Weak magnetic vestibular stimulation decreases postural sway.

BACKGROUND: Perceptible galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) causes nystagmus and postural sway deterioration. Conversely, imperceptible GVS improves postural stability, suggesting the presence of stochastic resonance. RESEARCH QUESTION: Similar to GVS, strong magnetic vestibular stimulation of 7 T induces nystagmus and increases body sway. Thus, a relatively small magnetic stimulation may improve postural stability. In this study, we measured the effect of a relatively small magnetic field on postural sway. METHODS: Posturography was performed in eight healthy participants using a stabilometer with foam rubber on board. The center of pressure (COP) trajectories were recorded in both the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions for 60 s with the eye closed. Neodymium magnets (0.4 T) or aluminum disks of similar size (0 T) were placed bilaterally over the mastoid processes. RESULTS: Both the trajectory length and envelopment area of the COP movement with 0.4 T were significantly smaller than those with 0 T. SIGNIFICANCE: The relatively smaller magnetic vestibular stimulation decreased postural sway. This method may be useful for improving the vestibular function and related reflexes.

The Evolution of Three Schizothoracinae Species from Two Major River Systems in Northwest China Based on Otolith Morphology and Skeletal Structure.

Schizothoracinae species are the largest group of Cypriniformes that readily adapt to the natural conditions of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. This group has habitat characteristics and distribution patterns centered on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. To study the evolution of three Schizothoracinae species in Northwest China, the evolutionary characteristics of these species were explored based on differences in otolith morphology and skeletal morphology. From 2020 to 2022, 138 samples (63 Aspiorhynchus laticeps, 35 Diptychus maculatus and 40 Schizothorax pseudaksaiensis) were collected from the Tarim River and Ili River, 6 basic morphological parameters of otoliths were measured and converted into 6 morphological factors and 7 morphological indices. A total of 77 Fourier transform coefficients of each otolith were selected The first three principal components accounted for 92.834% of the total variation in 13 otolith morphological indices of the three Schizothoracinae species, and the overall discrimination rate was 94.20%. According to the principal component analysis of 77 Fourier harmonic values of otoliths, the first 20 principal components explained 97.233% of the total variation, and the overall discrimination rate was 100%. The results of the cluster analysis directly reflected the relationships between related species. The differences in the bone morphology of the three Schizothoracinae species were particularly reflected in the number of whiskers, pharyngeal teeth and vertebrae, and there were also significant differences in the shapes of the sphenotic (SP), pterotic (PTE), preoperculum (PO), branchiostegal ray (BRA) and basibranchial (BB) bones. Their unique morphological and skeletal characteristics are closely related to geological changes and water system evolutionary trends. This study contributes to the understanding of species identification and the evolutionary status of plateau fishes, provides a reference for further evolutionary classification and for assessing the evolutionary mechanisms of plateau fishes, and provides a scientific basis for phylogeny and germplasm resource protection.

Focused Update on Clinical Testing of Otolith Organs.

Sensing gravity through the otolith receptors is crucial for bipedal stability and gait. The overall contribution of the otolith organs to eye movements, postural control, and perceptual functions is the basis for clinical testing of otolith function. With such a wide range of contributions, it is important to recognize that the functional outcomes of these tests may vary depending on the specific method employed to stimulate the hair cells. In this article, we review common methods used for clinical evaluation of otolith function and discuss how different aspects of physiology may affect the functional measurements in these tests. We compare the properties and performance of various clinical tests with an emphasis on the newly developed video ocular counter roll (vOCR), measurement of ocular torsion on fundus photography, and subjective visual vertical or horizontal (SVV/SVH) testing.

Effect of pH on Development of the Zebrafish Inner Ear and Lateral Line: Comparisons between High School and University Settings.

Increasing carbon dioxide levels associated with climate change will likely have a devastating effect on aquatic ecosystems. Aquatic environments sequester carbon dioxide, resulting in acidic conditions that can negatively affect fish development. Increasing climate change impacts in the coming decades will have an outsized effect on younger generations. Therefore, our research had two interconnected goals: 1) understand how aquatic acidification affects the development of zebrafish, and 2) support a high school scientist's ability to address environmental questions of increasing importance to her generation. Working with teachers and other mentors, the first author designed and conducted the research, first in her high school, then in a university research laboratory. Zebrafish embryos were reared in varying pH conditions (6.7-8.2) for up to 7 days. We assessed fish length and development of the inner ear, including the otoliths; structures that depend on calcium carbonate for proper development. Although pH did not affect fish length, fish reared in pH 7.75 had smaller anterior otoliths, showing that pH can impact zebrafish ear development. Furthermore, we demonstrate how zebrafish may be used for high school students to pursue open-ended questions using different levels of available resources.

Otolith radiocarbon signatures provide distinct migration history of walleye pollock around Hokkaido, Japan in the North-Western Pacific.

Trace elements and stable isotope ratios in otoliths have been used as proxies for the migration history of teleosts; however, their application in oceanic fishes remains limited. This study reports the first use of radiocarbons in otoliths to evaluate the horizontal migration histories of an oceanic fish species, the walleye pollock Gadus chalcogrammus. We conducted radiocarbon analyses of three stocks sourced from Hokkaido, Japan. The radiocarbon concentrations from the outermost portion of the otoliths from the Japanese Pacific, Northern Japan Sea (JS), and Southern Okhotsk Sea (OS) stocks were in general agreement with the seawater radiocarbon concentration of the sampling region, suggesting that pollock of all three stocks generally inhabited the within the sea region where each pollocks were sampled throughout their life cycle. However, the radiocarbon signals also provided some indications that some JS and OS stocks may be migrating between different sea regions. The proposed novel approach of reconstructing the individual migration history of marine fish using radiocarbon in otoliths may help examine fish migration with a higher temporal and spatial resolution that could not be achieved by trace elements and stable isotope ratios.

Clinical characteristics and otolith dysfunction in presbyvestibulopathy: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis.

Objective: The Bárány Society recently established diagnostic criteria for presbyvestibulopathy, an age-related bilateral vestibular impairments in older individuals. Drawing upon a cross-sectional database, this study delves into the demographic and clinical features of presbyvestibulopathy patients and investigates the implications of otolith dysfunction. Methods: The study retrospectively analyzed 1218 patients aged 60 years or older who visited the tertiary dizziness clinic in 2020, due to symptoms of dizziness or instability. By reviewing medical records, we gathered clinical information and laboratory vestibular test results, such as cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, and subjective visual vertical. Results: Out of 1218 patients aged 60 and above who reported dizziness or unsteadiness, 33 patients (2.7 %, with an average age of 74.2 ± 9.2 years) were diagnosed with presbyvestibulopathy. Deficiencies in horizontal angular vestibulo-ocular reflex were found in caloric tests (75 %), video head impulse tests (51.7 %), and rotatory chair tests (47.8 %), respectively. Otolith dysfunction was also observed, as shown by abnormal ocular and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials in 62.96 % and 51.85 % of patients, and abnormal subjective visual vertical in 45.8 % of the cases. Conclusions: Among elderly patients experiencing consistent dizziness or instability, the incidence of presbyvestibulopathy was approximately 2.7 % over one year. Alongside the abnormalities detected in the horizontal angular vestibulo-ocular reflex, significant changes were also noted in the ocular and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, as well as in the subjective visual vertical tests. As a result, it's vital to underscore the significance of both otolithic function and vestibulo-ocular reflex in the fundamental mechanisms of presbyvestibulopathy.

Recruitment of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) in northerly UK estuaries indicates a mismatch between spawning and fisheries closure periods.

European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) is a species of high commercial and recreational value, but it exhibits highly variable recruitment rates and has been subject to recent declines. Emergency management measures put in place to protect spawning stocks include the annual closure of commercial and recreational fisheries over a 2-month, February-March, window. Whether this protection measure is having the desired outcome for this data-poor species remains unclear. Otolith microstructural analyses (counts and widths of daily growth rings and check marks indicative of settlement) were used to estimate (1) spawn timing, (2) pelagic larval duration and settlement timing, (3) growth rate and condition, and (4) the otolith-fish size relationship for juvenile European sea bass caught from two estuaries in Wales (Dwyryd, Y Foryd), located at the northern edge of the species range. We observed a significant mismatch between the timing of fisheries closures and the spawning, with 99.2% of recruits having been spawned after the fishery had reopened (back-calculated median spawn date = May 5 ± 17 days SD), suggesting that the closure may be too early to adequately protect this population. Further, we present the first empirically derived estimates of pelagic larval duration for sea bass recruits settling in UK habitats, which showed a strong negative relationship with spawn date. Finally, we found significant differences in fish condition between the two estuaries, suggesting local variation in habitat quality. The results suggest that the timing of current fisheries closures may not be adequately protecting the spawners supplying these northernmost estuaries, which are likely to become increasingly important as sea bass distributions shift northward in our climate future.

Development of a Subjective Visual Vertical Test System Using a Smartphone With Virtual Reality Goggles for Screening of Otolithic Dysfunction: Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: The subjective visual vertical (SVV) test can evaluate otolith function and spatial awareness and is performed in dedicated vertigo centers using specialized equipment; however, it is not otherwise widely used because of the specific equipment and space requirements. An SVV test smartphone app was developed to easily perform assessments in outpatient facilities. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to verify whether the SVV test smartphone app with commercially available virtual reality goggles can be used in a clinical setting. METHODS: The reference range was calculated for 15 healthy participants. We included 14 adult patients with unilateral vestibular neuritis, sudden sensorineural hearing loss with vertigo, and Meniere disease and investigated the correlation between the SVV test results and vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) results. RESULTS: The SVV reference range of healthy participants for the sitting front-facing position was small, ranging from -2.6º to 2.3º. Among the 14 patients, 6 (43%) exceeded the reference range for healthy participants. The SVV of patients with vestibular neuritis and sudden sensorineural hearing loss tended to deviate to the affected side. A total of 9 (64%) had abnormal cervical VEMP (cVEMP) values and 6 (43%) had abnormal ocular VEMP (oVEMP) values. No significant difference was found between the presence or absence of abnormal SVV values and the presence or absence of abnormal cVEMP and oVEMP values; however, the odds ratios (ORs) suggested a higher likelihood of abnormal SVV values among those with abnormal cVEMP and oVEMP responses (OR 2.40, 95% CI 0.18-32.88; P>.99; and OR 2, 95% CI 0.90-4.45; P=.46, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The SVV app can be used anywhere and in a short period while reducing directional bias by using virtual reality goggles, thus making it highly versatile and useful as a practical otolith dysfunction screening tool.

Efficacy of 100 hz sound stimulation on saccular dysfunction in meniere's disease.

BACKGROUND: Although various medical remedies have been attempted to alleviate the symptoms of Meniere's disease (MD), the risk-benefit ratios of these various treatments remain debatable. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the efficacy of sound stimulation of 100 Hz for treating vestibular dysfunction in patients with Meniere's disease (MD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with definitive MD with intractable vestibular symptoms and endolymphatic hydrops (EH) in the inner ear were evaluated. The experimental group received sound stimulation of 75 dB at a frequency of 100 Hz for 5 min, and the control group received sound stimulation of 75 dB at a frequency of 250 Hz for 5 min. Cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs) were measured before and after each sound stimulation, and the results of the clinical tests were compared between the two patient groups. RESULTS: Significant increases in cVEMP amplitudes were observed after sound stimulation of 100 Hz in ears with vestibular endolymphatic hydrops, although no such improvement was observed in the control group. CONCLUSION: Sound stimulation of 75 dB at a frequency of 100 Hz leads to improvement in cVEMP amplitude in patients with definitive MD. Adequate sound stimulation might be a new method for treating vestibular dysfunction associated with MD.

Assessments of Subjective Visual Gravity and Spontaneous Nystagmus in Patients With Vestibular Neuritis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the correlation between the spontaneous nystagmus (SN) and the subjective visual vertical/horizontal (SVV/SVH) among patients with vestibular neuritis (VN) at the different head positions. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. METHODS: This study evaluated the SVV/SVH in both healthy subjects and patients with VN. These evaluations were performed in 5 different head positions: upright, 45° tilt to the left, 90° tilt to the left, 45° tilt to the right, and 90° tilt to the right. Additionally, the intensity of SN, as measured by slow-phase velocity, was recorded. RESULTS: In patients with VN, a significant correlation was observed between SN and SVV/SVH in an upright position. The intensity of SN was higher when the head was tilted 90° toward the affected side compared to other positions. The SVV/SVH displayed an ipsiversive shift, when the head was tilted toward both the lesion and unaffected sides, exhibiting a contraversive direction. Furthermore, the changes in position-induced SN were consistent with the displacements of SVV and SVH caused by head tilt. CONCLUSION: The presence of SN in patients with VN was observed to vary across different head position. These variations could potentially be attributed to the diverse activation patterns of the mechanical properties of otolith organs that are induced by head tilts.

Urbanization effects on growth and otolith asymmetry in Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus and Oreochromis niloticus within tropical coastal lagoon watersheds.

In this study, we investigated the growth dynamics and otolith shape asymmetry of two fish species, Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus (CN) and Oreochromis niloticus (ON), within urbanized watersheds of the southern lagoon system, Nigeria. Using the von Bertalanffy growth model (VBGM), in addition to sediment metal concentration indices such as the average shale content, index of geoaccumulation (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), and potential ecological risk (PER) index, contamination levels were classified, and ecological risks were assessed. Notably, a lower growth potential (t0) was observed in CN at Ikorodu than at Epe, with similar trends for ON in the Epe during the dry season. Otolith asymmetry patterns, particularly in the CN at Ikorodu and ON in the Epe during the dry season, exhibited distinct ecological variations, indicating heightened stress levels at Ikorodu. Sediment analyses revealed moderate to strong contamination (Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cr) in both Lagos Lagoon (Ikorodu) and Epe Lagoon, with Ikorodu exhibiting notably high to moderate contamination levels according to the CF index. Elevated PLI values for Cd and Pb in Ikorodu, in addition to greater PER, indicated increased risk, with Cd posing a high risk (61.42%) and Pb posing a moderate risk (49.50%). Additionally, the reduced asymptotic length in the Epe during the dry season suggests that Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus is adaptable to seasonal variations, while divergent growth patterns in both areas indicate the existence of trade-off mechanisms in response to changing conditions. Habitat-specific otolith asymmetry and metal contamination underscore species adaptability, with wider stressor variability in Lagos than in Epe. Furthermore, multidimensional scaling analysis highlights the intricate relationship between otolith shape variables and environmental factors, emphasizing the need for tailored conservation efforts in urbanized watersheds.

Intra-individual consistency of vestibular perceptual thresholds.

Vestibular perceptual thresholds quantify sensory noise associated with reliable perception of small self-motions. Previous studies have identified substantial variation between even healthy individuals' thresholds. However, it remains unclear if or how an individual's vestibular threshold varies over repeated measures across various time scales (repeated measurements on the same day, across days, weeks, or months). Here, we assessed yaw rotation and roll tilt thresholds in four individuals and compared this intra-individual variability to inter-individual variability of thresholds measured across a large age-matched cohort each measured only once. For analysis, we performed simulations of threshold measurements where there was no underlying variability (or it was manipulated) to compare to that observed empirically. We found remarkable consistency in vestibular thresholds within individuals, for both yaw rotation and roll tilt; this contrasts with substantial inter-individual differences. Thus, we conclude that vestibular perceptual thresholds are an innate characteristic, which validates pooling measures across sessions and potentially serves as a stable clinical diagnostic and/or biomarker.

Otolith morphogenesis during the early life stages of fish is temperature-dependent: Validation by experimental approach applied to European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax).

Otolith shape is often used as a tool in fish stock identification. The goal of this study was to experimentally assess the influence of changing temperature and ontogenic evolution on the shape component of the European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) otolith during early-life stages. A total of 1079 individuals were reared in a water temperature of 16°C up to 232 days post hatch (dph). During this experiment, several specimens were transferred into tanks with a water temperature of 21°C to obtain at the end of this study four different temperature treatments, each with varying ratios between the number of days at 16 and 21°C. To evaluate the otolith morphogenesis, samples were examined at 43, 72, 86 and 100 dph. The evolution of normalized otolith shape from hatching up to 100 dph showed that there were two main successive changes. First, faster growth in the antero-posterior axis than in the dorso-ventral axis changed the circular-shaped otolith from that observed at hatching and, second, increasing the complexity relating to the area between the rostrum and the anti-rostrum. To test the effect of changing temperature, growing degree-day was used in three linear mixed-effect models. Otolith morphogenesis was positively correlated to growing degree-day, but was also dependent on temperature level. Otolith shape is influenced by environmental factors, particularly temperature, making it an efficient tool for fish stock identification.

Incorporating otolith-isotope inferred field metabolic rate into conservation strategies.

Fluctuating ocean conditions are rearranging whole networks of marine communities-from individual-level physiological thresholds to ecosystem function. Physiological studies support predictions from individual-level responses (biochemical, cellular, tissue, respiratory potential) based on laboratory experiments. The otolith-isotope method of recovering field metabolic rate has recently filled a gap for the bony fishes, linking otolith stable isotope composition to in situ oxygen consumption and experienced temperature estimates. Here, we review the otolith-isotope method focusing on the biochemical and physiological processes that yield estimates of field metabolic rate. We identify a multidisciplinary pathway in the application of this method, providing concrete research goals (field, modeling) aimed at linking individual-level physiological data to higher levels of biological organization. We hope that this review will provide researchers with a transdisciplinary 'roadmap', guiding the use of the otolith-isotope method to bridge the gap between individual-level physiology, observational field studies, and modeling efforts, while ensuring that in situ data is central in marine policy-making aimed at mitigating climatic and anthropogenic threats.

The incorporation of strontium and barium into the otoliths of the flounder Paralichthys olivaceus at early life stages demonstrates resilience to ocean acidification.

Ocean acidification could modify the bioavailability and chemical properties of trace elements in seawater, which could affect their incorporation into the calcareous structures of marine organisms. Fish otoliths, biomineralized ear stones made by aragonite, are suspended within the endolymph fluid of teleosts, indicating that the elemental incorporation of otoliths might also be susceptible to ocean acidification. In this study, we evaluated the combined effects of CO2-induced ocean acidification (pH 8.10, 7.70, and 7.30, corresponding to ocean acidification scenarios under the representative concentration pathway 8.5 model as projected by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) and water elemental concentrations of strontium (Sr) and barium (Ba; low, medium, and high) on elemental incorporation into otoliths of the flounder Paralichthys olivaceus at early life stages. Our results revealed that the elemental incorporation of Sr and Ba into otoliths was principally dependent on the corresponding water elemental concentrations rather than on ocean acidification. Moreover, the partition coefficients (DMe) of Sr and Ba may stabilize after dynamic equilibrium is reached as the water elemental concentration increases, but are not affected by ocean acidification. Therefore, the incorporation of Sr and Ba into otoliths of the flounder at early life stages may not serve as an effective indicator of ocean acidification. In other words, the findings suggest that ocean acidification does not impact the incorporation of Sr and Ba incorporation into otoliths when tracing the temperature or salinity experiences of the flounder. Our findings will provide new knowledge for understanding the potential ecological effects of ocean acidification on the recruitment dynamics of fish species.

Migratory history of the threespine stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus in western Ireland.

Microchemical analysis of trace elements in otoliths and bio-mineralised earstones of teleost fishes is an emerging approach to analysing the environmental migratoryand life histories of fish species. The migration history of the three-spine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) collected in western Ireland was examined using calcium (Ca) and strontium (Sr) concentrations in otoliths. The otolith Sr:Ca values fluctuated with the habitat. The habitat use and migration history of G. aculeatus can be categorised into two types, as determined by the mean value and life history transect of the otolith Sr:Ca; that is, freshwater and estuarine residents, whereas there were no anadromous sticklebacks which is believed to be a typical migration pattern in the species. The otolith Sr:Ca profiles of the freshwater resident fishes exhibited constantly low Sr:Ca values, averaging 0.41-0.58 × 10-3 from the core towards the edge. However, the otolith Sr:Ca profiles of the estuarine resident fishes exhibited constantly high Sr:Ca values from the core towards the edge without a clear transition point from low to high Sr:Ca values, as found in the anadromous fish, averaging 1.82-4.26 × 10-3. The present study is the first published confirmation that 100 % of sticklebacks living in coastal habitats in Ireland > have an estuarine resident migratory pattern, constantly residing in marine environments or brackish water throughout their lifespan and not in freshwater environments in Ireland.

Mutant analysis of Kcng4b reveals how the different functional states of the voltage-gated potassium channel regulate ear development.

The voltage gated (Kv) slow-inactivating delayed rectifier channel regulates the development of hollow organs of the zebrafish. The functional channel consists of the tetramer of electrically active Kcnb1 (Kv2.1) subunits and Kcng4b (Kv6.4) modulatory or electrically silent subunits. The two mutations in zebrafish kcng4b gene - kcng4b-C1 and kcng4b-C2 (Gasanov et al., 2021) - have been studied during ear development using electrophysiology, developmental biology and in silico structural modelling. kcng4b-C1 mutation causes a C-terminal truncation characterized by mild Kcng4b loss-of-function (LOF) manifested by failure of kinocilia to extend and formation of ectopic otoliths. In contrast, the kcng4b-C2-/- mutation causes the C-terminal domain to elongate and the ectopic seventh transmembrane (TM) domain to form, converting the intracellular C-terminus to an extracellular one. Kcng4b-C2 acts as a Kcng4b gain-of-function (GOF) allele. Otoliths fail to develop and kinocilia are reduced in kcng4b-C2-/-. These results show that different mutations of the silent subunit Kcng4 can affect the activity of the Kv channel and cause a wide range of developmental defects.

Post-settlement dynamics of Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus in Tango Bay: Seasonal patterns in growth, mortality, and recruitment potential.

Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus is one of the most valuable coastal flatfish species in East Asia. To investigate post-settlement growth and mortality, juveniles were sampled in Tango Bay (Japan) weekly throughout the settlement period in 2007 and 2008. Otolith (lapillus) microstructure analysis enabled the categorization of juveniles into six biweekly cohorts each year. Later cohorts exhibited higher growth rates possibly because of higher water temperatures. A key observation was the direct relationship between high mortality and high density in mid-season cohorts in both years, pointing to density-dependent mortality. This increased mortality may be attributed to predation, including cannibalism by earlier cohorts. Furthermore, growth-selective mortality was evident soon after settlement, underscoring the vulnerability of slow growers to predation during the early juvenile stage. Although earlier and later cohorts were less abundant but showed promising recruitment potential, the prospective contribution of mid-season cohorts to the adult population remained uncertain. The results clearly highlight the importance of density-dependent mortality in population regulation in post-settlement Japanese flounder.

[Practical instructions for recording vestibular evoked myogenic potentials]. / Praktische Hinweise zur Messung vestibulär evozierter myogener Potenziale.

Recording of vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) is a well-established method for functional diagnostics of the otolith organs. VEMPs are vestibular reflexes of the sacculus und utriculus to acoustic stimulation by air-conducted sound or bone-conducted vibration and are recorded by surface electrodes from the cervical (cVEMP) and ocular (oVEMP) muscles. The results of VEMP recordings are part of the neuro-otologic test battery and enable diagnosis of various vestibular disorders or differentiation between non-vestibular and peripheral vestibular vertigo. However, the methods for recording VEMPs vary substantially, although recording and stimulation parameters as well as methods of data analysis have a significant influence on the results. This article provides an overview of recommended parameters as well as practical instructions for the recording, analysis, and interpretation of VEMPs.