Genetic testing has the potential to impact hearing preservation following cochlear implantation

Abstract

Background: Recent advances in less-invasive surgery and electrode design allow for a high degree of hearing preservation (HP) after cochlear implantation (CI), although residual hearing still deteriorates in some patients. To date, the factors predictive of preserving residual hearing remain a controversial topic.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive factors, including the etiology of hearing loss (HL) as a patient-related factor, influencing residual HP after CI.

Methods: Forty-four patients (50 ears, 41 families) with residual acoustic hearing who underwent CI were included. Auditory thresholds before and at 6 months after initial activation were measured. Genetic testing was performed to identify the responsible genes for HL.

Results: We identified the cause of HL in 21 families (51.2%). HP was marginally correlated with age at implantation, while it was independent of pre-operative low-frequency hearing thresholds, cochlear duct length, and electrode length. We found that patients who had pathogenic variants in the CDH23, MYO7A, or MYO15A gene showed statistically better HP scores compared with patients with HL due to other causes (p?=?.002).

Conclusions: Identification of the etiology of HL using genetic testing is likely to facilitate the prediction of HP after implant surgery.     

A proposed mechanism for central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia

Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) has an unknown mechanism. Analyzing other scarring diseases (lichen planopilaris, fibrotic kidney disease and scleroderma) may help to clarify the mechanism of scarring in CCCA. These diseases were chosen for comparison due to either their location of disease (skin or scalp specifically), or prominence in patients of African descent. Genetics, possible triggers, an autoimmune lymphocytic response, and epithelial to mesenchymal transition are potentially involved. Possible common pathways in scarring diseases and a better understanding of the CCCA mechanism will lead to further research into the pathogenesis and potential treatments of CCCA.     

Nobel clinician软件引导上颌窦内提升术在磨牙缺失修复中的应用研究

目的:研究Nobelclinician软件引导上颌窦内提升术在磨牙缺失的应用效果,为临床应用提供指导。方法:选择2016年10月-2018年10月在笔者医院进行手术的86例上颌磨牙缺失患者为研究对象,按照随机数表法分为观察组和对照组,每组43例。对照组:采用常规上颔窦内提升术;观察组:在Nobelclinician软件引导下进行上颌窦内提升术,两组均使用nobelreplace种植体种植。比较两组患者的种植体存留率及种植体周围组织情况[包括术前上颌窦底距牙槽嵴骨高度(Bone height of the maxillary sinus floor from the alveolar ridge,RBH)、术后6个月新骨获得量、术后1年垂直骨丧失、牙周探诊深度(Periodontal probing depth,PPD)];比较两组患者治疗后的X片检查结果及治疗满意度。结果:观察组的RBH、PPD及术后1年垂直骨丧失均显著小于对照组,术后6个月新骨获得量显著大于对照组,两组比较差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后随访6个月,观察组的种植体存留率(100.00%)与对照组(94.55%)相比,差异不具有统计学意义(P>0.05),X片检查结果显示,两组患者的种植体及周围骨组织均结合良好,术后1年均已生成新的上颌窦底壁。观察组患者的满意度(100.00%)显著高于对照组(90.70%),差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:Nobelclinician软件引导上颌窦内提升术能够降低垂直骨丧失量,增加新骨获得量,有助于提高磨牙缺失修复的美学效果,提高患者满意度。     

Outcomes of Acetabular Reconstructions for the Management of Chronic Pelvic Discontinuity: A Systematic Review

BackgroundA number of articles have been published reporting on the clinical outcomes of various acetabular reconstructions for the management of chronic pelvic discontinuity (PD). However, no systematic review of the literature has been published to date comparing the outcome and complications of different approaches to reconstruction.MethodsThe US National Library of Medicine (PubMed/MEDLINE) and EMBASE were queried for publications from January 1980 to January 2019 using keywords pertinent to total hip arthroplasty, PD, acetabular dissociation, clinical or functional outcomes, and revision total hip arthroplasty or postoperative complications.ResultsOverall, 18 articles were included in this analysis (569 cases with chronic PD). The overall survival rate of the acetabular components used for the treatment of chronic PD was 84.7% (482 of 569 cases) at mid-term follow-up, whereas the most common reasons for revision were aseptic loosening (54 of 569 hips; 9.5%), dislocations (45 of 569 hips; 7.9%), periprosthetic joint infection (30 of 569 hips; 5.3%), and periprosthetic fractures (11 of 569 hips; 1.9%). Both pelvic distraction technique (combined with highly porous shells) and custom triflanges resulted in less than 5% failure rates (96.2% and 95.8%, respectively) at final follow-up. Also, highly effective in the treatment of PD were cup-cages and highly porous shells with and/or without augments with 92% survivorship free of revision for aseptic loosening for both reconstruction methods. Inferior outcomes were reported for conventional cementless shells combined with acetabular plates (72.7%) as well as ilioischial cages and reconstruction rings (66.7% and 60.6% survivorship, respectively).ConclusionThe current literature contains moderate quality evidence in support of the use of custom triflange implants and pelvic distraction techniques for the treatment of chronic PD, with a less than 5% all-cause revision rate and low complication rates at mean mid-term follow-up. Cup-cages and highly porous shells with or without augments could also be considered for the treatment of PD because both resulted in greater than 90% survival rates. Finally, there is still no consensus regarding the impact of different types of acetabular reconstruction methods on optimizing the healing potential of PD, and further studies are required in this area to better understand the influence of PD healing on construct survivorship and functional outcomes with each reconstruction method.     

Occludin在非小细胞肺癌组织中的表达及其临床意义

目的:检测非小细胞肺癌（NSCLC）组织中闭合蛋白（Occludin）的表达水平及其临床意义。方法:应用免疫组织化学方法检测73例NSCLC组织及其配对正常肺组织中Occludin蛋白表达水平，分析Occludin蛋白的表达差异及其与临床病理参数的相关性。结果:Occludin蛋白在肿瘤组织中的阳性表达率显著低于配对正常肺组织（P＜0.05）。Occludin蛋白的表达水平与患者性别、肿瘤大小、淋巴结转移、组织学类型、Ki-67表达水平显著相关。结论:Occludin蛋白表达下调与NSCLC细胞的增殖、转移能力相关，在肿瘤进展中发挥重要作用。     

Communication research in the context of te whare tapa whā model of health

Abstract

Purpose: Te whare tapa whā represents a Māori view of health and wellness in four dimensions: taha wairua (spiritual health), taha hinengaro (mental health), taha tinana (physical health) and taha whānau (family health). This model of health focuses on indigenous Māori in Aotearoa/New Zealand but has relevance for all people. Speech-language pathologists, including those not familiar with this model, recognise that all four dimensions are needed to support health and wellbeing. Taha wairua includes the importance of culture and heritage to personal identity, an area that speech-language pathology (SLP) recognises as key to clinical competency. Taha hinengaro includes the need to express thoughts and feelings, another area particularly salient to SLP. The other two dimensions taha tinana (physical health) and taha whānau (family health) are arguably more familiar in the day-to-day work of speech-language pathologists.

Method: Two broad strands of research are examined within this model of health exploring the challenges faced by vulnerable populations namely: (1) two community based groups (a Choir and a Gavel Club) for people with acquired neurological conditions such as stroke and Parkinson’s disease, and (2) diagnosis and management of hearing loss and auditory processing disorder.

Result: Community based groups, explored through the CeleBRation Choir and the Gavel Club, highlighted the application of all aspects of te whare tapa whā to the experiences of people with neurological conditions participating in these community therapies. In the area of hearing loss and auditory processing disorder, gaps across all four dimensions of taha wairua, taha hinengaro, taha tinana and taha whānau were identified in the available literature and in examination of clinical provision for participants.

Conclusion: Te whare tapa whā provides a framework to consider all the elements that contribute to people living well while experiencing communication challenges within their whānau (extended family). This approach relies on strong partnerships between clinicians, extended family, researchers, communities, organisations and other professionals. Clinicians and researchers are encouraged to consider how their beliefs, practices and impact could improve through consideration of Indigenous health models such as te whare tapa whā.     

Effects of tonal language background on tests of temporal sequencing in children

Objective: The aims of the present study were to determine the effects of language background on the performance of the pitch pattern sequence test (PPST) and duration pattern sequence test (DPST). As temporal order sequencing may be affected by age and working memory, these factors were also studied. Design: Performance of tonal and non-tonal language speakers on PPST and DPST were compared. Study sample: Twenty-eight native Mandarin (tonal language) speakers and twenty-nine native Malay (non-tonal language) speakers between seven to nine years old participated in this study. Results: The results revealed that relative to native Malay speakers, native Mandarin speakers demonstrated better scores on the PPST in both humming and verbal labeling responses. However, a similar language effect was not apparent in the DPST. An age effect was only significant in the PPST (verbal labeling). Finally, no significant effect of working memory was found on the PPST and the DPST. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the PPST is affected by tonal language background, and highlight the importance of developing different normative values for tonal and non-tonal language speakers.     

A process evaluation of implementing a vocational enablement protocol for employees with hearing difficulties in clinical practice

Objective: A multidisciplinary vocational rehabilitation programme, the Vocational Enablement Protocol (VEP) was developed to address the specific needs of employees with hearing difficulties. In the current study we evaluated the process of implementing the VEP in audiologic care among employees with hearing impairment. Design: In conjunction with a randomized controlled trial, we collected and analysed data on seven process parameters: recruitment, reach, fidelity, dose delivered, dose received and implemented, satisfaction, and perceived benefit. Study sample: Sixty-six employees with hearing impairment participated in the VEP. The multidisciplinary team providing the VEP comprised six professionals. Results: The professionals performed the VEP according to the protocol. Of the recommendations delivered by the professionals, 31% were perceived as implemented by the employees. Compliance rate was highest for hearing-aid uptake (51%). Both employees and professionals were highly satisfied with the VEP. Participants rated good perceived benefit from it. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the VEP could be a useful treatment for employees with hearing difficulties from a process evaluation perspective. Implementation research in the audiological setting should be encouraged in order to further provide insight into parameters facilitating or hindering successful implementation of an intervention and to improve its quality and efficacy.