Lily Nguyen | McGill University (original) (raw)

Papers by Lily Nguyen

Ear, nose, & throat journal

Hypernasality is a commonly perceived characteristic of speech in deaf adults and children, but t... more Hypernasality is a commonly perceived characteristic of speech in deaf adults and children, but the mechanism of this abnormal nasal resonance is poorly understood. The impact of cochlear implantation on nasalance measures in children with severe auditory deprivation has not been previously reported. We conducted a study of nasality in 6 deaf children who had undergone cochlear implantation. Voice recordings were obtained before surgery and 6 months after activation of the implants. The MacKay-Kummer SNAP Test--which consists of a syllable-repetition subtest and a picture-cued subtest--was used to obtain nasalance scores for oral (bilabial, alveolar, velar, and sibilant) and nasal phonemes. Before cochlear implantation, mean nasalance scores were significantly higher than normal during the production of oral phonemes for both subtests (p < or = 0.05). Six months after activation, the nasalance measures for all components of the syllable-repetition subtest had been restored to wit...

Journal of otolaryngology - head & neck surgery = Le Journal d'oto-rhino-laryngologie et de chirurgie cervico-faciale

the diagnostic accuracy of otitis media with effusion (OME) has been shown to be poor among medic... more the diagnostic accuracy of otitis media with effusion (OME) has been shown to be poor among medical students, residents, and practicing physicians. to determine if the use of pneumatic video-otoendoscopic examination (VOE) improves the diagnostic accuracy of OME among residents. pediatric residents were randomized into a "pneumatic" examination group (intervention) and a "still" examination group (control). The control group viewed a set of 25 still VOE images of the tympanic membranes of both normal and OME ears. The intervention group viewed the same still images but with the addition of pneumatic VOE assessments. Each resident documented each of his or her diagnoses as normal or OME. The accuracy of assessment for both the static and the pneumatic methods was compared. twenty-nine pediatric residents participated in this study: 15 in the intervention group and 14 in the control group. The overall diagnostic accuracy was 91% for the intervention group versus 78...

Canadian journal of surgery. Journal canadien de chirurgie

The purpose of this study was to describe Canadian general surgery residents' perceptions reg... more The purpose of this study was to describe Canadian general surgery residents' perceptions regarding potential implementation of work-hour restrictions. An ethics review board-approved, Web-based survey was submitted to all Canadian general surgery residency programs between April and July 2009. Questions evaluated the perceived effects of an 80-hour work week on length of training, operative exposure, learning and lifestyle. We used the Fisher exact test to compare senior and junior residents' responses. Of 360 residents, 158 responded (70 seniors and 88 juniors). Among them, 79% reported working 75-100 hours per week. About 74% of seniors believed that limiting their work hours would decrease their operative exposure; 43% of juniors agreed (p < 0.001). Both seniors and juniors thought limiting their work hours would improve their lifestyle (86% v. 96%, p = 0.12). Overall, 60% of residents did not believe limiting work hours would extend the length of their training. Rega...

The Journal of otolaryngology

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 2015

Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) frequently present with severe sinonasal disease often requiri... more Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) frequently present with severe sinonasal disease often requiring radiologic imaging and surgical intervention. Few studies have focused on the relationship between radiologic scoring systems and the need for sinus surgery in this population. The objective of this study is to evaluate the Lund-Mackay (LM) and modified Lund-Mackay (m-LM) scoring systems in predicting the need for sinus surgery or revision surgery in patients with CF. We performed a retrospective chart review of CF patients undergoing computed tomography (CT) sinus imaging at a tertiary care pediatric hospital from 1995 to 2008. Patient scans were scored using both the LM and m-LM systems and compared to the rate of sinus surgery or revision surgery. Receiver-operator characteristics curves (ROC) were used to analyze the radiological scoring systems. A total of 41 children with CF were included in the study. The mean LM score for patients undergoing surgery was 17.3 (±3.1) compared to 11.5 (±6.2) for those treated medically (p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.01). For the m-LM, the mean score of patients undergoing surgery was 20.3 (±3.5) and 13.5 (±7.3) for those medically treated (p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.01). Using a ROC curve with a threshold score of 13 for the LM, the sensitivity was 89.3% (95% CI of 72-98) and specificity of 69.2% (95% CI of 39-91). At an optimal score of 19, the m-LM system produced a sensitivity of 67.7% (95% CI of 48-84) and specificity of 84.6% (95% CI of 55-98). The modified Lund-Mackay score provides a high specificity while the Lund-Mackay score a high sensitivity for CF patients who required sinus surgery. The combination of both radiologic scoring systems can potentially predict the need for surgery in this population.

Medical Education, 2015

This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of research publication misrepresentation among... more This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of research publication misrepresentation amongst Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) applicants to a single surgical subspecialty residency as a potential means of assessing professional behaviour. The authors reviewed CaRMS application forms to Canadian otolaryngology residency programmes over a 3-year period (2006-2008) for peer-reviewed publications reported as &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;published&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;, &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;accepted&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; and &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;in press&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;. Citations were verified by searching PubMed, Google Scholar and electronic journals. Misrepresentation was defined as any of: (i) falsely claimed authorship of an existing article; (ii) claimed authorship of a non-existing article, and (iii) improper ordering of authorship. Outcomes included descriptive statistics, as well as sub-analyses pertaining to age, gender, affiliated medical school and academic degree, and number of publications per applicant. A total of 427 peer-reviewed publications were reported by 124 of 182 applicants (68% of applicants reported at least one publication). Of the 385 verifiable publications, 47 (12% of articles) were misrepresented by 29 applicants (23% of applicants claiming publication) self-reporting at least one publication. Age, gender, location of medical training, prior academic degree and number of citations per applicant did not relate to likelihood of misrepresentation (p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 0.05). This study documents the nationwide prevalence of publication misrepresentation amongst applicants to Canadian otolaryngology residency programmes. The high rate of misrepresentation aligns with data reported in the literature and highlights the need to institute measures to dissuade graduates from this form of unprofessional behaviour.

Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 2001

DISCUSSION RCC accounts for only 3% of all adults malignancies, but accounts for nearly 85% of al... more DISCUSSION RCC accounts for only 3% of all adults malignancies, but accounts for nearly 85% of all malignant renal tumors. 1 It most commonly affects men in their third to sixth decade of life. It is believed to arise from the proximal convoluted tubule and has an ...

ABSTRACT Rhabdomyomatous mesenchymal hamartoma (RMH) is an uncommon congenital lesion typically i... more ABSTRACT Rhabdomyomatous mesenchymal hamartoma (RMH) is an uncommon congenital lesion typically involving the midline structures of the head and neck. Although benign, it is sometimes associated with other congenital malformations. The present study describes three cases of RMH: a 2-month-old girl with a left nostril mass, a 3-year-old boy with a midline neck mass and a 2-month-old boy with a lesion near the sternal notch. The objectives of this report are to inform otolaryngologists about the clinical features of this rare entity and to alert clinicians about its association with congenital anomalies in the head and neck region. We also present a review of the literature.

Ear, nose, & throat journal, 2008

Journal of otolaryngology - head & neck surgery = Le Journal d'oto-rhino-laryngologie et de chirurgie cervico-faciale, 2008

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) was recently implicated in the etiology of otitis media with effus... more Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) was recently implicated in the etiology of otitis media with effusion (OME). To study the hypothesis that gastric juice reaches the middle ear through the nasopharynx and eustachian tube, we evaluated the presence of pepsinogen in the adenoid tissues of children with otitis media with effusion (OME) and compared them with the tissues of a control group of children without OME. In the study group, middle ear effusions (MEEs) and adenoidal tissue biopsies were obtained from patients undergoing simultaneous tympanostomy tube placement and adenoidectomy. In the control group, adenoid specimens were taken during adenoidectomy (+/- tonsillectomy) from children with no history of OME. The adenoid tissues were analyzed immunohistochemically to confirm the presence of pepsinogen. Normal gastric tissue was used as a positive control and lymphatic tissue as a negative control. Total pepsinogen levels of MEE were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Ad...

Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 2012

Objective: Racial and ethnic minorities constitute a growing portion of the US population includi... more Objective: Racial and ethnic minorities constitute a growing portion of the US population including the medical profession. The purpose of this study was to examine the evolution of racial and ethnic diversity in US otolaryngology residency programs and to compare it to minority representation in other surgical and non-surgical residency programs. Method: Information concerning minority representation in US residency programs was obtained from annually published Graduate Medical Education reports by the Journal of the American Medical Association from 1980 to 2010. The diversity of otolaryngology residents was then compared to other medical fields (general surgery, family medicine, and internal medicine). Results: Overall, minority representation among US medical residents increased dramatically from 1980 to 2010 (20% to 43.9%). However, otolaryngology residents remain a less diverse group with only 29% minority representation in 2010. In contrast to other residency programs compare...

Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery, 2012

Objective: 1) To determine the reliability of the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) for resident sele... more Objective: 1) To determine the reliability of the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) for resident selection into an otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OTL-HNS) program. 2) To assess the degree of acceptance by major stakeholders (interviewers and applicants) towards the MMI when compared to traditional interviews. Method: Canadian medical graduates applying to OTL-HNS residency programs underwent MMI in 2011 and 2012. MMI had 7 stations evaluating unique candidate attributes. Stations include surgical skills assessment and 2 simulation scenarios with standardized actors for noncognitive traits. Reliability was determined, and upon completion, stakeholders rated aspects MMI using 7-point Likert scale. Results: Data were collected from a total of 45 applicants and 19 evaluators. Overall interrater reliability of the MMI was good. The majority of applicants (&amp;amp;amp;gt;80%) felt that MMI helped them present their strengths and that it did not have any gender, cultural, or age bias. Assessors (&amp;amp;amp;gt;85%) felt that the MMI evaluated a valid range of competencies and that it tested more aspects of an applicant than traditional interviews. Both applicants and assessors (&amp;amp;amp;gt;70%) agreed that the MMI was a fair process, and both preferred the MMI over the traditional interview. Conclusion: The MMI is a reliable tool for the selection of applicants to an OTL-HNS residency program. It is well accepted by both applicants and assessors, with the majority of stakeholders preferring the MMI over traditional interviews.

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 2013

We report a unique case of extensive bilateral arteriovenous malformation (AVMs) in a child&a... more We report a unique case of extensive bilateral arteriovenous malformation (AVMs) in a child&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s mandible, discuss treatment options and review literature. A healthy 8 year-old girl presented with bright blood of unknown source found on her pillow. Three large AVMs involving the symphyseal region and bilateral mandibular bodies were found on angiography. Due to the extent of surgical resection required, the patient underwent a series of endovascular and transcutaneous angio-embolization. In cases of extensive intraosseous AVMs, serial embolization procedures can be successful in controlling episodes of hemorrhage and allow for bone remineralization. A multidisciplinary approach by otolaryngologists and neurointerventional radiologists can optimize the results.

American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy, 2014

The technical challenges of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and the high risk of complications sup... more The technical challenges of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and the high risk of complications support the development of alternative modalities to train residents in these procedures. Virtual reality simulation is becoming a useful tool for training the skills necessary for minimally invasive surgery; however, there are currently no ESS virtual reality simulators available with valid evidence supporting their use in resident education. Our aim was to develop a new rhinology simulator, as well as to define potential performance metrics for trainee assessment. The McGill simulator for endoscopic sinus surgery (MSESS), a new sinus surgery virtual reality simulator with haptic feedback, was developed (a collaboration between the McGill University Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, the Montreal Neurologic Institute Simulation Lab, and the National Research Council of Canada). A panel of experts in education, performance assessment, rhinology, and skull base surgery convened to identify core technical abilities that would need to be taught by the simulator, as well as performance metrics to be developed and captured. The MSESS allows the user to perform basic sinus surgery skills, such as an ethmoidectomy and sphenoidotomy, through the use of endoscopic tools in a virtual nasal model. The performance metrics were developed by an expert panel and include measurements of safety, quality, and efficiency of the procedure. The MSESS incorporates novel technological advancements to create a realistic platform for trainees. To our knowledge, this is the first simulator to combine novel tools such as the endonasal wash and elaborate anatomic deformity with advanced performance metrics for ESS.

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 2014

Numerous authors have sought to describe genotype-phenotype correlations in cystic fibrosis (CF),... more Numerous authors have sought to describe genotype-phenotype correlations in cystic fibrosis (CF), notably to pancreatic insufficiency and lung disease. However, few studies have focused on the association between the F508del genotype and response to sinus surgery. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of the F508del genotype on sinonasal disease severity and outcomes following functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in a pediatric population. A retrospective chart review of 153 children with CF seen at a tertiary care pediatric hospital from 1995 to 2008 was performed. Patients were classified into one of three groups according to F508del genotype, either as homozygous, heterozygous or not carrying a F508del mutation. The sinonasal disease phenotype of the three groups was compared based on clinical and radiological findings, extent of endoscopic sinus surgery and rate of revision surgery. The relationship between the F508del genotype and pancreatic insufficiency was confirmed (p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.05). There was no association between the F508del genotype and increased need for FESS (p=0.75). Moreover, no association was established between F508del homozygosity and presence of nasal polyps, Lund-Mackay score, extent of surgery or length of postoperative hospitalization. The rates of revision surgery did not differ significantly among the three genotypes analyzed (p=0.59). There is no clear association between the F508del genotype and an increased need for FESS, extent of surgery, or revision surgery. Given the phenotypic variability of sinonasal disease in patients with CF, a prospective study is needed to better understand outcomes following FESS and the contribution of gene modifiers to this effect.

The Laryngoscope, 2003

Mucus overproduction is commonly found in airway disease in patients with cystic fibrosis. Interl... more Mucus overproduction is commonly found in airway disease in patients with cystic fibrosis. Interleukin-9 (IL-9) has been shown to mediate airway hyper-responsiveness and mucus overproduction. Recently, the calcium-activated chloride channel hCLCA1 has been described to be upregulated by IL-9 and has been thought to regulate the expression of soluble gel-forming mucins. We sought to examine the expression of IL-9, interleukin-9 receptor (IL-9R), and hCLCA1 in the upper airway of patients with cystic fibrosis in comparison to healthy control subjects and to demonstrate the relationship of IL-9, IL-9R, and hCLCA1 expression with mucus production. Prospective design. Biopsy samples from nasal polyps of four patients with cystic fibrosis, nasal mucosa of six patients with cystic fibrosis, sinus mucosa of eight patients with cystic fibrosis, and nasal mucosa of six healthy control subjects were stained with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) to identify mucus glycoconjugates. IL-9, IL-9R, and hCLCA1 expression was determined by immunocytochemical study. We demonstrated significant increases in IL-9, IL-9R, and hCLCA1 immunoreactivity in the mucosa of patients with cystic fibrosis compared with that found in control subjects (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;.05). There were no significant differences between the different locations (nasal polyps, nasal mucosa, and sinus mucosa) in the patient group (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;.05). We also observed a significant increase in the number of mucus-producing cells in biopsy specimens from patients with cystic fibrosis in comparison to control subjects. A positive correlation was found between hCLCA1-positive cells and IL-9-positive cells (correlation coefficient [r] = 0.79, P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;.05) or IL-9R-positive cells (r = 0.92, P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;.05). Moreover, a positive correlation was also present between PAS-positive (mucus-producing) cells and hCLCA1-positive cells (r = 0.64, P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;.05) or IL-9R-positive cells (r = 0.64, P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;.05). Increased expression of IL-9 and IL-9R, as well as upregulation of hCLCA1, in mucus-overproducing epithelium of patients with cystic fibrosis supports the hypothesis that IL-9 contributes to mucus overproduction in cystic fibrosis. Expression of hCLCA1 may also be responsible, in part, for the overproduction of mucus. These preliminary findings suggest that hCLCA1 might be an interesting new therapeutic target to control mucus overproduction in airway disease in patients with cystic fibrosis.

Journal of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, 2014

Background: Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is a technically challenging procedure, associated wit... more Background: Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is a technically challenging procedure, associated with a significant risk of complications. Virtual reality simulation has demonstrated benefit in many disciplines as an important educational tool for surgical training. Within the field of rhinology, there is a lack of ESS simulators with appropriate validity evidence supporting their integration into residency education. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the acceptability, perceived realism and benefit of the McGill Simulator for Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (MSESS) among medical students, otolaryngology residents and faculty, and to present evidence supporting its ability to differentiate users based on their level of training through the performance metrics. Methods: 10 medical students, 10 junior residents, 10 senior residents and 3 expert sinus surgeons performed anterior ethmoidectomies, posterior ethmoidectomies and wide sphenoidotomies on the MSESS. Performance metrics related to quality (e.g. percentage of tissue removed), efficiency (e.g. time, path length, bimanual dexterity, etc.) and safety (e.g. contact with no-go zones, maximum applied force, etc.) were calculated. All users completed a post-simulation questionnaire related to realism, usefulness and perceived benefits of training on the MSESS. Results: The MSESS was found to be realistic and useful for training surgical skills with scores of 7.97 ± 0.29 and 8.57 ± 0.69, respectively on a 10-point rating scale. Most students and residents (29/30) believed that it should be incorporated into their curriculum. There were significant differences between novice surgeons (10 medical students and 10 junior residents) and senior surgeons (10 senior residents and 3 sinus surgeons) in performance metrics related to quality (p < 0.05), efficiency (p < 0.01) and safety (p < 0.05).

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 2007

Objectives: (1) To develop a practical animal model of endolaryngeal damage secondary to prolonge... more Objectives: (1) To develop a practical animal model of endolaryngeal damage secondary to prolonged endotracheal intubation. (2) To demonstrate the contribution of chronic hypoxia to laryngeal injury in the context of this model. Methods: Four Sus scrofa piglets were anaesthetized and intubated for 24 h. Two animals were maintained in a state of constant hypoxia ( pO 2 < 60 mmHg) while two others were ventilated with 100% oxygen. Prior to sacrifice, fluorescein dye was infused intravenously to highlight areas of hypoperfusion. The larynx and trachea were then harvested for gross and histological examination.

The Journal of Otolaryngology, 2003

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common salivary gland malignancy, representing up to 30% of ... more Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common salivary gland malignancy, representing up to 30% of all cases. Despite attempts to correlate histopathologic grades to clinical outcomes, some histologically &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;low&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;-grade lesions continue to behave aggressively despite appropriate treatment. This preliminary study will attempt to evaluate the use of immunohistochemical markers HER2/neu and Ki-67 as prognostic markers of biologic aggressiveness for mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the salivary glands. A retrospective chart review of 42 patients with mucoepidermoid carcinoma of major and minor salivary glands treated between 1970 and 1995 was conducted. A combination of primary resection with or without postoperative irradiation was used. Histologic grading and correlation with outcome analyses are provided. In the current study, positive HER2/neu staining and strong Ki-67 staining occurred in patients with high-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma, whereas low-grade carcinoma was correlated with negative or weak staining. These preliminary results indicate that, overall, the overexpression of both the HER2/neu and the Ki-67 oncoproteins may serve as prognostic markers for poor outcome in salivary gland mucoepidermoid carcinoma.

Current Allergy and Asthma Reports, 2003