Bilateral vestibulopathy and disabling vertigo: A CARE case series.

INTRODUCTION: The term bilateral vestibulopathy (BV) was recently defined by the Bárány Society. Loss of otolith function was not included in their criteria. Although spontaneous progression to complete bilateral impairment of vestibular function is expected, it is unlikely that patients with advanced BV will continue to present episodes of intense vertigo. Here, following CARE case report guidelines, we report the case of patients meeting the criteria for BV and still disabled by vertigo. CASE SERIES: Three patients evaluated in our department meeting the Bárány criteria for definite BV but still complaining of disabling rotatory vertigo were included. All underwent clinical and instrumental vestibular examination. The observations are reported. CONCLUSION: In case of BV, the conservation of a stable otolithic reference frame could allow patients to optimize postural strategy. It would be useful to revisit a classification of BV by stages, by introducing an evaluation of otolithic function and postural control for possible subsequent vestibular implantation.

The structure of PTSD. Development of the Post Traumatic Symptom scale from a clinician-based perspective.

Background: Nations marked by a Marxist-Leninist ideology have suffered greatly due to a culture of abuse emphasized by the absolute absence of psychology, thus contributing to a diminished ability in recognizing the consequences of traumatic experiences. Objective: To improve the assessment of the presence and severity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in such a cultural context, our paper aimed at developing an alternative self-report measure for PTSD - the Post Traumatic Symptom Scale (PTSs), developed by clinicians with wide relevant expertise, based on the natural language people use to describe its subjective experience. This research used multiple samples consistent with the corresponding objectives. Mokken Scale Analysis and the Classical Test Theory were both employed. The proposed scale was tested against five competing PTSD models, whilst also investigating the symptoms' clusters in two different samples by using, to our knowledge, a network analysis approach for the first time. Method: The results indicated excellent psychometric properties regarding internal consistency and temporal reliability, as well as convergent and discriminant validity. The results of MSA showed that the scale fully conforms to the assumptions of the monotone homogeneity model, interpreted as positive evidence for its use in clinical purposes. The factor analyses pointed that the newer models outperformed the standard DSM-5 model, with bifactor models displaying better fit indexes than second-order models. Finally, a distinct pattern of symptom activation in the high-risk group (i.e. first-responders) was found, bringing support for symptoms overlapping between PTSD and affective disorders, thus reinforcing the idea of bridge symptoms which has significant clinical implications. Results: This study presents an alternative sound instrument for measuring PTSD symptomatology focused on how people naturally describe their subjective experiences. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed alongside limitations. HIGHLIGHTS: The construction of PTSs encompasses cultural trauma and one's subjective experience.PTSs was tested against the five major competing models of PTSD.Network analyses suggest different patterns in a student sample vs. a first-responders one, with the accent on the negative alterations in cognitions and mood (NACM) model.

High-frequency semicircular canal deficit affects postural control in hearing-impaired children.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to analyse the impact of vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain deficit on postural control (PC) in children with sensorineural hearing loss. METHODS: A retrospective study included 55 children with sensorineural hearing loss between 4 and 17 years of age. The Video Head Impulse Test (vHIT®) was used to assess semicircular canal function. PC was assessed on the Balance Quest® posturographic platform testing sensory organisation. RESULTS: Spatial and temporal postural parameters (area and mean speed of centre of pressure oscillation, spectral power index) in the OKN-U condition (optokinetic with unstable platform) were significantly better in children with than without VOR deficit. CONCLUSION: Posturographic exploration in the OKN-U condition can screen for semicircular canal deficit in hearing-impaired children. VOR deficit also seems to predict PC deficit.

Audiovestibular neuropathy in an immunocompetent man with cryptococcal meningitis.

INTRODUCTION: Cryptococcus spp. is a fungus responsible for 600,000 deaths per year worldwide, mainly in immunosuppressed subjects. However, 20% of cases occur in immunocompetent subjects. Neuropathic disorders involving the auditory nerve have been reported, but vestibular disorders have never been described in detail. We report the case of an immunocompetent man, who presented audiovestibular disorders leading to a diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis. CASE REPORT: A 39-year-old man was referred for balance disorders and right sensorineural hearing loss. He presented right vestibulo-saccular impairment and bilateral absence of auditory brainstem responses. Brain MRI was suggestive of cryptococcal meningitis. A cystic lesion in the right flocculus compressed the vestibulocochlear nerve. During monthly follow-up, pure tone audiometry gradually improved and speech audiometry in silence returned to normal. Partial resynchronization of the auditory afferent pathways was observed only on the contralateral side to vestibulocochlear nerve compression, while complete recovery of saccular function was observed. DISCUSSION: Cryptococcal meningitis in immunocompetent subjects may be accompanied by lesions of the auditory and vestibular afferent pathways. Recovery of hearing and balance was observed in response to medical treatment and early vestibular rehabilitation.

Vestibular impairment in cochlear implanted children presenting enlarged vestibular aqueduct and enlarged endolymphatic sac.

Enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) is a common finding in tomodensitometry. When cranial MRI is performed, enlarged endolymphatic sac (EES) can also be found. Profound hearing loss is a common finding in these patients but a few studies have investigated vestibular function after cochlear implantation (CI) in EVA and EES patients. Our main objective was to find out whether in EVA children candidates to CI, a higher endolymphatic sac (ES) volume was predictive for higher rates of postsurgical vestibular complications. METHODS: We retrospectively included EVA children who benefited from CI, during the last 2 years. Two groups were constituted according to the presence or not of a vestibular impairment (decrease in the VOR gain on the VHIT test on one of the semicircular canals and/or a loss of cVEMPs) 6 months after CI. Endolymphatic volume of both VA and ES was measured for each patient. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were included. The mean endolymph volume was significantly higher in the impaired group (0.40 cm3 ± 0.23, range 0.08-0.70) than in the non-impaired group (0.11 cm3 ± 0.07, range 0.04-0.29; p = 0.029). Four children of the impaired group were followed during one year. At the end of vestibular rehabilitation, all children recovered a lateral canal function and a saccular function. CONCLUSION: In EVA children, a combined EES appears to increase the risk of severe post CI vestibular impairment. To minimize this risk prior CI surgery, besides tomodensitometry, MRI measurement of the ES volume should be systematically performed.

Guidelines of the French Society of Otorhinolaryngology (SFORL) for teleconsultation in patients with vertigo during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: In the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, patients may have been dissuaded from seeking consultation, thus exposing themselves to a risk of loss of chance. This guide aims to define how teleconsultation can assist in assessing vertiginous adults or children, and to gather the information needed to provide quick medical care. METHODS: These recommendations rely on the authors' experience as well as on literature. A survey on otoneurologic approach via telemedicine has been conducted based on a literature search until March 2020. RESULTS: The first clinical assessment of the vertiginous patient via teleconsultation can only be successful if the following conditions are met: initial contact to verify the feasibility of the assessment at a distance, the presence of a caregiver in order to assist the patient, the possibility of making video recordings. Medical history via telemedicine, as in a face-to-face assessment, allows to assess the characteristics, duration, frequency, and potential triggering factors of the vertigo, in both children and adults. During teleconsultation, the following tests can be carried out: oculomotricity evaluation, assessment of balance, simple neurological tests, checking for positional vertigo/nystagmus and, eventually to perform canalith-repositioning procedures. In children, the following should be searched for: history of hearing or visual impairment, a context of fever or trauma, otorrhea, signs of meningeal irritation. CONCLUSION: The neurotologic telemedicine relies on the accuracy of the clinical assessment, which is based on history taking and a few simple tests, encouraging the development of a decision-making algorithm adapted for teleconsultation. However, the latter has its limitations during an emergency examination of a new patient presenting vertigo, and, at least in some cases, cannot replace a face-to-face consultation. Teleconsultation is often adapted for follow-up consultations of previously selected vertiginous patients during face-to-face assessment.

Unilateral cochleovestibular nerve compression syndrome in a patient with bilateral IAC osteoma.

INTRODUCTION: Osteomas of the internal auditory canal are rarely reported in the literature. Patients may complain of disabling symptoms of dizziness, hearing loss, and vestibular dysfunction. We report the case of a patient with bilateral osteomas of the internal auditory canal (IAC) associated with bilateral neurovascular compression mainly affecting the right cochleovestibular nerve (VIII) and right anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA). OBSERVATION: This 75-year-old woman patient complained of disabling paroxysmal vertigo, typewriter tinnitus and hearing loss of the right ear. Temporal bone computed tomography showed bilateral osteoma arising from the posterior superior wall of the IAC. MRI sequences of the right VIII demonstrated compression by the right AICA against the inferior wall of the narrowed IAC. Treatment with oxcarbazepine allowed marked and lasting improvement of the patient's symptoms. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first description of an ipsilateral neurovascular compression syndrome of the VIII secondary to the presence of an osteoma narrowing the IAC.

Anatomic-imaging correlations of lumbar disk-vertebral morphometric indices / Correlaciones anatomopatológicas de los índices morfométricos disco-vertebral lumbar

SUMMARY: This study represents a morphometric assessment of the anterior segment of the lumbar spine, focused on the vertebral body - intervertebral disk assembly, calculating some specific indicators and then completing direct morphometry data with the data resulting from the imaging interpretation and subsequently correlating the same to map an anatomic-imaging model. The study was carried out with anatomic items from personal archive and images obtained from Computer Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) assessment. The morphometric assessment was carried out for intervertebral disks, the disk height in the anterior and posterior sections and correlated with the disk angle degree. Direct morphometric data was compared and correlated with the data resulting from the imaging interpretation. Direct morphometric assessment was carried out for 11 vertebral blocks; the vertebral blocks were sectioned and turned into 22 vertebral semi-blocks allowing easy access to absolutely all dimensional values pursued, including the ones covered by the posterior arc. The assessment of imaging data was made with CT, CT 3D and MRI investigations from the 120 subjects in the study. The disk sizes were assessed by direct measurements on the anatomic items and directly measured by means of the software for modern imaging examination. In case of significant differences between the vertebral bodies, the calculation of disk sizes was made indirectly, on grounds of the geometric interpretation of the vertebral body face sizes. The vertebral body / intervertebral disk (IVD) assembly represents a dynamic structure, permanently subject to changes and adaptation, IVD being capable of incurring changes for the entire life time, including growth changes; the growth, however, is not lineal, but a succession of thickening and getting thinner, in full concordance with the structural stresses and changes occurring inside.

RESUMEN: El estudio representa una evaluación morfométrica del segmento anterior de la columna lumbar, centrado en el conjunto del cuerpo vertebral - disco intervertebral, calculando algunos indicadores específicos y completando los datos morfométricos directos. El objetivo del trabajo fue mapear un modelo de imagen anatómica con los datos de la interpretación de la imagen, posteriormente correlacionando los datos. El estudio se llevó a cabo con artículos anatómicos de archivos personales y de las imágenes obtenidas de tomografía computarizada (TC) y resonancia magnética (RM) de evaluación. La evaluación morfométrica se realizó en los discos intervertebrales, la altura del disco en las secciones anterior y posterior y se correlacionó con el grado del ángulo del disco. Se compararon los datos morfométricos directos y se correlacionaron con los datos resultantes de la interpretación de la imagen. Se realizó una evaluación morfométrica directa de 11 bloques vertebrales; Los bloques vertebrales se seccionaron y se convirtieron en 22 semibloques vertebrales permitiendo el fácil acceso a todos los valores dimensionales, incluyendo aquellos cubiertos por el arco posterior. La evaluación de los datos de imagen se realizó en 120 sujetos con CT, CT 3D y MRI. Los tamaños de los discos se evaluaron mediante medidas directas de los elementos anatómicos y se midieron con el software para la examinación de imágenes. En caso de diferencias significativas entre los cuerpos vertebrales, el cálculo de los tamaños de los discos se realizó indirectamente, debido a la interpretación geométrica de los tamaños de la cara del cuerpo vertebral. El conjunto cuerpo vertebral / disco intervertebral (CVDV) representa una estructura dinámica, permanentemente sujeta a transformaciones y adaptación, siendo (CVDV) capaz de incurrir en cambios durante toda la vida, incluyendo aquellos relacionados con crecimiento. El crecimiento, sin embargo, no es lineal, sino una sucesión de engrosamiento y adelgazamiento, en plena concordancia con las tensiones estructurales y los cambios que se producen en su interior.

ADIPONECTIN CORRELATION WITH BIOCLINICAL BENEFITS OF USING NATURAL THERAPEUTIC FACTORS IN KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: The new insights in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) reveal the implications of adipocytokines. This study aims to analyze the correlations between the serum value of adiponectin and the clinical rehabilitation effects in patients diagnosed with knee OA, admitted and treated in the complex balneal resort of Techirghiol lake. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The prospective randomized clinical study included 23 patients in the study group, diagnosed with knee OA according to ACR criteria, and a matching control group of 23 subjects. Serum level of adiponectin (using ELISA technique), uric acid, triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and clinical response using a visual analog scale (VAS) were evaluated in all patients on their admission day and after 10 days of balneal treatment. Control group benefited from the same procedures except for cold mud therapy and mineral water baths. RESULTS: Plasma adiponectin levels (23.73±6.44 ng/dL) were statistically higher (p<0.05) in the study group compared to the control group (18.15±6.49 ng/dL). The mean VAS in both groups was decreased (p<0.005) compared to the initial moment. CONCLUSIONS: Cold peloidotherapy combined with physical therapy and balneal factors induces serum adiponectin elevation and improves knee pain in OA. Therapeutic properties of Techirghiol mud still need further research.

[Tinnitus and temporomandibular joint: State of the art]. / Acouphènes et articulation temporo-mandibulaire : état des connaissances.

Tinnitus has been described in temporomandibular joint dysfunction for a long time. Yet, other disorders, such as hearing loss, stress, anxiety and depression, play a major role in the pathophysiology of tinnitus. Temporomandibular joint dysfunctions seem to increase the risk of tinnitus in patients with other predisposing factors. Especially somatosensory tinnitus, which is characterized by sound modulations with neck or mandible movements, is frequently associated with temporomandibular joint dysfunction, but it is not pathognomonic of such a disorder. In such cases, functional therapy of the temporomandibular joint should be part of the multidisciplinary rehabilitation of patients with tinnitus.

Modeling the transmission of beta rays through thin foils in planar geometry.

This paper is concerned with the modeling of the transmission of beta rays through thin foils in planar geometry based on the plane source concept, using Monte Carlo simulation of electron transport and least squares fitting. Applications of modeling results for calculating the efficiency of large-area beta sources, transmission coefficient of beta rays through thin foils and the beta detection efficiency of large-area detectors used in surface contamination measurements are also presented.

Predictive cytogenetic biomarkers for colorectal neoplasia in medium risk patients.

RATIONALE: DNA damage and chromosomal alterations in peripheral lymphocytes parallels DNA mutations in tumor tissues. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to predict the presence of neoplastic colorectal lesions by specific biomarkers in "medium risk" individuals (age 50 to 75, with no personal or family of any colorectal neoplasia). METHODS AND RESULTS: We designed a prospective cohort observational study including patients undergoing diagnostic or opportunistic screening colonoscopy. Specific biomarkers were analyzed for each patient in peripheral lymphocytes - presence of micronuclei (MN), nucleoplasmic bridges (NPB) and the Nuclear Division Index (NDI) by the cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus assay (CBMN). Of 98 patients included, 57 were "medium risk" individuals. MN frequency and NPB presence were not significantly different in patients with neoplastic lesions compared to controls. In "medium risk" individuals, mean NDI was significantly lower for patients with any neoplastic lesions (adenomas and adenocarcinomas, AUROC 0.668, p 00.5), for patients with advanced neoplasia (advanced adenoma and adenocarcinoma, AUROC 0.636 p 0.029) as well as for patients with adenocarcinoma (AUROC 0.650, p 0.048), for each comparison with the rest of the population. For a cut-off of 1.8, in "medium risk" individuals, an NDI inferior to that value may predict any neoplastic lesion with a sensitivity of 97.7%, an advanced neoplastic lesion with a sensitivity of 97% and adenocarcinoma with a sensitivity of 94.4%. DISCUSSION: NDI score may have a role as a colorectal cancer-screening test in "medium risk" individuals. ABBREVIATIONS: DNA = deoxyribonucleic acid; CRC = colorectal cancer; EU = European Union; WHO = World Health Organization; FOBT = fecal occult blood test; CBMN = cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus assay; MN = micronuclei; NPB = nucleoplasmic bridges; NDI = Nuclear Division Index; FAP = familial adenomatous polyposis; HNPCC = hereditary non-polypoid colorectal cancer; IBD = inflammatory bowel diseases; ROC = receiver operating characteristics; AUROC = area under the receiver operating characteristics curve.

Stimulatory and possible antioxidant effects of High Density Green Photons (HDGP) on cellular systems.

The interactions between the electromagnetic field and the biological systems were extensively investigated, with remarkable results and advanced technologies. Nevertheless, the visible domain of the spectrum has been rather neglected, since the classic physics did not allow electronic transitions induced by visible light. Recently, the interaction of light with the matter has generated a new scientific domain known in Physics as optical manipulation, with the new concepts of optical matter and optical force. This article presents the results of our work concerning in vitro effects of High Density Green Photons (HDGP) irradiation on cell cultures: stimulation of cell proliferation and migration and a possible antioxidant action.

Positional changes of the third molar in orthodontically treated patients.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE: Over the years, the effects of the third molars eruption on the dental arches have been studied extensively. Still, literature provides less data regarding the effects of the orthodontic treatment on the third molars position. The aim of our study was to assess the positional changes of the third molars relative to the occlusal plane and to the second molar long axis, changes occurred during orthodontic treatment performed with or without premolar extractions. METHOD: This study included 20 orthodontic treated patients: 10 of them with premolar extractions and 10 without premolar extractions. The pretreatment and post treatment panoramic radiographs were analyzed, and the angles between the third molar long axis and the occlusal plane and between the long axis of the third molar and the long axis of the second molar were measured. RESULTS: Changes in third molar position, from pretreatment to post treatment, for the two groups of patients were evaluated by using the Student's t-test. The results of the statistical analysis revealed an improvement in third molars position, the best results were seen in the lower third molars, in the group of patients treated with premolar extractions.

Cerium (IV) oxide nanotubes prepared by low temperature deposition at normal pressure.

This paper reports the synthesis of cerium dioxide nanotubes (CeNTs) by electroless deposition using ion-track-etched polycarbonate templates. To achieve nanotubes with thin walls and small surface roughness the tubes were generated by a several-step-containing procedure under aqueous conditions. The approach reported below will process open end nanotubes with well-defined outer diameter and wall thickness.

A new method for determining the efficiency of large-area beta sources constructed from anodized aluminum foils.

A new method has been developed for determining the efficiency of large-area beta sources in anodized aluminum foils using transmission measurements. The method was applied to the efficiency measurement of a (90)Sr-(90)Y large-area reference source. Measurement results show that the method can provide efficiency values for (90)Sr-(90)Y reference sources with standard uncertainties smaller than 2.9%, which are far below the limit of 10% required by ISO 8769.

Vestibulo-ocular reflex and balance maturation in healthy children aged from six to twelve years.

OBJECTIVES: Because both the vestibulo-ocular and vestibulospinal pathways depend on neurological maturation during childhood, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the vestibulo-ocular reflexes (VOR) and balance parameters of children aged from 6 to 12 years. METHODS: 147 healthy children were included in the study. The visual vestibulo-ocular reflex (VVOR) and VOR were recorded during sinusoidal rotation (videonystagmography), with calculation of the gain. The sensory organization on postural control was studied using computerized dynamic posturography (EquiTest), with equilibrium scores (ES) and sensory organization tests. RESULTS: Data were analyzed according to age groups: group a from 6 to 8 years, group b from 9 to 10 years, and group c from 11 to 12 years. Whereas VVOR gain was comparable in the three groups, VOR gain was lower in groups b and c compared to group a. Global ES increased with age. Analyzing each sensory component for postural control, the only score that increases with age is the vestibular one. Somesthetic and visual scores remained comparable in the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results in a large cohort of children confirm previous ones: VOR gain is higher in young children, whereas ES is lower. Moreover, it seems that the 10- to 12-year-old children use their vestibular inputs more compared to younger ones. From these results it can be suggested that both the vestibulo-ocular and vestibulospinal pathways are still maturing between 6 and 12 years.

Balance in healthy individuals assessed with Equitest: maturation and normative data for children and young adults.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present prospective study was to obtain normative data for Equitest computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) in children and young adults and to observe the balance maturation process. METHODS: Equilibrium pattern and SOT of 195 healthy children aged from 6 to 14 years were compared to those of 64 young adults aged 20 years, using Equitest. RESULTS: The mean stability scores for children progressively improve with age and are significantly lower than those of young adults. Furthermore, sensory organization scores were lower in children compared to young adults, whereas visual preference scores were similar for the whole studied groups. CONCLUSIONS: According to previous literature, it may be stressed that due to a presumed incomplete development of vestibular system and central nervous system integration, children unlike young adults have lower equilibrium scores, especially when visual information was not available or was incorrect. Our results confirm previous ones obtained in children and young adults with Equitest CDP. This study also provides Equitest data for these age groups, which complete those that have been previously reported.

Vestibular assessment with Balance Quest Normative data for children and young adults.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to compare equilibrium pattern in 12-year-old children with 20-year-old young adults and to obtain normative data for the BQ in both groups. METHODS: Mean stability percentages and synthesis ratios of 29 healthy children aged 12 years were compared to those of 68 young adults aged 20 years, using BQ. RESULTS: The mean stability percentages for children were significantly lower than for young adults. Vestibular ratios were lower in children compared to young adults, whereas somesthesic ratios were similar for the two groups. Visual dependence was significant higher in children. CONCLUSIONS: Children unlike young adults had lower stability percentages when visual information was not available or was incorrect. Ratio synthesis pattern was different in the two groups. Our results on BQ partially confirms previous results obtained in children assessed with Equitest CDP. This study also provides BQ normative data for these two age groups.

Pre- and intraoperative predictive factors of facial palsy in vestibular schwannoma surgery.

CONCLUSION: S These results support previous ones with regard to FN risk factors in VS surgery. However, they also provide new preoperative factors that influence postoperative FN function, such as clinical symptoms, the nature of the surgical procedure (use of laser) and ABR results. OBJECTIVE: To determine pre- and perioperative factors influencing facial nerve (FN) outcome in vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 424 patients undergoing VS surgery were included in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the existence or absence of a FN palsy during the 8 days following surgery (Groups 1 and 2, respectively). Various parameters were evaluated preoperatively as follows. Quantitative parameters: age; duration of clinical symptoms; pure-tone audiometry (PTA) results; speech reception threshold; speech discrimination score; auditory brainstem response (ABR) results; and transient-evoked otoacoustic emission amplitude. Qualitative parameters: gender; side of the tumor; angle between the tumor and the internal auditory canal (VS/IAC angle) < or = or > 30 degrees; MRI aspect (n = 69); surgical approach; ease of the surgical procedure, the use or non-use of laser dissection; and the histological Antoni's type of the tumor. RESULTS Pre- and perioperative factors that differed significantly between Groups 1 and 2 were as follows. Quantitative factors: tinnitus duration was longer and PTA and ABR results were worse in Group 1. Qualitative factors: heterogenous/cystic MRI aspect, use of retrosisgmoid and middle fossa approaches, easy surgical procedure, dissection without laser and Antoni's type A were more frequently found in Group 1.