Presurgical language mapping using event-related high-gamma activity: the Detroit procedure

The ultimate goal of epilepsy surgery is to completely remove the epileptogenic zone while maximally preserving functionally-important brain areas including the primary language areas (Asano et al., 2013). In case noninvasive evaluation fails to satisfactorily localize these areas of interest, invasive presurgical evaluation is often employed with intracranial electrodes placed on the affected hemisphere for days to weeks (Lesser et al., 2010). The seizure onset zone responsible for habitual seizures and the spatial extent of neuroimaging abnormalities are determined for localization of the epileptogenic zone (Asano et al., 2009).

from #ORL-AlexandrosSfakianakis via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2zVajvz

Procedural Motor Learning in Children With Specific Language Impairment

Purpose

Specific language impairment (SLI) is a developmental disorder that affects language and motor development in the absence of a clear cause. An explanation for these impairments is offered by the procedural deficit hypothesis (PDH), which argues that motor difficulties in SLI are due to deficits in procedural memory. The aim of this study was to test the PDH by examining the procedural motor learning abilities of children with and without SLI.

Method

Thirteen children with SLI and 14 age-matched typically developing children completed the following procedural measures: (a) a knot-tying task as a measure of motor sequencing and (2) a mirror-drawing task as a measure of visual–motor adaptation.

Results

Although children with SLI produced significantly more errors on certain knot-tying tasks, they performed comparably on others. Also, children with SLI performed comparably with typically developing children on the mirror-drawing task.

Conclusions

The PDH requires reframing. The sequence learning deficits in SLI are modest and specific to more difficult tasks. Visual–motor adaptation, on the other hand, appears to be unaffected in SLI.

from #ORL-AlexandrosSfakianakis via ola Kala on Inoreader http://article/doi/10.1044/2017_JSLHR-L-16-0457/2661619/Procedural-Motor-Learning-in-Children-With

The Frequency and Nature of Communication Between School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists and Caregivers of Children With Language Impairment

Purpose

The present study investigates the extent to which school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) communicate with the caregivers of children with language impairment and the factors that are significantly associated with frequent communication. In addition, this study investigates the extent to which frequent SLP–caregiver communication is associated with change in language and literacy abilities of children.

Method

To address the study aims, weekly communication logs from 73 SLPs, serving 3–5 children with language impairment in grades K-2, were collected for a complete academic year. Logs detailed the frequency and nature of SLP–caregiver communication. Information regarding children's age, language ability, and socioeconomic status were gathered at study onset; additionally, SLPs completed a questionnaire about their work experience and current work conditions (e.g., caseload size and job satisfaction). Finally, children were administered grammar, vocabulary, and early literacy assessments at the beginning and end of the academic year.

Results

Descriptive results indicate that (a) the most common type of communication was via homework, (b) children's socioeconomic status was related to communication frequency, and (c) increased SLP–caregiver communication related to increased grammar gains over the academic year.

Conclusion

These results suggest that SLP–caregiver communication may be important for children's language outcomes; further studies exploring ways to support these communicative efforts are warranted.

from #ORL-AlexandrosSfakianakis via ola Kala on Inoreader http://article/doi/10.1044/2017_AJSLP-16-0235/2661618/The-Frequency-and-Nature-of-Communication-Between

Manganese (II) Removal from Aqueous Solutions by Bacillus cereus : an Optimization Study Using Experimental Design and Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

The present study was carried out in order to investigate the removal of soluble Mn²⁺ from an aqueous solution using Bacillus cereus. A manganese aqueous solution at 50 mg L⁻¹ was treated, and the product was less than 1 mg L⁻¹ of residual concentration, which complied with environmental regulations. Before the optimization, B. cereus was able to remove Mn²⁺ ions from an aqueous solution; however, the residual content was around 2.5 mg L⁻¹. Screening experiments aiming at defining the effects of the growth medium composition indicated that both casamino acid-peptone and yeast extract contributed to manganese removal. These experiments also showed the interaction between these two components of the culture media, nevertheless the use of glucose did not prove significant. Considering these observations, the Doehlert design was used to generate a response surface. The model was significant with the p value lower than 0.05 and the lack-of-fit not significant (p > 0.05). The optimized composition of the growth medium was defined as 0.5 g L⁻¹ of casamino acid-peptone and 0.25 g L⁻¹ of yeast extract, whereas glucose could be removed from the original growth medium. When the optimized condition of the growth medium was used, the time required for manganese removal was reduced from 21 to 8 days. After optimization, B. cereus was capable of producing high manganese removal, reducing the residual concentration to levels below 1.0 mg L⁻¹.

from #ORL-AlexandrosSfakianakis via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2gRW3wo

Randomized Controlled Trial of a Novel Device for Tinnitus Sound Therapy During Sleep

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine if a customized stimulus from the Otoharmonics Levo System reduces tinnitus perceptions and reactions for people with bothersome tinnitus.

Method

Sixty participants were randomized to 1 of 3 groups that used sound therapy devices during sleep that differed in their acoustic stimulus: (a) tinnitus-matched (TM), (b) noise stimulus (NS), and (c) bedside sound generator (BSG). Outcome measures were the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI), numeric rating scale of tinnitus loudness, and tinnitus loudness match. A Bayesian hierarchical model was fit to estimate the differences in treatment efficacy among groups.

Results

Average tinnitus reactions and perceptions improved across treatment groups. We are at least 87% certain that treatment with TM or NS reduces mean TFI compared to treatment with BSG, with an estimated relative efficacy of 4.5–5 points greater reduction. We are at least 95% certain that treatment with TM results in greater reduction in mean numeric rating scale (NRS) of tinnitus loudness compared to the other groups, with an estimated relative efficacy of about 0.75 points greater reduction.

Conclusions

This study offers some support for greater average improvement in reactions to tinnitus with TM or NS devices compared to the BSG device. The TM group, compared to the BSG and NS groups, showed a greater reduction in ratings of tinnitus loudness on the NRS on average.

Supplemental Material

http://ift.tt/2h0o2h3

from #ORL-AlexandrosSfakianakis via ola Kala on Inoreader http://article/doi/10.1044/2017_AJA-17-0022/2661617/Randomized-Controlled-Trial-of-a-Novel-Device-for

Student Veterans Reintegrating from the Military to the University with Traumatic Injuries: How Does Service Use Relate to Health Status?

Publication date: Available online 31 October 2017
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Christine A. Elnitsky, Cara Blevins, Jan Warren Findlow, Tabitha Alverio, Dennis Wiese
ObjectiveTo examine the effects of campus services on the health of veterans with traumatic injuries and comorbidities as they return from military service and enter college.DesignCross-sectional internet survey using a mixed-methods analysis approach.SettingA four-year urban research university in the southeastern United States.ParticipantsWe conducted a survey of 127 veterans returning from active military duty.InterventionsNone.Main Outcome MeasuresSurveys included standardized measures of health status, traumatic injuries and functional impairment (PCL-C, VHA TBI screen, Veterans RAND-12), as well as use of campus services and perceived effectiveness of these services in supporting reintegration to the university, and recommendations for additional services.ResultsQuantitative and qualitative data revealed that student veterans experience high rates of chronic pain that interfere with their daily functioning (92.7%), symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (77.9%), traumatic brain injury (TBI) (26.0%), and comorbidities as the Polytrauma Clinical Triad (PCT) (14.2%). Despite the high prevalence of pain, PTSD, and TBI, few students used disability services (5.2%), counseling services (18.8%) or student health services (36.5 %). Students experienced challenges accessing needed health services when reintegrating from the military to the university, including mutable university service factors.ConclusionsFindings indicate the need for campus services to address the particular needs of student veterans and the need for determining what particular services should be offered to help this population cope with injuries and succeed in college.



from #ORL-AlexandrosSfakianakis via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2z8infA

Long-term social reintegration outcomes for burn survivors with and without peer support attendance: A Life Impact Burn Recovery Evaluation (LIBRE) Study

Publication date: Available online 31 October 2017
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Brian Grieve, Gabriel D. Shapiro, Lucy Wibbenmeyer, Amy Acton, Austin Lee, Molly Marino, Alan Jette, Jeffrey C. Schneider, Lewis E. Kazis, Colleen M. Ryan
ObjectiveTo examine differences in long-term social reintegration outcomes for burn survivors with and without peer support attendence.DesignCross-sectional survey.SettingCommunity-dwelling burn survivors.ParticipantsBurn survivors (N = 601) aged ≥18 years with injuries to ≥5% total body surface area or burns to critical areas (hands, feet, face, or genitals).InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasuresThe LIBRE Profile was used to examine the following previously validated six scale scores of social participation: Family & Friends, Social Interactions, Social Activities, Work & Employment, Romantic Relationships, and Sexual Relationships.ResultsBurn support group attendance was reported by 330 (55%) of 596 respondents who responded to this item. Attendees had larger burn size (43.4 ± 23.6 vs. 36.8 ± 23.4% total body surface area burned (TBSA), p<0.01) and were more likely to be >10 years from injury (50% vs 42.5%, p<0.01). Survivors who attended at least one support group scored significantly higher on three of the scales: Social Interactions (p=.01), Social Activities (p=.04) and Work and Employment (p=.05). In adjusted analyses, peer support attendance was associated with increased scores on the Social Interactions scale, increasing scores by 17% of a standard deviation (95% CI, 1-33%, p = .04).ConclusionsBurn survivors who reported peer support attendance had better social interaction scores than those who did not. This is the first reported association between peer support group attendance and improvements in community reintegration in burn survivors. This cross-sectional study prompts further exploration into the potential benefits of peer support groups on burn recovery with future intervention studies.



from #ORL-AlexandrosSfakianakis via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2z1Y1Ck

Can Ultrasound-guided S1 Transforaminal Epidural Injection Using the In-plane Approach and Color Doppler Imaging be a safer alternative to lumbar inter-laminar epidural injection? : A Visual Vignette.

No abstract available

from #ORL-AlexandrosSfakianakis via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2zW82QL

Ultrasonography Imaging for the Diagnosis and Guided Injection of Plantaris Tendon Strain in a Patient with Tennis Leg.

No abstract available

from #ORL-AlexandrosSfakianakis via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2hsyLh5

Liver transplant recipients have a higher prevalence of anal squamous intraepithelial lesions

Liver transplant recipients have a higher prevalence of anal squamous intraepithelial lesions

British Journal of Cancer, Published online: 31 October 2017; doi:10.1038/bjc.2017.370

from #ORL-AlexandrosSfakianakis via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2z1LUFo

The Impact and Influence of JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery

Meaningful and influential articles written by leading thought leaders in the field are the lifeblood of a journal. I am pleased to announce that the Impact Factor (IF) of JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery has reached a new high of 2.70 (up 58% from last year's IF of 1.74). This places our journal near the top of all journals in our comparative group of journals that publish similar content. Although this metric is imperfect, it is often recognized by the scientific and publishing community as one important measure of comparing journals in its scientific impact and influence. Recall that IF is calculated by counting all of the citations to every article published in a journal divided by the number of full-length articles (Original Investigations, Special Communications, Reviews) published in that journal during the 2 preceding years.

from #ORL-AlexandrosSfakianakis via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2z4641O

Perceived Benefits of Facial Rejuvenation Beyond Restoring Youth

This survey study examines whether face-lift and upper facial rejuvenation surgery improve observer ratings of age, attractiveness, success, and health.

from #ORL-AlexandrosSfakianakis via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2z463Li

Emerging Goals in Aesthetic Medicine

I applaud Bater et al on their significant contribution in this issue of JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery to the growing body of literature further shaping and defining what the ultimate goal in aesthetic medicine is and should be. During the past decade, we have witnessed an evolution in aesthetic medicine, progressing from medieval standards of success defined by Eurocentrically oriented and canonized somatic ideals to a modern-day aspiration of enhanced social and psychological well-being. Let me be frank: those seeking cosmetic treatments are, at their core, desiring more than a straightened dorsum, a reduced cervical angle, or a projected mentum. They also—and perhaps more importantly—desire the self-satisfying and externally perceived benefits that result from the perception of idealized forms. It is the impression of beauty, whether elicited from the self, another, or both, from which our patients appreciate the aesthetic interventions we offer to them.

from #ORL-AlexandrosSfakianakis via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2z8IgvJ

A New Nasal Septum Splint

This Surgical Pearl describes a new type of splint designed to sit extremely caudally along the septum, to be left in place for 2 to 3 weeks postoperatively, and to replace other methods of posterior septal angle fixation to the nasal spine.

from #ORL-AlexandrosSfakianakis via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2z91DVe

Neurovascular Characteristics of Facial Skin After Rhytidectomy

This study describes the change in epidermal nerve fibers, neurotransmitters, vasculature, and mast cells in facial skin following primary and revision face-lifts.

from #ORL-AlexandrosSfakianakis via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2z3VvMa

Duration of Facial Paralysis in Studies of Emotion and Well-Being—Reply

In Reply We appreciate Chaiet and Carpenter's thoughtful contribution regarding our recently published article "Association Among Facial Paralysis, Depression, and Quality of Life in Facial Plastic Surgery Patients."

from #ORL-AlexandrosSfakianakis via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2z8I3IX

Anatomy and Surgical Approaches to the Rabbit Nasal Septum

This ex vivo study examines the anatomy and approaches to rabbit septal surgery.

from #ORL-AlexandrosSfakianakis via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2z1sgcD

A Cautious but Optimistic Opinion of Submental Cryolipolysis

The increasing consumer demand for minimally invasive or noninvasive procedures has driven a burgeoning industry of technological advances that cater to this desire. Neck adiposity is an emerging area of interest, driven in large part by the US Food and Drug Administration's clearance of injectable deoxycholic acid in April 2015, along with a juggernaut of related marketing endeavors. As surgeons, we must always be wary of noninvasive methods that might make bold claims, using surgical methods of cervical fat reduction as the criterion standard by which to judge any new entrants into the competitive field. However, we must also embrace methods that may undoubtedly serve as adjuncts, alternatives, or replacements for surgical techniques when they are truly viable. With that spirit, I commend the article in this issue of JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery on submental cryolipolysis by Bernstein and Bloom, who have sought to quantifiably evaluate both the aesthetic improvement and the patients' subjective perception of their results and the nature of their experience. The article serves to expand the current limited body of literature exploring this new application of cryolipolysis.

from #ORL-AlexandrosSfakianakis via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2z8I0Nh

Two-Dimensional Threshold for Perception of Artificial-Appearing Lips

This survey study characterizes the quantitative measurements for the perceptual threshold of artificial- and unnatural-appearing lips.

from #ORL-AlexandrosSfakianakis via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2z1JCpM

Don’t Miss the Fourth Dimension of the Nasal Airway

Nasal obstruction as a symptom is supposedly simple to grasp, with the nasal airway being easy to inspect and objective measures for both its resistance and diameter at hand. Because the nasal cavity is also amenable to enlargement through straightforward surgical procedures, a permanently blocked nose ought to be easy to fix. Yet, how often are physicians intrigued by patient dissatisfaction after surgery with what must be considered a success after nasal endoscopy? Little is known about the incidence of postoperative dissatisfaction after septoplasty, with no failures to be seen or measured. One reason for an incongruent appraisal of the outcome of surgery may be that reducing the cause of nasal obstruction or the sensation of nasal fullness to a septal deviation or mucosal edema and to swelling may be simplistic in light of the advances in our understanding of nasal pathologic conditions and mucosal neural regulation. Few studies have shown highly correlated associations of the sensation of nasal fullness with any of the objective parameters measured in routine clinical practice. The cause may be that the sensation of fullness is the computational end product of a complex neurologic integrative process. This process encompasses interoceptive sensation on the basis of the currently assessed severity relative to other competing sensory and emotional stimuli. Recollections of the difficulties experienced in breathing through the nose in the recent and more distant past also play a role. The sensation of fullness or blockage attributed to the nasal mucosa is a highly integrated interpretation of afferent information from multiple subsets of nociceptive and other neurons, with the perception of cooling during inspiration likely playing a central role.

from #ORL-AlexandrosSfakianakis via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2z7eR4O