Audiology by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis: Μαρτίου 2016

Πέμπτη 31 Μαρτίου 2016

Induced Loudness Reduction and Enhancement in Acoustic and Electric Hearing

Abstract

The loudness of a tone can be reduced by preceding it with a more intense tone. This effect, known as induced loudness reduction (ILR), has been reported to last for several seconds. The underlying neural mechanisms are unknown. One possible contributor to the effect involves changes in cochlear gain via the medial olivocochlear (MOC) efferents. Since cochlear implants (CIs) bypass the cochlea, investigating whether and how CI users experience ILR should help provide a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms. In the present study, ILR was examined in both normal-hearing listeners and CI users by examining the effects of an intense precursor (50 or 500 ms) on the loudness of a 50-ms target, as judged by comparing it to a spectrally remote 50-ms comparison sound. The interstimulus interval (ISI) between the precursor and the target was varied between 10 and 1000 ms to estimate the time course of ILR. In general, the patterns of results from the CI users were similar to those found in the normal-hearing listeners. However, in the short-precursor short-ISI condition, an enhancement in the loudness of target was observed in CI subjects that was not present in the normal-hearing listeners, consistent with the effects of an additional attenuation present in the normal-hearing listeners but not in the CI users. The results suggest that the MOC may play a role but that it is not the only source of these loudness context effects.

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Six Degrees of Auditory Spatial Separation

Abstract

The location of a sound is derived computationally from acoustical cues rather than being inherent in the topography of the input signal, as in vision. Since Lord Rayleigh, the descriptions of that representation have swung between “labeled line” and “opponent process” models. Employing a simple variant of a two-point separation judgment using concurrent speech sounds, we found that spatial discrimination thresholds changed nonmonotonically as a function of the overall separation. Rather than increasing with separation, spatial discrimination thresholds first declined as two-point separation increased before reaching a turning point and increasing thereafter with further separation. This “dipper” function, with a minimum at 6 ° of separation, was seen for regions around the midline as well as for more lateral regions (30 and 45 °). The discrimination thresholds for the binaural localization cues were linear over the same range, so these cannot explain the shape of these functions. These data and a simple computational model indicate that the perception of auditory space involves a local code or multichannel mapping emerging subsequent to the binaural cue coding.

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Estimating annoyance to calculated wind turbine shadow flicker is improved when variables associated with wind turbine noise exposure are considered

The Community Noise and Health Study conducted by Health Canada included randomly selected participants aged 18–79 yrs (606 males, 632 females, response rate 78.9%), living between 0.25 and 11.22 km from operational wind turbines. Annoyance to wind turbinenoise (WTN) and other features, including shadow flicker (SF) was assessed. The current analysis reports on the degree to which estimating high annoyance to wind turbine shadow flicker (HAWTSF) was improved when variables known to be related to WTN exposure were also considered. As SF exposure increased [calculated as maximum minutes per day (SFm)], HAWTSF increased from 3.8% at 0 ≤ SFm m ≥ 30, p m the odds ratio was 2.02 [95% confidence interval: (1.68,2.43)]. Stepwise regression models for HAWTSF had a predictive strength of up to 53% with 10% attributed to SFm. Variables associated with HAWTSF included, but were not limited to, annoyance to other wind turbine-related features, concern for physical safety, and noise sensitivity. Reported dizziness was also retained in the final model at p = 0.0581. Study findings add to the growing science base in this area and may be helpful in identifying factors associated with community reactions to SF exposure from wind turbines.

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Self-reported and measured stress related responses associated with exposure to wind turbine noise

The current study was the first to assess stress reactions associated with wind turbine noise (WTN) exposure using self-reported and objective measures. Randomly selected participants, aged 18–79 yr (606 males; 632 females), living between 0.25 and 11.22 km from wind turbines, were exposed to outdoor calculated WTN levels up to 46 dBA (response rate 78.9%). Multiple regression modeling left the great majority (77%–89%) of the variance in perceived stress scale (PSS) scores, hair cortisol concentrations, resting blood pressure, and heart rate unaccounted for, and WTN exposure had no apparent influence on any of these endpoints. PSS scores were positively, but weakly, related to cortisol concentrations and resting heart rate (Pearson r = 0.13 and r = 0.08, respectively). Across WTN categories, modeled mean PSS scores ranged from 13.15 to 13.84 (p = 0.8614). Modeled geometric means for hair cortisol concentrations, resting mean systolic, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate were 150.54–191.12 ng/g (p = 0.5416), 113.38–116.82 mmHg (p = 0.4990), 67.98–70.34 mmHg (p = 0.5006), and 68.24–70.71 bpm (p = 0.5223), respectively. Irrespective of WTN levels, diastolic blood pressure appeared to be slightly (2.90 mmHg 95% CI: 0.75,5.05) higher among participants highly annoyed by blinking lights on turbines (p = 0.0081). Collectively, the findings do not support an association between exposure to WTN up to 46 dBA and elevated self-reported and objectively defined measures of stress.

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Personal and situational variables associated with wind turbine noise annoyance

The possibility that wind turbinenoise (WTN) affects human health remains controversial. The current analysis presents results related to WTN annoyance reported by randomly selected participants (606 males, 632 females), aged 18–79, living between 0.25 and 11.22 km from wind turbines. WTN levels reached 46 dB, and for each 5 dB increase in WTN levels, the odds of reporting to be either very or extremely (i.e., highly) annoyed increased by 2.60 [95% confidence interval: (1.92, 3.58), p models had R²'s up to 58%, with approximately 9% attributed to WTN level. Variables associated with WTN annoyance included, but were not limited to, other wind turbine-related annoyances, personal benefit, noise sensitivity, physical safety concerns, property ownership, and province. Annoyance was related to several reported measures of health and well-being, although these associations were statistically weak (R²models. The role of community tolerance level as a complement and/or an alternative to multiple regression in predicting the prevalence of WTN annoyance is also provided. The analysis suggests that communities are between 11 and 26 dB less tolerant of WTN than of other transportation noise sources.

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Exposure to wind turbine noise: Perceptual responses and reported health effects

Health Canada, in collaboration with Statistics Canada, and other external experts, conducted the Community Noise and Health Study to better understand the impacts of wind turbinenoise (WTN) on health and well-being. A cross-sectional epidemiological study was carried out between May and September 2013 in southwestern Ontario and Prince Edward Island on 1238 randomly selected participants (606 males, 632 females) aged 18–79 years, living between 0.25 and 11.22 km from operational wind turbines. Calculated outdoor WTN levels at the dwelling reached 46 dBA. Response rate was 78.9% and did not significantly differ across sample strata. Self-reported health effects (e.g., migraines, tinnitus, dizziness, etc.), sleep disturbance, sleep disorders, quality of life, and perceived stress were not related to WTN levels. Visual and auditory perception of wind turbines as reported by respondents increased significantly with increasing WTN levels as did high annoyance toward several wind turbine features, including the following: noise, blinking lights, shadow flicker, visual impacts, and vibrations. Concern for physical safety and closing bedroom windows to reduce WTN during sleep also increased with increasing WTN levels. Other sample characteristics are discussed in relation to WTN levels. Beyond annoyance, results do not support an association between exposure to WTN up to 46 dBA and the evaluated health-related endpoints.

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Wind turbine sound pressure level calculations at dwellings

This paper provides calculations of outdoor sound pressure levels (SPLs) at dwellings for 10 wind turbinemodels, to support Health Canada's Community Noise and Health Study. Manufacturer supplied and measured wind turbinesound power levels were used to calculate outdoor SPL at 1238 dwellings using ISO [(1996). ISO 9613-2−Acoustics] and a Swedish noise propagation method. Both methods yielded statistically equivalent results. The A- and C-weighted results were highly correlated over the 1238 dwellings (Pearson's linear correlation coefficient r > 0.8). Calculated wind turbineSPLs were compared to ambient SPLs from other sources, estimated using guidance documents from the United States and Alberta, Canada.

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Wind turbine sound power measurements

This paper provides experimental validation of the sound power level data obtained from manufacturers for the ten wind turbine models examined in Health Canada's Community Noise and Health Study (CNHS). Within measurementuncertainty, the wind turbinesound power levelsmeasured using IEC 61400-11 [(2002). (International Electrotechnical Commission, Geneva)] were consistent with the sound power level data provided by manufacturers. Based on measurements, the sound power level data were also extended to 16 Hz for calculation of C-weighted levels. The C-weighted levels were 11.5 dB higher than the A-weighted levels (standard deviation 1.7 dB). The simple relationship between A- and C- weighted levels suggests that there is unlikely to be any statistically significant difference between analysis based on either C- or A-weighted data.

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Introductory remarks for special issue on wind turbine noise

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Fall frequency and associated factors among men and women with or at risk for HIV infection.

Fall frequency and associated factors among men and women with or at risk for HIV infection.

HIV Med. 2016 Mar 29;

Authors: Erlandson KM, Plankey MW, Springer G, Cohen HS, Cox C, Hoffman HJ, Yin MT, Brown TT

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Falls and fall-related injuries are a major public health concern. HIV-infected adults have been shown to have a high incidence of falls. Identification of major risk factors for falls that are unique to HIV infection or similar to those in the general population will inform development of future interventions for fall prevention.
METHODS: HIV-infected and uninfected men and women participating in the Hearing and Balance Substudy of the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study and Women's Interagency HIV Study were asked about balance symptoms and falls during the prior 12 months. Falls were categorized as 0, 1, or ≥ 2; proportional odds logistic regression models were used to investigate relationships between falls and demographic and clinical variables and multivariable models were created.
RESULTS: Twenty-four per cent of 303 HIV-infected participants reported at least one fall compared with 18% of 233 HIV-uninfected participants (P = 0.27). HIV-infected participants were demographically different from HIV-uninfected participants, and were more likely to report clinical imbalance symptoms (P ≤ 0.035). In univariate analyses, more falls were associated with hepatitis C, female sex, obesity, smoking, and clinical imbalance symptoms, but not age, HIV serostatus or other comorbidities. In multivariable analyses, female sex and imbalance symptoms were independently associated with more falls. Among HIV-infected participants, smoking, a higher number of medications, and imbalance symptoms remained independent fall predictors, while current protease inhibitor use was protective.
CONCLUSIONS: Similar rates of falls among HIV-infected and uninfected participants were largely explained by a high prevalence of imbalance symptoms. Routine assessment of falls and dizziness/imbalance symptoms should be considered, with interventions targeted at reducing symptomatology.

PMID: 27028463 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Application of the Transtheoretical Model to Physical Activity in Deaf Individuals.

Application of the Transtheoretical Model to Physical Activity in Deaf Individuals.

Adapt Phys Activ Q. 2015 Jul;32(3):223-40

Authors: Korologou S, Barkoukis V, Lazuras L, Tsorbatzoudis H

Abstract
The current study used the transtheoretical model (TTM) as a guiding theoretical framework to assess differences in processes of change, decisional balance, and self-efficacy among deaf individuals with different levels of physical activity. Overall, 146 participants (M age = 26.4 yr, SD = 4.28) completed anonymous questionnaires assessing the dimensions of the TTM, stages of change, processes of change, decisional balance, and self-efficacy. Analysis of variance showed that both experiential and behavioral processes of change were higher in the preparation, action, and maintenance stages than in the other stages. Accordingly, the benefits of physical activity participation were stronger in the preparation stage, whereas the costs were more evident in the precontemplation stage. Finally, self-efficacy at the preparation stage was higher than in the other stages. The findings revealed how different stages of physical activity participation can be explained through the TTM, and the implications for physical activity intervention are discussed.

PMID: 26113551 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Benefits of Multi-Session Balance and Gait Training with Multi-Modal Biofeedback in Healthy Older Adults

Publication date: Available online 30 March 2016
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Shannon B. Lim, Brian C. Horslen, Justin R. Davis, John H.J. Allum, Mark G. Carpenter
Real-time balance-relevant biofeedback from a wearable sensor can improve balance in many patient populations, however, it is unknown if balance training with biofeedback has lasting benefits for healthy older adults once training is completed and biofeedback removed. This study was designed to determine if multi-session balance training with and without biofeedback leads to changes in balance performance in healthy older adults; and if changes persist after training. 36 participants (age 60-88) were randomly divided into two groups. Both groups trained on seven stance and gait tasks for two consecutive weeks (3x/week) while trunk angular sway and task duration were monitored. One group received real-time multi-modal biofeedback of trunk sway and a control group trained without biofeedback. Training effects were assessed at the last training session, with biofeedback available to the feedback group. Post-training effects (without biofeedback) were assessed immediately after, 1-week, and 1-month post-training. Both groups demonstrated training effects; participants swayed less when standing on foam with eyes closed (EC), maintained tandem-stance EC longer, and completed 8 tandem-steps EC faster and swayed less at the last training session. Changes in sway and duration, indicative of faster walking, were also observed after training for other gait tasks. While changes in walking speed persisted post-training, few other post-training effects were observed. These data suggest there is little added benefit to balance training with biofeedback, beyond training without, in healthy older adults. However, transient use of wearable balance biofeedback systems as balance aides remains beneficial for challenging balance situations and some clinical populations.

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Plantar Pressure Measurements and Running-related Injury: A Systematic Review of Methods and Possible Associations

Publication date: Available online 30 March 2016
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Robert Mann, Laurent Malisoux, Axel Urhausen, Kenneth Meijer, Daniel Theisen
Pressure-sensitive measuring devices have been identified as appropriate tools for measuring an array of parameters during running. It is unclear which biomechanical characteristics relate to running-related injury (RRI) and which data-processing techniques are most promising to detect this relationship. This systematic review aims to identify pertinent methodologies and characteristics measured using plantar pressure devices, and to summarise their associations with RRI. PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, ScienceDirect and Scopus were searched up until March 2015. Retrospective and prospective, biomechanical studies on running using any kind of pressure-sensitive device with RRI as an outcome were included. All studies involving regular or recreational runners were considered. The study quality was assessed and the measured parameters were summarised. One low quality, two moderate quality and five high quality studies were included. Five different subdivisions of plantar area were identified, as well as five instants and four phases of measurement during foot-ground contact. Overall many parameters were collated and subdivided as plantar pressure and force, plantar pressure and force location, contact area, timing and stride parameters. Differences between the injured and control group were found for mediolateral and anteroposterior displacement of force, contact area, velocity of force displacement, relative force-time integral, mediolateral force ratio, time to peak force and inter-stride correlative patterns. However, no consistent results were found between studies and no biomechanical risk patterns were apparent. Additionally, conflicting findings were reported for peak force in three studies. Based on these observations, we provide suggestions for improved methodology measurement of pertinent parameters for future studies.

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Benefits of Multi-Session Balance and Gait Training with Multi-Modal Biofeedback in Healthy Older Adults

Plantar Pressure Measurements and Running-related Injury: A Systematic Review of Methods and Possible Associations

Benefits of Multi-Session Balance and Gait Training with Multi-Modal Biofeedback in Healthy Older Adults

Publication date: Available online 30 March 2016
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Shannon B. Lim, Brian C. Horslen, Justin R. Davis, John H.J. Allum, Mark G. Carpenter
Real-time balance-relevant biofeedback from a wearable sensor can improve balance in many patient populations, however, it is unknown if balance training with biofeedback has lasting benefits for healthy older adults once training is completed and biofeedback removed. This study was designed to determine if multi-session balance training with and without biofeedback leads to changes in balance performance in healthy older adults; and if changes persist after training. 36 participants (age 60-88) were randomly divided into two groups. Both groups trained on seven stance and gait tasks for two consecutive weeks (3x/week) while trunk angular sway and task duration were monitored. One group received real-time multi-modal biofeedback of trunk sway and a control group trained without biofeedback. Training effects were assessed at the last training session, with biofeedback available to the feedback group. Post-training effects (without biofeedback) were assessed immediately after, 1-week, and 1-month post-training. Both groups demonstrated training effects; participants swayed less when standing on foam with eyes closed (EC), maintained tandem-stance EC longer, and completed 8 tandem-steps EC faster and swayed less at the last training session. Changes in sway and duration, indicative of faster walking, were also observed after training for other gait tasks. While changes in walking speed persisted post-training, few other post-training effects were observed. These data suggest there is little added benefit to balance training with biofeedback, beyond training without, in healthy older adults. However, transient use of wearable balance biofeedback systems as balance aides remains beneficial for challenging balance situations and some clinical populations.

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Plantar Pressure Measurements and Running-related Injury: A Systematic Review of Methods and Possible Associations

Publication date: Available online 30 March 2016
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Robert Mann, Laurent Malisoux, Axel Urhausen, Kenneth Meijer, Daniel Theisen
Pressure-sensitive measuring devices have been identified as appropriate tools for measuring an array of parameters during running. It is unclear which biomechanical characteristics relate to running-related injury (RRI) and which data-processing techniques are most promising to detect this relationship. This systematic review aims to identify pertinent methodologies and characteristics measured using plantar pressure devices, and to summarise their associations with RRI. PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, ScienceDirect and Scopus were searched up until March 2015. Retrospective and prospective, biomechanical studies on running using any kind of pressure-sensitive device with RRI as an outcome were included. All studies involving regular or recreational runners were considered. The study quality was assessed and the measured parameters were summarised. One low quality, two moderate quality and five high quality studies were included. Five different subdivisions of plantar area were identified, as well as five instants and four phases of measurement during foot-ground contact. Overall many parameters were collated and subdivided as plantar pressure and force, plantar pressure and force location, contact area, timing and stride parameters. Differences between the injured and control group were found for mediolateral and anteroposterior displacement of force, contact area, velocity of force displacement, relative force-time integral, mediolateral force ratio, time to peak force and inter-stride correlative patterns. However, no consistent results were found between studies and no biomechanical risk patterns were apparent. Additionally, conflicting findings were reported for peak force in three studies. Based on these observations, we provide suggestions for improved methodology measurement of pertinent parameters for future studies.

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Τετάρτη 30 Μαρτίου 2016

3D Games for Tuning and Learning About Hearing Aids

No abstract available

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PCAST Ignites Debate Among Hearing Health Professionals

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Symptom: Asymmetric Hearing Loss

No abstract available

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Best Practices for Effective Patient Interaction

No abstract available

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Hearing Loss Risk Factors for Cystic Fibrosis Patients

No abstract available

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Ethiopian Surgical Camps a Win for Surgeons and Patients

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Conditioned Play Audiometry: It Should Be All Fun and Games

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Throw Out the Caregiver

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Acoustic Shock by Nail Gun

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Manufacturers News

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AAA Releases Guidance for Hearing Loss from Zika Virus

The American Academy of Audiology (AAA) released a statement regarding the Zika virus outbreak and its potential impact on hearing health.

The Academy said it hearing loss due to the disease could occur at birth or acquired later.

"Much like cytomeglovirus and other pathologies, it is crucially important to identify hearing loss through infant hearing screening or preschool and school-aged screening programs for all infants and children who may be at high risk for hearing loss as a consequence of Zika virus disease," AAA said in a press release.

The concern of potential risks is targeted for the infants born of mothers who were or could be during pregnancy.

Learn more about the Zika virus: http://ift.tt/1lX0TJ3

Published: 3/30/2016 2:05:00 PM

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3D Games for Tuning and Learning About Hearing Aids

No abstract available

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PCAST Ignites Debate Among Hearing Health Professionals

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Symptom: Asymmetric Hearing Loss

No abstract available

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Best Practices for Effective Patient Interaction

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Hearing Loss Risk Factors for Cystic Fibrosis Patients

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Ethiopian Surgical Camps a Win for Surgeons and Patients

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Conditioned Play Audiometry: It Should Be All Fun and Games

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Throw Out the Caregiver

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Acoustic Shock by Nail Gun

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Manufacturers News

No abstract available

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AAA Releases Guidance for Hearing Loss from Zika Virus

The American Academy of Audiology (AAA) released a statement regarding the Zika virus outbreak and its potential impact on hearing health.

The concern of potential risks is targeted for the infants born of mothers who were or could be during pregnancy.

Learn more about the Zika virus: http://ift.tt/1lX0TJ3

Published: 3/30/2016 2:05:00 PM

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3D Games for Tuning and Learning About Hearing Aids

No abstract available

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PCAST Ignites Debate Among Hearing Health Professionals

No abstract available

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Symptom: Asymmetric Hearing Loss

No abstract available

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Best Practices for Effective Patient Interaction

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Hearing Loss Risk Factors for Cystic Fibrosis Patients

No abstract available

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Ethiopian Surgical Camps a Win for Surgeons and Patients

No abstract available

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Conditioned Play Audiometry: It Should Be All Fun and Games

No abstract available

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Throw Out the Caregiver

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Acoustic Shock by Nail Gun

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Manufacturers News

No abstract available

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AAA Releases Guidance for Hearing Loss from Zika Virus

The American Academy of Audiology (AAA) released a statement regarding the Zika virus outbreak and its potential impact on hearing health.

The concern of potential risks is targeted for the infants born of mothers who were or could be during pregnancy.

Learn more about the Zika virus: http://ift.tt/1lX0TJ3

Published: 3/30/2016 2:05:00 PM

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Response to Letter : Psychometric properties of the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI): Assessment in a UK research volunteer population

Publication date: Available online 30 March 2016
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Kathryn Fackrell, Deborah A. Hall, Johanna G. Barry, Derek J. Hoare

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Response to Letter : Psychometric properties of the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI): Assessment in a UK research volunteer population

Publication date: Available online 30 March 2016
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Kathryn Fackrell, Deborah A. Hall, Johanna G. Barry, Derek J. Hoare

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Scanning Electron Microscopic Examination of the Extracellular Matrix in the Decellularized Mouse and Human Cochlea

Abstract

Decellularized tissues have been used to investigate the extracellular matrix (ECM) in a number of different tissues and species. Santi and Johnson JARO 14:3-15 (2013) first described the decellularized inner ear in the mouse, rat, and human using scanning thin-sheet laser imaging microscopy (sTSLIM). The purpose of the present investigation is to examine decellularized cochleas in the mouse and human at higher resolution using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fresh cochleas were harvested and decellularized using detergent extraction methods. Following decellularization, the ECM of the bone, basilar membrane, spiral limbus, and ligament remained, and all of the cells were removed from the cochlea. A number of similarities and differences in the ECM of the mouse and human were observed. A novel, spirally directed structure was present on the basilar membrane and is located at the border between Hensen and Boettcher cells. These septa-like structures formed a single row in the mouse and multiple rows in the human. The basal lamina of the stria vascularis capillaries was present and appeared thicker in the human compared with the mouse. In the mouse, numerous openings beneath the spiral prominence that previously housed the root processes of the external sulcus cells were observed but in the human there was only a single row of openings. These and other anatomical differences in the ECM between the mouse and human may reflect functional differences and/or be due to aging; however, decellularized cochleas provide a new way to examine the cochlear ECM and reveal new observations.

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Production of Korean Idiomatic Utterances Following Left- and Right-Hemisphere Damage: Acoustic Studies

Purpose

This study investigates the effects of left- and right-hemisphere damage (LHD and RHD) on the production of idiomatic or literal expressions utilizing acoustic analyses.

Method

Twenty-one native speakers of Korean with LHD or RHD and in a healthy control (HC) group produced 6 ditropically ambiguous (idiomatic or literal) sentences in 2 different speech tasks: elicitation and repetition. Utterances were analyzed using durational and fundamental-frequency (F0) measures. Listeners' goodness ratings (how well each utterance represented its category: idiomatic or literal) were correlated with acoustic measures.

Results

During the elicitation tasks, the LHD group differed significantly from the HC group in durational measures. Significant differences between the RHD and HC groups were seen in F0 measures. However, for the repetition tasks, the LHD and RHD groups produced utterances comparable to the HC group's performance. Using regression analysis, selected F0 cues were found to be significant predictors for goodness ratings by listeners.

Conclusions

Using elicitation, speakers in the LHD group were deficient in producing durational cues, whereas RHD negatively affected the production of F0 cues. Performance differed for elicitation and repetition, indicating a task effect. Listeners' goodness ratings were highly correlated with the production of certain acoustic cues. Both the acoustic and functional hypotheses of hemispheric specialization were supported for idiom production.

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Production of Korean Idiomatic Utterances Following Left- and Right-Hemisphere Damage: Acoustic Studies

Purpose

This study investigates the effects of left- and right-hemisphere damage (LHD and RHD) on the production of idiomatic or literal expressions utilizing acoustic analyses.

Method

Results

Conclusions

Using elicitation, speakers in the LHD group were deficient in producing durational cues, whereas RHD negatively affected the production of F0 cues. Performance differed for elicitation and repetition, indicating a task effect. Listeners' goodness ratings were highly correlated with the production of certain acoustic cues. Both the acoustic and functional hypotheses of hemispheric specialization were supported for idiom production.

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Production of Korean Idiomatic Utterances Following Left- and Right-Hemisphere Damage: Acoustic Studies

Purpose

This study investigates the effects of left- and right-hemisphere damage (LHD and RHD) on the production of idiomatic or literal expressions utilizing acoustic analyses.

Method

Results

Conclusions

Using elicitation, speakers in the LHD group were deficient in producing durational cues, whereas RHD negatively affected the production of F0 cues. Performance differed for elicitation and repetition, indicating a task effect. Listeners' goodness ratings were highly correlated with the production of certain acoustic cues. Both the acoustic and functional hypotheses of hemispheric specialization were supported for idiom production.

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Comparison of Newborn Hearing Screening in Well-Baby Nursery and NICU: A Study Applied to Reduce Referral Rate in NICU

by Pei-Chun Li, Wei-I Chen, Chih-Ming Huang, Ching-Ju Liu, Hsiu-wen Chang, Hung-Ching Lin

Objectives

To determine whether newborn hearing screening in a well-baby nursery (WBN) and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nursery: 1) meet three targeted, screening, referral, and diagnostic follow-up rates; 2) compare the average age of diagnosis for infants admitted to the WIN and NICU; and 3) determine prevalence of hearing loss in neonatal population; and 4) try to find a practical newborn hearing screening time algorithm to reduce refer rate in NICU

Materials and Methods

It examined 15,624 newborns in the WBN (13,676) and NICU (1948) screened for congenital HL using AABR. The variables analyzed in it were the screening rate, referral rate, follow-up rate, diagnostic rate and diagnostic age, prevalence rate, degrees of congenital bilateral HL. The study was approved by the hospital’s institutional review board (13MMHISO23).

Results

The screening rates were 99.8% and 99.6% in the WBN and NICU groups, respectively, without significant difference. The referral rates were 0.7% and 2.8% in the WBN and NICU groups, with significant difference. Furthermore, the diagnostic follow-up rates were 76.7% and 89.1% in the WBN and NICU groups, without significant difference. The average initial diagnostic ages were 1.9 months and 3.8 months in the WBN and NICU groups, with significant difference. The prevalence of congenital bilateral hearing loss were 0.27% and 1.6% in the WBN and NICU groups, with significant difference.

Conclusion

The screening, referral and follow-up rate in the WBN and NICU groups were equivalent to the quality indicators. For NICU group, screening and diagnostic follow up were performed later than those in WBN group; however the lower referral rate in our NICU group was successfully achieved in this study and can be applied clinically. The prevalence of congenital bilateral hearing loss was higher in the NICU group than in the WBN group.

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Zika Virus Disease Outbreak and Infant Hearing Loss

On February 1, the World Health Organization declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern about the recent outbreak of the Zika Virus Disease. Within one week of the WHO’s declaration, the Center for Disease Control issued its highest response (Level 1) activation, due to the growing number of Zika cases recently reported.

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Nonlinear acoustic pulse propagation in dispersive sediments using fractional loss operators

The nonlinear progressive wave equation (NPE) is a time-domain formulation of the Euler fluid equations designed to model low-angle wave propagation using a wave-following computational domain. The wave-following frame of reference permits the simulation of long-range propagation and is useful in modeling blast wave effects in the ocean waveguide. Existing models do not take into account frequency-dependent sediment attenuation, a feature necessary for accurately describing sound propagation over, into, and out of the ocean sediment. Sediment attenuation is addressed in this work by applying lossy operators to the governing equation that are based on a fractional Laplacian. These operators accurately describe frequency-dependent attenuation and dispersion in typical ocean sediments. However, dispersion within the sediment is found to be a secondary process to absorption and effectively negligible for ranges of interest. The resulting fractional NPE is benchmarked against a Fourier-transformed parabolic equationsolution for a linear case, and against the analytical Mendousse solution to Burgers' equation for the nonlinear case. The fractional NPE is then used to investigate the effects of attenuation on shock wave propagation.

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Active control and sound synthesis—two different ways to investigate the influence of the modal parameters of a guitar on its sound

The vibrational behavior of musical instruments is usually studied using physical modeling and simulations. Recently, active control has proven its efficiency to experimentally modify the dynamical behavior of musical instruments. This approach could also be used as an experimental tool to systematically study fine physical phenomena. This paper proposes to use modal active control as an alternative to sound simulation to study the complex case of the coupling between classical guitar strings and soundboard. A comparison between modal active control and sound simulation investigates the advantages, the drawbacks, and the limits of these two approaches.

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A mutation in SLC22A4 encoding an organic cation transporter expressed in the cochlea strial endothelium causes human recessive non-syndromic hearing loss DFNB60.

A mutation in SLC22A4 encoding an organic cation transporter expressed in the cochlea strial endothelium causes human recessive non-syndromic hearing loss DFNB60.

Hum Genet. 2016 Mar 29;

Authors: Ben Said M, Grati M, Ishimoto T, Zou B, Chakchouk I, Ma Q, Yao Q, Hammami B, Yan D, Mittal R, Nakamichi N, Ghorbel A, Neng L, Tekin M, Shi XR, Kato Y, Masmoudi S, Lu Z, Hmani M, Liu X

Abstract
The high prevalence/incidence of hearing loss (HL) in humans makes it the most common sensory defect. The majority of the cases are of genetic origin. Non-syndromic hereditary HL is extremely heterogeneous. Genetic approaches have been instrumental in deciphering genes that are crucial for auditory function. In this study, we first used NADf chip to exclude the implication of known North-African mutations in HL in a large consanguineous Tunisian family (FT13) affected by autosomal recessive non-syndromic HL (ARNSHL). We then performed genome-wide linkage analysis and assigned the deafness gene locus to ch:5q23.2-31.1, corresponding to the DFNB60 ARNSHL locus. Moreover, we performed whole exome sequencing on FT13 patient DNA and uncovered amino acid substitution p.Cys113Tyr in SLC22A4, a transporter of organic cations, cosegregating with HL in FT13 and therefore the cause of ARNSHL DFNB60. We also screened a cohort of small Tunisian HL families and uncovered an additional deaf proband of consanguineous parents that is homozygous for p.Cys113Tyr carried by the same microsatellite marker haplotype as in FT13, indicating that this mutation is ancestral. Using immunofluorescence, we found that Slc22a4 is expressed in stria vascularis (SV) endothelial cells of rodent cochlea and targets their apical plasma membrane. We also found Slc22a4 transcripts in our RNA-seq library from purified primary culture of mouse SV endothelial cells. Interestingly, p.Cys113Tyr mutation affects the trafficking of the transporter and severely alters ergothioneine uptake. We conclude that SLC22A4 is an organic cation transporter of the SV endothelium that is essential for hearing, and its mutation causes DFNB60 form of HL.

PMID: 27023905 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Histopathology of the Human Inner Ear in the p.L114P COCH Mutation (DFNA9).

Histopathology of the Human Inner Ear in the p.L114P COCH Mutation (DFNA9).

Audiol Neurootol. 2016 Mar 30;21(2):88-97

Authors: Burgess BJ, O'Malley JT, Kamakura T, Kristiansen K, Robertson NG, Morton CC, Nadol JB

Abstract
The histopathology of the inner ear in a patient with hearing loss caused by the p.L114P COCH mutation and its correlation with the clinical phenotype are presented. To date, 23 COCH mutations causative of DFNA9 autosomal dominant sensorineural hearing loss and vestibular disorder have been reported, and the histopathology of the human inner ear has been described in 4 of these. The p.L114P COCH mutation was first described in a Korean family. We have identified the same mutation in a family of non-Asian ancestry in the USA, and the temporal bone histopathology and clinical findings are presented herein. The histopathology found in the inner ear was similar to that shown in the 4 other COCH mutations and included degeneration of the spiral ligament with deposition of an eosinophilic acellular material, which was also found in the distal osseous spiral lamina, at the base of the spiral limbus, and in mesenchymal tissue at the base of the vestibular neuroepithelium. This is the first description of human otopathology of the COCH p.L114P mutation. In addition, it is the only case with otopathology characterization in an individual with any COCH mutation and residual hearing, thus allowing assessment of primary histopathological events in DFNA9, before progression to more profound hearing loss. A quantitative cytologic analysis of atrophy in this specimen and immunostaining using anti-neurofilament and anti-myelin protein zero antibodies confirmed that the principal histopathologic correlate of hearing loss was degeneration of the dendritic fibers of spiral ganglion cells in the osseous spiral lamina. The implications for cochlear implantation in this disorder are discussed.

PMID: 27023102 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Τρίτη 29 Μαρτίου 2016

Acoustic Properties of Collagenous Matrices of Xenogenic Origin for Tympanic Membrane Reconstruction.

Hypothesis: The acoustic properties of scaffolds made from decellularized extracellular cartilage matrices of porcine origin are comparable to those of the human tympanic membrane. Background: Currently, the reconstruction of tympanic membrane in the context of chronic tympanic membrane defects is mostly performed using autologous fascia or cartilage. Autologous tissue may be associated with lack of graft material in revision patients and requires more invasive and longer operative time. Therefore, other materials are investigated for reconstruction. An increasingly important role could be played by scaffolds from different materials, which are known to induce constructive tissue remodeling. Methods: To analyze the acoustic properties, the vibrations of the scaffolds, cartilage, perichondrium and tympanic membrane were measured by laser scanning doppler vibrometry under different static pressures. Results: The analysis of volume velocities serves as an indicator for sound transmission. The results of the average volume velocities at atmospheric pressure show a similar frequency response of the tympanic membrane and the scaffolds with a peak at about 800 Hz. After changing the artificial ear-canal pressure from atmospheric pressure to negative pressure (-100, -200, and -300 daPa) the vibration characteristics of the different membranes remain fairly constant, whereas the results of the perichondrium show a decrease after changing the pressure into the negative range in the frequencies 1 to 3 kHz. Conclusion: The present study showed that the vibration characteristics of the scaffolds under atmospheric and negative pressure can be interpreted as similar to those of thin cartilage (

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Long-term Results of Troublesome CWD Cavity Reconstruction by Mastoid and Epitympanic Bony Obliteration (CWR-BOT) in Adults.

Objective: To present the long-term surgical outcome of the bony mastoid and epitympanic obliteration technique with canal wall reconstruction (CWR-BOT) in adults with an unstable cavity after previous canal wall-down surgery for extensive cholesteatoma. Study Design: Retrospective study. Interventions: Therapeutic. Setting: Tertiary referral center. Patients: Fifty consecutive adult patients undergoing a CWR-BOT between 1998 and 2009. Main Outcome Measure(s): (A) Recurrence and residual rates of cholesteatoma, (B) postoperative hygienic status of the ear, including postoperative aspect of the tympanic membrane and external ear canal integrity (EAC), (C) functional outcome, and (D) long-term safety issues. Results: (A) The percentage of ears remaining safe without recurrent or residual disease after CWR-BOT was 96% after a mean follow-up time of 101.8 months. Recurrent cholesteatoma occurred in 2% (n = 1) and a residual cholesteatoma was detected in 2% (n = 1) of the patients. (B) A safe dry, and trouble-free graft and selfcleaning EAC was achieved in 94%. (C) The postoperative hearing results showed a gain of 1.7 dB on pure-tone average air-conduction. (D) Nonecho planar diffusion-weighted imaging (non-EP DW magnetic resonance imaging) documented the residual (n = 1) and recurrent cholesteatoma (n = 1). The 1- and 5-year imaging follow-up revealed no other recurrent or residual disease. Conclusion: The CWR-BOT is a safe and very effective option for treatment of problematic unstable canal wall-down mastoid cavities, resulting in dry trouble-free ears. Copyright (C) 2016 by Otology & Neurotology, Inc. Image copyright (C) 2010 Wolters Kluwer Health/Anatomical Chart Company

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Microsurgical Anatomy of the Internal Acoustic Meatus as Seen Using the Retrosigmoid Approach.

Hypothesis: To show via a retrosigmoid approach the bony labyrinth anatomy and its relationship with the internal acoustic meatus so as to provide guidelines for a safer drilling to the fundus using this approach. Background: Few studies deal with the complex anatomy of petrous bone structures as observed by a retrosigmoid approach. Methods: Ten retrosigmoid approaches were performed bilaterally on five fresh cadaveric heads. Afterward high-resolution computed tomographic scans were obtained. Measurements of landmarks and distances between important topographic structures of the pyramid were obtained on its surface using a navigation system. Semicircular canals, vestibular aqueduct, and internal acoustic meatus were dissected to show their anatomy and relationships. Results: The anatomy of the inner ear structures was shown. Opening of the internal acoustic meatus was accomplished without injury to the labyrinth in 9 out of 10 sides. The distance between the drilled bone of the internal acoustic meatus and the vestibule was calculated on the postoperative computed tomographic scan. The mean value was 1.43 mm (SD, 0.30 mm; range, 1.0-1.8 mm). Conclusion: A better knowledge of the anatomy of the semicircular canals and of the vestibular aqueduct as observed by a retrosigmoid approach, together with their relationships to the fundus and other petrous bone landmarks, can be useful to get a general orientation in acoustic neuroma surgery. Using this information together with the neuronavigation, we were able to successfully open the internal acoustic meatus without entering labyrinthine structures in 90% of the study dissections. Copyright (C) 2016 by Otology & Neurotology, Inc. Image copyright (C) 2010 Wolters Kluwer Health/Anatomical Chart Company

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Objectification and Differential Diagnosis of Vascular Pulsatile Tinnitus by Transcanal Sound Recording and Spectrotemporal Analysis: A Preliminary Study.

Objective: Although frequently classified as "objective tinnitus," in most cases vascular pulsatile tinnitus (VPT) is not equal to objective tinnitus because it is not easy to objectively document VPT. The present study was conducted to develop a novel transcanal sound recording and spectrotemporal analysis method for the objective and differential diagnosis of VPT. Study Design: A case series with a control group. Setting: Tertiary referral center. Patients: Six VPT subjects with radiological abnormalities and six normal controls. Interventions and Main Outcome Measure: The method was tested based on recordings obtained from the ipsilateral external auditory canal (EAC) using an insert microphone with the subject's head in four different positions. The recorded signals were first analyzed in the time domain, and short-time Fourier transform was performed to analyze the data in the time-frequency domain. Results: From the temporal analysis, the ear canal signals recorded from the VPT subjects exhibited large peak amplitudes and periodic structures, whereas the signals recorded from the control subjects had smaller peak amplitudes and weaker periodicity. From the STA represented by two-dimensional spectrograms and three-dimensional waterfall diagrams, all of the VPT subjects demonstrated pulse-synchronous acoustic characteristics that were representative of their respective presumptive vascular pathologies, whereas the control subjects did not display such characteristics. Conclusion: The present diagnostic approach may provide additional information regarding the origins of VPT cases as well as an efficient and objective diagnostic method. Furthermore, this approach may aid in the determination of appropriate imaging modalities, treatment planning, and evaluation of treatment outcomes. Copyright (C) 2016 by Otology & Neurotology, Inc. Image copyright (C) 2010 Wolters Kluwer Health/Anatomical Chart Company

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Active Middle Ear Implantation: Long-term Medical and Technical Follow-up, Implant Survival, and Complications.

Objective: To evaluate the long-term medical and technical results, implant survival, and complications of the semi-implantable vibrant soundbridge (VSB), otologics middle ear transducer (MET), and the otologics fully implantable ossicular stimulator (FIMOS). Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Patients: Patients with chronic external otitis and either moderate to severe sensorineural or conductive/mixed hearing loss. Setting: Tertiary referral center. Intervention: Implantation with the VSB, MET, or FIMOS. Main Outcome Measures: Medical complications, number of reimplantations, and explantations. Results: Ninety-four patients were implanted, 12 patients with a round window or stapes application. 28 patients were lost to follow-up. The average follow-up duration was 4.4 years (range, 1 month-15 years). 128 devices were evaluated: (92 VSB, 32 MET, 4 FIMOS). 36 devices (28%) have been explanted or replaced (18 VSB, 14 MET, 4 FIMOS). Device failure was 7% for VSB, 28% for MET, and 100% for FIMOS. In 16 patients (17%) revision surgery (n = 20) was performed. Twenty patients (21%) suffered any medical complication. Conclusion: Medical and technical complications and device failures have mostly occurred in the initial period of active middle ear implants (AMEI) implementation and during clinical trials or experimental procedures. All four FIMOS had technical difficulties. An important decrease in the occurrence of both medical and technical complications was observed. Application in more recent years did not show any complications and the recent device failure rates are acceptable. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) incompatibility should be taken into account when indicating AMEI. Copyright (C) 2016 by Otology & Neurotology, Inc. Image copyright (C) 2010 Wolters Kluwer Health/Anatomical Chart Company

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Compressive acoustic sound speed profile estimation

Ocean acousticsound speed profile (SSP) estimation requires the inversion of acoustic fields using limited observations. Compressive sensing (CS) asserts that certain underdetermined problems can be solved in high resolution, provided their solutions are sparse. Here, CS is used to estimate SSPs in a range-independent shallow ocean by inverting a non-linear acoustic propagation model. It is shown that SSPs can be estimated using CS to resolve fine-scale structure.

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Modeling the voice source in terms of spectral slopesa)

A psychoacoustic model of the voicesourcespectrum is proposed. The model is characterized by four spectral slope parameters: the difference in amplitude between the first two harmonics (H1–H2), the second and fourth harmonics (H2–H4), the fourth harmonic and the harmonic nearest 2 kHz in frequency (H4–2 kHz), and the harmonic nearest 2 kHz and that nearest 5 kHz (2 kHz–5 kHz). As a step toward model validation, experiments were conducted to establish the acoustic and perceptual independence of these parameters. In experiment 1, the model was fit to a large number of voicesources. Results showed that parameters are predictable from one another, but that these relationships are due to overall spectral roll-off. Two additional experiments addressed the perceptual independence of the source parameters. Listener sensitivity to H1–H2, H2–H4, and H4–2 kHz did not change as a function of the slope of an adjacent component, suggesting that sensitivity to these components is robust. Listener sensitivity to changes in spectral slope from 2 kHz to 5 kHz depended on complex interactions between spectral slope, spectral noise levels, and H4–2 kHz. It is concluded that the four parameters represent non-redundant acoustic and perceptual aspects of voice quality.

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Compressive acoustic sound speed profile estimation

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Histopathology of the Human Inner Ear in the p.L114P COCH Mutation (DFNA9)

The histopathology of the inner ear in a patient with hearing loss caused by the p.L114P COCH mutation and its correlation with the clinical phenotype are presented. To date, 23 COCH mutations causative of DFNA9 autosomal dominant sensorineural hearing loss and vestibular disorder have been reported, and the histopathology of the human inner ear has been described in 4 of these. The p.L114P COCH mutation was first described in a Korean family. We have identified the same mutation in a family of non-Asian ancestry in the USA, and the temporal bone histopathology and clinical findings are presented herein. The histopathology found in the inner ear was similar to that shown in the 4 other COCH mutations and included degeneration of the spiral ligament with deposition of an eosinophilic acellular material, which was also found in the distal osseous spiral lamina, at the base of the spiral limbus, and in mesenchymal tissue at the base of the vestibular neuroepithelium. This is the first description of human otopathology of the COCH p.L114P mutation. In addition, it is the only case with otopathology characterization in an individual with any COCH mutation and residual hearing, thus allowing assessment of primary histopathological events in DFNA9, before progression to more profound hearing loss. A quantitative cytologic analysis of atrophy in this specimen and immunostaining using anti-neurofilament and anti-myelin protein zero antibodies confirmed that the principal histopathologic correlate of hearing loss was degeneration of the dendritic fibers of spiral ganglion cells in the osseous spiral lamina. The implications for cochlear implantation in this disorder are discussed.
Audiol Neurotol 2016;21:88-97

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Content analysis of the professional journal of the College of Speech Therapists II: coming of age and growing maturity, 1946-65.

Content analysis of the professional journal of the College of Speech Therapists II: coming of age and growing maturity, 1946-65.

Int J Lang Commun Disord. 2016 Mar 27;

Authors: Stansfield J, Armstrong L

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Following a content analysis of the first 10 years of the UK professional journal Speech, this study was conducted to survey the published work of the speech (and language) therapy profession in the 20 years following the unification of two separate professional bodies into the College of Speech Therapists.
AIM: To understand better the development of the speech (and language) therapy profession in the UK in order to support the development of an online history of the speech and language therapy profession in the UK.
METHODS & PROCEDURES: The 40 issues of the professional journal of the College of Speech Therapists published between 1946 and 1965 (Speech and later Speech Pathology and Therapy) were examined using content analysis and the content compared with that of the same journal as it appeared from 1935 to the end of the Second World War (1945).
OUTCOMES & RESULTS: Many aspects of the journal and its authored papers were retained from the earlier years, for example, the range of authors' professions, their location mainly in the UK, their number of contributions and the length of papers. Changes and developments included the balance of original to republished papers, the description and discussion of new professional issues, and an extended range of client groups/disorders.
CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: The journal and its articles reflect the growing maturity of the newly unified profession of speech therapy and give an indication both of the expanding depth of knowledge available to speech therapists and of the rapidly increasing breadth of their work over this period.

PMID: 27018211 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Content analysis of the professional journal of the College of Speech Therapists II: coming of age and growing maturity, 1946-65.

Content analysis of the professional journal of the College of Speech Therapists II: coming of age and growing maturity, 1946-65.

Int J Lang Commun Disord. 2016 Mar 27;

Authors: Stansfield J, Armstrong L

PMID: 27018211 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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The relationship between serum lipids and sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The relationship between serum lipids and sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PLoS One. 2015;10(4):e0121025

Authors: Chang IJ, Kang CJ, Yueh CY, Fang KH, Yeh RM, Tsai YT

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a relatively common condition that is usually of unknown etiology. A number of individual studies have investigated the association between various serum lipids and SSNHL; however, the findings have been inconsistent. In an attempt to obtain more definitive information on the relationship between serum lipids and SSNHL, we carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS: Medline, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE were searched using the following key words: lipid, cholesterol, triglyceride, fat, serum, blood, sudden hearing loss, hearing loss, hearing disorders. Randomized controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, and retrospective case-control studies involving patients with SSNHL and healthy controls that examined the relationship (reported as odds ratios [OR]) between lipid profiles and SSNHL were included. Primary outcomes were total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations. Secondary outcomes were triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and lipoprotein(a) concentrations.
RESULTS: A total of 6 case-control studies were included in this systematic review/meta-analysis. The total number of participants ranged from 30 to 250 in the case group and from 43 to 271 in the control group. Meta-analysis revealed no significant difference in total cholesterol levels between the case and control groups (pooled OR = 1.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.98 to 3.26, P = 0.057). Likewise, meta-analysis revealed no significant difference in LDL-C concentrations between the case and control groups (pooled OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.64 to 2.07, P = 0.639). Since there were an insufficient number of studies reporting data for the secondary outcomes, meta-analysis was not possible.
CONCLUSIONS: Our results do not provide evidence for serum lipids being associated with SSNHL, nor do they definitively rule out such an association. Additional studies are needed to ascertain the relationship, or lack thereof, between serum lipids and SSNHL.

PMID: 25866869 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Development of traditional Chinese version of World Health Organization disability assessment schedule 2.0 36--item (WHODAS 2.0) in Taiwan: validity and reliability analyses.

http:--linkinghub.elsevier.com-ihub-imag

Development of traditional Chinese version of World Health Organization disability assessment schedule 2.0 36--item (WHODAS 2.0) in Taiwan: validity and reliability analyses.

Res Dev Disabil. 2014 Nov;35(11):2812-20

Authors: Chiu TY, Yen CF, Chou CH, Lin JD, Hwang AW, Liao HF, Chi WC

Abstract
BACKGROUND: World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) provided a standardized method for measuring the health and disability and the traditional Chinese version has not been developed.
AIMS: To describe the process of developing the traditional Chinese version of the WHODAS 2.0 36-item version and to evaluate the concurrent validity and test-retest reliability of this instrument.
METHODS: The study was conducted in two phases. Phase I was the process of translation of WHODAS 2.0 36-item version. Phase II was a cross-sectional study. The participants were 307 adults who were tested the validity and reliability of draft traditional Chinese version.
RESULTS: The reliability of Cronbach's α and ICC in the WHODAS 2.0 traditional Chinese version were 0.73-0.99 and 0.8-089, respectively. The content validity was good (r=0.7-0.76), and the concurrent validity was excellent in comparison with the WHOQOL-BREF (p<0.5). The construct validity, the model was explained total variance was 67.26% by the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) illustrated the traditional Chinese version was good to assess disability. There was a valid and reliable measurement scales for evaluating functioning and disability status.
CONCLUSION: For disability eligibility system of Taiwan government to measure the disability, the traditional Chinese version of the WHODAS 2.0 provided valuable evidence to design the assessment instrument.

PMID: 25094056 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Plantar flexor muscle weakness may cause stiff-knee gait

Publication date: Available online 28 March 2016
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Adnan Apti, N. Ekin Akalan, Shavkat Kuchimov, Arzu Razak Özdinçler, Yener Temelli, Anand Nene
AimThe iterative simulation studies proclaim that plantar flexor (PF) muscle weakness is one of the contributors of stiff knee gait (SKG), although, whether isolated PF weakness generates SKG has not been validated in able-bodied people or individuals with neuromuscular disorders. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of isolated PF muscle weakness on knee flexion velocity and SKG in healthy individuals.MethodTwenty able-bodied young adults (23±3 years) participated in this study. Passive stretch (PS) protocol was applied until the PF muscle strength dropped 33.1% according to the hand-held dynamometric measurement. Seven additional age-matched able-bodies were compared with participants’ to discriminate the influence of slow-walking. All participants underwent 3D gait analysis before and after the PS. Peak knee flexion angle, range of knee flexion between toe-off and peak knee flexion, total range of knee-flexion, and time of peak knee flexion in swing were selected to describe SKG pattern.ResultsAfter PS, the reduction of plantar flexor muscle strength (33.14%) caused knee flexion velocity drop at toe-off (p= 0.008) and developed SKG pattern by decreasing peak knee flexion (p=0.0001), range of knee flexion in early swing (p=0.006), and total knee flexion range (p=0.002). These parameters were significantly correlated with decreased PF velocity at toe-off (p=0.015, p=0.0001, p=0.005 respectively). The time of peak knee flexion was not significantly different between before and after stretch conditions (p=0.130).ConclusionsThese findings verified that plantar flexor weakness cause SKG pattern by completing three of SKG parameters. Any treatment protocol that weakens the plantar flexor muscle might impact the SKG pattern.

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Plantar flexor muscle weakness may cause stiff-knee gait

Publication date: Available online 28 March 2016
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Adnan Apti, N. Ekin Akalan, Shavkat Kuchimov, Arzu Razak Özdinçler, Yener Temelli, Anand Nene
AimThe iterative simulation studies proclaim that plantar flexor (PF) muscle weakness is one of the contributors of stiff knee gait (SKG), although, whether isolated PF weakness generates SKG has not been validated in able-bodied people or individuals with neuromuscular disorders. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of isolated PF muscle weakness on knee flexion velocity and SKG in healthy individuals.MethodTwenty able-bodied young adults (23±3 years) participated in this study. Passive stretch (PS) protocol was applied until the PF muscle strength dropped 33.1% according to the hand-held dynamometric measurement. Seven additional age-matched able-bodies were compared with participants’ to discriminate the influence of slow-walking. All participants underwent 3D gait analysis before and after the PS. Peak knee flexion angle, range of knee flexion between toe-off and peak knee flexion, total range of knee-flexion, and time of peak knee flexion in swing were selected to describe SKG pattern.ResultsAfter PS, the reduction of plantar flexor muscle strength (33.14%) caused knee flexion velocity drop at toe-off (p= 0.008) and developed SKG pattern by decreasing peak knee flexion (p=0.0001), range of knee flexion in early swing (p=0.006), and total knee flexion range (p=0.002). These parameters were significantly correlated with decreased PF velocity at toe-off (p=0.015, p=0.0001, p=0.005 respectively). The time of peak knee flexion was not significantly different between before and after stretch conditions (p=0.130).ConclusionsThese findings verified that plantar flexor weakness cause SKG pattern by completing three of SKG parameters. Any treatment protocol that weakens the plantar flexor muscle might impact the SKG pattern.

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Δευτέρα 28 Μαρτίου 2016

An Investigation of Language Environment Analysis Measures for Spanish–English Bilingual Preschoolers From Migrant Low-Socioeconomic-Status Backgrounds

Purpose

The current study was designed to (a) describe average hourly Language Environment Analysis (LENA) data for preschool-age Spanish–English bilinguals (SEBs) and typically developing monolingual peers and (b) compare LENA data with mean length of utterance in words (MLUw) and total number of words (TNW) calculated on a selected sample of consecutive excerpts of audio files (CEAFs).

Method

Investigators examined average hourly child vocalizations from daylong LENA samples for 42 SEBs and 39 monolingual English-speaking preschoolers. The relationship between average hourly child vocalizations, conversational turns, and adult words from the daylong samples and MLUw from a 50-utterance CEAF was examined and compared between groups.

Results

MLUw, TNW, average hourly child vocalizations, and conversational turns were lower for young SEBs than monolingual English-speaking peers. Average hourly child vocalizations were not strongly related to MLUw performance for monolingual or SEB participants (r = .29, r = .25, respectively). In a similar manner, average hourly conversational turns were not strongly related to MLUw for either group (r = .22, r = .21, respectively).

Conclusions

Young SEBs from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds showed lower average performance on LENA measures, MLUw, and TNW than monolingual English-speaking peers. MLUw from monolinguals were also lower than typical expectations when derived from CEAFs. LENA technology may be a promising tool for communication sampling with SEBs; however, more research is needed to establish norms for interpreting MLUw and TNW from selected CEAF samples.

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An Investigation of Language Environment Analysis Measures for Spanish–English Bilingual Preschoolers From Migrant Low-Socioeconomic-Status Backgrounds

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusions

An Investigation of Language Environment Analysis Measures for Spanish–English Bilingual Preschoolers From Migrant Low-Socioeconomic-Status Backgrounds

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusions

Young SEBs from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds showed lower average performance on LENA measures, MLUw, and TNW than monolingual English-speaking peers. MLUw from monolinguals were also lower than typical expectations when derived from CEAFs. LENA technology may be a promising tool for communication sampling with SEBs; however, more research is needed to establish norms for interpreting MLUw and TNW from selected CEAF samples.

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Application of a New Genetic Deafness Microarray for Detecting Mutations in the Deaf in China

by Hong Wu, Yong Feng, Lu Jiang, Qian Pan, Yalan Liu, Chang Liu, Chufeng He, Hongsheng Chen, Xueming Liu, Chang Hu, Yiqiao Hu, Lingyun Mei

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the GoldenGate microarray as a diagnostic tool and to elucidate the contribution of the genes on this array to the development of both nonsyndromic and syndromic sensorineural hearing loss in China.

Methods

We developed a microarray to detect 240 mutations underlying syndromic and nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss. The microarray was then used for analysis of 382 patients with nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss (including 15 patients with enlarged vestibular aqueduct syndrome), 21 patients with Waardenburg syndrome, and 60 unrelated controls. Subsequently, we analyzed the sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility of this new approach after Sanger sequencing-based verification, and also determined the contribution of the genes on this array to the development of distinct hearing disorders.

Results

The sensitivity and specificity of the microarray chip were 98.73% and 98.34%, respectively. Genetic defects were identified in 61.26% of the patients with nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss, and 9 causative genes were identified. The molecular etiology was confirmed in 19.05% and 46.67% of the patients with Waardenburg syndrome and enlarged vestibular aqueduct syndrome, respectively.

Conclusion

Our new mutation-based microarray comprises an accurate and comprehensive genetic tool for the detection of sensorineural hearing loss. This microarray-based detection method could serve as a first-pass screening (before next-generation-sequencing screening) for deafness-causing mutations in China.

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Comparison of Intelligibility Measures for Adults With Parkinson's Disease, Adults With Multiple Sclerosis, and Healthy Controls

Purpose

This study obtained judgments of sentence intelligibility using orthographic transcription for comparison with previously reported intelligibility judgments obtained using a visual analog scale (VAS) for individuals with Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis and healthy controls (K. Tjaden, J. E. Sussman, & G. E. Wilding, 2014).

Method

Speakers read Harvard sentences in habitual, clear, loud, and slow conditions. Sentence stimuli were equated for peak intensity and mixed with multitalker babble. A total of 50 listeners orthographically transcribed sentences. Procedures were identical to those for a VAS reported in Tjaden, Sussman, and Wilding (2014).

Results

The percent correct scores from transcription were significantly higher in magnitude than the VAS scores. Multivariate linear modeling indicated that the pattern of findings for transcription and VAS was virtually the same with respect to differences among groups and speaking conditions. Correlation analyses further indicated a moderately strong, positive relationship between the two metrics. The majority of these correlations were significant. Last, intrajudge and interjudge listener reliability metrics for the two intelligibility tasks were comparable.

Conclusion

Results suggest that there may be instances when the less time-consuming VAS task may be a viable substitute for an orthographic transcription task when documenting intelligibility in mild dysarthria.

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Intraoperative assessment of Ossicular Fixation

Publication date: Available online 28 March 2016
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): John Peacock, Joris Dirckx, Magnus von Unge
Determining the degree of ossicular fixation is a difficult task, with the final assessment often being made with manual palpation during exploratory tympanotomy. A more objective method to evaluate ossicular fixation would be valuable.In this paper we describe a new method which makes use of a magnet and coil to measure ossicular motion through the ear canal with an elevated tympanic membrane. We report measurements of the vibration response at the umbo, the tip of the incus long process and the lateral posterior crus of the stapes before and after artificially fixing the stapes footplate and anterior mallear ligament with luting cement. Results were obtained on temporal bones, but the practicality of the method allows easy clinical implementation. Velocity ratios between different measurement points along the ossicular chain may provide a quantitative indication of the degree of stapes fixation. Isolated anterior mallear ligament fixation was not distinguishable from the unfixed condition.

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Comparison of Intelligibility Measures for Adults With Parkinson's Disease, Adults With Multiple Sclerosis, and Healthy Controls

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusion

Results suggest that there may be instances when the less time-consuming VAS task may be a viable substitute for an orthographic transcription task when documenting intelligibility in mild dysarthria.

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Πληροφορίες

Πέμπτη 31 Μαρτίου 2016

Abstract

Abstract

Τετάρτη 30 Μαρτίου 2016

Abstract

Τρίτη 29 Μαρτίου 2016

Δευτέρα 28 Μαρτίου 2016