Francesco A Salzano | University of Salerno Italy (original) (raw)

Papers by Francesco A Salzano

PubMed, Feb 1, 2015

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common malignant, locally-invasive tumour of the saliv... more Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common malignant, locally-invasive tumour of the salivary glands, and accounts for approximately 35% of all malignancies of the major and minor salivary gland. Minor salivary glands are scattered in different areas of the oral cavity such as palate, retromolar area, floor of the mouth, buccal mucosa, lips and tongue. MECs of tongue base are not common. We present a rare case of MEC localised at the tongue base in a 42-year-old Caucasian woman and discuss the histopathological types, management and review the literature. Adequate intra-oral excision was the treatment of choice in this case and in low-grade MEC. Prognosis of MEC is a function of the histological grade, adequacy of excision and clinical staging.

Journal of Laryngology and Otology, Jul 1, 2020

COVID-19 Task Force of the Young-Otolaryngologists of the International Federation of Oto-rhino-l... more COVID-19 Task Force of the Young-Otolaryngologists of the International Federation of Oto-rhino-laryngological Societies ('YO-IFOS'),

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Feb 25, 2023

$Research paper thumbnail of Steroid-induced ocular hypertension after photorefractive keratectomy$

Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, 2018

International Dental Journal, Apr 1, 2021

The rapid worldwide spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has pr... more The rapid worldwide spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has profoundly changed dental practice with the initial suspension of all clinical activities except emergent situations. In Europe, many countries are moving toward the so-called ‘phase 2’, coexistence with the virus. Of course, the resumption of activities will cause a rise in the contagion curve. To slow this rise in cases, it will be essential to be able to identify suspicious cases and to ensure that such patients undergo a nasopharyngeal swab. A knowledge of the most frequent symptoms in the early stages of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is mandatory to achieve this goal and dentists, through the anamnestic information collected during the triage procedures, will have a fundamental role in this process. Taste and smell disturbances were reported as rare findings in these patients, in the Chinese case series, affecting only 5% of patients. At the end of March, we first realised that in Italian COVID-19 patients the incidence of these conditions was much higher, and, in particular, these symptoms were very frequent in the early stages of the disease. Subsequently, similar findings have been reported by several authors in Europe and America, with incidences of around 70% of these patients. Chemosensitive disorders represent early symptoms of COVID-19, commonly occurring within 2–3 days after the clinical onset. The latest data reported by Petrocelli et al., evaluating the gustatory function in 300 patients in the first 4 days from the clinical onset, detected a taste dysfunction in 60.4% of the cases. Interestingly, in a large multicentre Italian study recently published by our group, chemosensitive symptoms proved to be the first symptom of COVID-19 in 29.2% of patients and the only one in 9.5% of cases. In most patients, the recovery of gustatory function generally occurs within 3 weeks. However, in 7.2% of cases, severe ageusia or hypogeusia can persist for more than 60 days. The pathogenesis of these disorders is probably related to the infection of the support cells to the olfactory and gustatory receptors, rich in angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors. In fact, ageusia is a well-known side effect of ACE2-inhibitors. Ageusia is a rare condition that is characterised by a complete loss of taste function of the tongue. This condition is one of the typical symptoms of COVID19 has important implications in dental practice. At the beginning of the epidemic in Italy, an abnormal number of patients attended our dental, neurological and surgical clinics on account of the detection of sudden onset ageusia, not associated with any other symptoms. Subsequently, SARS-CoV-2 infection was soon diagnosed in these patients following the further onset of fever and cough. This strange coincidence was the reason that prompted us to start investigating the role of chemosensitive disorders in COVID-19. Based on the growing number of reports that place these COVID-19 symptoms as the second most frequent after fever, several countries are including chemosensitive disorders in their guidelines for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Dentists should be warned that in respect of patients seeking assistance for the sudden onset of ageusia, a suspicion of ongoing coronavirus infection should be considered in a differential diagnosis. In the same way, chemosensitive disorders should be investigated in the anamnestic data collection during pretriage procedures. If present or recently experienced, the patient should be referred to a COVID-19 hospital for a nasal swab for identification of the virus. Based on the frequency of these symptoms, which can often be the reason why the patient attends for a

Journal of Optometry, Jul 1, 2018

We read with great interest the article by Calvo-Sanz et al. comparing specular microscopy (SM) w... more We read with great interest the article by Calvo-Sanz et al. comparing specular microscopy (SM) with OCT and ultrasound pachymetry (USP). 1 We would like to congratulate with the authors for their excellent paper, because even if corneal thickness (CT) is not the only parameter involved in the reliability of intraocular pressure measurement, 2 a precise CT measurement is very important both in establishing the corneal health 3 and in evaluating the intraocular pressure. 4 Their paper confirms our belief that SM measurements are in absolute thinner compared to other devices. 5,6 In fact in a previous paper De Bernardo et al. found that CT obtained with this device was thinner than the measurements obtained with Pentacam, and they proposed a regression formula to make the measurements comparable. 7 We agree with the authors that USP measurements depend on the exact axial placement of the probe making the reproducibility of measurements dependent on examiner expertise. 8 Concerning the difference between USP and SM, the authors performed the USP after the instillation of topical anesthesia utilizing a combination of 0.1% tetracaine and 0.4% oxybuprocaine. Theoretically this could have given some differences, because it is true that in a previous published paper it has been demonstrated no influence on CT and volume measurements with the instillation of oxybuprocaine eye drops, 9 but tetracaine eye drops have been described to cause corneal thickening. 10 So in conclusion we would like to suggest that for future works concerning the comparison of different devices the use of oxybuprocaine, better if preservative free, instead of tetracaine should be advisable.

Journal of Laryngology and Otology, Aug 1, 2020

Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Nov 23, 2021

The purpose of this multicenter case‐control study was to evaluate a group of patients at least 1... more The purpose of this multicenter case‐control study was to evaluate a group of patients at least 1 year after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) with Sniffin’ Sticks tests and to compare the results with a control population to quantify the potential bias introduced by the underlying prevalence of olfactory dysfunction (OD) in the general population. The study included 170 cases and 170 controls. In the COVID‐19 group, 26.5% of cases had OD (anosmia in 4.7%, hyposmia in 21.8%) versus 3.5% in the control group (6 cases of hyposmia). The TDI score (threshold, discrimination, and identification) in the COVID‐19 group was significantly lower than in the control group (32.5 [interquartile range, 29‐36.5] vs 36.75 [34‐39.5], P <. 001). The prevalence of OD was significantly higher in the COVID‐19 group, confirming that this result is not due to the underlying prevalence of OD in the general population.

Laryngoscope, Jan 18, 2021

We have read with great attention to the recent article “Distinct Histopathology Characteristics ... more We have read with great attention to the recent article “Distinct Histopathology Characteristics in Empty Nose Syndrome”. In particular, we have appreciated the efforts of Ching-Lung et al. to define the histopathological and molecular patterns for the identification of this controversial syndrome. However, in our opinion, there are several critical issues to consider in relation to their study. First, in the cohort of 17 enrolled patients with Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS), there is a significant percentage of subjects (35%) affected by allergic rhinitis that could be a confounding factor on the results. Previous studies have shown a decrease in nasal tactile sensitivity and have highlighted interesting aspects of the nasal chronic inflammatory condition in allergic rhinitis. In these cases, in fact, the dysregulation of the innate and adaptive mucosal immunity related to allergy could influence the histological pictures and the expression of the mucosal receptors. Second, the authors do not take into account, the nasal microbiota and the relationship between the presence of nasal dysbiosis and reactive nasal inflammation that could trigger a complex network of processes regulating mucosal permeability, TJ function, and the nasal neuroimmune system. Third, a recent retrospective review of 294 consecutive patients treated for sinonasal malignancies explained that turbinate resection is not correlated with nasal obstruction and poor sinonasal function. No cases of severe debilitating sinonasal dysfunction or ENS were reported. Fourth, it is not clear what is intended by the authors when they state that “the sensation of nasal patency closely related to thermoreceptor-like transient receptor potential channel melastatin 8 (TRPM8) in the nasal mucosa, which remained to play an implicit role in ENS”: Along with mucosal histological change, the perception of nasal patency depends on adequate numbers and stimulations of the TRPM8 receptors. In fact, if this assumption were true, it is not clear how submucosal reconstruction over the lateral wall of the nasal cavity in these patients could resolve the nasal obstructive symptoms in the presence of an underexpression of these receptors. In summary, the authors’ efforts to define and classify a syndrome that is still of uncertain pathogenesis and is not always repeatable after surgical demolition of the turbinates are certainly to be appreciated. However, in our opinion, the factors responsible for the so-called ENS are manifold and most likely related to the interaction of the nasal microenvironment with the mucosal firewall whose permeability causes the pathogenesis of this complex pathology.

Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery, Jul 1, 1997

European Archives of Oto-rhino-laryngology, Jul 20, 2022

Objective To compare the efficacy and safety characteristics of different materials used for oval... more Objective To compare the efficacy and safety characteristics of different materials used for oval window sealing during stapedotomy. Methods A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Published international English literature from January 1, 2000 to December 2021 was screened, checking for studies that compared different materials utilization in patients undergoing stapedotomy surgery for otosclerosis or congenital stapes fixation. Data related to the efficacy and safety of each material were extracted. The primary outcome measure was the air-bone gap (ABG) closure after surgical intervention. Results Six studies were included in the metanalysis. Because of the heterogeneity of the treatments adopted, we assessed the use of the fat compared to all other treatments, and the use of the gelfoam compared to all other treatments. In the former analysis (fat vs others) we did not identify differences in ABG closure between the groups (p = 0.74), with a low heterogeneity of the results (I 2 = 28.36%; Hedge's g = 0.04, 95% CI − 0.19 0.27); similarly, we did not identify differences between the use of gelfoam and other treatments (p = 0.97), with a low heterogeneity of the results (I 2 = 28.91%; Hedge's g = 0.00, 95% CI − 0.20 0.21). Conclusions Numerous options are available for oval window sealing during stapedotomy, with acceptable safety and effectiveness profiles. Based on the current data, no definitive recommendation can be made regarding the choice of one material over another, and the convenience of sealing over no sealing at all.

Ear, nose, & throat journal, 2020

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is a multifactorial disease of the nasal and paranasal s... more Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is a multifactorial disease of the nasal and paranasal sinus mucosa and it includes, as comorbidities, anatomic and morphologic alterations, allergic rhinitis, and immunologic diseases. We investigated matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-7, and MMP-9) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) concentration in different etiopathogenetical groups of patients with nasal polyposis (NP) in relation to recurrence after sinonasal surgery. The study group consisted of 45 patients with NP (those with allergic rhinitis, nonallergic rhinitis and asthma or nonallergic rhinitis, and obstruction of osteomeatal complex [OMC]) who underwent endonasal sinus surgery. We also collected 10 patients who underwent septoplasty as control. Immunohistochemistry of nasal mucosa fragments, Western blotting, and polymerase chain reaction analysis showed increased MMPs levels (MMP-9 more than MMP-2 and MMP-7) and decreased tissue inhibitors of MMPs levels (TIMP-1 less than TIMP-2), in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps compared with control group, in particular in patients with nonallergic rhinitis and asthma compared to those with allergic rhinitis and nonallergic rhinitis and obstruction of OMC. We observed a higher risk of recurrence in patients with nonallergic rhinitis and asthma than in those with allergic rhinitis and nonallergic rhinitis and obstruction of OMC after 36 months from surgery. In this research, we evaluated pathogenesis of NP related to MMPs and their inhibitors concentrations in polypoid tissue.

Cytopathology, Feb 20, 2017

Background: Fine needle cytology (FNC) of a parathyroid neoplasia (PN) is reliable, but needs to ... more Background: Fine needle cytology (FNC) of a parathyroid neoplasia (PN) is reliable, but needs to be confirmed by Parathormone (PTH) and Thyroglobulin (TG) immunoassay on needle washing or by immunocytochemistry (ICC) evaluation. The differentiation between parathyroid adenoma (PA), atypical adenoma (PAA) and carcinoma (PC) is difficult on histology or even impossible on FNC. The aim of this study was to evaluate possible cytological criteria to classify FNC-PN further. Methods: Twenty-three FNC samples of PN and parathyroid cysts were rather then have been reviewed. The series includes 18 PNs, 4 cysts and 1 Thyr3B (histologically diagnosed as PA). Cytological features were: cellularity, patterns (follicular, solid or papillary), clear, oncocytic, isolated cells, nuclear atypia, cytoplasmic inclusions, nucleoli and mitoses. Data were compared with the histological controls. Results: Seventeen PNs, 2 cysts and 1 Thyr3B FNC samples were histologically diagnosed as PA (16), PAA (2) and PC (2). Two cysts and 1 PN were not confirmed histologically. Cytological features and incidences were: high cellularity (1 PA, 1

Journal of immunology research, Jun 3, 2018

The prevalence of reactive nasal inflammatory conditions, for example, allergic rhinitis and chro... more The prevalence of reactive nasal inflammatory conditions, for example, allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis, is steadily increasing in parallel with significant environmental changes worldwide. Allergens and as yet undefined environmental agents may trigger these conditions via the involvement of host intrinsic factors, including the innate and adaptive immune system, the nasal epithelium, and the nasal nervous system. The critical role of the nasal microbiota in coordinating these components has emerged in recent studies documenting a significant association between microbial composition and the onset and progression of allergic or nonallergic inflammation. It is now clear that the local microbiota is a major player in the development of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue and in the regulation of such adaptive responses as IgA production and the function of effector and regulatory T cells. Microbial components also play a major role in the regulation of epithelial barrier functions, including mucus production and the control of paracellular transport across tight junctions. Bacterial components, including lipopolysaccharide, have also been shown to induce or amplify neuroinflammatory responses by engaging specific nociceptors. Finally, bacterial products may promote tissue remodeling processes, including nasal polyp formation, by interacting with formyl peptide receptors and inducing the expression of angiogenic factors and matrix-degrading enzymes.