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Αλέξανδρος Γ. Σφακιανάκης

Wednesday, August 25, 2021

Inhibitory gating of coincidence-dependent sensory binding in secondary auditory cortex

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Nat Commun. 2021 Jul 29;12(1):4610. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-24758-6.

ABSTRACT

Integration of multi-frequency sounds into a unified perceptual object is critical for recognizing syllables in speech. This "feature binding" relies on the precise synchrony of each component's onset timing, but little is known regarding its neural correlates. We find that multi-frequency sounds prevalent in vocalizations, specifically harmonics, preferentially activate the mouse secondary auditory cortex (A2), whose response deteriorates with shifts in component onset timings. The temporal window for harmonics integration in A2 was broadened by inactivation of somatostatin-expressing interneurons (SOM cells), but not parvalbumin-expressing interneurons (PV cells). Importantly, A2 has functionally connected subnetworks of neurons preferentially encoding harmonic over inharmonic sounds. These subnetworks are stable across days and exist prior to experimental harmoni cs exposure, suggesting their formation during development. Furthermore, A2 inactivation impairs performance in a discrimination task for coincident harmonics. Together, we propose A2 as a locus for multi-frequency integration, which may form the circuit basis for vocal processing.

PMID:34326331 | PMC:PMC8322099 | DOI:10.1038/s41467-021-24758-6

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Potential long-term developmental toxicity of in utero and lactational exposure to Triclocarban (TCC) in hampering ovarian folliculogenesis in rat offspring

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Acta Histochem. 2021 Aug 21;123(6):151772. doi: 10.1016/j.acthis.2021.151772. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Triclocarban (TCC), an antimicrobial compound commonly added to a wide range of household and personal hygiene care products, is one of the most prevalent endocrine-disrupting substances (EDS). This study was conducted to elucidate whether in utero and lactational exposure to TCC could adversely affect folliculogenesis and the onset of puberty in female rat offspring . Twenty pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were equally divided into Control and TCC dam groups (supplemented daily with drinking water enriched with 0.5 mg/L of TCC) from gestational day5 to postnatal day21 (PND21). Female offspring, 20 from control and 20 from TCC dams, were subdivided into 4 subgroups (PND21, PND28, PND35 & PND42). The day of vaginal opening and first estrous cycle were determined. Ovarian sections of the offspring were processed for H&E staining and for immunohistochemical expression of Ki67, Caspase-3 and androgen receptors (AR) on the granulosa cells of ovarian follicles. Follicular count and atretic index were assessed besides, serum estradiol, progesterone, FSH and LH, C-reactive protein (CRP), malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured. TCC offspring exhibited a significant delay in the onset of puberty and impedance of normal transition of the primordial follicles to more developed ones with altered cyctoarchitecture. Also, TCC decreased follicular count, proliferation and gonado-somatic index while it increased atretic index, apoptosis and AR of the granulosa cells along with disturbance of the feminine hormonal profile and oxidant/antioxidant balance. This study highlighted the potential long-term consequences of in utero and lactational exposure to TCC on the postnatal development of the ovary in rat offspring.

PMID:34428603 | DOI:10.1016/j.acthis.2021.151772

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Sequential Bilateral Cochlear Implantation in a Child with Severe External, Middle, and Inner Ear Malformations: Surgical Considerations and Practical Aspects

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Cochlear implantation (CI) is a safe and beneficial surgery for children with congenital inner ear malformations, with the exception of cochlear nerve aplasia. The combination of microtia with middle and inner ear abnormalities is extremely uncommon and sufficiently severe to make a surgical approach to the cochlea difficult. We report herein the case of a 2-year-old girl who presented with profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, congenital aural atresia, microtia, and inner ear malformatio ns. High-resolution computed tomography revealed poor development of the bilateral middle ear spaces, absence of the incus and stapes, aberrant courses of facial nerves, aplastic lateral semicircular canals, and covered round windows. With intraoperative imaging assistance, sequential bilateral CI was performed using a transmastoid approach with no complication. We propose that CI is feasible in patients with severe external and middle ear malformations. However, major malformations increase the risk of complications. As the facial nerve and cochlea are difficult to locate due to the lack of important anatomical landmarks, detailed planning and adequate preparation, including review of the preoperative imaging data, and the use of facial nerve monitoring and intraoperative imaging are very important. In addition, experienced surgeons should perform CI to ensure the success of the operation.
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Ionic Functionalization of Multivariate Covalent Organic Frameworks to Achieve Exceptionally High Iodine Capture Capacity

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Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2021 Aug 24. doi: 10.1002/anie.202108522. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Adsorption-based iodine (I 2 ) capture is of great potential for the treatment of radioactive nuclear waste. Here we employ a "multivariate" synthetic strategy to construct ionic covalent organic frameworks (iCOFs) with large surface area, high pore volume, and abundant binding sites for I 2 capture. The optimized material iCOF-AB-50 exhibits static I 2 uptake capacity of 10.21 g·g -1 at 75 °C, and dynamic uptake capacity of 2.79 g·g -1 at ~400 ppm of I 2 and 25 °C, far exceeding the performances of previously reported adsorbents under similar conditions. It also shows fast adsorption kinetics, good moisture tolerance, and full reusability. The promoting effect of ionic groups on I 2 adsorption has been elucidated by experimentally identifying the iodine species adsorbed at different sites and calculating their binding energies. This work demonstrates the essential role of balancing the textural properties and binding sites of the adsorbent in achieving high I 2 capture performance.

PMID:34431190 | DOI:10.1002/anie.202108522

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Oxidative stress and radioiodine treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer

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Sci Rep. 2021 Aug 24;11(1):17126. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-96637-5.

ABSTRACT

It is hypothesized that the oxidative stress level in thyroid cancer patients is additionally upregulated by radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment, that may exert an important impact on future health concerns. In our study, we evaluated the oxidative stress level changes using the measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) undergoing RAI treatment. C onsidering the results obtained in the study group, the serum levels of MDA in DTC patients were significantly higher compared to the healthy subjects (p < 0.05). The MDA concentration was significantly higher on the third day after RAI (p < 0.001) and significantly lower one year after RAI (p < 0.05) in DTC patients compared to the baseline concentration. Moreover, the redox stabilization after RAI treatment in patients with DTC during a year-long observation was demonstrated. Accordingly, an increased oxidative stress impact on the related biochemical parameters reflecting the health conditions of the DTC patients was determined. Our study showed that increased oxidative stress reflected by MDA measurements in DTC patients is further enhanced by RAI, but this effect is no longer observed one year after the therapy.

PMID:34429481 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-021-96637-5

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Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma in a Developing Country: A 10-Year Retrospective Study

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Cureus. 2021 Jul 23;13(7):e16594. doi: 10.7759/cureus.16594. eCollection 2021 Jul.

ABSTRACT

Background The most common endocrine tumor is thyroid cancer. Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) accounts for 5-10% of all thyroid cancers. Patients with FTC frequently present with more advanced diseases and a higher occurrence of distant metastases because of the propensity of vascular invasion. FTC is mainly treated with surgery while radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy is the main adjuvant therapy according to the American Thyroid Association guidelines. Methodology This was a retrospective observational study of FTC patients aged 18 and above conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi from January 01, 2010 to December 31, 2019. Results A total of 404 patients with thyroid carcinoma were sorted, of which 40 (10.1%) were FTC cases. Overall, 50% of the patients were in the age group of 41-60 years, and the female-to-male ratio was 1.5:1. The majority of patients (60%) presented with neck swelling, followed by bone and lung metastasis in 20% and compressive symptoms in another 20%. On fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), 50% had Bethesda category III-IV nodules while 10% had Bethesda category II. Overall, 50% had a total thyroidectomy while 50% had a lobectomy followed by a completion thyroidectomy. On histopathology, 23 (57.5%) patients had minimally invasive FTC while 17 (42.5%) had widely invasive FTC. A total of 17 (42.5%) patients had received RAI 30-100 mC i while 10 (25%) received more than 100 mCi. Conclusions FTC can present with both local or metastatic symptoms. The atypical presentation of metastatic FTC should be considered, diagnosed, and managed early to limit mortality and morbidity. Ultrasound is the best diagnostic investigation of choice followed by FNAC. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment and should be followed by RAI in select cases. Thus, understanding the trend of FTC and proper planning and utilization of the resources will help developing countries in effectively treating the FTC.

PMID:34430179 | PMC:PMC8378411 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.16594

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Analysis of the short‐term outcomes of biportal robot‐assisted lobectomy

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Abstract

Background

The present study aimed to assess the short-term consequences of biportal robot-assisted lobectomy, validating its safety and effectiveness.

Methods

A retrospective analysis evaluated the clinical data and short-term results of 18 patients in the single medical group of the center who underwent biportal robot-assisted lobectomy plus lymph node dissection from November 2020 to March 2021.

Results

Lobectomy and lymph node dissection could be successfully accomplished in all 18 patients with the assistance of a biportal robot; there was no conversion to thoracotomy during the operation. There were ten males and eight females with their ages ranging from 37 to 73 (58.83 ±9.07) years. The total operation time was 74–146 (105.06 ±18.22) min. Punching time was 2–9 (5.11 ±1.74) min. Docking time was 8–16 (11.94 ±2.41) min. Console time was 50–104 (78.06 ±17.40) min. Chest closing time was 8–17 (10.28 ±2.74) min. Blood loss was 60–132 (94.11 ±41.41) ml. The number of lymph nodes dissected was 16–30 (21.78 ±4.13). Chest tube duration was 2–10 (4.06 ±1.98) d. Drainage on the first day following surgery was 100–500 (337.22 ±117.01) ml. Total drainage was 370–1100 (692.78 ±161.01) ml. Duration of hospital stay was 4–12 (5.89 ±1.94) d. The median 24 h and 72 h VAS scores were 4 (3–7) and 3 (2–5). Total cost (¥) was 51000-85000 (68000±10000), res pectively. There was 1 case of atrial fibrillation, and 1 case of pulmonary infection. The complication rate was 11.11%. No serious complications were recorded after surgery, and no deaths occurred within 30 days post-surgery. The final pathological diagnosis revealed 10 cases of squamous cell carcinoma, 7 cases of adenocarcinoma, and 1 case of benign disease.

Conclusion

The biportal robot-assisted lobectomy was found to be safe and effective in the treatment of lung cancer.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Cholesteatoma Causing a Horizontal Semicircular Canal Fistula

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Ear Nose Throat J. 2021 Aug 25:1455613211040580. doi: 10.1177/01455613211040580. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Horizontal canal fistulas are not uncommon in patients with cholesteatoma. Patients with canal wall down cavities and exposed horizontal canal fistulas develop significant dizziness with wind or suction exposure. Obliteration of mastoid cavities in patients with exposed fistulas can be challenging. We describe a patient with horizontal canal fistula and chronic di zziness from wind exposure who underwent successful mastoid cavity obliteration with preservation of hearing. Patients with horizontal canal fistulas in a canal wall down cavity can be managed with mastoid obliteration for relief of dizziness.

PMID:34428983 | DOI:10.1177/01455613211040580

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Cochlear Implant Research and Development in the Twenty-first Century: A Critical Update

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Abstract

Cochlear implants (CIs) are the world's most successful sensory prosthesis and have been the subject of intense research and development in recent decades. We critically review the progress in CI research, and its success in improving patient outcomes, from the turn of the century to the present day. The review focuses on the processing, stimulation, and audiological methods that have been used to try to improve speech perception by human CI listeners, and on fundamental new insights in the response of the auditory system to electrical stimulation. The introduction of directional microphones and of new noise reduction and pre-processing algorithms has produced robust and sometimes substantial improvements. Novel speech-processing algorithms, the use of current-focusing methods, and individualised (patient-by-patient) deactivation of subsets of electrodes have produced more modest improvements. We argue that incremental advances have and will continue to be made , that collectively these may substantially improve patient outcomes, but that the modest size of each individual advance will require greater attention to experimental design and power. We also briefly discuss the potential and limitations of promising technologies that are currently being developed in animal models, and suggest strategies for researchers to collectively maximise the potential of CIs to improve hearing in a wide range of listening situations.

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High DNMT1 Is Associated With Worse Local Control in Early‐Stage Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

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Objectives/Hypothesis

Early-stage laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) has yielded local control rates of 75% after radiotherapy. DNA methylation, in which DNA methyltransferases play an important role, has influence on tumorigenesis. In this study, we investigated the association between the expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and local control in early-stage LSCC treated with radiotherapy.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

We analyzed a well-defined homogeneous series of 125 LSCC patients treated with radiotherapy with curative intent. The association of immunohistochemical expression of DNMT1 with local control was evaluated using Cox proportional hazard regression models.

Results

With a median follow-up of 58 months, 29 local recurrences (23%) were observed. On univariate analysis, worse local control was associated with high DNMT1 expression (hazard ratio [HR] 2.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10–6.01). Also, higher T-stage (HR 2.48, 95% CI 1.06–5.80) and positive N-status (HR 2.62, 95% CI 1.06–6.47) were associated with worse local control. Multivariate Cox regression demonstrated that high DNMT1 (HR 2.81; 95% CI 1.20–6.58) was independently associated with worse local control.

Conclusions

We found an association between high DNMT1 expression and worse local control in a homogeneous well-defined cohort of early-stage LSCC patients treated with definitive radiotherapy. The association between DNA methylation status as determined by DNMT1 expression and local control suggests that DNMT1 acts as a potential prognostic tumor marker in treatment decision-making in early-stage laryngeal carcinoma.

Level of evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 2021

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Factors Contributing to Missed Appointments in a Pediatric Otolaryngology Clinic

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Objective

To understand why pediatric otolaryngology patients do not attend scheduled clinic appointments and identify factors correlated with no-show status.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study that uses medical record data extraction of patients that was scheduled to attend new patient appointments at a pediatric otolaryngology clinic in 2018.

Results

Factors associated with no-shows included complex psychiatric history (OR (95% CI) 0.789 (0.71–0.88), P < .001), increased appointment lead time (OR (95% CI) 0.981 (0.976–0.987), P < .001), afternoon appointments (OR (95% CI) 0.783 (0.64–0.99), P = .038), and complex maternal medical history (OR (95% CI) 0.987 (0.979–0.996), P < .005). In contrast, factors associated with attendance included complex patients' medical history (OR (95% CI) 1.058 (0.98–1.02), P < .001), primary care physician at the same hospital (OR (95% CI) 2.766 (2.25–3.39), P < .001), and primary language being Spanish (OR (95% CI) 2.536 (1.75–3.67) P < .001). The factors of distance from the hospital (OR (95% CI) 1.001 (0.99–1.01), P = .868), season of appointment (P = .997), race (P = .623), and ethnicity (P = .804) were not as sociated with attendance or no-shows.

Conclusion

Patient and maternal medical problems, mental health history, primary care location, appointment lead time, hour of appointment, and primary language, all contribute to appointment attendance, while appointment timing, race, and ethnicity are not associated with attendance. Further work must be performed to overcome these barriers to minimize healthcare risks and improve patient outcomes.

Quality of Evidence

Level 3 Laryngoscope, 2021

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