ObjectiveThe nucleus ambiguus (NAmb) is a column of neurons in the medulla oblongata, involved in bulbar functions. Expression of Glial Cell‐Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) and its receptors (GDNFR) is observed within the cell bodies during reinnervation following recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury. Little is known regarding GDNFR expression in the formation of the NAmb and the laryngeal innervation during embryogenesis. Understanding the timing and pattern of GDNFR expression in embryogenesis versus after RLN injury may provide insights into therapeutic targets for regeneration after RLN injury.Study DesignLaboratory experiment.MethodsRat brainstems at E14.5/E16.5/E18.5/E20.5/adult were stained for GDNFR: GFRα‐1/GFRα‐2/GFRα‐3/Ret. Islet1 and choline acetyltransferase were used as cell body markers. Sections were observed using fluorescent microscopy and quantified through manual cell counting.ResultsExpression of GFRα‐1, GFRα‐3, and Ret was identified within the NAmb, hypoglossal, and facial nuclei of the adult medulla. During development, GFRα‐1 immunoreactivity was seen at E20.5. GFRα‐2 expression was not observed at any timepoint. GFRα‐3 expression began at E16.5. Ret expression within nerve fibers in the NAmb were observed beginning at E14.5, but never in the cell bodies.ConclusionEmbryonic GDNFR expression in the NAmb differs from that of the adult after RLN injury. The developing brainstem experienced upregulation at discrete timepoints with signaling sustained through adulthood. In contrast, adult RLN‐transected rats experienced patterns of up and down regulation. GFRα‐1 may contribute to muscle targeting and neuromuscular junction maturation, GFRα‐3 may contribute to both, as well as axon guidance. It is likely that GDNF is functioning via a Ret‐independent pathway.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 133:2240–2247, 2023
Background Almost 20% of the US population are housing insecure (HI) due to inadequate living conditions, imbalanced costs to income, nonsustainable shelter, or overcrowding. Housing insecure and physical trauma share similar risk factors, but their direct association is not well elucidated. The objective of our study was to determine the prevalence of HI in survivors of traumatic injury. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study at an urban, level 1 trauma center. A survey on social determinants of health was administered to adult patients, and demographic, injury specifics, and clinical outcomes data were collected. HI was defined by affirmative answers to questions related to history of homelessness or concern about sustainable shelter. The cohort was stratified by HI; groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U and Fisher exact tests, as appropriate. Results Of 116 study participants, four were excluded due to missing data. Of the 112, 42 (37.8%) reported HI and most were black (69%) males (73.8%). There were no demographic differences between groups. Conversely, HI patients had a higher rate of penetrating traumatic injury (34.1% vs 14.5%, P-value = .03) and were significantly less educated compared to secure participants ( P-value = .03) [no degree (26.2% vs 10.3%), high school degrees (21.4% vs 41.2%)] with concomitant illicit drug use (63.4% vs 27.9%, P < .001), and history of addiction (52.4% vs 7.2%, P < .001). Conclusion HI far exceeds national averages in our cohort. Although difficult to ascertain a cause-effect relationship, HI may be a modifiable risk factor for trauma that negatively influences outcomes.
Introduction Despite a high prevalence of retained bullet fragments (RBFs) after firearm related injury (FRI) there is limited data on the full spectrum of their consequences, particularly the psychological impacts on those injured. Further, the experiences of FRI survivors with RBFs are missing from existing literature. The objective of this study was to explore the psychological impacts of RBFs on individuals who have experienced recent FRI. Methods Adult (18-65 years) survivors of FRI with radiographically confirmed RBFs were purposively selected from an urban Level 1 trauma center in Atlanta, Georgia, to participate in an in-depth interview. Interviews were conducted between March 2019 and February 2020. Thematic analysis was used to identify a range of psychological effects from RBFs. Results Interviews from 24 FRI survivors were analyzed: the majority of participants were Black males (N = 22, 92%) with a mean age of 32 years whose FRI occurred ∼8.6 months prior to data collection. The psychological effects of RBFs were grouped into four categories: physical health (eg, pain, limited mobility), emotional well-being (eg, anger, fear), social isolation, and occupational welfare (eg, disability leading to inability to work). A range of coping mechanisms were also identified. Conclusion Survivors of FRI with RBFs experience a range of psychological impacts that are far-reaching and affect daily activities, mobility, pain and emotional wellbeing. Study results indicate a need for enhanced resources to support those with RBFs. Further, changes to clinical protocols are warranted on removal of RBFs and communication about the effects of leaving RBFs in situ.
ObjectiveThis scoping review aims to explore the current body of literature to characterize how short‐term surgical trips (STSTs) in Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery (OtoHNS) contribute to surgical, educational, and sustainability‐based outcomes in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). We aim to use these data to synthesize aspects of STSTs that are successful with the hopes of shaping future global efforts.Data SourcesData sources included Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Ovid Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus.Review MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted on several databases from inception to October 14, 2021. We included primary studies exploring any surgical or educational outcomes of global short‐term surgical endeavors within LMICs. Data were then extracted to evaluate the heterogenous body of literature that exists, characterizing the surgical, educational, and sustainability‐based outcomes.ResultsForty‐Seven studies were included in the final analysis. Most publications were focused on surgical interventions (39 of 47; 82.9%); 13 (27.7%) studies included education as the primary aim and 12 (25.5%) considered sustainability a significant aim. Of the 94 first and last authors, there were zero first authors and only one last author with an LMIC affiliation. Twenty‐six studies (55%) mentioned that any patients were seen in follow‐up, ranging from one day to five years.ConclusionOur scoping review demonstrates that most STSTs have focused primarily on surgical procedures with a lack of appropriate long‐term follow‐up. However, the available outcome‐based information presented helps identify factors that characterize a strong short‐term global surgical program.Level of EvidenceN/A Laryngoscope, 2023
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