Morphological aspects of the euphonic voice

The high quality of a euphonic voice is the result of complex interactions between many organs and systems. Vibrating vocal folds play a crucial role in this process. Their physiological motion is conditioned by the presence of the layered structure of laryngeal mucosa. In this study, we assessed the degree of dysphonia according to the Union of European Phoniatrics (UEP) scale. Videoendoscopy (VLS) and videostroboscopic (VLSS) examination of the larynx was used to visualize the vibration of the vocal folds. Morphological assessment of the inter-membranous part of the vocal fold mucosa was carried out using material collected after surgical treatment (60%) or obtained from autopsy (40%). The samples were examined by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. In euphonic voices, 1° of dysphonia (UEP) and the physiological endoscopic (VLS) and stroboscopic (VLSS) findings of vocal folds were registered. No morphological or ultramorphological changes were observed in the cells of the multilayered flat epithelium, basal membrane or in the stroma. Unchanged epithelial cells were situated on the basal membrane with folds. Moreover, numerous pericytes, vessels with multiplication of basal membranes, scanty collagenous fibers, plasmatic cells and lymphocytes were seen. Morphological changes with signs of atrophy and polypoid degeneration of the vocal fold mucosa were found in only 3 (15%) patients. (Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica 2011; Vol. 49, No. 1, pp. 72–79

One Step before Synthesis: Structure–Property–Condition Relationship Models to Sustainable Design of Efficient TiO2-Based Multicomponent Nanomaterials

To control the photocatalytic activity, it is essential to consider several parameters affecting the structure of ordered multicomponent TiO2-based photocatalytic nanotubes. The lack of systematic knowledge about the relationship between structure, property, and preparation parameters may be provided by applying a machine learning (ML) methodology and predictive models based on the quantitative structure-property-condition relationship (QSPCR). In the present study, for the first time, the quantitative mapping of preparation parameters, morphology, and photocatalytic activity of 136 TiO2 NTs doped with metal and non-metal nanoparticles synthesized with the one-step anodization method has been investigated via linear and nonlinear ML methods. Moreover, the developed QSPCR model, for the first time, provides systematic knowledge supporting the design of effective TiO2-based nanotubes by proper structure manipulation. The proposed computer-aided methodology reduces cost and speeds up the process (optimize) of efficient photocatalysts’ design at the earliest possible stage (before synthesis) in line with the sustainability-by-design strategy

Videostroboscopic and morphological aspects of voice disturbances in patients with larynx atrophy and coexisting hypopharynx cancer

Vocal folds play a crucial role in voice production. The physiological vibrations of vocal folds depend on the unchanged multilayered structure of the vocal folds mucosa. Morphological changes of mucosa are the cause of voice quality disorders — dysphonia. The aim of this study was to determine the morphological base of dysphonia in patients with vocal folds atrophy. A group of 24 patients with larynx atrophy confirmed by endoscopic (VLS) and stroboscopic (VLSS) examination of the larynx was included in the study. The morphological assessment of the larynx mucosa was carried out with the use of the transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Ultramorphological examinations revealed changes in the epithelium, basal membrane and lamina propria of the vocal folds mucosa. An increased number of collagenous fibers, fibroblasts with signs of vacuolar degeneration inflammatory cells and a decreased number of blood vessels and pericytes were observed. Morphological changes found in the epithelium, basal membrane and lamina propria of the vocal folds mucosa were the cause of disorders of vocal folds vibrations registered in the stroboscopic examination of the larynx (VLSS). (<i>Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica 2011; Vol. 49, No. 4, pp. 659–663</i>