk of poor subjective outcome. BET appeared to improve Eustachian tube function with reduced prevalence of pathologic R values and tympanograms. Although preoperative R values were not prognostic, TMM remains promising for assessing Eustachian tube function. Further studies are needed to refine TMM's role in predicting BET efficacy.

In-office Eustachian Tube Dilation Reduces Symptoms Among Patients With Barometric Challenges.

Balloon dilation of the eustachian tube has gained ground in the treatment of chronic dysfunction. A new indication for a larger group of patients has emerged, which is characterized by barochallenge only, which affects even more patients. Given the recent validation of the balloon dilation, we set out to explore if this procedure could be useful in treating this specific sub-group of patients in an in-office setting. Balloon dilation was performed using inly nasal cottonoids soaked in 2% tretracainephenylephrine combined with xylocaine nasal spray and lidocaine/prilocaine gel and a mild oral sedative. The effect of eustachian tube balloon dilation on the function of the eustachian tube was evaluated by using the eustachian tube dysfunction questionnaire-7 (ETDQ-7) and a VAS score. The questionnaires were completed beforehand and 3 months and 12 months postoperatively to determine subjective surgical success. Two hundred and forty-six balloon dilation were performed in 132 participants. The results from the ETDQ-7 questionnaire and VAS scores showed a significant improvement in symptoms during pressurization after eustachian tube balloon dilation (p = 0.0001). A mean pain score during procedure in local anesthesia was 3.4 on a scale from 1 to 10. Eustachian tube balloon dilation significantly reduced symptoms of eustachian tube dysfunction during non-physiological pressure, which was determined by ETDQ-7 and Vas scores. Additionally, we found that the procedure is well suited for private practice or the outpatient clinic, using local anesthetics and a mild sedative. 4 Laryngoscope, 135:361-365, 2025.

Postoperative Hearing Outcomes and Usefulness of Endoscopy-Assisted Tympanoplasty in Pars Tensa Cholesteatoma.

Introduction In recent years, transcanal endoscopic ear surgery (TEES) has gained widespread recognition as an excellent surgical field for blind spots such as the sinus tympani (ST) when compared to microscopic ear surgery (MES). Objective To investigate the postoperative hearing results for pars tensa cholesteatoma and the indications for utilizing endoscopy. Methods The medical records of 16 patients (10 men and 6 women) with pars tensa cholesteatoma, who received initial surgical treatment between 2018 and 2022, were reviewed. We performed MES, TEES, or endoscopy-assisted MES (dual approach) depending on the pathological involvement in the mastoid cavity and ST. Results The mean age of the patients was 45 years, and the surgical techniques utilized were MES in 2 cases, TEES in 7 cases, and dual approach in 7 cases. The preoperative pathological classification was stage I in 3 patients and stage II in 13 patients. The overall surgical success rates of postoperative hearing outcomes were 69% and 50% (1/2 patients) in the TEES group, 71% (5/7 patients) in the MES group, and 71% (5/7 patients) in the dual approach group. The successful cases (n = 11) were significantly younger and demonstrated better mastoid pneumatization than unsuccessful cases (n = 5). Conclusion Endoscopy-assisted MES is appropriate for treating pars tensa cholesteatoma when pathological involvement is present at the deep bottom of the ST. Early surgical intervention and good eustachian tube function are crucial for improving hearing prognosis. Transcanal endoscopic ear surgery can be particularly useful in identifying and removing residual cholesteatoma within the ST.

Pollen tube-expressed RUPO forms a complex with OsMTD2 and OsRALF17 and OsRALF19 peptides in rice (Oryza sativa).

Pollen tubes are crucial for angiosperm plants, as they deliver sperm gametes for the essential process of double fertilization. Understanding the molecular mechanisms behind pollen tube germination and growth is critical; however, these processes remain partially elucidated in monocot cereal crops. Rapid Alkalinization Factor (RALF), a small peptide of about 5kDa, binds to the CrRLK1L receptor and plays a role in various plant physiological processes, including reproduction and tip growth. Recently, we reported that OsRALF17 and OsRALF19 binds to the OsMTD2, pollen specific CrRLK1L member, and regulates pollen tube growth. In this study, we demonstrate that Ruptured Pollen tube (RUPO), another CrRLK1L member, is also a putative receptor for OsRALF17 and OsRALF19, and propose the formation of a receptor complex with OsMTD2. In tobacco epidermal cells, OsMTD2 and RUPO were co-localized at both the plasma membrane (PM) and the nuclear membrane. Additionally, we generated a RUPO-tagged line driven by its native promoter to visualize subcellular localization during pollen tube growth. RUPO localizes a tip-enriched distribution, with intense fluorescence at the tip's PM and cytoplasm in pollen tube. Upon treatment with synthetic OsRALF17M and OsRALF19M peptides, a reduction in the signal near the PM was observed, suggesting a potential response to these peptides. Our data support the role of RUPO as a candidate receptor for OsRALF17 and OsRALF19 in rice pollen tubes, thereby suggesting a novel mechanism for these RALFs in regulating pollen tube function. Additionally, we observed a significant delay in pollen tube burst time upon treatment with synthetic OsRALF17M and synthetic OsRALF19M. We propose that investigating this phenomenon may provide further insights into the specific signaling pathways mediated by these RALFs.

Establishment of the Normative Value of Classical Bluestone's Nine-Step Inflation/Deflation Tympanometric Eustachian Tube Function Test.

The nine-step inflation/deflation tympanometric Eustachian tube function test (commonly referred to as the nine-step test) is a widely utilized method for evaluating Eustachian tube function (ETF). This study aimed to establish normative values for the nine-step test to facilitate the diagnosis of Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). A total of 160 adults, including 70 healthy volunteers and 90 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), were recruited for this study. Participants were further categorized into "fair ETF" and "poor ETF" groups based on their scores on the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ-7). Eustachian tube function was assessed using both the nine-step test and the ETDQ-7. The diagnostic accuracy of the maximal peak pressure difference (MPD) from the nine-step test was evaluated, using an ETDQ-7 score of ≥14 as the reference standard. Discriminative ability was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. An MPD value of ≤4 yielded an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.619, indicating moderate discriminative ability in the Taiwanese population. The median MPD value on the nine-step test was 9.5 (interquartile range [IQR]: 4.5-14.0) in participants with an ETDQ-7 score of <14, compared to a median MPD value of 7.5 (IQR: 2.5-12.0) in those with an ETDQ-7 score of ≥14 (p = 0.033). This finding suggests a potential association between MPD values and ETDQ-7 scores. This study identified an MPD value of 4 as a normative cutoff for screening ETD in a Taiwanese population. However, the diagnostic discriminative power of this parameter was moderate.

Inhalation therapy with sulfur-rich thermal water for rhinogenic deafness: a series of case reports.

The study analyzed the effectiveness of a two-week cycle of sulfurous water therapy at Frasassi Thermal Springs ("Terme di Frasassi - S. Vittore", located in the Province of Ancona, Italy) on 8 patients suffering from rhinogenic deafness caused by chronic rhinosinusitis associated with nasal polyps and respiratory allergies. Patients underwent 12 sessions of sulfurous aerosol therapy and 12 bilateral tubal insufflations (1 aerosol and 1 insufflation per day). Pre- and post-treatment assessments included tympanometric measurements and a subjective evaluation of symptomatic improvement on a scale from 1 to 10. The median reported improvement was 9.5 (min: 7; max: 10). By the end of the treatment, all patients achieved a bilateral type A/A tympanogram, indicating restored tubal function. The results suggest that sulfurous water thermal therapy can be a useful treatment for rhinogenic deafness associated with chronic rhinosinusitis, nasal polyps, and respiratory allergies, with significant improvements in both auditory function and quality of life. Further studies are needed to compare this treatment with other therapies and to precisely evaluate the duration of the benefit over time.

Acute purulent otitis media: key features of pathogenetic therapy

Acute purulent otitis media is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the middle ear, a disease often encountered both in pediatric practice and in adult patients. The prerequisite for the development of this pathology is a violation of the function of the auditory tube, often occurring in inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract, as well as in conditions of hypertrophy of the pharyngeal tonsil. Bacterial microflora, represented in most clinical cases by S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae, traditionally acts as an etiological factor of acute purulent otitis media. The authors of the article discuss the features of the clinical course of the disease, the causes of frequent recurrent course and the risk of developing purulent complications. The article highlights current problems of diagnosis and treatment of acute otitis media at different stages, including rational and justified use of antibacterial drugs. The authors consider the possibility of using topical anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs as an alternative to the systemic use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for rapid relief of the main symptoms of the disease. The authors conclude that ear drops containing lidocaine and phenazone, due to their combined action, are effective as a symptomatic treatment for acute otitis media, including its recurrent course, help reduce the frequency of prescribing antibacterial drugs, effectively relieve pain, reduce the duration of the disease and significantly improve the patient’s quality of life. Due to the high safety profile and the possibility of using ear drops with phenazone and lidocaine from birth, this dosage form finds its successful application in pediatric practice.

Validation of the Filipino Version of the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7 (ETDQ-7).

Introduction The Eustachian tube (ET) serves various functions, such as pressure regulation, mucociliary clearance, and middle ear protection. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) pertains to a problem with the ventilatory function of the Eustachian tube and is a common condition seen in the ENT clinic.There is currently no gold standard in diagnosing ETDs, but numerous measures are being employed and studied. The Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire 7 (ETDQ-7) is the only patient-reported outcome tool to have undergone initial validation tests. It has been translated into different languages, and studies have shown that the ETDQ-7 is a fast, reliable, and easy-to-use tool in the local setting. This tool can also be applied in the Philippine setting and may be used in conjunction with history and clinical findings to diagnose and evaluate the treatment of ETD. Objectives The objective of this study is to translate the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7 (ETDQ-7) into the Filipino version and validate the Filipino version of the ETDQ-7. The study alsodetermines the prevalence of Eustachian tube dysfunction among adult Filipinos using the translated version of ETDQ-7. Methods A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (ORL-HNS) of a tertiary hospital. Filipinos aged 18 years and above, with and without signs and symptoms of Eustachian tube dysfunction, with intact tympanic membranes were included in the study. Results The Filipino version of the ETDQ-7 has good internal validity and consistency. For the test-retest reliability of the questionnaire across time, all seven questions and the total score have good reliability. It will give reliable results when repeatedly used over time. Conclusion The Filipino version of the ETDQ-7 is a valid and reliable tool that may serve as an adjunct in diagnosing ET dysfunction among adult Filipinos. Further studies may be needed to evaluate its use in children and patients with comorbid conditions such as ear and sinonasal pathologies.

Chronic Nasal Disease and Eustachian Tube Function: What Is the Role of Tubomanometry?

Background/objectives: Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) presents complex diagnostic challenges in otolaryngology, compounded by concurrent chronic nasal disease. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) often assess ETD severity due to its elusive diagnosis. Tubomanometry (TMM) emerges as a promising diagnostic tool, yet its application alongside chronic nasal disease remains unclear. Our study aims to elucidate TMM's role in ETD diagnosis within the context of chronic nasal diseases, integrating subjective assessments, clinical examination, and TMM results. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted with patients suffering from ETD and chronic nasal disease allocated in three different groups according to their nasal pathology. Clinical examination, PROMs in the form of ETDQ-7, and NOSE questionnaires as well as TMM were performed. Results of the above subjective and objective measurements were analysed and correlated statistically to determine the value of TMM in chronic nasal disease patients. Results: All recruited patients suffered from ETD and chronic nasal disease, with similarly affected ETDQ-7 scores across all groups, while NOSE scores differed significantly based on the underground nasal pathology. TMM values confirm the presence of ETD in all three groups, confirming the role of TMM within this cohort. Interestingly, TMM values can still confirm the presence of ETD in patients with chronic nasal disease but cannot discriminate among chronic nasal pathology patients, making TMM a diagnostic tool with uniformity among the chronic nasal pathologies. Conclusions: ETD in individuals with chronic nasal disease presents distinct complexities, requiring a tailored diagnostic approach. In this context, a thorough clinical assessment, integrating ETDQ-7 and NOSE questionnaires, supplemented by TMM where accessible, is crucial to confirm diagnosis. This study confirms that TMM can diagnose ETD in all nasal pathology patients without being influenced by the nature of the disease. This research endeavours to refine diagnostic strategies, enriching clinical decision-making, and enhancing ETD management in patients suffering with chronic nasal diseases.

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Significantly Reduces Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Symptoms in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

(1) Background: Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is a frequently observed clinical manifestation of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). This systematic review aimed to evaluate the function of the Eustachian tube following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in adult CRS patients with confirmed preoperative ETD symptoms. (2) Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and MEDLINE electronic databases was conducted. The review was performed following the PRISMA guidelines. Studies investigating concurrent ETD in CRS patients who underwent ESS were retrieved. The changes in ETD outcomes were measured by the 7-item Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ-7). We employed a random-effects model to conduct the meta-analysis (3) Results: We included seven observational studies that involved a total of 436 CRS patients with concurrent ETD. The pooled results revealed a statistically significant reduction (Standardized mean difference = -1.24; 95% CI = -1.64 to -0.84) in ETDQ-7 scores among the CRS with ETD patient cohort at the 3-month postoperative follow-up. (4) Conclusions: ESS serves as an effective intervention for improving E-tube function in adult CRS patients with concurrent ETD. Future prospective randomized controlled trials that incorporate various outcome predictors should be conducted to explore potential clinical factors for greater ETD improvement and normalization after ESS.

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction After LeFort 1 Osteotomy Orthognathic Surgery.

The authors present a 24-year-old male with a history of class III occlusal deformity who underwent a maxillary advancement with LeFort I osteotomies. Eighteen months after surgery, he was diagnosed with bothersome Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). Anatomical shifts secondary to the LeFort osteotomies required for maxillary advancement result in vector changes of muscles that regulate the function of the Eustachian tube. This realignment of muscles is suspected to be a major contributing factor in causing this patient's new onset Eustachian tube dysfunction. This article represents a pilot project as data are collected for a retrospective and, ultimately, prospective studies on this topic.

Chest Tubes and Pleural Drainage: History and Current Status in Pleural Disease Management.

Thoracostomy and chest tube placement are key procedures in treating pleural diseases involving the accumulation of fluids (e.g., malignant effusions, serous fluid, pus, or blood) or air (pneumothorax) in the pleural cavity. Initially described by Hippocrates and refined through the centuries, chest drainage achieved a historical milestone in the 19th century with the creation of closed drainage systems to prevent the entry of air into the pleural space and reduce infection risk. The introduction of plastic materials and the Heimlich valve further revolutionized chest tube design and function. Technological advancements led to the availability of various chest tube designs (straight, angled, and pig-tail) and drainage systems, including PVC and silicone tubes with radiopaque stripes for better radiological visualization. Modern chest drainage units can incorporate smart digital systems that monitor and graphically report pleural pressure and evacuated fluid/air, improving patient outcomes. Suction application via wall systems or portable digital devices enhances drainage efficacy, although careful regulation is needed to avoid complications such as re-expansion pulmonary edema or prolonged air leak. To prevent recurrent effusion, particularly due to malignancy, pleurodesis agents can be applied through the chest tube. In cases of non-expandable lung, maintaining a long-term chest drain may be the most appropriate approach and procedures such as the placement of an indwelling pleural catheter can significantly improve quality of life. Continued innovations and rigorous training ensure that chest tube insertion remains a cornerstone of effective pleural disease management. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the historical evolution and modern advancements in pleural drainage. By addressing both current technologies and procedural outcomes, it serves as a valuable resource for healthcare professionals aiming to optimize pleural disease management and patient care.

Call attention to the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment strategies of infertility caused by chronic endometritis

Chronic endometritis (CE) is a persistent inflammation of the endometrium caused by microbial infection, which is characterized by the infiltration of plasma cells into the endometrial stromal area. CE emerges as a critical determinant in the etiology of female infertility and is closely associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as recurrent spontaneous abortion and repeated implantation failure, imposing a heavy burden on patients and their families. However, current understanding of CE-induced infertility remains superficial, leading to delays and inconsistent approaches in the diagnosis and treatment of the condition. Emphasizing the diagnosis and treatment of CE can help improve women's reproductive health, alleviate the economic and psychological pressures of patients and their families, resolve family conflicts and promote family and social harmony. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the diagnostic criteria and current application status of CE, its impact on endometrial receptivity and fallopian tubal function, as well as its interplay with other gynecological disorders. In alignment with clinical practice, we propose suggestions including enhancing the understanding of CE, strengthening publicity and education, standardizing the diagnostic process for CE, exploring the molecular mechanisms of CE and optimizing treatment strategies, in order to improve the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment strategies of CE-induced infertility and make greater contributions to the reproductive health of women in China.

Does the ChOLE classification relate to the duration of surgery?

Cholesteatoma, a challenging entity in otologic surgery, necessitates a standardized classification system for effective communication among healthcare providers and consistent reporting of surgical outcomes. The ChOLE Classification System, introduced by Linder et al., stages cholesteatoma based on extension (Ch), ossicular chain status (O), life-threatening complications (L), and Eustachian tube function and mastoid pneumatization (E). We classified 199 patients who underwent cholesteatoma surgery between 2019 and 2023 in our University Hospital to assess the distribution of the ChOLE stages and to examine the relationship between the ChOLE stages and the duration of surgery. This study revealed significant correlations between the ChOLE stage and respective subgroups of the classification and duration of surgery and thus complexity of procedure. Despite limitations, the ChOLE classification proves valuable in predicting surgical complexity and optimizing patient care. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and enhance cholesteatoma management strategies.

The Role of Mucociliary Clearance Function of Eustachian Tube as an Outcome Predictor for Type 1 Tympanoplasty.

To evaluate the association between mucociliary function of the Eustachian tube using the Saccharin test preoperatively and its correlation with dynamic slow-motion video endoscopy on the outcome of Type-I Tympanoplasty in patients with inactive mucosal chronic otitis media. Eighty patients diagnosed with inactive mucosal chronic otitis media who underwent Type-I Tympanoplasty were included in the study. Preoperative assessment of Eustachian tube function was conducted using the Saccharin test. Results of this test were categorized as normal, partial, or gross dysfunction. Dynamic slow-motion video endoscopy was performed to assess motion and pathological factors of the Eustachian tube. Results were evaluated based on a previously validated Visual Analogue Score (VAS). Patients were followed up postoperatively for 3 months. The proportion of patients with surgical failure at the end of the 1st and 3rd month postoperatively was significantly higher in cases of gross Eustachian tube dysfunction compared to those with normal and partial dysfunction (p-value < 0.0001 and p-value = 0.0001, respectively). Preoperative VAS scores in normal Eustachian tubes were significantly higher compared to those with partial dysfunction and gross dysfunction. The Saccharin test is a valuable tool for preoperative evaluation of mucociliary clearance of the Eustachian tube, and dynamic slow-motion video endoscopy serves as a useful adjunct in predicting the outcome of Type-I Tympanoplasty. Routine evaluation of mucociliary clearance function of the Eustachian tube should be included in the preoperative workup for patients undergoing Tympanoplasty to achieve optimal surgical outcomes.

A Prospective Comparative Study of Impedance Audiometry Findings Preoperatively and Postoperatively in Cases of Conventional Adenoidectomy versus Microdebrider Assisted Adenoidectomy.

The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of Endoscopic Adenoidectomy with Microdebrider over Conventional technique by Curettage using Impedance Audiometry findings. In this prospective, randomised, comparative study patients were divided into two groups to undergo one of the above adenoidectomy surgeries. Patients with symptoms of Adenoid hypertrophy after failed maximal medical therapy (12 weeks) were selected after due consideration of the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Baseline Impedance Audiometric assessment was done one week prior to surgery which was compared to Impedance Audiometric values 12 weeks post operatively in each group. This study enrolled 50 patients with adenoid hypertrophy, 25 patients of group A underwent Conventional adenoidectomy and the other 25 patients of group B underwent Endoscopic Adenoidectomy with Microdebrider. Significant difference in type of tympanogram before and after adenoidectomy was found in both the groups (p = 0.0008 in group A & p < 0.0001 in group B). In Group A Percentage of abnormal tympanograms becoming normal (Type A), 12 weeks after adenoidectomy was 80%. In Group B Percentage of abnormal tympanograms becoming normal (Type A), 12 weeks after adenoidectomy was 88%. A statistically significant improvement (p < 0.0001 in both the groups) in the percentage of ears with absent stapedial reflex was observed in both groups postoperatively, with no difference between the two groups suggestive of improvement in eustachian tube function. Association of Preoperatively & Postoperatively Eustachian tube function in each group undergoing adenoidectomy was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Both forms of adenoidectomy are effective in managing adenoid hypertrophy with tubal dysfunction causing mild conductive hearing loss and prone for OME. However, the audiological and endoscopic evaluation seems to favor Endoscopic Adenoidectomy with microdebrider over conventional adenoidectomy, and it should be therefore considered in the therapeutic management of young patients with adenoidal disease.

Advance in the pathogenesis of otitis media with effusion induced by platelet-activating factor.

A non-suppurative inflammatory disease of the middle ear with middle ear effusion and conductive hearing loss is called otitis media with effusion. Poor eustachian tube function, immunological factors, viral factors, and other factors are primarily involved in its pathophysiology, which has not yet been completely understood. Several researcher scholars have recently studied platelet-activating factor and they found that platelet-activating factor is closely associated to the occurrence, development, and outcome of otitis media with effusion. Platelet-activating factor is a significant element contributing to the extension of otitis media with effusion. In order to give a reference for further investigation into the mechanism and clinical management of this illness, the research status of platelet-activating factor and otitis media with effusion during the past two decades is reviewed in this study, along with the mechanisms of otitis media with effusion leading to otitis media with effusion.

Combined assembloid modeling and 3D whole-organ mapping captures the microanatomy and function of the human fallopian tube.

The fallopian tubes play key roles in processes from pregnancy to ovarian cancer where three-dimensional (3D) cellular and extracellular interactions are important to their pathophysiology. Here, we develop a 3D multicompartment assembloid model of the fallopian tube that molecularly, functionally, and architecturally resembles the organ. Global label-free proteomics, innovative assays capturing physiological functions of the fallopian tube (i.e., oocyte transport), and whole-organ single-cell resolution mapping are used to validate these assembloids through a multifaceted platform with direct comparisons to fallopian tube tissue. These techniques converge at a unique combination of assembloid parameters with the highest similarity to the reference fallopian tube. This work establishes (i) an optimized model of the human fallopian tubes for in vitro studies of their pathophysiology and (ii) an iterative platform for customized 3D in vitro models of human organs that are molecularly, functionally, and microanatomically accurate by combining tunable assembloid and tissue mapping methods.

Association Between Deviated Nasal Septum and Function of Eustachian Tube among Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Center

Deviated nasal septum is the most common cause of severe and chronic nose blockage. The eustachian tube (ET) is a tube that connects the middle ear cavity and the nasopharynx and provides middle ear ventilation. The relationship between DNS and ETF is controversial in medical literature. This study tried to find the association between deviated nasal septum and function of eustachian tube. This prospective study was conducted in Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital, Otorhinolarynology Department from November 2022 to October2023 after acquiring ethical clearance from Institutional Review Committee. All the patients presenting to the outpatient clinic over the age of 19 with deviated nasal septum (DNS) were included. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS. A p value of &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Our study had 71 males (54.6%) and 59 females (45.4%) with mean age 37.2±15.9 years. Of 130 patients, 56 (43.1%) had DNS to right side while 74 (56.9%) to left. All patients had moderate DNS. Age group, gender, and laterality of DNS of the patient did not show any significant association with ETDQ7 score, tympanograms and middle ear pressures on either side. Moderate DNS did not affect ETF in a significant way.

The AMSA® manosonic nebulizer for ENT disease among children in Poland

IntroductionThe AMSA® manosonic nebulizer uses acoustic vibration and a flow of air to create an aerosol from a solution or suspension of a drug. The aerosol created this way is claimed to have enhanced penetration and drug delivery. It is administered under short-term overpressure, meaning that the aerosol is able to penetrate into the middle ear through the Eustachian tube (ET). Purposeof the study: The aim of this study is to identify the active substances used in AMSA® manosonic nebulization for treating common ENT diseases in children aged 2–17 years and to evaluate the overall effectiveness of AMSA® manosonic nebulization in this context. Assessments were done by comparing conditions before and after nebulization using the following tests: (1) Eustachian tube function test, (2) tympanometry, and (3) otoscopy. Material and methodsThis study was a retrospective study with ethics committee consent. 129 children, comprising 56 girls and 73 boys. They were aged between 2 and 17 years, with a mean age of 6.9 years (SD = 3.0). There were 74 children up to 6 years and 55 children over 6 years of age. Children had the following conditions: (1) chronic otitis media with effusion, OME (n = 86), (2) Eustachian tube dysfunction, ETD (n = 34) (3) Other conditions (e.g. cholesteatoma, retraction pocket), (n = 9). Combination of medicines administered in this study was: Budesonide + ambroxol (with or without NaCl), Budesonide (with or without NaCl), Budesonide + N-acetylcysteine (with or without NaCl), Budesonide + hyaluronic acid, Budesonide + ambroxol (with hyaluronic acid), Ambroxol (with or without NaCl). ResultsThe number of nebulizations ordered was between 1 and 20 treatments, but most commonly, pa-tients were given a nebulization series of 10 treatments. This was the case for 80.6 % of the patients. Most patients with OME and ETD had 10 treatments ordered (79 % and 79.5 %, respectively), while all patients with other conditions had 10 treatments. Analysis of the tympanometry results was done in terms of the number of affected ears (not by individual). There were 210 ears with complete tympanometry (both pre and post), including 142 ears with OME, 54 with ETD, and 14 others. Statistically significant changes (improvements) after AMSA nebulizations were found for statistic compliance and middle ear pressure. Otoscopy assessments were done in all ears. The results were abnormal in 155 ears (73.8 %) and normal in 55 ears (26.2 %). After AMSA nebulizations, the number of abnormal results decreased to 117 ears (55.7 %) and normal results were found in 93 ears (44.7 %). ConclusionUse of the AMSA manosonic nebulizer appears to be an effective way of improving chronic medical conditions in children – such as chronic otitis media with effusion and Eustachian tube defect – but only if patient compliance can be achieved. The most frequently used active substance was budesonide, irrespective of whether additional secretolic/mucolytic agent was administered.