Matching the pitch perception of the cochlear implanted ear with the contralateral ear in patients with single-sided deafness: a novel approach.

PURPOSE: Single-sided deaf patients following cochlear implantation often compare the sound quality of their implanted ear with normal hearing. The interaural differences can result in dissatisfaction with speech comprehension and reduced time of usage of the speech processor; hence, prolonging auditory adaptation time. The proposed calibration method presented in this study demonstrates how the frequency distribution of the cochlear implant can be set to adequately approximate the pitch perception of the contralateral normal hearing ear towards improving speech intelligibility in a noisy environment. METHODS: In 12 postlingual single-sided deaf patients, subjective interaural pitch-matching was carried out to determine new central frequencies for the reallocation of the frequency bands of their speech processor (CP910, CP950 or CP1000, Cochlear, Australia). The patients were asked to compare the pitch of the tones presented to their normal hearing ear to the pitch of individual channels of their cochlear implant (CI522 or CI622, Cochlear, Australia). A third-degree polynomial curve was fit to the acquired matching frequencies to create the new frequency allocation table. Audiological measurements (free-field aided thresholds, speech reception thresholds, and monosyllabic word recognition score) in noise, together with a Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ12) questionnaire (short version of the original SSQ) results were evaluated prior to the pitch-matching procedure, and again, 2 weeks later. RESULTS: The free-field aided thresholds of the patients showed no greater shift than ± 5 dB following the procedure; however, their monosyllabic word recognition score in noise improved significantly (mean - 9.58%, SD 4.98%, matched pairs t test comparison: p < 0.001). The results of the SSQ12 questionnaire also showed significant improvement in speech intelligibility, sound localization, and sound quality (mean 0.96 points, SD 0.45 points, matched pairs t test comparison: p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Matching the pitch perception of the implanted cochlea with the sensation of the normal hearing contralateral ear, resulted in significant changes in the quality of hearing in patients with single-sided deafness. It is plausible the procedure can usher positive results in bimodal patients or following sequential bilateral cochlear implantation.

Endoscopic type I tympanoplasty is as effective as microscopic type I tympanoplasty but less invasive-A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic type I tympanoplasty was originally introduced in the 1990s, and the extensive spread of this practice can be easily observed. The conventional technique performed involves the repair of a tympanic membrane perforation, and is defined as microscopic type I tympanoplasty. OBJECTIVE OF REVIEW: The aim of this study was the comparison of postoperative outcomes of both the endoscopic and the microscopic type I tympanoplasty. TYPE OF REVIEW: We conducted a meta-analysis in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. SEARCH STRATEGY: A systematic literature search was performed in the databases of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Clarivate Analytics-Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, World Health Organization Library, and Scopus by inserting, 'myringoplasty OR (tympanoplasty AND perforation)' into the search query. We applied only a 'human' filter. We excluded non-English studies. Additional records were identified by checking the references of relevant studies. EVALUATION METHOD: Comparative studies were included in our analysis. We calculated the pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for dichotomous outcomes and weighted mean difference (WMD) with a 95% CI for continuous outcomes. Additionally, we assessed the risk of bias and estimated the quality of evidence for each outcome. RESULTS: Our systematic search yielded 16 studies (involving 1179 interventions), eligible for analysis. The pooled graft uptake rate (OR: 1.21, CI: 0.82-1.77; I2  = 0.0%), the postoperative hearing results (WMD = -1.13; 95% CI: -2.72-0.45; I2  = 78.1%) and the operation time (WMD = -21.11; 95% CI: -42.60-0.38; I2  = 99.3%), were all comparable amongst the two techniques. In contrast, the endoscopic type I tympanoplasty outperforms when regarding the pooled canaloplasty rate (OR = 7.96; 95% CI: 4.30-14.76; I2  = 0.0%, P = 1.000) and features an increase in desirable cosmetic results (OR = 19.29; 95% CI: 11.37-32.73; I2  = 0.0%, P = 0.839), when compared with the microscopic approach. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our meta-analysis, the surgical outcomes of endoscopic type I tympanoplasty in terms of graft uptake rate, postoperative hearing results and operation time were comparable to the microscopic type I tympanoplasty. In regards to cosmetics, an increase in desirable results was achieved in the endoscopic group, particularly the incidence of canaloplasty which proved to be significantly lower.

Clinical benefits of polyurethane nasal packing in endoscopic sinus surgery.

The benefits of nasal packing after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) are still debated in the literature. Our aims were to evaluate the efficacy, and the clinical effects of a totally degradable nasal dressing used after ESS. Thirty patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled study. Every patient underwent ESS and a polyurethane nasal dressing was used in one nasal fossa and the contralateral fossa was left unpacked. The extent of mucosal edema, crust formation, bleeding tendency, presence of synechiae, amount of nasal discharge, and the patency of the ostiomeatal complex (OMC) was evaluated during nasal endoscopy on the first, fourth, and twelfth postoperative weeks. All clinical findings were statistically analyzed. Endoscopy showed a significant improvement in the patency of the OMC on the side with resorbable material at 4 weeks after surgery. Follow-up at week 12 showed that in addition to the OMC patency scores, synechia formation and nasal discharge were also significantly improved in the packed fossa. Polyurethane packing is an effective alternative for nasal packing following functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

Comparative analysis of preoperative diagnostic values of HRCT and CBCT in patients with histologically diagnosed otosclerotic stapes footplates.

This prospective case review was performed with the aim to compare and asses the diagnostic values of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in the preoperative evaluation of otosclerosis. A total of 43 patients with histologically confirmed stapedial otosclerosis, who underwent unilateral stapedectomies were analyzed. Preoperative temporal bone CBCT and HRCT scans were performed in all cases. Both CBCT and HRCT imaging were characterized by a slice thickness of 0.4-0.625 mm and multiplanar image reconstruction. Histopathologic examination of the removed stapes footplates was performed in all cases. Findings of CBCT and HRCT were categorized according to the modified Marshall's grading system (fenestral or retrofenestral lesions). Histopathologic results were correlated with multiplanar reconstructed CBCT and HRCT scans, respectively. Negative control groups for CBCT (n = 36) and HRCT (n = 27) examinations consisted of patients, who underwent CBCT imaging due to various dental disorders or HRCT analysis due to idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Histologically active foci of otosclerosis (n = 31, 72 %) were identified by both CBCT and HRCT in all cases with a sensitivity of 100 %. However, CBCT could not detect histologically inactive otosclerosis (n = 12, 23 %; sensitivity 0 %). In contrast, HRCT showed inactive otosclerosis with a sensitivity of 59.3 %. According to CBCT results, no retrofenestral lesions were found and the overall sensitivity for hypodense lesions was 61.37 %. In conclusion, CBCT is a robust imaging method in the detection of histologically active fenestral hypodense foci of otosclerosis with high sensitivity and radiologic specificity. In the light of these results, HRCT still remains the basic imaging method in the preoperative diagnosis of otosclerosis, since it has much greater sensitivity and specificity in the detection of retrofenestral hypodense lesions and histologically inactive otosclerotic foci in the oval window niche.

Comparison of hearing results following the use of NiTiBOND versus Nitinol prostheses in stapes surgery: a retrospective controlled study reporting short-term postoperative results.

The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the 3-month postoperative hearing results following laser stapedotomy with the use of NiTiBOND versus Nitinol prostheses (31 and 39 patients, respectively). The operations were performed between September 2012 and September 2014, and between March 2006 and December 2012 regarding NiTiBOND and Nitinol, respectively. Twenty of the consecutive 31 patients were female and 11 were male for NiTiBOND, while 11 were male and 28 were female for Nitinol. The mean age was 43.8 years (range 22-61) and 46.9 years (range 28-83) for NiTiBOND and Nitinol, respectively. No significant cochlear trauma was documented postoperatively. The mean air-bone gap (ABG) for the frequencies 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 kHz at the 3-month postoperative follow-up was 7.6 dB (SD 4.7), and 9.3 dB (SD 4.1) for NiTiBOND and Nitinol, respectively. The differences between the mean pre- (p = 0.179), and postoperative (p = 0.059) ABG of the two groups were not significant. ABG closure within 10 dB was achieved in 77.4 and 59 % for NiTiBOND and Nitinol, respectively, the difference was not significant (p = 0.10). Two cases of delayed facial paralysis occurred, 1 with Nitinol and 1 with the NiTiBOND. All patients attained an ABG <20 dB following surgery. Laser stapedotomy with the application of either heat-memory piston prosthesis allowed an easy and minimally invasive approach with excellent short-term hearing results when the NiTiBOND prosthesis was applied. Laser application allowed manipulation in a bloodless environment and avoided manual crimping of the incus.

[CLOSURE OF NASOCRANIAL FISTULAS WITH "BATH-PLUG" TECHNIQUE AND MULTILAYER RECONSTRUCTION]. / NASOCRANIALIS FISTULÁK ZÁRÁSA "KÁDDUGÓ" TECHNIKÁVAL ÉS TÖBBRÉTEGU REKONSTRUKCIÓVAL.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In case of dehiscenses developing on the anterior scull base, complete closure resulting in the cessation of the communication between the nasal cavity and the intracranial space is mandatory as soon as possible, in order to prevent serious complications. With the development of the endoscopic techniques, the endonasal management for the reconstruction has become available in recent decades. METHODS: We aim to present the reconstruction techniques applied in our department in the cases of two patients recently operated at our institute. The choice of methods primarily depends on the size and the localization of the defect. Dehiscenses under 5 mm of diameter can be closed with the so called "bath-plug" technique, while bigger defects, where the required closure of the plug is not possible, can be solved with multilayer reconstruction. We use autogenous fascia, fat and muco-periosteum in both cases. RESULTS: Our patient, who underwent the aforementioned "bath-plug" procedure, could be discharged after a few days of uneventful postoperative period. During a ten-month follow-up period new fistula formation was not observed. In the case of a patient who underwent multilayer reconstruction, meningitis occurred postoperatively, which was resolved after antibiotic therapy. During a 17-month follow-up period recurrent liquorrhoea did not occur. CONCLUSION: With suitable technical background and appropriate endoscopic skills the surgeries of the anterior skull base cerebrospinal fluid fistulas can be performed efficiently and with low complication rate. These are minimally invasive procedures accompanied by less surgical trauma, morbidity and shorter hospitalization, hence these techniques are considered to be cost-effective and well-tolerated for the patients.

Diagnostic value of cone-beam CT in histologically confirmed otosclerosis.

This retrospective case review was performed with the aim to asses the value of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the preoperative diagnosis of otosclerosis. A total of 32 patients with histologically confirmed stapedial otosclerosis, who underwent unilateral stapedectomies were analyzed. Preoperative temporal bone CBCT scans were performed in all cases. CBCT imaging was characterized by a slice thickness of 0.3 mm and multiplanar image reconstruction. Histopathologic examination of the removed stapes footplates was performed in all cases. Findings of CBCT were categorized according to Marshall's grading system (from grade 0 to grade 3). Histopathologic results were correlated to multiplanar reconstructed CBCT scans, respectively. Histologically active foci of otosclerosis (n = 21) were identified by CBCT in all cases with a sensitivity of 100 %. However, CBCT was unable to detect histologically inactive otosclerosis (n = 11, sensitivity = 0 %). According to CBCT scans, no retrofenestral lesions were found and all positive cases were recruited into the grade 1 group indicating solely fenestral lesions at the anterior pole of stapes footplates. In conclusion, CBCT is a reliable imaging method with considerably lower radiation dose than high-resolution CT (HRCT) in the preoperative diagnosis of otosclerosis. These results indicate that CBCT has high sensitivity and specificity in the detection of hypodense lesions due to histologically active otosclerosis.

KTP laser stapedotomy with a self-crimping, thermal shape memory Nitinol piston: follow-up study reporting intermediate-term hearing.

The aim of this study was an evaluation of the mid-term hearing results after the implantation of a self-crimping heat memory Nitinol piston in stapes surgery. The 12-month postoperative results were compared with those at a minimum of 3 years (maximum 6.7, average 4.4 years). The medical records of all 44 patients who underwent surgery with a Nitinol piston for stapes fixation between November 2005 and January 2007 were evaluated retrospectively. The prostheses used in all cases measured either 4.5 or 4.75 × 0.6 mm. We hypothesized that the 12-month postoperative hearing results would be permanent after an average follow-up of 4.4 years. Thirty-two of the 44 consecutive patients were females and 12 were males. Their mean age was 40.4 years (range 27-69). All underwent a 12-month postoperative audiometric evaluation. 38 (30 females, 8 males, average age 45, range 28-77 years) of the 44 were available for mid-term 4.4-year (minimum 3 years, maximum 6.7 years) postoperative audiometric evaluation. The mean air-bone gap (ABG) for the frequencies 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 kHz at the 12-month postoperative follow-up was 11 dB (SD 4.1) and that after an average 4.4-year postoperative evaluation was 6.4 dB (SD 3.6). The mean decrease in ABG after 12 months was 19.5 dB, and that after the average 4.4 years was 21.3 dB. ABG closure within 10 dB was achieved in 77.2 % after 12 months and in 89.5 % after the average 4.4 years. No patient with an ABG > 20 dB was recorded after the average 4.4 years. The mean air conduction threshold at 4 kHz was examined pre and postoperatively so as to indicate any possible inner ear damage. At the 12-month follow-up, the difference between the pre and postoperative values was -2.5 dB, whereas after the average 4.4 years the difference was surprisingly +13 dB. The individual AC improvements were also demonstrated with the use of Amsterdam Hearing Evaluation Plots (AHEPs). The Nitinol prosthesis allowed excellent intraoperative handling and no postoperative complication was reported. As compared with conventional stapes prostheses, the Nitinol-based SMart prosthesis is a safe and reliable stapes prosthesis. Our mid-term audiometric evaluations revealed that the audiometric parameters demonstrated a hearing improvement between the postoperative 12-month and average 4.4-year examinations. We consider the elimination of manual crimping and the use of a "non-touch" hand-held laser technique has a positive impact on the mid-term audiometric results. Most of the previous studies presented only relatively short-term (from 6 weeks up to 6-12 months) audiometric evaluations. Complications are rare, but a longer follow-up is needed to establish the long-term stability.

[MicroRNA expression profiles in squamous cell carcinomas of the meso- and hypopharynx]. / Mikro-RNS-expressziós mintázatok mesopharynx-hypopharynx laphámcarcinomákban.

INTRODUCTION: MicroRNAs play a role in carcinogenesis through their genome regulatory function. AIM: The aim of the authors was to identify and compare microRNA expression signatures of meso- and hypopharynx squamous cell cancers on the basis of the cancer field hypothesis. METHOD: Using standard mapping biopsy (tumour tissue and macroscopically normal tissues obtained 1, 2 and 3 cm from margin) 13 snap frozen sample series were analysed for microRNA expression with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: MiR-221 was significantly overexpressed in mesopharynx cancers, whole miR-21, miR-143 and miR-155 showed significant overexpression in hypopharynx cancers. CONCLUSIONS: Using microRNA expression profiles the authors were able to distinguish peritumoural tissues according to distance from the primary tumour site. Future application of the method may prove to be useful in early detection of the altered epigenetic regulation in tissue fields representing normal phenotype. This may be helpful in cancer risk assessment and prevention.

Use of bone pate and bioactive glass granules for mastoid obliteration in cholesteatoma surgery / Mastoidobliterációhoz használt csontpor és bioaktív üveggranulátum a cholesteatoma sebészetében

Introduction and objective: Mastoid obliteration technique combines the advantages of canal wall-up (CWU) and canal wall-down (CWD) approaches in the surgery of chronic suppurative otitis media with cholesteatoma. We aim to demonstrate our experience with mastoid obliteration technique using bone dust and BonAlive® (S53P4) bioactive glass granule in a comparative prospective clinical study. Patients and methods: Between 1st of March 2012 and 31st of November 2021, mastoid obliteration surgery was performed in 14 patients using bone dust (7 cases) and BonAlive® granule (7 cases). Prior to these interventions, the patients had undergone more than three ear surgeries (CWU and CWD) generally in both groups. Changes of complaints, audiological results, and changes in quality of life were analysed in both groups, postoperatively. Results: Having performed the mastoid obliteration technique, cochlear damage did not occur in either patient group. Long-term ear discharge and vertigo were occasionally observed after performing obliteration with bone dust. However, these complaints disappeared after a while. Complications were not reported in the case of obliteration with BonAlive®. Outstanding improvement was experienced in both groups. Conclusion: In our practice, mastoid obliteration surgery, using either bone dust or BonAlive® granule, has proved to

Surgical solution of selective epitympanic dysventilation syndrome / A szelektív epitympanalis dysventilatiós szindróma mutéti megoldása

The selective epitympanic dysventilation syndrome is a new theory of the cholesteatoma formation, the description of which was allowed by a minimally invasive surgical technique ­ the transcanal endoscopic ear surgery ­ some years ago. The transcanal endoscopic ear surgery provided the possibility of a certain amount of detailed anatomical knowledge to identify the new factor behind this process, namely obstruction of the ventilation pathways of the middle ear. Our goal was to draw the ear surgeons' attention to this clinical picture as cholesteatoma development and subsequent worsening of the quality of life caused by ear discharge and conductive hearing loss may be reversible or preventable. We make the syndrome more understandable by using our own anatomical drawings. In this paper, the authors present a case of selective epitympanic dysventilation syndrome, and emphasize the importance of recognition and the endoscopic ear surgical treatment as well as review the international literature.

Third window syndrome ­ classification, diagnosis, therapy / Harmadikablak-szindróma - osztályozás, diagnózis, terápia.

Összefoglaló. Halláspanasszal számos beteg fordul orvoshoz. A rutinszeruen elvégzett súgottbeszéd-, hangvilla- és tisztahangküszöb-audiometriai vizsgálat alapján vezetéses, sensorineuralis, illetve a ketto együttes fennállása esetén kevert típusú halláscsökkenést különböztetünk meg. Vezetéses halláscsökkenés létrejöhet mind a külso, mind a közép- vagy a belso fül veleszületett vagy szerzett rendellenességei esetén. Amennyiben a stapediusreflex kiváltható, ugyanakkor a betegnél nincs jelen a külso fület, valamint a középfület érinto kórfolyamat, felmerül a harmadikablak-szindróma lehetosége. A kórkép okaként egy, a belso fül csontos tokján "harmadik ablakként" funkcionáló laesio van jelen, amely az ovális ablakon keresztül beérkezo hangenergia egy részét elvezeti, mielott az a kerek ablakon át kivezetodik a középfülbe. A diagnózis felállítása gyakran nehéz feladat elé állítja a klinikust, melyhez a megfelelo audiológiai, illetve képalkotó vizsgálatok elvégzése elengedhetetlen. Tekintettel arra, hogy a panaszok megszüntetésére számos mutéti módszer került leírásra, közleményünkben átfogó képet adunk a kórkép etiológiájáról, diagnosztikájáról, terápiájáról, valamint bemutatjuk saját kezdeti tapasztalatainkat is 2 eset prezentálásával. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(46): 1944-1952. Summary. Patients frequently present to the physician with hearing loss. Routine hearing tests include speech field (whisper test), tuning forks and pure tone threshold audiometry, which can identify the presence of sensorineural hearing loss, conductive hearing loss or a combination of both (mixed type). Conductive hearing loss can be a symptom of many different conditions. These include congenital or acquired malformations of the outer, middle and inner ear. If a conductive hearing loss with intact stapedial reflexes are recorded and in the absence of outer or middle ear pathology, then the third window syndrome should be considered. The cause is a bony defect on the otic capsule that acts as a 'third window', dissipating the incoming sound energy. Without the appropriate audiological and imaging tests, the diagnosis of the condition is challenging in clinical setting. Several surgical techniques have been described to treat the condition. The authors give a comprehensive review of the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of the disease presenting their initial experiences with 2 cases. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(46): 1944-1952.

Effects of Chlorine Dioxide on Oral Hygiene - A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Effective and selective oral rinses are required in the daily medical and dental practice. Currently mouthwashes used have substantial side effects. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of chlorine dioxide-containing mouthwashes in comparison with other previously established mouth rinses in healthy adults using oral hygiene indices. METHODS: This work was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42018099059) and carried out using multiple databases and reported according to the PRISMA statement. The search terms used were "chlorine dioxide" AND "oral", and only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included. The primary outcome was the alteration of the plaque index (PI), while the secondary outcomes were the gingival index (GI) and bacterial counts. For the risk of bias assessment, the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was used. Statistical analysis for data heterogeneity was performed by Q-value and I2-tests. RESULTS: 364 articles were found in the databases. After the selection process, only five RCTs were eligible for meta-analysis. Data heterogeneity was low. There were no statistical differences in effectiveness between chlorine dioxide and other effective mouth rinses in PI (0.720±0.119 vs 0.745±0.131; 95%; confidence intervals (CIs): 0.487-0.952 vs 0.489-1.001, respectively) and GI (0.712±0.130 vs 0.745±0.131; 95% CIs: 0.457-0.967 vs 0.489- 1.001, respectively) and also in bacterial counts. CONCLUSION: Chlorine dioxide reduces both plaque and gingival indices and bacterial counts in the oral cavity similar to other routinely used oral rinses, however, the evidence supporting this outcome is very limited. Therefore, further large scale RCTs are needed to decrease the risk of bias.

Is the bispectral index monitoring protective against postoperative cognitive decline? A systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have suggested that monitoring the depth of anaesthesia might prevent the development of postoperative cognitive decline. We aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to investigate the effects of bispectral index (BIS) monitoring in anaesthesia. METHODS: We searched in six major electronic databases. Trials were included if they discussed anaesthesia with and without BIS monitoring or low (<50) and high (≥50) BIS levels and which measured the risk of postoperative delirium (POD) and/or postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). RESULTS: We included fourteen studies in the systematic review, eight of which were eligible for meta-analysis. BIS proved to be protective against POD at 1 day postoperatively in a cohort of 2138 patients (16.1% vs. 22.8% for BIS vs. no BIS groups, respectively; relative risk [RR] 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.59 to 0.85, without significant between-study heterogeneity I2 = 0.0%, P = 0.590). The use of BIS was neutral for POCD at 1 week but protective for POCD at 12 weeks (15.8% vs. 18.8% for BIS vs. no BIS groups, respectively; RR = 0.84, CI: 0.66 to 1.08), without significant between-study heterogeneity (I2 = 25.8%, P = 0.260). The neutral association at 1 week proved to be underpowered with trial sequential analysis. In the comparison of low BIS versus high BIS, the incidence of POD at 1 day was similar in the groups. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest a protective effect of BIS compared to not using BIS regarding the incidence of POD at 1 day and POCD at 12 weeks. However, limitations of the evidence warrant further investigation to identify those groups of patients by age, comorbid conditions and other individual variables who would benefit the most from the use of BIS monitoring.

γ-Aminobutyric Acid and Derivatives Reduce the Incidence of Acute Pain after Herpes Zoster - A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Herpes zoster (HZ) causes considerable pain and distress, and γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) and its derivatives are assumed to control this, but the available data are inconsistent. This meta-analysis and systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness of GABA derivatives in the prevention of acute herpetic pain. The metaanalysis was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines using PICO format, registered in PROSPERO number CRD42018095758. PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid, Scopus, and EMBASE databases were searched. Records were included if they were randomized controlled trials of patients undergoing HZ infection, investigating the effect of GABA derivatives versus placebo in the treatment of HZ pain. Eligible trials were evaluated for the risk of bias. Then data were extracted and analysed. The number of patients with observed presence of pain after treatment was used to calculate odds ratio in a random effect model with the DerSimonian-Laird estimator. The I2 statistic was analysed for heterogeneity. The potential risk of bias was measured using Egger's regression test. The meta-analysis included three randomized controlled trials with a total of 297 patients. The incidence of acute HZ pain events for GABA group was significantly lower compared to placebo group,18/148 vs 44/149, respectively (OR = 0.36; 95% CI = 0.14 to 0.93; Z = 2.11; P = 0.035), Egger's test yielded P = 0.308. In conclusion, the present meta-analysis demonstrates that GABA derivatives reduce the incidence of acute herpetic pain. However, additional, well-designed randomized clinical trials are needed to determine their dose- and time-dependency regarding this symptom.

Endoscopic versus microscopic stapes surgery outcomes: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Compare intraoperative and postoperative outcomes of endoscopic and microscopic stapes surgery to provide objective evidence on whether the former is a better alternative than the latter. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis for studies that compared endoscopic stapes surgery with microscopic stapes surgery. Only studies that met predetermined criteria were selected and assessed for bias and quality. Primary outcomes were postoperative air-bone gap (ABG) and chorda tympani nerve injury. Secondary outcomes were average operating time, tympanic membrane (TM) perforation, and postoperative taste disturbance, pain, and dizziness. We calculated pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for dichotomous outcomes and weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% CI for continuous outcomes. A confidence interval starting above 1.0 was considered as statistically significant. I2 and χ2 tests were used to quantify statistical heterogeneity. We used funnel plots to look for publication bias and performed a sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: Six nonrandomized cohort studies were eligible. The primary outcomes were ABG < 10 dB: OR = 1.80 (95% CI: 0.96 to 3.38), ABG = 11 dB to 20 dB: OR = 1.49 (95% CI: 0.76 to 2.93), ABG > 20 dB: OR = 2.51 (95% CI: 0.77 to 8.22), and chorda tympani injury: OR = 3.51 (95% CI: 1.55 to 7.93). Secondary outcomes were taste: OR = 2.36 (95% CI: 1.01 to 5.51), average operation time: WMD = 0.14 (95% CI: -11.69 to 11.98), TM perforation: OR = 1.70 (95% CI: 0.44 to 6.58); pain: OR = 0.84 (95% CI: 0.36 to 1.96), and dizziness: OR = 2.15 (95% CI: 0.94 to 4.89). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic stapes surgery is a valid alternative to the microscope. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2a Laryngoscope, 130: 2019-2027, 2020.

[Modern management of otologic consequences of Wegener's granulomatosis - a case report and review of the literature]. / Wegener-granulomatosis talaján kialakult krónikus gennyes középfülgyulladás komplex kezelése.

Wegener's granulomatosis - or, in other words, granulomatosis with polyangiitis - is an anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody associated granuloma forming vasculitis, mainly affecting the respiratory tract and the renal system. Otologic manifestations of Wegener's disease can be otitis media with effusion or chronic silent mastoiditis with conductive hearing loss, but sensorineural hearing loss can also evolve. The diagnosis is based on the clinical appearance as well as the immunoserological and histopathological results. It is of paramount importance to begin a combined immunosuppressive treatment immediately, besides eradicating the otologic manifestations. The intractable cases of chronic otitis media due to Wegener's granulomatosis are challenging any ear surgeons. Subtotal petrosectomy has proved to be an effective solution in such cases to create a dry ear and to provide a safe surgical field for hearing restoration. The authors reviewed the literature and report a case history to present the modern management of Wegener's granulomatosis with otologic manifestation. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(4): 151-157.

A methodology for measuring in situ lattice strain of bulk polycrystalline material under cyclic load.

The material response of polycrystalline materials under cyclic loading is not fully understood. Even during uniaxial loading, individual grains embedded within the polycrystalline material can experience complicated strain histories. By quantifying the deformation state at the crystal level, we can begin to understand the conditions that lead to fatigue failure. An in situ powder diffraction method was developed and employed at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source to measure the aggregate crystal response at various points in a material's life using synchrotron x ray. A set of experiments was conducted using a load frame capable of exerting cyclic uniaxial loads on a specimen. A high speed x-ray shutter was developed to synchronize the x-ray beam and the loading cycle. Using the high speed shutter, the evolution of the lattice strains for the families of crystallographic planes was measured while the aggregate was under cyclic uniaxial loading, thus monitoring a live evolution of lattice strain in a cyclically loaded specimen. The methodology is demonstrated using uniaxial cyclic specimens machined from oxygen free conductivity (OFHC) copper sheet.

Spiral-Shaped Piezoelectric MEMS Cantilever Array for Fully Implantable Hearing Systems.

Fully implantable, self-powered hearing aids with no external unit could significantly increase the life quality of patients suffering severe hearing loss. This highly demanding concept, however, requires a strongly miniaturized device which is fully implantable in the middle/inner ear and includes the following components: frequency selective microphone or accelerometer, energy harvesting device, speech processor, and cochlear multielectrode. Here we demonstrate a low volume, piezoelectric micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) cantilever array which is sensitive, even in the lower part of the voice frequency range (300⁻700 Hz). The test array consisting of 16 cantilevers has been fabricated by standard bulk micromachining using a Si-on-Insulator (SOI) wafer and aluminum nitride (AlN) as a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) and biocompatible piezoelectric material. The low frequency and low device footprint are ensured by Archimedean spiral geometry and Si seismic mass. Experimentally detected resonance frequencies were validated by an analytical model. The generated open circuit voltage (3⁻10 mV) is sufficient for the direct analog conversion of the signals for cochlear multielectrode implants.