Cutaneous lesions of the external ear

Skin diseases on the external aspect of the ear are seen in a variety of medical disciplines. Dermatologists, othorhinolaryngologists, general practitioners, general and plastic surgeons are regularly consulted regarding cutaneous lesions on the ear

Measuring of distortion product otoacoustic emissions using multiple tone pairs

In order to reduce the examination time of the Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE) test, we investigated the applicability of the multiple-tone pairs method by comparing the DPOAE evoked by 4- and 3-tone pairs (Sim) with the conventional 1-tone pair (Seq) in 116 ears of human adults with normal hearing (NH) and 86 ears with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). We found that: (1) DPOAE amplitudes in the NH group obtained with the Sim method were strongly correlated with those of Seq. (2) DPOAE amplitude and noise level mean values obtained with the Seq method were significantly higher than those obtained with Sim. (3) DPOAE amplitude was independent of the stimulation side (right vs. left ears). (4) Both methods can equally distinguish ears with NH and a low degree of SNHL from those with higher degrees of SNHL. (5) Examination time was shorter with the Sim method in both groups. In conclusion, the Sim method produces results similar to those of Seq. However, a significant difference between the two methods in relation to DPOAE amplitudes and noise levels was found. Because of this, normal data for both the DPOAE amplitude and noise level are required to improve the sensitivity of the Sim method. The mean examination time in both groups (NH and SNHL) was shorter with the Sim method. Therefore, the multiple-tone pairs stimulation method seems to be more suitable when it is used as an auditory screening test

A herbal composition of Scutellaria baicalensis and Eleutherococcus senticosus shows vasocontrictive effects in an ex-vivo mucosal tissue model and in allergic rhinitis patients

Abstract Background This study aimed to investigate the nasal decongestive efficacy of an alternative to pharmacotherapy, a herbal nasal spray composed of Scutellaria baicalensis and Eleutherococcus senticosus. Methods Scutellaria baicalensis and Eleuthrococcus senticosus and control solutions were applied separately to isolated mucosal tissue from inferior turbinates. Vasoconstriction was measured as a change in isometric tension. Moreover, twenty allergic rhinitis patients with nasal stuffiness participated in a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study with cross-over design; the same patients served as their placebo control group. Pre-and post-treatment nasal congestion and smell test scores were evaluated for the test and placebo spray using two validated questionnaires, the 5 question nasal congestion questionnaire and the 12 question Brief Smell Identification Test-Version B. Results In the ex-vivo mucosal tissue, the herbal compounds were demonstrated to induce vasoconstriction when applied at 10 mg/ml concentration. The combination of S. baicalensis and E. senticosus proved effective in relieving patients’ nasal congestion and was statistically superior to placebo. No side effects were noted, and there was no difference between the pre-and post-study smell test results. Conclusions The combined S. baicalensis and E. senticosus herbal nasal spray relieved nasal congestion significantly better than placebo without any side effects