The wide spread of mobile communication since the late 1980 s raises questions about the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on the human body. Most studies have focused on the non-thermal effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Low-energy EMFs seem to cause structural and functional changes in the cell membrane of different cell types, leading to abnormal cell response. Such changes within the central nervous system (CNS) and auditory system, which directly receive EMR during mobile phone use, are of particular interest. Various studies suggest that EMR directly affects neurons by reducing the neuronal reactivity, increasing the neural membrane conductivity and prolonging their refractory period. Furthermore, although it has been suggested that EMR is related with increased incidence of specific tumors and can interact with known carcinogenic agents, no conclusive evidence exists supporting its role in carcinogenesis. Therefore, no safe conclusions can be drawn regarding the potential harmful effects of mobile phone use. Experiments are underway by our laboratory to investigate possible effects of mobile phone use on the auditory system and the CNS. These along with other studies are expected to further clarify whether mobile phone use truly presents a health hazard.
Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy is one of the most important complications after thyroid and parathyroid surgery. There is controversy in the literature regarding whether or not intraoperative nerve monitoring decreases the risk of injury. We report our experience using Nerve Integrity Monitoring (NIM) system in cases of revision thyroidectomy, providing clear indications for its use. A series of 97 patients who underwent revision thyroidectomy with and without intraoperative NIM alternately was evaluated. There were 121 RLN patients at risk. Use of NIM during revision thyroidectomy was not statistically significant compared to revision operation without monitoring (p value = 0.059). Furthermore, comparison of operative times either with or without NIM showed that use of NIM led to statistically significant prolonged operation time (p value <0.001). There is no strict indication to use RLN monitoring during thyroid surgery, especially as there is no statistical evidence that the use of this technique decreases the incidence of RLN palsy, although there is a trend especially in difficult revision cases.
The objective of the present study was to investigate the possible electrophysiological time-related changes in auditory pathway during mobile phone electromagnetic field exposure. Thirty healthy rabbits were enrolled in an experimental study of exposure to GSM-900 radiation for 60 min and auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) were recorded at regular time-intervals during exposure. The study subjects were radiated via an adjustable power and frequency radio transmitter for GSM-900 mobile phone emission simulation, designed and manufactured according to the needs of the experiment. The mean absolute latency of waves III–V showed a statistically significant delay (p < 0.05) after 60, 45 and 15 min of exposure to electromagnetic radiation of 900 MHz, respectively. Interwave latency I–III was found to be prolonged after 60 min of radiation exposure in correspondence to wave III absolute latency delay. Interwave latencies I–V and III–V were found with a statistically significant delay (p < 0.05) after 30 min of radiation. No statistically significant delay was found for the same ABR parameters in recordings from the ear contralateral to the radiation source at 60 min radiation exposure compared with baseline ABR. The ABR measurements returned to baseline recordings 24 h after the exposure to electromagnetic radiation of 900 MHz. The prolongation of interval latencies I–V and III–V indicates that exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile phone can affect the normal electrophysiological activity of the auditory system, and these findings fit the pattern of general responses to a stressor.
Purpose of the Study: To examine the clinical value of subjective evaluations of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in correlation with syndrome severity as diagnosed with polysomnography. Procedures: 210 patients with mild to severe OSAS were assessed. Objective evaluation included polysomnography. Subjective assessment included full ENT examination, neck circumference (NC) plus body mass index measurements, Mueller maneuver and Epworth Symptom Scale (ESS). Results: The presence of lateral pharyngeal wall movement, abnormal ESS scoring and male gender can be considered independent risk factors for the prediction of moderate/severe OSAS (p < 0.05). Increased NC can also be considered a clinical risk factor related to male gender and lateral pharyngeal wall movement (p = 0.05). Conclusions: Subjective OSAS assessment, including evaluation of lateral pharyngeal wall movement, ESS scoring and NC measurement can safely predict, mainly in males, OSAS severity, as diagnosed with polysomnography. Message of the Paper: Subjective assessment from the ENT point of view should raise high suspicion towards the early diagnosis of moderate/severe OSAS.
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