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AbstractAdvancements in audiology and medical engineering have sparked growing interest in enhancing titanium implants used for middle ear repair. In our study, we employed a numerical simulation model of the middle ear to investigate how the TORP prosthesis behaves under an acoustic pressure of 90 dB across a frequency range from 250 to 8000 Hz. Additionally, we varied the prosthesis length, utilizing three different lengths, and modified the prosthesis design to assess its mechanical impact. Our findings indicate that changes in prosthesis length do not significantly alter outcomes for patients. Moreover, these variations do not pose any danger or compromise the auditory performance of patients, emphasizing the safety and efficacy of TORP prostheses in middle ear repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To describe the new semisynthetic total ossicular replacement prosthesis (New-SSTORP) and to evaluate the New-SSTORP ossiculoplasty results both with the presence and absence of the stapes superstructure., Study Design: Prospective study., Setting: Tertiary referral center., Methods: From April 2023 to May 2023, 18 New-SSTORP ossiculoplasties were performed by the first author. In all patients, the New-SSTORP was interposed between the footplate and the eardrum. The study group was divided into two groups (group A and group B). Group A included 13 patients with the absence of stapes superstructure. Group B included five patients with the presence of stapes superstructure. A successful reconstruction was defined as a postoperative air-bone gap ABG ≤20 dB. For all patients of groups A and B, the last audiometric control considered was performed in January 2024. The mean follow-up was 8½ months. The χ2 test was used to compare results. p < 0.05 was considered significant., Main Outcome Measures: Mean postoperative ABG ≤20 dB., Results: At the end of follow-up, the overall success rate (ABG ≤20 dB) of New-SSTORP ossiculoplasty was obtained in 88.8% (n = 16 of 18) of cases. In group A, the success rate of New-SSTORP ossiculoplasty occurred in 84.6% (n = 11 of 13) of cases, and in group B, the success rate of New-SSTORP ossiculoplasty occurred in 100% (n = 5 of 5) of cases. There was no audiological statistically significant difference between groups A and B (Fisher value is 1; p < 0.05). In all cases, the time for positioning of New-SSTORP was about 5 minutes., Conclusion: The New-SSTORP has a minimal technical challenge for building and placement. The New-SSTORP ossiculoplasty results are very good both with the presence and absence of SS., Competing Interests: Sources of support and disclosure of funding: G.M. has patented the shaft prosthesis and does not have funding to disclose. The remaining authors, disclose no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of Otology & Neurotology, Inc.)

Abstract Background Total ossicular replacement prostheses (TORP) are often used to re-establish ossicular coupling of sound in an ear lacking a stapes supra-structure. The use of TORPs, however, is associated with a 2/3 five year failure rate due to their anatomic instability over time in the middle ear. The use of autologous fat to try and stabilize TORPs may improve long-term results with this challenging ossicular reconstruction technique. Methods A cadaveric temporal bone model was developed and laser Doppler vibrometry was used to measure and record round window membrane vibration in response to sound stimulation under the following conditions: normal middle ear, middle ear filled with fat, normal middle ear with TORP prosthesis, TORP prosthesis with fat around its distal end and TORP prosthesis with fat filling the middle ear. Fourteen temporal bones were used. Results There was a significant decrease in round window membrane velocity after filling the middle ear with fat in both the normal middle ear (− 8.6 dB; p 0.05). Conclusions Autologous fat around the distal end of a TORP prosthesis may not be associated with any additional hearing loss, as demonstrated in this cadaveric model. The additional hearing loss potentially caused by using fat to completely surround the prosthesis and fill the middle ear is probably not clinically acceptable at this time, especially given the unknown way in which the fat will atrophy over time in this context.

Abstract Introduction The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a serious exergame in improving the neuropsychiatric symptoms of patients with neurocognitive disorders. Methods X‐Torp is a serious exergame combining motor and cognitive activities. Ninety‐one subjects (mean age = 81.7 years, mean Mini‐Mental State Examination = 18.3) were recruited in 16 centers. Centers were randomized into intervention and control centers. Subjects underwent assessment for cognitive and behavioral symptoms at baseline (BL), the end of the intervention (W12), and 12 weeks after the end of the intervention (W24). Results The comparison of neuropsychiatric symptoms between BL and W12 and W24 showed that subjects of the intervention group improved in apathy between BL and W12. Mixed analysis (time BL, W12, W24 x group) indicated a significant increase in apathy and neuropsychiatric symptoms in the control subjects. Discussion The use of X‐Torp improved neuropsychiatric symptoms, particularly apathy. Future studies should more consistently use behavioral and neuropsychiatric symptoms as outcome measures.