The effects of companionship from strangers and companions on pain thresholds in immersive virtual reality: A randomized controlled trial.

Objective: Virtual reality has been used to treat pain for decades, but improvements in the cost and accessibility of consumer devices open up new opportunities for increasing its efficacy; for example, by adding a social element to virtual experiences. Previous research on the effects of social interaction on pain thresholds in induced pain tasks indicates that even social interaction with a stranger has the potential to increase the effectiveness of VR for pain. In addition, interacting with friends or family members through media can offer social support, and conducting these interactions in immersive virtual reality may have an additive effect.

Preoperative weight loss and postoperative pancreatic fistula risk affected by body mass index: a National Surgical Quality Improvement Program study.

Background: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after pancreatectomy is associated with longer hospitalization, readmission, increased resource utilization, and early postoperative mortality. Preoperative weight loss has been identified as a significant predictor of adverse outcomes after gastrointestinal surgery. We studied the association between unintentional preoperative weight loss and POPF development after pancreatectomy.

Music interventions for posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review.

There is growing literature supporting the efficacy of music interventions for a range of conditions, including anxiety, stress, and pain. Alongside this, research on neurobiological processes involved in the experience of music has illuminated potential mechanisms for music's role in mental health treatments. Music has the potential to act on the circuitry of the brain involved in the autonomic dysregulation associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Trust in Machine Learning Driven Clinical Decision Support Tools Among Otolaryngologists.

Background: Machine learning driven clinical decision support tools (ML-CDST) are on the verge of being integrated into clinical settings, including in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery. In this study, we investigated whether such CDST may influence otolaryngologists' diagnostic judgement.

Methods: Otolaryngologists were recruited virtually across the United States for this experiment on human-AI interaction.

Correlations Between Anxiety and/or Depression Diagnoses and Dysphagia Severity.

Objective: An increased prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders in patients with dysphagia has been noted previously, but whether dysphagia severity may be exacerbated by anxiety and depression has never been studied before. The purpose of this study is to identify the effect of pre-existing diagnosis of anxiety and/or depression (anxiety/depression) on the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10), a validated patient-reported outcome measure for dysphagia. We hypothesized that patients with dysphagia and normal instrumental evaluation have higher EAT-10 score in the presence of pre-existing anxiety and depression.

De Novo Granuloma of the Membranous Vocal Fold: A Marker of Occult Malignancy.

Objective: De novo occurrence of granuloma (granulation tissue) on the membranous vocal fold is not readily explained by usual causes of granuloma at the vocal process. We describe a series of patients.

Study Design: Case series.

Correlation Between Laryngoscopic Appearance and Histopathology in Vocal Fold Cysts.

Objectives/hypothesis: Cysts are benign vocal fold lesions typically divided into mucous retention or epidermoid subtypes. The conventional paradigm that the former are translucent and the latter opaque fails to encompass the heterogeneity of cyst appearance on laryngoscopy. This study aims to characterize the relationships between clinical cyst characteristics and histopathology.

Outcomes of Gender-Affirming Voice and Communication Modification Training for Non-binary Individuals: A Case Series.

Objectives: There is currently no research reporting solely on outcomes of voice and communication modification training (VCMT) in individuals who identify as non-binary and genderqueer (NBGQ) in the English literature. This study aimed to describe the objective and subjective impact of VCMT on the voice of NBGQ individuals undergoing a 12-week gender-affirming VCMT program.

Methods: A retrospective consecutive case series of NBGQ individuals enrolled in a VCMT program was performed.

Virtual Reality for Pain Management During High-Resolution Manometry: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objective: High-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM) is the gold standard for the diagnosis of esophageal motility disorders. HRM is typically performed in the office with local anesthesia only, and many patients find it unpleasant and painful. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of the use of a virtual reality (VR) headset on pain and anxiety outcomes in patients with dysphagia undergoing HRM.

Return to Vocal Performance Following Microlaryngoscopy in Singers.

Introduction: Although microlaryngoscopy has been recognized to be effective in addressing lesions in vocal performers, no detailed information regarding return to performance (RTP) following surgery exists. We describe our experience and offer proposals to establish standardized criteria for RTP among vocal performers.

Methods: Records for adult vocalists who underwent microlaryngoscopy for benign vocal fold (VF) lesions and had a clearly documented RTP date between 2006 and 2022 were reviewed.

Are Mobile Applications in Laryngology Designed for All Patients?

Objectives: Mobile applications (apps) are multiplying in laryngology, with little standardization of content, functionality, or accessibility. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the quality, functionality, health literacy, readability, accessibility, and inclusivity of laryngology mobile applications.

Methods: Of the 3230 apps identified from the Apple and Google Play stores, 28 patient-facing apps met inclusion criteria.

Mindfulness-Based Virtual Reality Intervention for Children and Young Adults with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Pilot Feasibility and Acceptability Study.

The aim of this pilot study was to assess: (1) the feasibility and acceptability of a Mindfulness-Based Virtual Reality (MBVR) intervention among children and young adults with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and (2) the preliminary efficacy of MBVR on key psychological (anxiety) and physical (pain) outcomes. Participants were 62 children to young adults with IBD (M = 15.6 years; 69.