Meludia platform as a tool to evaluate music perception in pediatric and adult cochlear implant users.

PURPOSE: Music perception is one of the greatest challenges for cochlear implant (CI) users. The aims of this study were: (i) to evaluate the music perception of CI users using the online Meludia music training program as music testing platform, (ii) to compare performance among three age groups, and (iii) to compare CI users with their normal hearing (NH) peers. METHODS: 138 individuals participated, divided between children (6-10 y), adolescents (11-16 y), and adults (≥ 17 y). Five music perception tasks were evaluated: Rhythm, Spatialization, Stable/unstable, Melody, and Density. We also administered the music related quality of life (MuRQoL) questionnaire for adults, and a music questionnaire for pediatric population (6-16 y) (MuQPP). RESULTS: A significantly higher percentage of the adolescent CI users completed the five tasks compared to the other age groups. Both pediatric and adolescent CI users had similar performance to their NH peers in most categories. On the MuRQoL, adult NH listeners reported more music exposure than CI users (3.8 ± 0.6 vs 3.0 ± 0.6, p < 0.01), but both groups reported similar levels of perceived music importance (3.4 ± 0.7 vs 3.2 ± 1.1, p = 0.340). On the MuQPP, pediatric CI users who scored highly on music perception also had higher reported questionnaire scores (54.2 ± 12.9 vs 40.9 ± 12.1, p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Meludia can be used to evaluate music perception and to use for music training in CI users of all ages. Adolescents had the highest performance in most musical tasks. Pediatric CI users were more similar to their NH peers. The importance of music in adult CI users was comparable to their NH peers.

Round and Oval Window Anatomic Variability: Its Implication for the Vibroplasty Technique.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the anatomical variability of round and oval window regions and its relationship with their closest structures, to determine its implication on the fitting and stabilization of the middle ear implant Vibrant Soundbridge. METHODS: Variations of the anatomy of round and oval window regions were assessed in a total of 85 human dissected temporal bones. Afterward, we evaluated the adaptation and subsequent stabilization of the floating mass transducer (FMT) of the Vibrant Soundbridge in 67 cases in round window (RW) and in 22 cases in oval window (OW), and the influence that the variability of the different anatomical features examined had on this stabilization. We also assessed access and surgeon's view of the RW niche through the facial recess approach. RESULTS: Stabilization of the FMT in the RW was achieved in 53 (79%) of the 67 cases; we found that the less favorable anatomical conditions for stabilization were: membrane smaller than 1.5 mm, presence of a high jugular bulb and a narrow or very narrow RW niche. Frequently, two or more of these conditions happened simultaneously. In seven cases (22%) access to the RW through facial recess approach did not allow positioning the FMT in place. OW stabilization succeeded in 18 (82%) of the 22 cases. CONCLUSION: Round and oval window vibroplasty are difficult surgical techniques. To place the FMT directly on the OW may be easier as we do not have to drill the niche. In both regions there are some anatomical conditions that hinder fitting the FMT and even make it impossible. Once fitted, the main problem is to achieve good stabilization of the device.

Structural Analysis and Application of n-Alkyl Cyanoacrylate Surgical Adhesives to the Fixation of Meshes for Hernia Repair.

The article deals with a comparative analysis of the parameters of the polymerization in physiological conditions of three commercially available alkyl cyanoacrylates, n-butyl cyanoacrylate (GLUBRAN 2), n-hexyl cyanoacrylate (IFABOND), and n-octyl cyanoacrylate (EVOBOND), the cell behavior of the corresponding polymers and the application of these adhesives in the fixation of surgical polypropylene meshes for hernia repair in an animal model of rabbits. The results obtained demonstrate that the curing process depends on the nature of the alkyl residue of the ester group of cyanoacrylate molecules, being the heat of polymerization lower for the octyl derivative in comparison with the hexyl and butyl, and reaching a maximum temperature of 35 °C after a time of mixing with physiological fluids of 60-70 s. The cell behavior demonstrates that the three systems do not present toxicity for fibroblasts and low adhesion of cells, which is a positive result for application as tissue adhesives, especially for the fixation of abdominal polypropylene meshes for hernia repair. The animal experimentation indicates the excellent tolerance of the meshes fixed with the cyanoacrylic adhesives, during at least a period of 90 d, and guarantees a good adhesion for the application of hernia repair meshes.

Informed consent for whole-genome sequencing studies in the clinical setting. Proposed recommendations on essential content and process.

The development of new massive sequencing techniques has now made it possible to significantly reduce the time and costs of whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Although WGS will soon become a routine testing tool, new ethical issues have surfaced. In light of these concerns, a systematic review of papers published by expert authors on IC or specific ethical issues related to IC for WGS analysis in the clinical setting has been conducted using the Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases. Additionally, a search was conducted for international ethical guidelines for genetic studies published by scientific societies and ethical boards. Based on these documents, a minimum set of information to be provided to patients in the IC form was determined. Fourteen and seven documents from the database search and from scientific societies, respectively, were selected. A very high level of consistency between them was found regarding the recommended IC form content. Pre-test counselling and general information common to all genetic tests should be included in the IC form for WGS for diagnostic purposes, but additional information addressing specific issues on WGS are proposed, such as a plan for the ethical, clinically oriented return of incidental findings. Moreover, storage of additional information for future use should also be agreed upon with the patient in advance. Recommendations for WGS studies in the clinical setting concerning both the elements of information and the process of obtaining the IC as well as how to handle the results obtained are proposed.

[Use of a composite prosthesis (PL-PU99) versus a biological prosthesis (Surgisis) in an experimental model of temporary abdominal closure]. / Estudio experimental comparativo entre una prótesis compuesta (PL-PU99) y una prótesis biológica (Surgisis) en el cierre temporal abdominal.

INTRODUCTION: In some diseases of peritoneal origin, temporary closure of the abdominal cavity is required to avoid compartmental syndrome. This allows normal intra-abdominal pressure to be maintained and the fascial edges to be preserved for subsequent definitive closure. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Defects (7 x 4 cm) were created in the anterior abdominal wall of New Zealand white rabbits and were repaired using an oval-shaped patch of a prosthesis designed by our team (PL-PU99) or a prosthesis of biological origin (Surgisis) of similar dimensions to the defects. The biomaterials were fixed to the cut edges of the wall by 2 polypropylene running sutures interrupted only at the corners, leaving the patch in contact with the atmosphere. Fourteen days after implantation, prosthesis/anchorage tissue specimens were taken for light and scanning electron microscopy, morphometric measurements and immunohistochemical macrophage identification (using the RAM-11 antibody). RESULTS: There were no cases of mortality or implant rejection. Small areas of loose adhesions were observed on some implants (covering 0.31 +/- 0.03% of the PL-PU99 implants and 31.60 +/- 7.35% of Surgisis). The neoperitoneum induced by both implant types was homogenous and well organized, with thicknesses of 427.60 +/- 8.38 microm (PL-PU99) and 171.99 +/- 18.70 microm (Surgisis). No significant differences were observed in terms of the macrophage reaction induced (PL-PU99 19.76 +/- 1.59%; Surgisis 21.07 +/- 8.93% macrophages). CONCLUSIONS: a) The PL-PU99 prosthesis provoked fewer adhesions and generated a thicker neoperitoneum. b) Both prostheses would probably be suitable for temporary closure of the abdominal cavity.