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Purpose: Specific learning disorder (SLD) refers to a pattern of learning difficulties characterized by problems with reading, writing, or mathematics that are not solely due to intellectual disabilities, sensory deficits, or other neurological or medical conditions. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the processing and organizing of information. Auditory and cognitive processing is affected in most children with SLD, although to a varying degree. However, it is still unclear whether there exists any relationship between auditory and cognitive processing disorders in children with SLD. Method: We tested 1,259 children, of whom 77 were diagnosed as SLD and 30 age- and gender-matched typically developing (TD) children were selected. Auditory processing abilities were assessed for auditory discrimination, pattern perception, closure, temporal processing, binaural integration, and separation using standardized tests and procedures. Cognitive processing was measured using working memory, short-term memory, and attention tasks. Results: The test data of the TD children were taken as the norm. Based on the normative range, children with SLD were divided into those with auditory processing disorder (APD; n = 31) and those without APD (n = 46). A regression model highlighted a robust positive relationship between APD and cognitive processing, particularly pronounced in SLD with APD children. The results are discussed, supporting the information-processing theory of learning disability and highlighting a complex loop between auditory and cognitive deficits in children with SLD. Conclusions: The findings underscore the critical role of both auditory and cognitive abilities in children with SLD. Tailoring the intervention to break the loop is recommended, which may improve learning abilities more effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Traditional sound field localization setups in a free-field environment closely represent real-world situations. However, they are costly and sophisticated, and it is difficult to replicate similar setups in every clinic. Hence, a cost-effective, portable, and less sophisticated virtual setup will be more feasible for assessing spatial acuity in the clinical setting. The virtual auditory space identification (VASI) test was developed to assess spatial acuity using virtual sources in a closed field. The present study compares the legitimacy of these two methods. Subjects and Methods: Fifty-five individuals with normal hearing (mean age±SD: 21± 3.26 years) underwent spatial acuity assessment using two paradigms: 1) the sound field paradigm (localization test) and 2) the virtual paradigm (VASI test). Location-specific and overall accuracy scores and error rates were calculated using confusion matrices for each participant in both paradigms. Results: The results of Wilcoxon signed-rank tests showed that the locationspecific and overall accuracy scores for both paradigms were not significantly different. Further, both paradigms did not yield significantly different localization error rates like right and left intra-hemifield errors, inter-hemifield errors, and front-back errors. Spearman’s correlation analysis showed that all the measures of the two paradigms had mild to moderate correlation. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that both VASI and the sound field paradigm localization test performed equally well in assessing spatial acuity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is known to be associated with lesions at various sites, including outer hair cell (OHC) and inner hair cell (IHC) injury, as well as auditory dyssynchrony or vestibulocochlear nerve tumors. Therefore, it is important to establish the differential diagnosis of SNHL, which however is particularly challenging in patients with unilateral SNHL. The test battery approach is effective for accurate diagnosis in such cases. In this report, we discuss the usefulness of the test battery approach to accurately detect the site of the lesion in a patient with unilateral hearing loss. A 14-year-9-month-old adolescent who observed decreased hearing sensitivity in the left ear accompanied by difficulty with understanding speech at a distance was diagnosed with unilateral hearing loss in the left ear. In this report, we describe a rare and diagnostically challenging case of unilateral SNHL in a patient with normal OHC function and selective injury to IHCs, which was diagnosed using a test battery approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two main techniques to assess auditory spatial acuity include real-source localisation in the sound-field and virtual-source localisation under headphones.The present study aimed to compare the efficacy of the two assessment paradigms (sound-field localisation and closed-field lateralisation) to measure the spatial abilities of normal-hearing school-aged children. Spatial acuity was assessed in twenty-seven normal-hearing children aged 7–13 years (Mage: 10.4; SD: 1.6) using two paradigms; 1) localisation test (a sound field paradigm) and 2) virtual auditory space identification test (VASI,a closed-field paradigm). The accuracy scores and error rates were calculated from confusion matrices for each participant in both paradigms. The Wilcoxon sign rank test showed no statistically significant difference between the two tests in the error rates. However, there was a significant difference in the accuracy scores between the two paradigms for azimuths/locations: Right45°, Right135°, Left45°, and Left135°. Spearman correlation showed a mild to moderate positive correlation between all the measures of the two paradigms. The results show that VASI and sound-field localisation paradigms are comparable in assessing spatial acuity in children. A further experiment is warranted to establish its validity in the clinical population as a test for spatial acuity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The virtual acoustic space identification (VASI) test was designed to assess spatial-hearing acuity by simulating sound location perception in a closed field (under headphones). The utility of this tool in children can be asserted only if the test results are consistent across measurement sessions, which is evaluated in this study using test--retest reliability assessments. Method: The VASI test assessed the spatial abilities of 40 typically developing school-aged children aged 7--13 years (Mage = 10.47 ± 1.83 years, 22 boys, 18 girls). The test consisted of eight virtual location percepts (with 45° separation) produced under headphones (Sennheiser HD 569). Each spatial percept was presented randomly 7 times at 65 dB SPL. Each participant completed the assessment in three measurement sessions (baseline, intrasession, and intersession). The accuracy scores at each location and overall accuracy scores were compared across the sessions. Results: The Shapiro--Wilk test indicated that the VASI data were not normally distributed. Intraclass correlation coefficient analysis revealed excellent test--retest reliability of the overall accuracy scores and moderate-to-high reliability of location-specific scores. This was complimented by the low response variability of the overall and location-specific accuracy scores. The Bland--Altman analysis also indicated minimal bias in VASI accuracy scores across the three sessions. Conclusions: It can be concluded from the results that VASI is a reliable tool for assessing spatial-hearing acuity in school-aged children. The high test-- retest reliability and ease of portability make the test highly relevant for classroom setups where early diagnosis and intervention of spatial deficits can play a critical role in determining the academic success of school-going children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tinnitus is the perception of sound when there is no external sound stimulus. Individuals with tinnitus may have altered neurological system corresponding to the auditory pathway. Therefore, central auditory processing abilities, which rely on the central auditory pathway, may be affected. This study reviewed the published studies regarding the impact of tinnitus on central auditory processing abilities. Main text: A total of 3087 studies were identified, of which 18 fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. The included studies scored good or fair in the quality assessment checklist. The review showed that individuals who had tinnitus with normal hearing sensitivity performed poorly on temporal resolution tests, speech perception in noise, localization, and auditory memory. However, temporal patterning and dichotic tests were not shown to be affected by tinnitus. Conclusion: The audiologists involved in tinnitus assessment are recommended to include central auditory processing tests in routine evaluation for the early diagnosis and intervention for subjects with tinnitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children with speech sound disorder (SSD) have incomplete phonological acquisition without organic alteration. These children's speech exhibits multiple phoneme omission, substitution, and distortion errors. Auditory processing disorders (APD) are associated with speech sound disorders. Since APD prevents the development of a stable representation of phonemes in the brain, it may cause speech issues and make semantics, syntax, and phonology challenging to acquire. The review summarises behavioral findings of auditory processing abilities in children with SSD. The study used a literature search of electronic databases (Google Scholar, Science Direct, Research Gate, PubMed) from 2007 to 2022. The retrieved articles were assessed in two stages: title and abstract screening, followed by a full-length article review. Six articles were selected after the full-length review of 12 shortlisted articles. The review of the articles showed that temporal processing abilities are affected in children with SSD. Thus, temporal processing is critical for developing phonological awareness because it is vital for perceiving and rapidly changing acoustic cues in speech. The close relationship between temporal processing and phonological awareness in children with SSD highlights the importance of including temporal processing assessment in these children. Appropriate auditory training which taps into temporal processing skills may improve phonological awareness in these children. The effect of auditory processing training on phonological skills in SSD children needs further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Social risk screening is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, but this practice is underutilized in NICUs. To address this gap in social care, we aimed to increase rates of: (1) systematic social risk screening and (2) connection with community resources, each to ≥50% over a 14-month period. METHODS: We conducted a quality improvement initiative from November 2020 to January 2022. We adapted a screening tool and used Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles to integrate screening and referral to resources into clinical workflow. Primary outcome measures included the percentage of (1) families screened and (2) connection with resources. We examined screening by maternal race/ethnicity and primary language. Process measures were (1) time from admission to screening and (2) percentage of referrals provided to families reporting unmet needs and requesting assistance. We used statistical process control to assess change over time and χ² tests to compare screening by race/ethnicity and language. RESULTS: The rates of systematic screening increased from 0% to 49%. Among 103 families screened, 84% had ≥1, and 64% had ≥2 unmet needs, with a total of 221 needs reported. Education, employment, transportation, and food were the most common needs. Screening rates did not vary by race/ethnicity or language. Among families requesting assistance, 98% received referrals. The iterative improvement of a written resource guide and community partnerships led to increased rates of connection with resources from 21% to 52%. CONCLUSION: Leveraging existing staff, our social risk screening and referral intervention built the capacity to address the high burden of unmet needs among NICU families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Psychoacoustics includes studying the perceived effects of changes in sound intensity, temporal, and frequency aspects that are critical for speech perception. Psycon is one such software used in studies to assess psychoacoustic abilities. Psycon has the potential for wide clinical applications in psychoacoustic research and relies on Auditory syntaX (AUX), a program designed specifically to handle auditory signals. The current study aimed to determine the test-retest reliability of the Psycon application for differential sensitivity measures of frequency, intensity, duration and silence. Methods: The study included 39 participants with normal hearing sensitivity. Psychoacoustic measures, namely, gap detection threshold, duration discrimination threshold, difference limen of intensity, and difference limen of frequency, were used to assess test-retest reliability. The test-retest reliability of all measures was checked in two separate sessions within one day. Results: The reliability of each measure was measured using Cronbach's alpha. Test-retest reliability of various psychoacoustic tests measured with Psycon ranges from good to excellent. difference limen of frequency had the highest reliability, followed by duration discrimination thresholds, difference limen of intensity, and gap detection thresholds. Conclusion: Psycon appears to be a reliable tool for assessing different psychoacoustic abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The present systematic review aims to understand auditory processing abilities in children with nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCL/P). The review summarizes questionnaire, behavioral, and electrophysiological findings of auditory processing abilities in children with NSCL/P. Method: The study used a literature search of electronic databases (e.g., Pub Med, Google Scholar, J Stage, Research Gate, ScienceDirect) and the AIISH repository from 2000 to 2021. The retrieved articles were assessed in two stages: title and abstract screening, followed by a full-length article review. About 13 articles were selected after the full-length review of 17 shortlisted articles. All selected studies used cohort design. Result: The review showed that speech perception in noise and temporal processing were the majorly affected processing abilities in children with NSCL/P. The review also showed that cleft palate children are more prone to auditory processing deficits than other cleft subgroups. These auditory processing deficits in NSCL/P children may cause delayed speech and language skills, reading, and learning disabilities, which are highly reported in these children. Conclusion: Auditory processing evaluation should be a part of the audiological test battery for these children to promote early diagnosis and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background and Aim: Cognitive and auditory processing deficits are seen in older individuals with normal hearing sensitivity. Studies on older individuals with hearing impairment have assessed the cognitive function and correlated with hearing devices benefit. Since auditory processing can also affect speech perception abilities, and there is a possible relationship between cognition and some of the auditory processing abilities, it is essential to assess the relationship between auditory processing abilities and hearing aid benefit in naïve and experienced hearing aid users in older adults. Methods: Fifty individuals in the age range of 51 to 70 years with mild to moderate hearing loss participated in the study. There were 30 participants without any hearing aid experience and 20 participants with hearing aid experience for at least six weeks. Their auditory processing abilities were tested using gap detection test, duration pattern test, speech perception in noise, dichotic consonant-vowel test, masking level difference, forward and backward span tests. The hearing aid benefit was assessed using aided speech perception in noise measures and International Outcome Inventory-Hearing Aids questionnaire in Kannada. Results: Spearman's correlation showed only correlation between auditory closure ability and binaural integration abilities with hearing aid benefit in experienced users. There was no correlation between any other auditory processing abilities and hearing aid benefit. Conclusion: There is a correlation between a few auditory processes and hearing aid use in elderly individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Traditionally, auditory spatial acuity is assessed using a sound-field localization test that involves the auditory stimuli emitted from array of loudspeakers in a sound-treated room. Although the use of loudspeakers mimics real life environments, its reliability has not been evaluated in children. Thus, the present study examined the test--retest reliability of sound-field localization test in school-aged normal-hearing children. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four typically-developing children in the age range of 7--12 years (Mage: 9.97 ± 0.88) participated in the study. Localization testing was carried out twice on all the participants using an array of 18 loudspeakers (spaced 20° apart) arranged in a circular form. A 500 ms broadband noise was randomly presented at each azimuth. The overall accuracy and quadrant-specific accuracy scores were compared between the two sessions. Results: The Wilcoxon sign rank test results showed no significant difference in overall (P = 0.58) and quadrantwise accuracy scores between the two sessions. The intra-class correlation (ICC) results also demonstrated a high test--retest reliability (0.91) for the overall localization accuracy score. The results also showed low withinsubject variability (5.78%) of overall scores with a minimal response bias of 7.56%. Conclusions: The present study's results show a high test--retest reliability of the sound-field localization test, suggestive of its efficacy in assessing spatial processing abilities in school-aged children. High reliability of the test favors its application in localization assessment in children with spatial hearing disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study evaluated the peripheral hearing and central auditory processing abilities in Indian adolescent girls with iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Method: The participants consisted of 75 adolescent girls with IDA, 50 adolescent girls without IDA, and 50 adolescent boys without IDA. Participants underwent a test battery to evaluate auditory processing and peripheral hearing assessment. In this study, central auditory processing abilities were assessed using Speech Perception in Noise test in Kannada (SPIN-K) and quick speech perception in noise tests in Kannada, dichotic consonant--vowel test, gap detection threshold (GDT), and auditory digit sequencing and auditory digit span tests. Results: Results showed that the hearing thresholds at extremely low and high frequencies (250 and 8000 Hz), although within clinically normal limits, were poorer in girls with IDA than in the control groups. Also, girls with IDA performed poorly in SPIN-K of the right ear, GDT, and auditory backward digit span tests. Conclusion: These subtle auditory deficiencies may be attributed to the compromised blood supply to the central auditory nervous system, as observed in the current study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Rehabilitation services to individuals with hearing impairment were on hold with widespread COVID-19. So, rehabilitation services were mandated mainly through telepractice for children with hearing loss. Evaluating the effectiveness of tele-practise compared to face-to-face therapy is of utmost importance for evidence-based approaches. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the parent’s satisfaction with tele-listening training for children with hearing impairment during COVID-19. Methods: Fifty-four parents of children with hearing loss participated in the study. The parents satisfaction on tele-listening training was evaluated through the Parent Satisfaction Questionnaire in terms of 1) the audio and video quality during teletherapy; 2) equipment use 3) general parent-therapist interaction and communication during teletherapy; 4) service delivery and convenience; and 5) overall satisfaction with the teletherapy. Results: The results showed a higher parent satisfaction rating to avail rehabilitation services through tele-modality during the pandemic. Tele-listening training sessions had helped parents continue training their children at home with the therapist's guidance online. However, parents were not satisfied with their child's interaction with the therapist as they found it difficult to maintain attention throughout the online session. Conclusion: Although most participants agreed that tele session could not replace face-to-face auditory-verbal therapy (AVT) programs, most of them were satisfied with the outreach AVT program. These favorable responses from parents highlight that the digital revolution and other technological advancements support the service providers in Audiology, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The current study aimed to evaluate the olivocochlear bundle functioning and speech perception in the presence of noise in females with Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Method: Twenty participants in the age range of 18-25 years were included in the study. They were equally divided into two groups: group 1 included females diagnosed with PCOS, and group 2 included healthy adult male participants. Medial olivocochlear (MOC) functioning was evaluated using contralateral suppression of transient otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE). In addition, speech perception in noise was assessed using a quick speech perception in noise test in Malayalam. Results: Results showed a significant difference for the TEOAE amplitude and signal to noise ratio (SNR) of TEOAEs in quiet and in the presence of contralateral noise and the speech perception in noise between the two groups. Also, no contralateral suppression was noted in the clinical group suggesting that MOC functioning is affected in individuals with PCOS. Conclusion: It can be concluded that medial olivocochlear bundle functioning and speech perception in noise is affected in individuals with PCOS, which can be attributed to the abnormality in the hormonal status of PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objecitve: The present study aimed to compare the effect of age on binaural integration in younger and older adults with normal hearing using dichotic digit test in Kannada. Materials and methods: Two groups of participants with normal hearing sensitivity sensitivity were enrolled for the study. Group 1 included 19 young adults in the age range of 18 to 25 years (12 Females, Mean age = 20.95 years), and Group 2 included 19 older adults within the age range of 50 to 70 years (10 Females, Mean age = 56.35 years). Bisyllabic Kannada digits were used to assess binaural integration. The material consists of a total of 30 presentations with each presentation having two-digit pair. Single correct scores and double correct scores were noted down for the participants. Results and Discussion: Results showed that the right ear single correct scores were high for both the groups, and there was a significant difference in the right correct scores (p <.05), left correct scores (p <.001) as well as double correct scores (p <.01) between the two groups. It was also seen that the right ear advantage was more pronounced in older adults (21.40%) compared to the younger adults (5.61%) which could be due to the decline in the efficiency of interhemispheric transfer of information via the corpus callosum. Conclusion: To conclude, there is an age-related decline in dichotic digit scores, and thus, separate norms are required for older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Psychoacoustic abilities include the perception of frequency, intensity, and the temporal parameters of sound, which are necessary for speech perception. These abilities can be measured using adaptive and non-adaptive procedures. The maximum likelihood procedure (MLP) is an adaptive psychophysical procedure that is usually utilized in psychoacoustic tasks. The present study aimed to assess the test- retest reliability of various psychoacoustic measures assessed using the MLP toolbox implemented in Matlab. Material and methods: A total of 20 participants with normal hearing sensitivity were selected for the study. The test-retest reliability of psychoacoustic measures was studied in terms of frequency difference limen, intensity difference limen, duration discrimination thresholds, gap detection thresholds, and modulation detection thresholds (4 Hz and 128 Hz). To check test-retest reliability all measures were assessed twice within a span of one day. Results: The results showed no significant difference in the various psychoacoustic measures obtained across the two sessions. The reliability of each measure was tested using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).The results indicated that the test-retest reliability of various psychoacoustic measures assessed using the MLP toolbox was fair to good. Conclusions: It can be concluded that MLP is a reliable tool to assess various psychoacoustic abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temporal processing ability contributes to the identification of small phonetic elements that is important for speech perception. Difficulty in these interferes with normal speech perception and phoneme recognition. The present study aimed to assess the temporal and phonological processing abilities in children with speech sound disorders (SSD). Temporal processing and phonological skills were evaluated in 32 participants in the age range of 6–10 years, equally divided into two groups. Group I included typically developing children, and Group II included children with SSD. Gap detection test and duration pattern test were used to assess temporal processing abilities, and phonological sensitivity training kit in Kannada (PhoST-K) assessed phonological processing abilities. The results showed that there was a significant difference in temporal and phonological processing between the two groups of children. A significant correlation between gap detection ability and deletion tasks and between duration pattern ability and oddity tasks was obtained. Based on the results, it is recommended to assess the temporal process pertinent to central auditory processing in children with SSD, as a close relationship between temporal processing abilities and phonological awareness exists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hearing loss is a highly widespread problem worldwide and early identification of hearing loss through screening is important to overcome the negative effects of untreated hearing impairment. Screening can be done using handheld device app technologies for the hearing assessments that would be easy to be used by any individual. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to compare the hearing thresholds with smartphone application and conventional audiometer. Materials and Methods: A total of 52 participants were included in the study. They were divided into two groups. Group 1 included 36 participants (72 ears) in the age range of 7 to 35 years with normal hearing sensitivity. Group 2 included 16 participants (32 ears) in the age range of 18-68 years with varying degree of hearing loss ranging from minimal hearing loss to severe hearing loss. Thus, a total of 104 ears were tested. Air Conduction thresholds were obtained at octave frequencies from 250 Hz to 4000 Hz using conventional audiometer in a sound treated room and through the android application (Hearing test version 1.1.) using a smart phone (Micromax Xpress Canvas) in a quiet room. The noise levels for hearing assessment through smart phone app ranged between 70-75 dB A, which was measured prior to the testing session. The thresholds were obtained for both right and left ear of the participants. The hearing thresholds obtained from both the measures was subjected to appropriate statistical analysis. Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference in the thresholds across the procedures for all the frequencies in Group 1. However, there was no significant difference in thresholds across the procedures for all the frequencies in Group 2. Conclusion: It can be concluded that hearing screening through mobile application is user-friendly and cost-effective, but it might lead into under referrals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The study aimed to investigate the influence of subcortical auditory processing and cognitive measures on cocktail party listening in younger and older adults with normal hearing sensitivity. Design: Tests administered included quick speech perception in noise test to assess cocktail party listening, speech auditory brainstem response to assess subcortical auditory processing and digit span, digit sequencing and spatial selective attention test to assess cognitive processing. Study sample: A total of 92 participants with normal hearing sensitivity participated in the study. They were divided into two groups: 52 young adults (20-40 years) and 40 older adults (60-80 years). Results: The older adults performed significantly poorer than, the younger adults on the quick speech perception in noise test and various cognitive measures. Further, cognitive measures correlated with speech perception in noise in younger and older adults. The results of this study also showed that there was a significant deterioration in brainstem encoding of speech with ageing. Further, it was also noted that the fundamental frequency of the speech auditory brainstem response correlated with speech perception in noise. Conclusions: It can be concluded from this study that subcortical auditory processing and cognitive measures play a role in cocktail party listening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To develop sentence lists in the Telugu language for the assessment of speech recognition threshold (SRT) in the presence of background noise through identification of the mean signal-to-noise ratio required to attain a 50% sentence recognition score (SRTn).Design: This study was conducted in three phases. The first phase involved the selection and recording of Telugu sentences. In the second phase, 20 lists, each consisting of 10 sentences with equal intelligibility, were formulated using a numerical optimisation procedure. In the third phase, the SRTn of the developed lists was estimated using adaptive procedures on individuals with normal hearing.Study sample: A total of 68 native Telugu speakers with normal hearing participated in the study. Of these, 18 (including the speakers) performed on various subjective measures in first phase, 20 performed on sentence/word recognition in noise for second phase and 30 participated in the list equivalency procedures in third phase.Results: In all, 15 lists of comparable difficulty were formulated as test material. The mean SRTn across these lists corresponded to −2.74 (SD = 0.21).Conclusions: The developed sentence lists provided a valid and reliable tool to measure SRTn in Telugu native speakers. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses a study on the diagnosis of birth defects of genetic origin in utero after invasive extraction of fetal tissues. The study performed noninvasive testing with circulating cell-free fetal DNA. It examined intact trophoblast cells from Papanicolaou smears collected from pregnant women and employed multiplex targeted DNA sequencing to profile matched maternal, placental and fetal samples.

Introduction: The growth factor HBEGF is upregulated post-transcriptionally in the low O2 environment of the human placenta during the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. We have examined the possible roles of HBEGF turnover and micro-RNA (miRNA) in its regulation by O2 in human first trimester trophoblast. Methods: HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast cells were cultured at 2% or 20% O2. The cells were transfected with a dual luciferase reporter construct (psiCHECK-2) containing no insert (control), the HBEGF 3’ untranslated region (3’UTR), or sub-regions of the 3’UTR, as well as with siRNA for DGCR8. RNA was extracted from trophoblast cells cultured at 2% O2 for 0–4 h for next-generation sequencing. HBEGF was quantified by ELISA. HBEGF, DGCR8, and β–actin were examined by western blotting. Results: Protein turnover studies, using 10 μg/ml cyclohexamide, 1 μg/ml lactocystin, or 100 μg/ml MG132, demonstrated faster HBEGF degradation at 20% O2 than 2% O2, mediated by the proteasome. However, proteasome inhibition failed to initiate HBEGF accumulation at 20% O2. Reporter assays, comparing to empty vector, demonstrated that the intact HBEGF 3’ UTR inhibited expression (0.26), while fragments containing only its flanking regions increased reporter activity (3.15; 3.43). No differential expression of miRNAs was found in trophoblast cells cultured at 2% and 20% O2. Nevertheless, HBEGF upregulation at 2% O2 was blocked when the miRNA-processing protein DGCR8 was silenced, suggesting a role for miRNA. Conclusion: Our findings suggest involvement of flanking regions of the 3’UTR in activating HBEGF protein synthesis in response to 2% O2, possibly through a miRNA-mediated mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The menstrual cycle is a cyclic fluctuation of ovarian hormonal level in every female. Previous electrophysiological, psychoacoustic, neurobiological and cognitive neuroscience studies have focused on the fluctuating level of gonadal steroids (oestradiol and progesterone) affecting peripheral auditory system and cognitive function. These changes can alter central auditory processing abilities and auditory working memory capacity during the menstrual cycle. In the present study the effect of hormonal changes in temporal processing, speech perception in noise and working memory is assessed in females. Study design A time-series design was used. A total of 10 female participants in the age range of 18–25 years, with an average 28 days regular menstrual cycle, were included in this study. Auditory temporal processing abilities were assessed using gap detection, modulation detection and a duration discrimination test; speech perception in noise was assessed through the Quick-SIN test in Kannada and auditory working memory was assessed using a forward and backward digit span test. All participants were tested twice during a single menstrual cycle, i.e. menstrual phase, and ovulation. A paired sample t-test was used to estimate the significance of differences. Results The results showed significant differences for all the tests across the two phases of the menstrual cycle; the ovulation phase had better thresholds compared to that of the menstrual phase for all tests. Conclusion These findings suggest that higher oestrogen level fine tunes central auditory processing and improves psychoacoustic capabilities to resolve temporal waveform, which is important for speech perception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pure tone hearing screening test is the most widely used method for detecting hearing impairment. To avoid false positive results, the test needs to be conducted in a quiet environment with ambient noise levels lesser than the maximum permissible noise levels specified by ANSI. Such an environment is not available in the rural areas of India. As per census 2011, 49% of the persons with hearing impairment in India live in rural areas, which emphasize the need to conduct hearing screening in rural locations. No attempts have been made yet to document the ambient noise levels in these rural locations and to find out how these noise levels influence the test results. The present study was an effort to measure the ambient noise levels in three of such locations and to find the effect of these noise levels on the outcome of the hearing screening test conducted on 15 participants at each of these locations. The selected locations were found to have average ambient noise levels of 58.3, 60.1 and 64.8 dBSPL, which were higher than the ambient noise levels reported in the previous studies. Results showed very low specificity at 500Hz test frequency at all the three locations when the pass criterion was 25 dBHL while it was 80% when the pass criterion was 30 dBHL. 100% specificity was observed at all other test frequencies, at all the three locations. Outcome of the study will help to precisely organize hearing screening programs in Indian rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluated the effectiveness of tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) on certain temporal processing abilities and perceptual judgment of tinnitus. A review of literature revealed that TRT reduces the neural activity at the level of limbic and autonomic nervous system. As, the neural generators of temporal perceptual skills also lie in the cortical and sub-cortical areas of the brain, it was hypothesized in the current study that there could be an association between the two. This longitudinal study was carried out with three groups of participants. The groups included 16 participants with bilateral symmetrical tinnitus (experimental group), 10 individuals with tinnitus (placebo group), and 20 individuals with no tinnitus (control group). All the participants had normal hearing sensitivity. TRT was given to the participants of the experimental group. Temporal processing abilities, tinnitus severity, annoyance and loudness were assessed before therapy and 1, 6 and 12 months following therapy. A significant improvement in the temporal processing test scores after 12 months of therapy was noted. Therapy also resulted in reduction of tinnitus severity and tinnitus related annoyance. There was a positive association between improved temporal processing and reduced tinnitus severity and tinnitus related annoyance for the participants in the experimental group. The improvement of temporal processing skills and perceptual judgment of tinnitus after therapy indicate the effectiveness of tinnitus retraining therapy and confirm the cortical and/or sub cortical involvement in tinnitus perception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of short-term musical training on speech perception in noise. In the present study speech perception in noise was measured pre- and post- short-term musical training. The musical training involved auditory perceptual training for raga identification of two Carnatic ragas. The training was given for eight sessions. A total of 18 normal hearing adults in the age range of 18-25 years participated in the study wherein group 1 consisted of ten individuals who underwent musical training and group 2 consisted of eight individuals who did not undergo any training. Results revealed that post training, speech perception in noise improved significantly in group 1, whereas group 2 did not show any changes in speech perception scores. Thus, short-term musical training shows an enhancement of speech perception in the presence of noise. However, generalization and long-term maintenance of these benefits needs to be evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of biologically active phenoxy derivatives of 2-substituted benzoxazole organophosphates have been synthesized by the reaction of S-(benzoxazolyl-2)phosphorodichloridothioate/phosphorodichloridodithioate with phenol/4-chlorophenol/4-nitrophenol in 1:1 and 1:2 molar ratio. These compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR,1H NMR, and31P NMR spectral studies. The antibacterial activity of these 2-substituted benzoxazolephenoxy derivatives has been evaluated against pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (+ve) and Escherichia coli (–ve). The antifungal activity of these 2-substituted benzoxazolephenoxy derivatives has been evaluated against pathogenic fungi Aspergillusniger and Fusariumoxysporium. All the compounds were found to have moderate antibacterial and antifungal activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intricate and precise communication between the blastocyst and the uterus orchestrates embryo implantation. However, many questions remain unanswered regarding the molecular complexities of implantation. On-time implantation requires a receptive uterus and a mature blastocyst with trophoblast cells capable of adhering to and invading the endometrium. Defects in uterine receptivity or embryo/uterine signaling can cause implantation failure or early pregnancy loss, whereas deficient trophoblast differentiation can generate placental abnormalities that produce adverse pregnancy outcomes. This review will discuss several examples of signaling pathways that regulate trophoblast and uterine development during this period. Leukemia inhibitory factor is involved in uterine priming for implantation. The epidermal growth factor signaling system contributes to trophoblast-uterine communication, as well as trophoblast adhesion and invasion. Indian hedgehog signaling synchronizes tissue compartments within the uterus, and WNT signaling mediates numerous interactions within the implantation site and developing placenta. The autocrine, paracrine and juxtacrine interactions mediated by these signaling pathways contribute significantly to the establishment of pregnancy, although there are many other known and yet to be discovered factors that synchronize the maternal and embryonic developmental programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to assess speech recognition in noise using multitalker babble of native and non-native language at two different signal to noise ratios. The speech recognition in noise was assessed on 60 participants (18 to 30 years) with normal hearing sensitivity, having Malayalam and Kannada as their native language. For this purpose, 6 and 10 multitalker babble were generated in Kannada and Malayalam language. Speech recognition was assessed for native listeners of both the languages in the presence of native and non-native multitalker babble. Results showed that the speech recognition in noise was significantly higher for 0 dB signal to noise ratio (SNR) compared to -3 dB SNR for both the languages. Performance of Kannada Listeners was significantly higher in the presence of native (Kannada) babble compared to non-native babble (Malayalam). However, this was not same with the Malayalam listeners wherein they performed equally well with native (Malayalam) as well as non-native babble (Kannada). The results of the present study highlight the importance of using native multitalker babble for Kannada listeners in lieu of non-native babble and, considering the importance of each SNR for estimating speech recognition in noise scores. Further research is needed to assess speech recognition in Malayalam listeners in the presence of other non-native backgrounds of various types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of short-term perceptual training of music on some psycho-acoustical measures. The study was carried out in three phases. In first the phase pre-training evaluation was done which included raga identification and various psycho acoustical tests. Psycho-acoustical tests included measurement of differential limen of frequency and intensity, duration discrimination, gap detection, modulation detection, backward masking and duration pattern test. In the second phase, auditory perceptual training was given for raga identification and in the third phase post- training evaluation was done though same tests as mentioned in pre-training phase. A total of 10 normal hearing adults (7 males, 3 females) in the age range of 18-25 years participated in the study. The results revealed that all the subjects performed significantly better on raga identification after training. However; there was no significant difference in psycho-acoustical measures in pre and post-training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Tinnitus is the perception of a sound without an external source. It can affect auditory perception abilities in individuals with normal hearing sensitivity. Purpose: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of tinnitus on psychoacoustic abilities in individuals with normal hearing sensitivity. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on twenty subjects with tinnitus and twenty subjects without tinnitus. Tinnitus group was again divided into mild and moderate tinnitus based on the tinnitus handicap inventory. Data Collection and Analysis: Differential limen of intensity, differential limen of frequency, gap detection test, modulation detection thresholds were done through the mlp toolbox in Matlab and speech in noise test was done with the help of Quick SIN in Kannada. Results: Results of the study showed that the clinical group performed poorly in all the tests except for differential limen of intensity. Conclusions: Tinnitus affects aspects of auditory perception like temporal resolution, speech perception in noise and frequency discrimination in individuals with normal hearing. This could be due to subtle changes in the central auditory system which is not reflected in the pure tone audiogram. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Segmental resection of the mandible generally results in deviation of the mandible to the defective side. This loss of continuity of the mandible destroys the balance of the lower face and leads to decreased mandibular function by deviation of the residual segment toward the surgical site. Prosthetic methods advocated to reduce or eliminate mandibular deviation include intermaxillary fixation, removable mandibular guide flange, palatal ramp, implant-supported prosthesis and palatal guidance restorations which may be useful in reducing mandibular deviation and improving masticatory performance and efficiency. These methods and restorations would be combined with a well organized mandibular exercise regimen. This clinical report describes the rehabilitation following segmental mandibulectomy using palatal ramp prosthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is defined as a loss of at least 30 dB in three contiguous frequencies over a period of three days or less. In the present study a client with sudden hearing loss post hypothyroidism is discussed. A 56 year old client reported of awakening from sleep due to ear fullness along with severe tinnitus and experienced reduced hearing sensitivity in the right ear. The client had a history of hypothyroidism and was under medication for the same. The successive audiological investigations revealed that there was no improvement from prescribed medications, even with early identification and intervention. For better treatment outcomes correct identification of the cause as well as application of cause based treatment procedure is essential. Endocrine disorder is said to be one of the causes for sudden sensorineural hearing loss and one among this disorder is hypothyroidism. The present study aimed to throw a light on this aspect by giving a detailed case report of the client who suffered sudden sensorineural hearing loss which is suspected to be a long term effect of hypothyroidism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tonsillectomy is the most common pediatric surgery in Canada. Post-tonsillectomy 30-day Emergency Department (ED) visit rates are higher than other pediatric day surgeries. To date, there have been no studies assessing whether additional preoperative education directed by Child Life Specialists impacts preventable ED visits. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate whether additional preoperative tonsillectomy education is feasible and is associated with fewer ED visits and admissions in the immediate postoperative period compared to standard care. The secondary aim of this study was to assess whether this education was associated with a lower ED visit rate for preventable causes. This is a retrospective chart review conducted in an academic tertiary pediatric hospital. Patients undergoing tonsillectomy surgery (from 2014 to 2019) were divided into three groups: consultation with a Child Life Specialist plus educational Booklet plus traditional surgeon-led education (CLS), educational Booklet plus surgeon-led education (Booklet), and traditional surgeon-led education (Traditional). The feasibility of the CLS education was assessed and the 30-day ED visit and admission rates were compared between groups. Visits included patients who returned to ED post-tonsillectomy and were not admitted, whereas admission included those who returned to ED and were admitted. 2081 patients undergoing tonsillectomy were included. 329 (15.8%) presented to the ED (within a median of 5 days), and 92 (4.4%) were admitted. ED visit/admission rates by group were: 14.7%/4.4% (CLS), 15.8%/4.1% (Booklet), and 16.2%/4.7% (Traditional) (p = 0.81/p = 0.84). The most common reason for return to ED was Hemorrhage (4.9%). Patients also returned to the ED for preventable reasons such as dehydration, pain, nausea/vomitting and fevers. Additional preoperative tonsillectomy education is feasible but is not associated with fewer ED visits and admissions, or fewer ED visits for preventable causes. Further research is needed to identify the optimal intervention to address the high post-tonsillectomy ED visit rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]