The purpose of this study is to shorten the decellularization time of trachea by using combination of physical, chemical, and enzymatic techniques. Approximately 3.5-cm-long tracheal segments from 42 New Zealand rabbits (3.5±0.5 kg) were separated into seven groups according to decellularization protocols. After decellularization, cellular regions, matrix and strength and endurance of the scaffold were followed up. DNA content in all groups was measured under 50 ng/mg and there was no significant difference for the glycosaminoglycan content between group 3 (lyophilization+deoxycholic acid+de-oxyribonuclease method) and control group (P=0.46). None of the decellularized groups was different than the normal trachea in tensile stress values (P>0.05). Glucose consumption and lactic acid levels measured from supernatants of all decellularized groups were close to group with cells only (76 mg/dL and 53 mg/L). Using combination methods may reduce exposure to chemicals, prevent the excessive influence of the matrix, and shorten the decellularization time.

Objectives: The relationship between the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and the inferior thyroid artery (ITA) is an important and helpful landmark for isolating the RLN and its branches during surgery. In the present study, we aimed to define and classify in detail all of the possible relationships between the two anatomic structures and their branches. Methods: We examined 100 specimens (200 sides) from cadavers of 76 men and 24 women who were between 16 and 90 years of age at the time of death. After anatomic dissection was performed, the relationship between the RLN and the ITA was noted for each side and documented in the form of high-resolution photographs. Results: The relationships of both structures and their branches were classified into 6 types. Details were verified regarding the relationships between the main trunks, between the trunks and branches, and between the branches, as follows: Type A (ITA trunk to RLN trunk); type B (ITA branches to RLN trunk); type C (ITA trunk to RLN branches); type D (ITA branches to RLN trunk and RLN branches); type E (ITA branches to RLN branches); and type F (others). Conclusions: Despite the various anatomic and surgical studies already performed, in the present study we tried to demonstrate all types of relationships between the RLN and the ITA and their branches and devise a new, detailed classification of the possible relationships between the two structures.

This study aims to investigate the effects of reflux treatment in voice disorders in laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) patients using acoustic analyses and the relationship between scoring systems. A total of 84 LPR patients (18 males, 66 females; mean age 43.1±11.3 years; range 18 to 73 years) were evaluated using reflux symptom index (RSI), reflux findings score (RFS), videolaryngostroboscopic examination, and acoustic analysis with Dr. Speech 4 before LPR treatment and at the first and third months after treatment. Maximum phonation time, fundamental frequency (F0), jitter, and shimmer scores did not show any statistically significant alteration at the posttreatment period according to pretreatment scores (p>0.05). However, the alteration in Harmonics-to-Noise ratio and Signals-to-Noise ratio scores were statistically significant (p=0.017 and p=0.003, respectively). Reflux symptom index results showed significant positive correlation with F0 at the pretreatment, and at posttreatment first and third month evaluations (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient [rho]=0.246, p=0.024; rho=0.300, p=0.006; rho=0.305, p=0.005, respectively). The relationship between the parameters of acoustic analysis and RSI and RFS values seems to be controversial for diagnosis and follow-up of LPR patients, requiring further investigations.