Automatic speech recognition (ASR) for the diagnosis of pronunciation of speech sound disorders in Korean children.

This study presents a model of automatic speech recognition (ASR) that is designed to diagnose pronunciation issues in children with speech sound disorders (SSDs) to replace manual transcriptions in clinical procedures. Because ASR models trained for general purposes mainly predict input speech into standard spelling words, well-known high-performance ASR models are not suitable for evaluating pronunciation in children with SSDs. We fine-tuned the wav2vec2.0 XLS-R model to recognise words as they are pronounced by children, rather than converting the speech into their standard spelling words. The model was fine-tuned with a speech dataset of 137 children with SSDs pronouncing 73 Korean words that are selected for actual clinical diagnosis. The model's Phoneme Error Rate (PER) was only 10% when its predictions of children's pronunciations were compared to human annotations of pronunciations as heard. In contrast, despite its robust performance on general tasks, the state-of-the-art ASR model Whisper showed limitations in recognising the speech of children with SSDs, with a PER of approximately 50%. While the model still requires improvement in terms of the recognition of unclear pronunciation, this study demonstrates that ASR models can streamline complex pronunciation error diagnostic procedures in clinical fields.

Real-world data comparing minimally invasive surgeries for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the differences in surgical outcomes between the prostatic urethral lift (PUL) and previous thermal energy procedures for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: We present an observational population-based study of 2694 men with BPH in New York State and California who received PUL, transurethral needle ablation (TUNA), or transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT) in outpatient and ambulatory surgery settings from 2005 to 2018. For these surgical procedures, short-term outcomes were reported and compared using a Chi-square test and mixed-effect logistic regressions. Long-term outcomes were described using Kaplan-Meier failure curves and compared using a Log-rank test and Cox regressions. RESULTS: A significant portion of PUL patients had a comorbidity count ≥ 2 (n = 838, 37.0%). PUL exhibited the lowest 30 day and 90-day inpatient or ER readmission rates among all surgical techniques except for 90-day ER readmission (p < 0.05). No differences were observed for 1- and 3-year risks of reoperation between PUL [5.5% (95% CI 4.4-6.8%) and 14.9% (95% CI 10.9-20.1%)], TUNA [7.4% (95% CI 5.0-10.9%) and 11.3% (95% CI 8.3-15.4%)] and TUMT [8.5% (95% CI 4.7-15.2%) and 15.3% (95% CI 9.5-24.0%)]. 1- and 3-year risks of stricture development for PUL were 0.2% (95% CI 0.0-0.7%) and 0.2% (95% CI 0.0-0.07%), respectively. CONCLUSION: In a patient population with chronic conditions, patients treated with PUL exhibited similar 30- and 90-day inpatient or ER readmission rates when compared to previous reports. However, 1- and 3-year reoperation risks for PUL closely resembled previous thermal energy surgical procedures.

Short-term effects of microimplant-assisted rapid palatal expansion on the circummaxillary sutures in skeletally mature patients: A cone-beam computed tomography study.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the short-term effects on the circummaxillary sutures induced by microimplant-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) in skeletally mature patients. METHODS: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of preexpansion (T0) and postexpansion (T1) of 23 patients (mean age, 20.9 ± 3.65 years) treated with MARPE were evaluated. The T0 and T1 CBCT images were reoriented and superimposed on the basis of the anterior cranial base, using OnDemand3D software (Cybermed, Seoul, Korea). Then, width changes of 9 circummaxillary sutures (frontonasal, frontomaxillary, frontozygomatic, nasomaxillary, zygomaticomaxillary, intermaxillary, midpalatal, zygomaticotemporal, and pterygopalatine sutures) were measured on 1 section of each patient's T0 and T1 CBCT images. In addition, correlation coefficients between changes in the midpalatal sutures, the amount of appliance activation, age, and the changes in other circummaxillary sutural widths were also calculated. RESULTS: Statistically significant (P <0.05) width increases were found in all 9 circummaxillary sutures. The changes in midpalatal suture at the maxillary central incisor level positively correlated with the intermaxillary sutures at the anterior nasal spine level, midpalatal sutures at the posterior nasal spine level, and frontomaxillary sutures (P <0.05). In addition, the changes in the midpalatal sutures at the posterior nasal spine level also positively correlated with the changes in the intermaxillary sutures at the anterior nasal spine level, frontomaxillary sutures, and medial pterygopalatine sutures (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: All 9 circummaxillary sutural widths increased in skeletally mature patients immediately after MARPE. The greatest increases in width were measured in the midpalatal sutures and the intermaxillary sutures, followed by the frontomaxillary sutures.

Efficacy of Daily Intake of Dried Cranberry 500 mg in Women with Overactive Bladder: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Study.

PURPOSE: We sought to determine the efficacy of dried cranberry on reducing symptoms of overactive bladder in women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eligible women aged 18 or older with overactive bladder were randomized to either daily dried cranberry powder (500 mg) or placebo (500 mg) and followed for 24 weeks. Efficacy was measured by 3-day voiding diaries and Overactive Bladder Questionnaire Short Form, Patient Perception of Bladder Condition, Sexual Quality of Life-Female and Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory surveys. Statistical analyses were performed by BIOFORTIS using SAS® software version 9.4. RESULTS: Of the 98 women who were randomized 77 completed all the visits and 60 were included in the per protocol analysis. Compared to placebo using per protocol analysis the cranberry group showed a significant reduction of daily micturitions (-1.91, 95% CI -3.74--0.88, p=0.0406), urgency episodes (-2.81, 95% CI -4.82--0.80, p=0.0069), and Patient Perception of Bladder Condition scores (-0.66, 95% CI -1.23-0.08, p=0.0258) at 24 weeks of followup. Mean volume per micturition, nocturia and the remaining survey outcomes did not differ significantly between the groups (p >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Daily intake of dried cranberry powder reduced daily micturition by 16.4%, urgency episodes by 57.3% and patient perception of bladder condition by 39.7%. However, an intent-to-treat analysis showed no statistically significant difference between the groups for these measurements (p >0.05). Future larger studies with longer followup periods are needed to further determine the long-term effect of cranberry on overactive bladder.

How I Handle Retreatment of LUTS Following a Failed MIST.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The goal of this paper is to review retreatment management after failed minimally invasive treatment (MIST) of various technologies. RECENT FINDINGS: A failed MIST can be defined by the return, persistence, or worsening of LUTS, as documented by symptom scores. Persistence, development, or recurrence of comorbidities such as recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI), retention, stones, hematuria, and incontinence can also signal a failed MIST. The common etiology for MIST failure is the preoperative consequence of long-term bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) on the bladder function. Close monitoring of therapies with antimuscarinics or beta-agonists can be empirically utilized if post-void bladder residual (PVR) is low. If there is a high PVR, urodynamic studies and cystoscopy can be used to determine overactive bladder (OAB), BOO, or necrosis. Depending on the timing of the observed BOO/OAB, subsequent retreatments involving transurethral debridement, medical and behavioral therapies, or repeat surgical debulking can be employed.

A Systematic Review on the Timing of Surgical Intervention for Benign Prostatic Enlargement (BPE).

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Surgical intervention for benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) is typically reserved for those who fail medical therapy (i.e., α-blocker or 5-α reductase inhibitor treatment). We conducted a systematic review to determine whether timing of surgical intervention for BPE affects patient outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS: The studies we reviewed suggested that patients who undergo surgical intervention for BPE after failing medical therapy may have worse outcomes. Increased age, worsened bladder function, and worse overall health may contribute to worsened outcomes. To date, there are few high-quality studies on the timing of surgical intervention for BPE in the literature. Further prospective trials are needed to determine ideal timing for intervention.

A Systematic Review of Postoperative Delirium in the Urologic Patient.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common phenomenon among general surgery patients, but it is not well described in urologic surgical patients. We sought to define the incidence and predictive risk factors for POD in patients undergoing urologic surgery. RECENT FINDINGS: Eighteen articles were included for review. The pooled incidence rate of postoperative delirium after urologic surgery was 1.69% (0.69-46.97%). Longer intraoperative time, male sex, unmarried status, and age were shown to be risk factors for POD. POD is common after many urologic surgeries and leads to worse postoperative outcomes and higher healthcare utilization. Future studies are needed to better assess for and prevent POD.

Structure of human ADP-ribosyl-acceptor hydrolase 3 bound to ADP-ribose reveals a conformational switch that enables specific substrate recognition.

ADP-ribosyl-acceptor hydrolase 3 (ARH3) plays important roles in regulation of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation, a reversible post-translational modification, and in maintenance of genomic integrity. ARH3 degrades poly(ADP-ribose) to protect cells from poly(ADP-ribose)-dependent cell death, reverses serine mono(ADP-ribosyl)ation, and hydrolyzes O-acetyl-ADP-ribose, a product of Sirtuin-catalyzed histone deacetylation. ARH3 preferentially hydrolyzes O-linkages attached to the anomeric C1″ of ADP-ribose; however, how ARH3 specifically recognizes and cleaves structurally diverse substrates remains unknown. Here, structures of full-length human ARH3 bound to ADP-ribose and Mg2+, coupled with computational modeling, reveal a dramatic conformational switch from closed to open states that enables specific substrate recognition. The glutamate flap, which blocks substrate entrance to Mg2+ in the unliganded closed state, is ejected from the active site when substrate is bound. This closed-to-open transition significantly widens the substrate-binding channel and precisely positions the scissile 1″-O-linkage for cleavage while securing tightly 2″- and 3″-hydroxyls of ADP-ribose. Our collective data uncover an unprecedented structural plasticity of ARH3 that supports its specificity for the 1″-O-linkage in substrates and Mg2+-dependent catalysis.

Exploring effects of childhood parentification on adult-depressive symptoms in Korean college students.

OBJECTIVE: This study explored parentification dimensions, the age of onset, duration, and family circumstances to better understand the characteristics of parentification and its impact on depressive symptoms among Korean college students. METHOD: A sample of South Korean college students (N = 316, aged 18-29 years, 66.1% female) rated their childhood parentification experiences and current depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Overall, there were few significant differences in parentification dimensions and depressive symptoms regarding family circumstances that contributed to parentification. Longer duration and earlier onset of parentification were significantly associated with higher depressive symptom scores in adulthood. However, only perceived unfairness was associated with depressive symptoms after controlling for the age of onset, duration, and other parentification dimensions. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest the importance of examining situational contexts of parentification to better capture the effects of childhood parentification on depressive symptoms in adulthood.

Korean Version of the Mini-Mental State Examination Using Smartphone: A Validation Study.

BACKGROUND: Stroke often leads to disability, and poststroke survivors often have limited accessibility to medical facilities. INTRODUCTION: For such patients, mobile videoconferencing technology offers an opportunity to perform follow-up assessment and appropriate management of cognitive impairment. We aimed to determine the validity of the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE-K) when administered using a smartphone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke were included in this study (20 males, 10 females; mean age, 69.8 ± 12.9 years). Both face-to-face and remote assessments of cognitive function through MMSE-K were performed for each patient at an interval of at least 3 days. Additionally, an in-person collaborator evaluated the MMSE-K score during the remote assessment. A smartphone and a tablet were used by the patient and the examiner, respectively, and remote connection was mediated using a dedicated videoconferencing application. The MMSE-K scores obtained through face-to-face, remote, and in-person assessments were compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank test and the Spearman correlation analysis. RESULTS: There was good agreement between face-to-face and remote assessments, as well as between remote assessment and in-person collaborator's evaluation regarding total MMSE-K score and subscores for each MMSE-K domain (orientation, memory, attention/calculation, language, and visuospatial function). DISCUSSION: Remote assessment can be a useful clinical evaluation method, and this study confirmed the validity. CONCLUSIONS: The smartphone represents a promising tool for the assessment of cognitive function in clinical practice, but further research into the intra- and inter-rater reliability of observations is warranted.

Effect of microparticulated wheat bran on the physical properties of bread.

Wheat bran and flour mixtures were used in a bread formulation to improve its quality characteristics. Wheat bran was microparticulated using a jet mill, and this microparticulated wheat bran (MWB) was substituted for a portion of wheat flour. As the MWB content increased, water-holding capacity, hardness and springiness increased while the swelling property decreased slightly. The hardness of bread containing MWB was lower than that made with commercial whole wheat flour (WWF). Bread containing 7% MWB had a higher specific volume (8.3%) than that of WWF bread. Enthalpy of dough decreased with increasing MWB content, and peak viscosity and breakdown decreased with increasing setback. Inner crust structures of bread containing MWB showed a slight reduction in gelatinization and gluten development in comparison with wheat bread. These results indicate that MWB could be used as a diet-enriching bread ingredient while maintaining bread quality.

Vector Shedding and Immunogenicity Sampling in AAV-Based Gene Therapy for Retinitis Pigmentosa Patients.

Viral vectors are employed in gene therapy to deliver functional genes. It is often traceable in bodily secretions and excretions of the recipients. Methods of collecting, processing, and storing specimens need to be standardized to ensure effective regulation and monitoring of vector safety. Furthermore, these regulations are crucial in upholding the safety and efficacy of clinical trials and subsequent delivery of these treatments. This chapter discusses vector immunogenicity monitoring and methods of lacrimal, saliva, urine, blood, and serum sampling in patients with retinitis pigmentosa before and throughout the delivery of adeno-associated virus-based gene therapy.

Adverse Event Reporting of Commonly Used Gender-Specific Implantable Medical Devices in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that more women are harmed by implantable medical devices than men. It is unknown whether this difference includes gender-specific devices. METHODS: In this study, we examine the differences in reported adverse events between 6 female- and 5 male-specific implantable devices from the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database from 1993 to 2018. Primary endpoints were injury type (life-threatening, disability, death) and the rate of device evaluation by the manufacturer. Proportions of valid entries across these variables were compared using either the Fisher exact test or χ2 test. RESULTS: Female-specific devices had higher rates of life-threatening outcomes (1.6% versus 0.3%, P < 0.001), disabilities (5.0% versus 4.3%, P < 0.001), and deaths (0.6% versus 0.1%, P < 0.001) compared with the male-specific devices. Of the 8159 devices that were evaluated by the manufacturer, 56% were female specific while 44% were male specific. Female-specific devices were evaluated far less frequently by the manufacturer (4.5% versus 38.2%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Increased adverse events reports for female-specific devices and associated high-grade complications necessitates improved postmarket surveillance.

Early Neurodevelopmental Assessments of Neonates Discharged From the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Physiatrist's Perspective.

The survival rate of children admitted in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) after birth is on the increase; hence, proper evaluation and care of their neurodevelopment has become an important issue. Neurodevelopmental assessments of individual domains regarding motor, language, cognition, and sensory perception are crucial in planning prompt interventions for neonates requiring immediate support and rehabilitation treatment. These assessments are essential for identifying areas of weakness and designing targeted interventions to improve future functional outcomes and the quality of lives for both the infants and their families. However, initial stratification of risk to select those who are in danger of neurodevelopmental disorders is also important in terms of cost-effectiveness. Efficient and robust functional evaluations to recognize early signs of developmental disorders will help NICU graduates receive interventions and enhance functional capabilities if needed. Several age-dependent, domain-specific neurodevelopmental assessment tools are available; therefore, this review summarizes the characteristics of these tools and aims to develop multidimensional, standardized, and regular follow-up plans for NICU graduates in Korea.

Reduction in fat uptake of doughnut by microparticulated wheat bran.

Wheat flour-microparticulated wheat bran (MWB) mixture and composites were prepared, and their potential as an oil repellent was evaluated in doughnuts. As MWB content increased, the oil-holding capacity decreased, and there were significant changes in water-holding capacity (p < 0.05). As MWB content increased, the fat content of doughnuts decreased. In addition, the wheat flour-MWB composite was more effective for preventing fat uptake than the wheat flour-MWB mixture. The hardness of the composite was higher than the mixture, although volume and weight decreased and surface colour became darker than that of the mixture. As the proportion of wheat bran in the doughnut formulation increased, the inner crust achieved a uniform cell size and cellular integrity was improved. Based on these data, wheat flour-MWB composites are appropriate for use in doughnut formulas with low fat uptake.

Characterizing Adverse Events Reporting for an Over-the-Counter Disposable Intravaginal Support Device for Stress Urinary Incontinence.

OBJECTIVES: In recent years, new intravaginal support devices for stress urinary incontinence have been introduced to the market. Although studies have demonstrated their safety and efficacy, few studies have examined adverse events attributed to their use. The objective of this study was to characterize reported adverse events for an over-the-counter intravaginal support device and determine whether further medical treatment was necessary to manage the adverse event. METHODS: We searched the Manufacturer and User Device Experience database from January 2015 to September 2020 for pertinent reported adverse events, which included the unique report key, event date, report date, event text descriptions, and resulting course of treatment. Per Manufacturer and User Device Experience database mandatory requirements, all reports were submitted by the manufacturer within 30 days of receiving the consumer's voluntary submission. RESULTS: A total of 257 reports were included for analysis. The most common reported adverse event was related to the string of the device, which broke with either removal or insertion of the device (230 of 257 [89.5%]). The majority of patients who required medical attention (133 of 257 [51.8%]) were evaluated and managed in the office setting (85 of 133 [63.9%]), whereas 37% (95 of 257) of patients were able to self-treat. CONCLUSIONS: Most complications attributed to device use were self-managed or managed in the outpatient setting. No emergent hospitalizations or deaths were attributed to their use, supporting their generally low-risk profile and high tolerability. Limitations of this review include the inability to decipher a denominator for these reported adverse events and the potential bias attributed to voluntary consumer reporting.

Role of Pessaries in the Treatment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the existing evidence on the efficacy of pessaries in improving quality of life when used for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). DATA SOURCES: We searched for the terms "pelvic organ prolapse" and "pessar/y/ies/ium or vaginal support device," and "safety or safe or outcome or complication or efficacy or effective or effectiveness" in PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL on March 16, 2020. A search was also performed on ClinicalTrials.gov , with no studies fitting our strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: Studies that reported pretreatment and posttreatment mean scores and SDs after pessary treatment for standardized questionnaires were included. Studies performed in pediatric populations, pregnancy, and use of pessaries not for prolapse were excluded. Three reviewers independently screened studies. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Data abstraction was performed according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Data were pooled for meta-analysis when reported by at least three studies. The primary study outcome was change in mean pretreatment and posttreatment questionnaire scores, which included those for the PFDI-20 (Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory- Short Form 20), PFIQ-7 (Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire - Short Form 7), and subscale POPIQ (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Impact Questionnaire Long Form). A random-effects model was used to combine estimates and capture between-study heterogeneity using the I 2 -statistic. Eight studies including 627 patients were included for systematic review. The mean (SD) age was 63.0±12.2 years, and the majority of patients had stage III prolapse (48.1%) followed by stage II prolapse (43.2%) when reported. Although variable, the majority of studies conducted 3-month follow-up. A negative change in pretreatment and posttreatment scores was noted, signifying improvement after pessary use: PFDI-20 mean change -46.1 (95% CI -65.4 to -26.8); PFIQ-7 mean change -36.0 (95% CI -46.0 to -26.0); POPIQ-7 (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Impact Questionnaire-7) mean change -16.3 (95% CI -26.8 to -5.7). No significant heterogeneity was found. CONCLUSION: Based on improvements in standardized questionnaire scores, pessaries are effective treatment options for POP. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO, CRD42020172618.

Characterization of a Novel Implant Intended to Expand and Reshape the Prostatic Urethra for the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Pre-Clinical Feasibility Study in the Canine Model.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety, feasibility, and tissue response of a novel device for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia, using the first-generation Urocross Expander System (Mercury Expander System). METHODS: The implant was deployed and retrieved using flexible cystoscope in 8 adult male canines, separated into three study arms by retrieval date (1-, 6-, and 12- months post-deployment). Cystoscopy and urethrograms verified implant position/diameter; bladder neck and external sphincter function/changes; prostatic tissue response; and implant condition. One-month post-retrieval, the prostate and surrounding tissue was sectioned and evaluated by a veterinary pathologist. RESULTS: All implants were successfully deployed in the prostatic urethra. Urethral width was increased (6.9 ± 1.8 mm to 10.2 ± 0.6 mm, P = .012) and preserved through the dwell period. Urethral length and sphincter diameters didn't significantly change. All subjects (n = 8) remained continent without obstruction or retention. Adverse events included incisional site bleeding (n = 2) and transient hematuria (n = 3). One implant migrated into the bladder and spontaneously repositioned into the prostatic urethra. Post-retrieval, explant surfaces demonstrated no tissue growth, encrustation or stone formation. Imaging revealed contact site erythema and indentation, but no stones, strictures, perforations, erosions, nor ulcerations. Histopathology revealed glandular acinar changes, inflammation, and fibrosis. CONCLUSION: The first generation of the Urocross Expander System demonstrated a favorable safety profile in the canine model. Changes in the prostatic urethra shape were noted with an increase in urethral width during the dwell period with minimal tissue changes. Further, the implant didn't demonstrate any encrustation, tissue growth or stone formation.

Development and Usability Testing of a Mobile Application to Monitor Patient-Reported Outcomes after Stress Urinary Incontinence Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and perform a usability testing of a mobile application (app) with representative users of surgeons and female patients undergoing stress urinary incontinence (SUI) surgery. METHODS: A mobile app was developed with the Medical Device Epidemiology Network (MDEpiNet) High-Performance Integrated Virtual Environment (HIVE) to streamline the collection of patient-reported outcomes following SUI surgery using validated questionnaires. It was designed as a collaborative effort with the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), including patient and surgeon involvement. The app evaluation questions addressed the user's rating on the clarity and length of the questions and the comfort level in using the interface for patients to report post-operative outcomes and surgeons to review them. RESULTS: A total of twenty patients and 5 surgeons tested the mobile app and reported their experience and level of satisfaction. The average patient experience score was 9 out of ten, with ten being the best. Eleven patients (55%) were interested in replacing in-person follow-up visits with the app. The surgeons reported an average user experience score of 8.6 out of ten. Four surgeons (80%) were interested in replacing in-person visits with the app. The combined experience score between all users was 8.9 out of ten. Fifteen out of twenty-five users (60%) showed interest in replacing in-person visits with the app. CONCLUSION: The mobile app for SUI captured important patient-reported outcomes with a high satisfaction reporting from patients and surgeons.

Review of the rechargeable sacral neuromodulation system to treat refractory overactive bladder.

Overactive bladder is a medical condition that requires management. If left untreated, it may severely affect quality of life. When first- and second-line treatments fail, sacral neuromodulation can be a safe and effective option for patients with refractory overactive bladder. This article reviews the rechargeable sacral neuromodulation (Axonics).