Rhinosinusitis (RS) is an acute (ARS) or chronic (CRS) inflammatory disease of the nasal and paranasal sinus mucosa. CRS is a heterogeneous condition characterized by distinct inflammatory patterns (endotypes) and phenotypes associated with the presence (CRSwNP) or absence (CRSsNP) of nasal polyps. Mucosal barrier and mucociliary clearance dysfunction, inflammatory cell infiltration, mucus hypersecretion, and tissue remodeling are the hallmarks of CRS. However, the underlying factors, their priority, and the mechanisms of inflammatory responses remain unclear. Several hypotheses have been proposed that link CRS etiology and pathogenesis with host (eg, “immune barrier”) and exogenous factors (eg, bacterial/fungal pathogens, dysbiotic microbiota/biofilms, or staphylococcal superantigens). The abnormal interplay between these factors is likely central to the pathophysiology of CRS by triggering compensatory immune responses. Here, we discuss the role of the sinonasal microbiota in CRS and its biofilms in the context of mucosal zinc (Zn) deficiency, serving as a possible unifying link between five host and “bacterial” hypotheses of CRS that lead to sinus mucosa remodeling. To date, no clear correlation between sinonasal microbiota and CRS has been established. However, the predominance of Corynebacteria and Staphylococci and their interspecies relationships likely play a vital role in the formation of the CRS-associated microbiota. Zn-mediated “nutritional immunity”, exerted via calprotectin, alongside the dysregulation of Zn-dependent cellular processes, could be a crucial microbiota-shaping factor in CRS. Similar to cystic fibrosis (CF), the role of SPLUNC1-mediated regulation of mucus volume and pH in CRS has been considered. We complement the biofilms’ “mechanistic” and “mucin” hypotheses behind CRS pathogenesis with the “structural” one – associated with bacterial “corncob” structures. Finally, microbiota restoration approaches for CRS prevention and treatment are reviewed, including pre- and probiotics, as well as Nasal Microbiota Transplantation (NMT).

Voice prosthesis implantation with the creation of a tracheoesophageal fistula is the gold standard procedure for voice rehabilitation in patients after a total laryngectomy. All patients implanted with a voice prosthesis (VP) have biofilms of fungi and bacteria grow on their surface. Biofilm colonization is one of the main reasons for VP degradation that can lead to VP dysfunction, which increases the high risk of pneumonia. In a 20-month evaluation period, 129 cases of prostheses after replacement procedures were investigated. Microbiological examination of the biofilms revealed that there were four of the most common fungi species (Candida spp.) and a large variety of bacterial species present. We studied the relationship between the time of proper function of Provox VP, the microorganism composition of the biofilm present on it, and the degradation level of the silicone material. Evaluation of the surface of the removed VP using an atomic force microscope (AFM) has demonstrated that biofilm growth might drastically change the silicone’s mechanical properties. Changes in silicone stiffness and thermal properties might contribute to the failure of VP function. Our data can serve in future studies for the development of methods to prevent or inhibit biofilm formation on the VP surface that would translate to an increase in their durability and safety.

AIM, DIAPH2, PTPRD and HIC1 are the cell glycoprotein, which play an important role in the occurrence and development of tumors. This study was designed to assess the association between DIAPH2, PTPRD and HIC1 SNPs and laryngeal cancer risk. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study including 267 patients with histologically confirmed laryngeal cancer and 157 controls. The relationship between genetic variations DIAPH2 (rs6620138), PTPRD (rs3765142) and HIC1 (rs9901806) and the onset of laryngeal cancer were investigated. Statistical analysis to calculate the relationship between DIAPH2, PTPRD and HIC1 genes polymorphism and pathogenesis of laryngeal cancer. RESULTS: The results showed that rs6620138 DIAPH2 polymorphism could increase the onset risk of laryngeal cancer. Statistically significant differences in allele distribution of rs6620138 DIAPH2 and rs9901806 HIC1 in the case and control groups subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: This study results suggested that genetic variation of rs6620138 DIAPH2 polymorphism is related to the susceptibility to laryngeal cancer. Our results provide a basis to begin basic research on the role of DIAPH2 gene in the pathogenesis of laryngeal cancer.

Introduction: A patient’s voice, after thyroidectomy uncomplicated by recurrent laryngeal nerve damage, may undergo both objective and subjective changes. The intensity and duration of these changes are unclear.Aim: To perform a subjective and acoustic analysis of the voice in patients after thyroidectomy uncomplicated by recurrent laryngeal nerve damage.Materials and methods: A prospective study was performed at an endocrinological surgery clinic in Poland between 2018 and 2019. The study included 70 patients who had undergone thyroidectomy due to a noncancerous goiter. The Voice Handicap Index was used for a subjective assessment of the voice. An acoustic analysis was performed using the DiagnoScope Specjalista software, designed for a comprehensive assessment of the voice. A three-stage laryngologic examination was performed.Results: The mean age of the participants was 53 years (71% women and 29% men). Most of the patients (80.0%) subjectively assessed their vocal impairment as minor, 18.6% as moderate, and 1.4% as severe. The patients assessed the physical state of their voice as the worst. The short-term parameters obtained through an acoustic analysis differed significantly between the subsequent measurements and were worst on the second day after the operation. The changes subsided six months after the operation. Similarly, a significant improvement in the long-term parameters was observed six months after the operation; specifically, the phonation time (15.11 vs 12.64 vs 16.14) and the performance index (7.91 vs 6.50 vs 9.04). No significant changes were observed between each measurement in terms of the no phonation index, voice breaks coefficient, and the F0 modulation index.Conclusions: Voice impairment after thyroidectomy is frequent, according to a subjective assessment, and has been confirmed by an acoustic analysis of the short- and long-term parameters of the voice. These changes usually subside six months after the operation. Some patients require speech therapy to normalise their voice emission technique.

Introduction: Voice prostheses (VPs) are devices that are widely used in voice rehabilitation of patients after laryngectomy. The main cause of VPs failure is their destruction by the growth of biofilm, mainly fungal. Aim: The aim of this study was to design and build a tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) simulator to observe and analyse the process of biofilm formation on voice prostheses and its effect on the structure of the material from which they are made, in conditions as close to real as possible. Methods: Biofilm cultures were performed on voice prostheses under controlled in vitro conditions using a TEF simulator. Then, the crystal violet staining and confocal microscopic examination were performed. Results: The analysis of voice prostheses cultured in the TEF simulator conditions confirmed the presence of biofilm on their surface. Conclusions: The TEF simulator can be a valuable tool for future studies of silicone modifications that can limit the growth of biofilm on the VPs.

This article describes the microbiome of the outer ear and the earwax in the ear canal, which performs various protective functions against bacterial infections. This article is based on an analysis of literature gathered from databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus, primarily from the last 15 years. The search strategy included MeSH terms: ear canal, microbiome, earwax, cerumen, antibacterial peptides, ear infections, biofilm. Only peer-reviewed articles were included. The natural ear canal microbiota provides so-called colonization resistance, which protects against invasion by pathogenic microorganisms. Earwax is composed primarily of keratin secreted by epithelial cells and substances secreted by sweat and apocrine glands. It plays a key role in the physiology of the ear canal, maintaining a low pH, limiting moisture, and exhibiting antimicrobial properties. Both an excess and a deficiency of earwax can lead to dysbiosis of the outer ear, and consequently to the development of various infections. In an era of increasing antibiotic resistance and the search for new solutions in the fight against pathogenic microorganisms, understanding the natural properties of earwax is becoming increasingly important.