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.

Validation of the Spanish version of the Electronic Facial Palsy Assessment (eFACE).

PURPOSE: The clinician-graded electronic facial paralysis assessment (eFACE) is a relatively new digital tool for assessing facial palsy. The present study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of the Spanish version of the eFACE. METHODS: Forward-backward translation from the original English version was performed. Videos and photographs from 65 adult patients with unilateral facial paralysis (any severity, time course, and etiology) were evaluated twice by five otolaryngologists with varying levels of experience in facial palsy evaluation. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach's α and the intra- and inter-rater reliability were measured using intraclass correlation coefficient. Concurrent validity was established by calculating Spearman's rho correlation (ρ) between the eFACE and the House-Brackmann scale (H-B) and Pearson's correlation (r) between the eFACE and the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System (SFGS). RESULTS: The Spanish version of the eFACE showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's α > 0.8). The intra-rater reliability was nearly perfect for the total score (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.95-0.99), static score (0.92-0.96), and dynamic score (0.96-0.99) and important-to-excellent for synkinesis score (0.79-0.96). The inter-rater reliability was excellent for the total score (0.85-0.93), static score (0.80-0.90), and dynamic score (0.90-0.95) and moderate-to-important for the synkinesis score (0.55-0.78). The eFACE had a very strong correlation with the H-B (ρ = - 0.88 and - 0.85 for each evaluation, p < 0.001) and the SFGS (r = 0.92 and 0.91 each evaluation, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The Spanish version of the eFACE is a reliable and valid instrument for assessment of facial function in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with facial paralysis.

Validation of the Spanish version of the Sunnybrook facial grading system.

PURPOSE: The Sunnybrook facial grading system (SFGS) is one of the most widely employed tools to assess facial function. The present study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of the Spanish language version of the SFGS. METHODS: Forward-backward translation from the original English version was performed by fluent speakers of English and Spanish. Videos from 65 patients with facial paralysis (FP) were evaluated twice by five otolaryngologists with experience in FP evaluation. Internal consistency and intra- and inter-rater reliability were assessed. The House-Brackmann scale was used to display concurrent validity which was established by Spearman's rho correlation. RESULTS: The Cronbach's α score exceeded 0.70. The intra-rater intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was nearly perfect for the composite score (0.96-0.99), voluntary movements (0.97-0.99), and synkinesis (0.91-0.98), and important to almost perfect for symmetry at rest (0.79-0.97). In both evaluations, the inter-rater ICC was higher than 0.90 for the composite score (0.92-0.96) and voluntary movements (0.91-0.96) and slightly lower for symmetry at rest (0.66-0.85) and synkinesis (0.72-0.87). A strong negative correlation was found between the H-B scale and SFGS (Spearman's rho coefficient = - 0.92, p < 0.001) in both evaluations. CONCLUSION: The Spanish version of the SFGS is a reliable and valuable instrument for the assessment of facial function in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with FP.

Effect of cochlear implantation on cognitive decline and quality of life in younger and older adults with severe-to-profound hearing loss.

PURPOSE: (a) To measure the change in cognition, the improvement of speech perception, and the subjective benefit in people under and over 60 years following cochlear implantation. (b) To assess the relationship between cognition, demographic, audiometric, and subjective outcomes in both age groups. METHODS: 28 cochlear implant (CI) users were assigned to the < 60y group and 35 to the ≥ 60y group. Cognition was measured using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status for Hearing impaired individuals (RBANS-H); subjective benefit was measured using the Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire (NCIQ); the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI); the Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index (HISQUI19); Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ12); and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). RESULTS: Prior to surgery: the RBANS-H total score positively correlated with the domains "Advanced sound", "Self-esteem", and "Social functioning" of NCIQ, and negatively with HADS scores. 12 months post-implantation: the RBANS-H total score increased in the < 60y (p = 0.038) and in the ≥ 60y group (p < 0.001); speech perception and subjective outcomes also improved; RBANS-H total score positively correlated with "Self-esteem" domain in NCIQ. Age and the RBANS-H total score correlated negatively in the ≥ 60y group (p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: After implantation, both age groups demonstrated improved cognition, speech perception and quality of life. Their depression scores decreased. Age was inversely associated with cognition.

Cognitive Improvement After Cochlear Implantation in Older Adults With Severe or Profound Hearing Impairment: A Prospective, Longitudinal, Controlled, Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the cognitive evolution of older adults with severe or profound hearing impairment after cochlear implantation with that of a matched group of older adults with severe hearing impairment who do not receive a cochlear implant (CI). DESIGN: In this prospective, longitudinal, controlled, and multicenter study, 24 older CI users were included in the intervention group and 24 adults without a CI in the control group. The control group matched the intervention group in terms of gender, age, formal education, cognitive functioning, and residual hearing. Assessments were made at baseline and 14 months later. Primary outcome measurements included the change in the total score on the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status for Hearing impaired individuals score and on its subdomain score to assess cognitive evolution in both groups. Secondary outcome measurements included self-reported changes in sound quality (Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index), self-perceived hearing disability (Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale), states of anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and level of negative affectivity and social inhibition (Type D questionnaire). RESULTS: Improvements of the overall cognitive functioning (p = 0.05) and the subdomain "Attention" (p = 0.02) were observed after cochlear implantation in the intervention group; their scores were compared to the corresponding scores in the control group. Significant positive effects of cochlear implantation on sound quality and self-perceived hearing outcomes were found in the intervention group. Notably, 20% fewer traits of Type D personalities were measured in the intervention group after cochlear implantation. In the control group, traits of Type D personalities increased by 13%. CONCLUSION: Intervention with a CI improved cognitive functioning (domain Attention in particular) in older adults with severe hearing impairment compared to that of the matched controls with hearing impairment without a CI. However, older CI users did not, in terms of cognition, bridge the performance gap with adults with normal hearing after 1 year of CI use. The fact that experienced, older CI users still present subnormal cognitive functioning may highlight the need for additional cognitive rehabilitation in the long term after implantation.

Unpacking negative attitudes towards Moroccans: The interactive effect of ethnicity and gender on perceived morality.

Research on stereotyping has mainly focused on single social categories such as ethnicity or gender. Extending prior work, here we analyse the effects of the intersection of ethnicity and gender on stereotyping considering the descriptive and prescriptive components of positive and negative stereotype dimensions of morality, sociability and competence. We also examine these interaction effects on the stereotypes-emotions-facilitation behavioural tendencies link. Following a 2 × 2 between-subjects design, Spanish participants evaluated Moroccan immigrant (vs. Spaniard) women (vs. men). We found interaction effects only on descriptive moral character: Moroccan men are perceived as less moral than Spanish men, and less moral and more immoral than Moroccan women. Moreover, (im)morality has a driving role in predicting less facilitation tendencies towards Moroccan men (vs. Moroccan women and Spanish men) via positive emotions. Our findings reveal the primacy of (im)morality in social perception and helping intentions towards targets varying on gender and ethnicity.

Does bimodal hearing increase self-assessed abilities and hearing outcomes when compared to unilateral cochlear implantation?

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to compare the applicability and benefit of providing unilateral cochlear implant (CI) users with a contralateral hearing aid (HA).Design: This retrospective (case-control) study was conducted in a hospital-based CI centre. Participants self-assessed their hearing via two questionnaires (SSQ12 and HISQUI19). Objective postoperative speech perception was assessed via aided thresholds and speech perception tests (monosyllabic words, disyllabic words, and sentences) in quiet and noise.Study sample: A CI-only group (n = 113, mean age 55.1 ± 14.2 years) and a bimodal group (n = 50, mean age 56.7 ± 15.2) participated in the study.Results: No significant difference in SSQ12 or HISQUI19 scores was observed between groups. The bimodal group had a significantly better aided hearing level (p = 0.020) and speech discrimination score (p = 0.019).Conclusions: Bimodal (CI + HA) users have significantly better speech understanding than unilateral CI-only users, although this benefit may not be reflected in self-assessed outcomes. Counselling about bimodal hearing must cover expectations about potential benefits.

Cochlear Implant Users with Otosclerosis: Are Hearing and Quality of Life Outcomes Worse than in Cochlear Implant Users without Otosclerosis?

BACKGROUND: The otosclerotic process may influence the performance of the cochlear implant (CI). Difficulty in inserting the electrode array due to potential ossification of the cochlea, facial nerve stimulation, and instability of the results are potential challenges for the CI team. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate hearing results and subjective outcomes of CI users with otosclerosis and to compare them with those of CI users without otosclerosis. METHOD: Retrospective review of 239 adults with bilateral profound postlingual deafness who underwent unilateral cochlear implantation between 1992 and 2017. Hearing and speech understanding were assessed via pure-tone audiometry and speech perception tests. Subjective outcomes were assessed via the Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire (NCIQ), the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI), and the Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index (HISQUI19) at 6 months, 12 months, and at the last follow-up. RESULTS: Subjects were 22 CI users with otosclerosis and 217 without otosclerosis. Both groups had a similar duration of deafness and age at CI implantation. Results did not significantly differ according to group: no significant intergroup difference was found regarding the frequency of complete electrode insertion, facial stimulation, reimplantation, or PTA4 scores at the last follow-up. Regarding speech perception, no significant intergroup difference was found on any test or at any interval. Further, subjective outcomes, as measured by the GBI, NCIQ, and HISQUI19, did not significantly differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Adults with otosclerosis and profound hearing loss derive significant benefit from CI use. Audiological and self-reported outcomes are not significantly different from that of other CI users with postlingual deafness.

Synergistic effect of MoS2 and diamond nanoparticles in electrochemical sensors: determination of the anticonvulsant drug valproic acid.

The authors describe an electrochemical sensor based on the use of diamond nanoparticles (DNPs) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) platelets. The sensor was applied to the voltammetric determination of the anticonvulsant valproic acid which was previously derivatized with ferrocene. The MoS2 platelets were obtained by an exfoliation method, and the DNPs were directly dispersed in water and subsequently deposited on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The sensor response was optimized in terms of the solvent employed for dispersing the MoS2 nanomaterial and the method for modifying the GCE. Sensors consisting of a first layer of MoS2 dispersed in ethanol/water and a second layer of DNPs give better response. The single steps of sensor construction were characterized by atomic force microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The differential pulse voltammetric response of the GCE (measured at +0.18 V vs. Ag/AgCl) was compared to that of sensors incorporating only one of the nanomateriales (DNPs or MoS2). The formation of a hybrid MoS2-DNP structure clearly improves performance. The GCE containing both nanomaterials exhibits high sensitivity (740 µA ⋅ mM-1 ⋅ cm-2), a 0.27 µM detection limit, and an 8% reproducibility (RSD). The sensor retained 99% of its initial response after 45 days of storage. Graphical abstract Electrochemical sensor by co-immobilization of MoS2 and diamond nanoparticles (DNP). The formation of a hybrid MoS2-DNP structure enhances the performance of the sensor towards valproic acid derivatized with a ferrocene group, when compared with sensors incorporating only DNP or MoS2.

Binding Interactions between a Ferrocenylguanidinium Guest and Cucurbit[n]uril Hosts.

The binding interactions between a novel ferrocenylguanidinium derivative (FcG+) and the macrocyclic hosts cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) and cucurbit[8]uril (CB8) were investigated in aqueous solution. 1H NMR spectroscopic experiments indicated that both hosts form stable 1:1 inclusion complexes with FcG+, in which the ferrocenyl group is engulfed by the host cavity. The stoichiometry of the CB7·FcG+ complex was also confirmed by electrospray mass spectrometric (ESI MS) experiments. The association equilibrium constants (K) were determined from NMR competition experiments. The measured K values were 3.5 × 109 and 2.5 × 108 M-1 for CB7 and CB8, respectively, in 50 mM sodium acetate-d3 D2O solution (pD 4.7). DFT computational studies confirmed the 1:1 stoichiometry and the inclusion character of both complexes. Voltammetric experiments were carried out to measure the complexation-induced shifts on the half-wave potentials for the one-electron oxidation of the ferrocenyl moiety. Complexation by CB7 led to a 12 mV anodic shift, while CB8 caused a larger 32 mV shift also in the positive direction. These potential shifts suggest that the delocalization of the positive charge on the side arm over the three nitrogens in the guanidinium unit results in electrochemical behavior similar to that observed with neutral ferrocene derivatives.

I will help you because we are similar: Quality of contact mediates the effect of perceived similarity on facilitative behaviour towards immigrants.

This research aimed to analyse interpersonal behaviour towards immigrants by exploring related psychosocial variables such as intergroup similarity and quality of intergroup contact. A new interpersonal behavioural tendencies scale was developed. In Study 1, Spanish participants reported their willingness to take different actions towards a Moroccan (i.e. a devalued target, n = 132) or an Ecuadorian (i.e. a valued target, n = 138), perceived intergroup similarity and quality of intergroup contact. Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis identified the expected dimensions: active facilitation (AF), passive facilitation (PF), passive harm (PH) and active harm (AH). Participants reported less similarity, less pleasant contact, less AF and less PF, and more PH with respect to Moroccans relative to Ecuadorians. Quality of contact mediated the effect of perceived similarity on interpersonal behaviour (especially facilitative behaviour) towards immigrants. Study 2 (N = 134) confirmed that this mediation effect also applied to Romanian immigrants, and tested a serial mediation pathway, in which perceived similarity affected symbolic threat, which in turn affected quality of contact, which finally affected behaviour. Changing perceived intergroup similarity might be a way of improving the quality of contact with minority groups, and this would be expected to increase pro-social behaviour towards such groups.

Using the HISQUI29 to assess the sound quality levels of Spanish adults with unilateral cochlear implants and no contralateral hearing.

To evaluate cochlear implant (CI) users' self-reported level of sound quality and quality of life (QoL). Sound quality was self-evaluated using the hearing implant sound quality index (HISQUI29). HISQUI29 scores were further examined in three subsets. QoL was self-evaluated using the glasgow benefit inventory (GBI). GBI scores were further examined in three subsets. Possible correlations between the HISQUI29 and GBI were explored. Additional possible correlations between these scores and subjects' pure tone averages, speech perception scores, age at implantation, duration of hearing loss, duration of CI use, gender, and implant type were explored. Subjects derived a "moderate" sound quality level from their CI. Television, radio, and telephone tasks were easier in quiet than in background noise. 89 % of subjects reported their QoL benefited from having a CI. Mean total HISQUI29 score significantly correlated with all subcategories of the GBI. Age at implantation inversely correlated with the total HISQUI29 score and with television and radio understanding. Sentence in noise scores significantly correlated with all sound perception scores. Women had a better mean score in music perception and in telephone use than did men. CI users' self-reported levels of sound quality significantly correlated with their QoL. Cochlear implantation had a beneficial impact on subjects' QoL. Understanding speech is easier in quiet than in noise. Music perception remains a challenge for many CI users. The HISQUI29 and the GBI can provide useful information about the everyday effects of future treatment modalities, rehabilitation strategies, and technical developments.

Reliability and validity of the Spanish Glasgow Benefit Inventory after cochlear implant surgery in adults.

In recent years, the outcome assessment of subjects undergoing otorhinolaryngological (ORL) intervention has relied increasingly upon patient-reported questionnaires. The English Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) is a reliable, sensitive and validated post-intervention questionnaire that is used to determine health-related quality-of-life (QoL) in patients following ORL intervention. The GBI has been translated into eight languages including Spanish. The present study aimed to determine the internal consistency and validity of the Spanish version of the GBI in patients with a cochlear implant (CI). 121 adult Spanish speaking patients with a CI were questioned retrospectively using the Spanish GBI. Reliability of the questionnaire was determined using Cronbach's α coefficient; factor analyses were performed using principal component extraction with orthogonal rotation; and validity was confirmed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. The mean total score (mean ± standard deviation) of the GBI was 35.1 ± 23.6, 47.6 ± 28.9 for General Health, 17.9 ± 33.2 for Social Benefit and 1.7 ± 27.9 for Physical Health. The reliability was above 0.70 in all test domains. Using factor analyses a 4-factor solution that explained 63.2% of the variance was reached. The objective measures: bisyllables tested without lip-reading and without masking were correlated with the total score and the General Health subscales. The Spanish GBI is a reliable and practicable instrument for the assessment of health-related QoL in Spanish adult CI users.

Reliability and validity of the Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire in Spanish.

The Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire (NCIQ) is a specific and quantifiable self-assessment health-related quality of life (QoL) questionnaire. It was developed to determine the subjective benefits of a cochlear implant (CI). The present study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of the NCIQ in Spanish. Seventy-six adult, Spanish speaking, CI users and 28 control subjects answered the NCIQ. Reliability of the questionnaire was determined using Cronbach's α coefficient and the validity established using Pearson's correlation coefficient. All questionnaire respondents performed significantly better in all sub-domains with a cochlear implant than before cochlear implantation. The Cronbach's α score exceeded 0.70 in most sub-domains and the total score. The objective measures: bisyllables tested without lip-reading and with masking; and bisyllables, tested without lip-reading and without masking were correlated with the sub-domain 'advanced sound perception'. To determine health-related QoL the NCIQ in Spanish is a reliable self-assessment questionnaire and a valuable instrument in determining the subjective benefit of a CI.

Gender-typing of leadership: evaluations of real and ideal managers.

This research focuses on female underrepresentation in managerial positions. Specifically, two studies examine gender-typing for managerial roles in Spain using ratings for real and ideal managers. In addition, we analyse the existence of same-gender bias on evaluations of the behavior of actual leaders. In the first study, 195 Spanish workers evaluate the extent to which gender-stereotypical traits are important for becoming a successful middle manager in three conditions (female managers, male managers, and managers in general). In the second study, we explore the degree to which the behavior of real Spanish managers is gender-typed and the existence of same-gender bias on leadership styles - transformational, transactional and avoidant/passive - and on leadership outcomes - effectiveness, extra effort and satisfaction - from the perspective of subordinates (N = 605). Overall, the results demonstrate that masculine characteristics were rated as more important than feminine characteristics for managerial positions, and they were more often assigned to male managers than to female managers. Unexpectedly, this manager-male association is stronger among female participants than among male participants. Our findings also demonstrate that women subordinates evaluate their same-sex supervisors more favorably in transformational leadership, effectiveness, and extra effort. The negative consequences derived from gender-typing managerial positions are highlighted according to the role congruity theory of prejudice toward female leaders. The positive effects of in-group female bias on behavior ratings are also noted. The mixed implications of these results for women's advancement to leadership positions are discussed.

Fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab as first-line treatment in patients with newly diagnosed follicular lymphoma.

UNLABELLED: Fludarabine-based regimens are highly effective as first-line therapy in patients with follicular lymphoma. Nevertheless, noticeable haematological toxicity has been reported using fludarabine-based regimens. AIM: To analyse the combination of low-dose oral fludarabine and cyclophosphamide plus rituximab (FCR) as induction therapy, followed by rituximab as maintenance therapy. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 73 patients diagnosed with low-grade follicular lymphoma treated with two different schemes: attenuated oral (AO) and standard intravenous (SIV) FCR. RESULTS: Overall response rate (ORR) was 95% (complete response rate, CRR 79.5%, partial response, PR 15.4%). CRR was 84.6% in AO vs. 61.9% in SIV (P = 0.058). 44.4% of patients underwent maintenance therapy. Grade 3-4 toxicities included neutropenia: 65.4%; anaemia: 39.7%; thrombocytopenia: five patients; infectious complications: six patients. There were no treatment-related deaths. 6.8% had a secondary malignancy. Progression-free survival (PFS) was 84.6% at 12 yr. The following variables influenced PFS in multivariate analysis: Hb < 12 g/dL [HR 4.7 (95% CI 1.18-18.6)], response after induction [HR 4.9 (95% CI 1.01-24)] for PR vs. CR and [HR 21.27 (95% CI 4.33-104)] for SD/DP vs. CR. OS was 83.1% at 12 yr. The following variables significantly influenced OS in multivariate analysis: not receiving rituximab as maintenance therapy (HR 10.7 (95% CI 1.4-82.5), increased levels of ß2-microglobulin [HR 5.2 (95% CI 1.16-23.7)]. CONCLUSIONS: FCR allowed us to obtain a high response rate, which translated into promising progression free and overall survival with an acceptable and manageable toxicity profile, especially with the attenuated oral scheme.

Acculturation preference profiles of Spaniards and Romanian immigrants: the role of prejudice and public and private acculturation areas.

The main goal of this study was to identify acculturation preference profiles using cluster analysis in public and private areas of culture in the host and immigrant populations, and to find out the relationship between these profiles and prejudice levels. Four hundred and ninety-nine Spaniards and 500 Romanians participated in a survey. The sampling of Spaniards was multistage random and the sampling of Romanians was by quota. The results confirm our predictions. Romanians who are less prejudiced against Spaniards prefer assimilation in public areas and integration in private areas. Romanians who are more prejudiced against Spaniards prefer integration in public areas and separation in private areas. Spaniards who are less prejudiced against Romanians prefer integration in both public and private areas. Spaniards who are more prejudiced against Romanians prefer assimilation in both areas.

Intraoperative assessment of cochlear nerve functionality in various vestibular schwannoma scenarios: Lessons learned.

The use of cochlear implants (CIs) is on the rise for patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS). Besides CI following tumor resection, new scenarios such as implantation in observed and/or irradiated tumors are becoming increasingly common. A significant emerging trend is the need of intraoperative evaluation of the functionality of the cochlear nerve in order to decide if a CI would be placed. The purpose of this paper is to explore the experience of a tertiary center with the application of the Auditory Nerve Test System (ANTS) in various scenarios regarding VS patients. The results are compared to that of the studies that have previously used the ANTS in this condition. Patients with unilateral or bilateral VS (NF2) who were evaluated with the ANTS prior to considering CI in a tertiary center between 2021 and 2023 were analyzed. The presence of a robust wave V was chosen to define a positive electrical auditory brainstem response (EABR). Two patients underwent promontory stimulation (PromStim) EABR previous to ANTS evaluation. Seven patients, 2 NF-2 and 5 with sporadic VS were included. The initial scenario was simultaneous translabyrinthine (TL) tumor resection and CI in 3 cases while a CI placement without tumor resection was planned in 4 cases. The ANTS was positive in 4 cases, negative in 2 cases, and uncertain in one case. Two patients underwent simultaneous TL and CI, 1 patient simultaneous TL and auditory brainstem implant, 3 patients posterior tympanotomy with CI, and 1 patient had no implant placement. In the 5 patients undergoing CI, sound detection was present. There was a good correlation between the PromStim and ANTS EABR. The literature research yielded 35 patients with complete information about EABR response. There was one false negative and one false positive case; that is, the 28 implanted cases with a present wave V following tumor resection had some degree of auditory perception in all but one case. The ANTS is a useful intraoperative tool to asses CI candidacy in VS patients undergoing observation, irradiation or surgery. A positive strongly predicts at least sound detection with the CI.

Has Coranavirus Disease 2019 Changed the Incidence and Outcome of Bell's Palsy?

BACKGROUND: Objectives: (1) To determine whether the incidence of Bell's Palsy (BP) increased during the pandemic. (2) To investigate whether the outcomes of patients with BP and COVID-19 infection or vaccination differ from those in the pre-pandemic era. METHODS: Patients with BP were studied in 2 periods retrospectively (March 2021-March 2022 and August 2018-August 2019). A prospective study from March 2021 to March 2022 was also performed. Primary outcome was grade ≤Ⅱ in the House-Brackmann (HB) and/or >70 in the Sunnybrook facial grading system (SFGS) scales at the 12-week visit. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based SARS-CoV-2 immuonoglobulin G (IgG) test (blood) were measured. RESULTS: About 162 and 196 patients with BP were identified between March 2021 and March 2022 and August 2018 and August 2019, respectively. Forty-seven patients (29%) entered the prospective study; 85% had HB grades I or II, while 92% had an SFGS score of 71-100 at the last visit. Only 3 patients (6.5%) had a positive PCR during the initial episode, whereas 35 patients (77%) had positive IgG SARS-CoV-2. There was no association between positive PCR and facial function outcomes. Of the 162 patients, 105 (67%) had received COVID-19 vaccine. In 23 of them (22%), the paralysis appeared within the first 30 days after a vaccine dose. CONCLUSION: Coronavirus disease 2019 did not increase the incidence of BP. A direct association between the coronavirus and BP outcome cannot be established. The considerable number of patients developing BP within the first month suggests a possible association between COVID-19 vaccines and BP.

Probing the tolerance of cucurbit[7]uril inclusion complexes to small structural changes in the guest.

The binding properties of the cucurbit[7]uril host with three structurally related ferrocene-containing guests, ferrocenyltrimethylammonium, ferrocenylmethyltrimethylammonium and ferrocenylethyltrimethylammonium, have been investigated using (1)H NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, voltammetry and computational methods. The experimental and computational data indicate that the stability of the cucurbit[7]uril inclusion complexes is relatively insensitive to the number of methylenes connecting the trimethylammonium and the ferrocenyl groups, although some of their properties are affected in significant ways.