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This review summarizes the framework behind global guidelines of coronary artery calcium (CAC) in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk assessment, for applications in both the clinical setting and preventive therapy. By comparing similarities and differences in recommendations, this review identifies most notable common features for the application of CAC presented by different cardiovascular societies across the world. Guidelines included from North America are as follows: 1) the 2019 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease; and 2) the 2021 Canadian Cardiovascular Society Guidelines for the Management of Dyslipidemia for Prevention of Adult Cardiovascular Disease. The authors also included European guidelines: 1) the 2019 European Society for Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society Guidelines for the Management of Dyslipidemias; and 2) the 2016 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Clinical Guidelines. In this comparison, the authors also discuss: 1) the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand Guidelines on CAC; 2) the Chinese Society of Cardiology Guidelines; and 3) the Japanese Atherosclerosis Society Guidelines for Prevention of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases. Last, they include statements made by specialty societies including the National Lipid Association, Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Utilizing an in-depth review of clinical evidence, these guidelines emphasize the importance of CAC in the primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. International guidelines all empower a dynamic clinician-patient relationship and advocate for individualized discussions regarding disease management and pharmacotherapy treatment. Some differences in precise coronary artery calcium score intervals, risk cut points, treatment thresholds, and stratifiers of specific patient subgroups do exist. However, international guidelines employ more similarities than differences from both a clinical and functional perspective. Understanding the parallels among international coronary artery calcium guidelines is essential for clinicians to correctly adjudicate personalized statin and aspirin therapy and further medical management.

Left main coronary artery disease has significant therapeutic as well as prognostic implications. The presence of left main coronary artery stenosis is strongly associated with poor short- and long-term prognoses. Accurate identification of left main stenosis is extremely important since it would be the main factor to guide management. There are several modalities used to determine the presence of atherosclerosis and the degree of stenosis in a left main coronary artery. Newer modalities allow for an accurate evaluation of left main stenosis and atherosclerosis. In this review, we go through different invasive and noninvasive modalities to diagnose left main stenosis, shedding more light into coronary computed tomography angiography, and its accuracy in this specific diagnosis.

The article gives a general description and a detailed analysis of the divorce process of Volyn region population. The theoretical basis, demographic approaches to the study of divorce and divorce indicators in the region are analyzed. The importance of the divorces consequences and measures of demographic policy, which will be aimed at reducing them as a result of modernization of social and economic life in the current regime of reproduction: low birth rate and increasing life expectancy. Divorces peculiarities of Volyn region population are determined, the main of which are: sociological, psychological and demographic groups of risk factors for divorce. The main stages of family crises and their symptoms are described. The main negative consequences of divorce, which have an impact on the general demographic situation in the region are low birth rate (unrealized childbearing of divorced women); increase in the number of single-parent families in which the child is brought up by one parent; increasing the number of people who do not want to marry again after divorce; decrease of labor activity; deteriorating health, increased morbidity and death rate; increase suicides rate; increased risk of mental illness. It was found out the perspective psychological, legal forms and other assistance in marriage and family. The reasons for the low efficiency of the implementation of specific steps to overcome the processes of divorce in Volyn region are highlighted. Indicators for estimation of divorcing in the region have been calculated. Spatial-temporal data analysis of divorces for the period of 1995–2020 is carried out, regional features of their manifestation are singled out. The maps that reflect the spatial-temporal data differences of divorces in the regions were created. There were identified the main factors and preconditions for divorce in the region.

Despite rapid and ongoing vaccine and therapeutic development, SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve and evade, presenting a need for next-generation diverse therapeutic modalities. Here we show that nurse sharks immunized with SARS-CoV-2 recombinant receptor binding domain (RBD), RBD-ferritin (RFN), or spike protein ferritin nanoparticle (SpFN) immunogens elicit a set of new antigen receptor antibody (IgNAR) molecules that target two non-overlapping conserved epitopes on the spike RBD. Representative shark antibody variable NAR-Fc chimeras (ShAbs) targeting either of the two epitopes mediate cell-effector functions, with high affinity to all SARS-CoV-2 viral variants of concern, including the divergent Omicron strains. The ShAbs potently cross-neutralize SARS-CoV-2 WA-1, Alpha, Beta, Delta, Omicron BA.1 and BA.5, and SARS-CoV-1 pseudoviruses, and confer protection against SARS-CoV-2 challenge in the K18-hACE2 transgenic mouse model. Structural definition of the RBD-ShAb01-ShAb02 complex enabled design and production of multi-specific nanobodies with enhanced neutralization capacity, and picomolar affinity to divergent sarbecovirus clade 1a, 1b and 2 RBD molecules. These shark nanobodies represent potent immunotherapeutics both for current use, and future sarbecovirus pandemic preparation.

Introduction Race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status (SES) are complex, interconnected social determinants of health outcomes. This study uses multivariable analysis on a combination of large national datasets to examine the effects of these factors on 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) and conditional DSS (CDSS) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods A retrospective study of adults with NPC between 2000 and 2017 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, End Results (SEER) registry was performed, using the National Cancer Institute Yost Index, a census tract–level composite score of SES to categorize patients. Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox's regression for DSS and CDSS were stratified by SES. Logistic regression was conducted to identify risk factors for advanced cancer stage at time of diagnosis and receiving multimodal therapy. Results Our analysis included 5,632 patients. DSS was significantly associated with race and SES (p Conclusion Our results indicate that race, ethnicity, and SES significantly affect survival, stage at diagnosis, and treatment of NPC. An interplay of tumor biology and inequalities in access to care likely drives these disparities.

OBJECTIVE Age-related hearing loss (HL) may be a risk factor for incident dementia. The objective was to use population-based claims data from the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) to establish if HL is associated with incident dementia. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Comprehensive all-payer data reporting system (2007-2017). PATIENTS Two hundred six thousand eight hundred one subjects more than 60 years (56,523 with HL, random sample of 150,278 without HL). INTERVENTIONS None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The main outcome was incident dementia, measured by initial dementia diagnosis (ICD-9/ICD-10 code) associated with a patient visit/insurance claim. The main exposure was HL, measured by at least two separate HL diagnoses associated with claims before dementia diagnosis. Cox proportional-hazards models were used to examine the relationship of baseline HL with incident dementia, adjusting for age, sex, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, and smoking. RESULTS Dementia incidence rates per 1,000 person-years were 10.16 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 9.81-10.51; subjects with HL) and 5.43 (5.28-5.57; subjects without HL). Fewer (2-10) HL claims (n = 56,523), compared with no (0) HL claims, was associated with 1.10 (95% CI = 1.05-1.15, p 10) HL claims (n = 3,414), compared with no (0) HL claims, was associated with 1.63 (95% CI = 1.42, 1.86, p

Subclinical hearing loss (SCHL) (previously defined by our group as a four-frequency pure tone average [PTA4]0 to ≤25 dB) has recently been associated with depressive symptoms and cognitive decline. This suggests that the common 25 dB adult cutpoint in the United States for normal hearing may not be sensitive enough. We aim to characterize real-world hearing difficulties, as measured by hearing aid use and self-reported hearing difficulty, among individuals with SCHL.Analysis of biennial cross-sectional epidemiologic survey (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2012, 2015-2016).Community, multicentered, national.Noninstitutionalized US citizens ≥12 years old, n = 19,246.PTA4 (500, 1,000, 2,000, 4,000 Hz), high-frequency pure tone average (PTAhf) (6,000, 8,000 Hz), reported hearing aid use, subjective difficulty hearing.There were 806,705 Americans with SCHL who wore hearing aids (or 0.35% of the 227,324,096 Americans with SCHL; 95% confidence interval = 0.23%-0.54%). Among those with SCHL, 14.6% (33.1 million Americans) perceived a little trouble hearing and 2.29% (5.21 million Americans) perceived moderate/a lot of trouble hearing. When restricted to the borderline subcategory (20 to ≤25 dB), 42.43% (6.64 million Americans) had at least a little trouble hearing. Among those with SCHL who wore hearing aids, 81% had a PTAhf25 dB.Despite hearing loss traditionally being defined by PTA4 ≤ 25 dB in the United States, nearly 1 million adults and adolescents with SCHL wore hearing aids, and nearly half with borderline HL had subjective difficulty hearing. To better reflect real-world difficulties, stricter definitions of hearing loss should be explored, including a lower cutpoint for the PTA4 or by using the more sensitive PTAhf.

Maternal obesity during pregnancy is associated with neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) risk. We utilized integrative multi-omics to examine maternal obesity effects on offspring neurodevelopment in rhesus macaques by comparison to lean controls and two interventions. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) from longitudinal maternal blood-derived cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) significantly overlapped with DMRs from infant brain. The DMRs were enriched for neurodevelopmental functions, methylation-sensitive developmental transcription factor motifs, and human NDD DMRs identified from brain and placenta. Brain and cffDNA methylation levels from a large region overlappingmir-663correlated with maternal obesity, metabolic and immune markers, and infant behavior. ADUX4hippocampal co-methylation network correlated with maternal obesity, infant behavior, infant hippocampal lipidomic and metabolomic profiles, and maternal blood measurements ofDUX4cffDNA methylation, cytokines, and metabolites. We conclude that in this model, maternal obesity was associated with changes in the infant brain and behavior, and these differences were detectable in pregnancy through integrative analyses of cffDNA methylation with immune and metabolic factors.

OBJECTIVES The goal of this study is to determine if chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in a national database. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING National sample of the United States population. PATIENTS Adults with audiometric and spirometry data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Study (NHANES) database. INTERVENTIONS None. METHODS A total of 2,464 adults with spirometry and audiometry data from the NHANES database (2009-2012) were studied. Outcome measures included hearing, measured by high-frequency pure tone average (HFPTA; 3, 4, 6, 8 kHz) and low-frequency pure tone average (LFPTA; .5, 1, 2 kHz) frequencies. SNHL was defined as a HFPTA or LFPTA threshold more than 25 decibels (dB) in the better ear. Multivariable regression analyses explored the association between hearing loss and COPD. RESULTS The prevalence of COPD was 19.8% in individuals with SNHL in the better ear and 4.7% in individuals with normal hearing (p

The possibility of extracting ion associates (IAs) of some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with the polymethine dye Astrafloxin was studied. The influence of medium pH, electrolyte concentration, nature of the extractant, and other factors on the IA extraction efficiency was established. Their selective determination in combined preparations was shown to be achievable by regulating the extraction conditions. The main chemical analytical and metrological characteristics of the developed methods were calculated.

Intratympanic steroid therapy is an important treatment modality for managing certain inner ear pathology. Indications for intratympanic steroid injections include sudden sensorineural hearing loss, Meniere's disease, autoimmune inner ear disease and acoustic trauma. In this article, we discuss the evidence supporting various indications for intratympanic steroid therapy and describe the technical steps necessary to perform intratympanic injections.

The association between hearing loss and socialization has been characterized in limited detail and primarily among non-Hispanic Caucasians. We aimed to study this relationship using more detailed socialization measures than previously used and focusing on Hispanics.Cross-sectional epidemiologic study (Hispanic Community Health Study).Multicentered, four U.S. communities.U.S. Hispanics ages 18 to 76 years.Multivariable linear regression controlling for confounders (age, sex, education) was conducted to analyze the association between hearing loss (four-frequency pure tone average) and socialization. Socialization was assessed with three independent surveys: a modified Cohen Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL), the Cohen Social Network Index (SNI), and a modified Moos Family Environment Scale.Average age was 46.7 years (standard deviation [SD], 13.6 yr; range, 18-75 yr). Average ISEL composite score was 25.9 (SD, 6.66; n = 4,330). Controlling for confounders, for every 10 dB worsening in hearing, the ISEL score decreased by 0.31 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.08-0.52; p0.01). Average SNI network diversity score was 6.89 (SD, 1.81; n = 3,117) and average SNI network size was 15.4 individuals (SD, 8.11). Controlling for confounders, for every 10 dB worsening in hearing, the SNI network diversity decreased by 0.22 (95% CI, 0.15-0.29; p0.001), and SNI size decreased by 0.25 (95% CI, 0.07-0.62; p0.05). Average family cohesion score on the Moos Family Environment Scale was 12.9 (SD, 2.77; n = 4,234). Controlling for age, sex, and education, for every 10 dB worsening in hearing, family cohesion decreased by 0.14 (95% CI, 0.04-0.23; p0.01).Hearing loss is associated with less social support, smaller/less diverse social networks, and less family cohesion in U.S. Hispanics.

According to our knowledge, single-atom Pd catalysts supported on covalent triazine frameworks (CTF) have not been studied in the production of hydrogen from formic acid. Therefore, we synthesized 1 wt % Pd single-atom catalysts based on CTF-1, pyCTF, and bipyCTF supports and tested them in the gas-phase decomposition of formic acid. The results were compared with those obtained for a Pd catalyst supported on mesoporous graphitic-type carbon (Pd/C) with nanoparticles (∼2.3 nm). The catalysts were characterized by high-angle annular dark-field/scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF/STEM), extended X-ray absorption fine structure/X-ray absorption near-edge structure (EXAFS/XANES), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) methods. The following order of catalytic activity was obtained: Pd/CTF-1 > Pd/C > Pd/pyCTF ≥ Pd/bipyCTF. The best performance of the Pd/CTF-1 catalyst was associated with Pd2+–C2N2 sites. Pd2+–N4 sites formed on pyCTF and bipyCTF supports showed lower catalytic activity. The selectivity trend at temperatures above 500 K was as follows: Pd/bipyCTF > Pd/pyCTF > Pd/CTF-1 > Pd/C. For the Pd/bipyCTF catalyst, the selectivity reached 99.8%, which is very high for this temperature range. These results may be important for the development of CTF-based catalysts for hydrogen production reactions. This work was supported by the Russian Science Foundation (Grant 22-23-00608). H.S.J. is grateful for the Ghent University and UGent Concerted Research Action funding via GOA010-17 for the synthesis and characterization of the CTF-based supports.

OBJECTIVE: There is a known association between hearing loss (HL) and depressive symptoms. The objective was to establish if there is a stronger association with the left or right ear. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of an ongoing prospective epidemiologic cohort study SETTING: Hispanic Community Health Study (US, multicentered) PATIENTS: 5,328 adults ≥50 years old INTERVENTIONS: none MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome was depressive symptoms, measured by the 10-Item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-10 (CESD-10) and defined continuously and binarily. Subjects with CESD-10≥10 were categorized as having clinically significant depressive symptoms (CSDS). Linear and logistic regressions were performed to assess the association between depressive symptoms and hearing in each ear, controlling for hearing aid use, age, sex, educational level, study site, geographic background, cardiovascular disease, and antidepressant use. RESULTS: Mean age was 58.5±6.3 years. Mean pure-tone average (PTA) was 20.3±11.7 dB (range=0–125) in the right ear and 20.3±12.4 dB (range=−2.5–120) in the left. Multivariable regression adjusting for covariates demonstrated significant associations between depressive symptoms and HL in both the left and right ear. For every 20-dB worsening in right ear PTA, there was 0.89-point increase in CESD-10 (95% confidence interval=0.59–1.2), and odds of CSDS increased 1.31 times (1.17–1.46). For every 20-dB worsening in left ear PTA, there was a 0.85-point increase in CESD-10 (0.55–1.14), and odds of CSDS increased 1.34 times (1.20–1.49). CONCLUSIONS: Worsening hearing in the right and left ears individually was associated with increased depressive symptoms and odds of CSDS. No ear laterality was demonstrated.

Substantial evidence now links age-related hearing loss to incident major depressive disorder in older adults. However, research examining the neural circuits and behavioral mechanisms by which age-related hearing loss leads to depression is at an early phase. It is known that hearing loss has adverse structural and functional brain consequences, including deafferentation-induced atrophy of auditory cortex and frontotemporal regions, reduction in cognitive control capacities, and disruption of normative emotion processing. Hearing loss is associated with reduced social engagement and loneliness, and often results in tinnitus, which can independently affect cognitive control and emotion processing circuits. While pathways leading from these sequelae of hearing loss to affective dysregulation and even syndromal depression are intuitive to hypothesize, few studies have yet been designed to provide conclusive evidence for specific pathophysiologic mechanisms. Similarly, pilot studies suggest the potential for hearing remediation to reverse specific adverse neural changes in older adults, perhaps by promoting adaptive neuroplasticity, but definitive research remains to be performed. In the following, we review the neurobiological and behavioral consequences of age-related hearing loss, present a model linking them to increased risk for major depressive disorder, and suggest how future studies may facilitate the development of rationally designed therapeutic interventions for hearing-impaired older adults to reduce risk for depression and/or ameliorate depressive symptoms.

The effect of doping of the ZnxCd1−xS (x = 0.37–0.50) alloy nanocrystals with Mn2+ ions on the rate and apparent quantum yield of the photocatalytic H2 evolution catalyzed by this alloy has been investigated. It has been found that the ZnS shell significantly increases the lifetime of the Mn2+ excited state, which leads to the generation of ‘hot’ electrons and the two-photon photocatalytic reduction of hydrogen ions. An analysis of the characteristics of nanocrystals without a ZnS shell with similar excitation energies of the edge exciton revealed that the efficiency of the alloy doped with Mn2+ ions is 1.2–1.3 times higher due to an increase in the lifetime of photoinduced electron–hole pairs.

Linear alpha olefins (LAO) are a class of chemical compounds used in the production of such high-demand products as plasticizers, synthetic lubricants, surfactants, and co-polymers with improved performance. The world consumption of LAO derivatives grows annually, as does the role of LAO processing by scientific institutions, universities, and research departments of commercial companies. Analysis of the scientific literature of the last ten years revealed no general reviews of LAO processing. This work describes recent trends in the processing of LAOs that contain four or more carbon atoms into technologically important derivatives. It lists the main products obtained via LAO processing, along with the means of their production and applications. Existing technological processes for the production of LAO derivatives and the catalysts that are used are considered briefly. Current trends in LAO processing and promising ways to improve existing technologies are described, including the development of new types of catalysts. This review does not claim to be exhaustive, since its main purpose is to give a general idea of the major trends in LAO processing, the catalysts used in these processes, and current ways of improving them.

Background: Age-related hearing loss (HL) has been associated with dementia, though the neurocognitive profile of individuals with HL is poorly understood. Objective: To characterize the neurocognitive profile of HL. Methods: N = 8,529 participants from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center ≥60 years and free of cognitive impairment who were characterized as Untreated-, Treated-, or No HL. Outcomes included executive function (Trail Making Test [TMT] Part B), episodic memory (Immediate/Delayed Recall), language fluency (Vegetables, Boston Naming Test), and conversion to dementia. Regression models were fit to examine associations between HL and neurocognitive performance at baseline. Cox proportional hazards models examined the links between HL, neurocognitive scores, and development of dementia over follow-up. Results: At baseline, those with Untreated HL (versus No HL) had worse neurocognitive performance per standardized difference on executive function (TMT Part B [mean difference = 0.05 (95% CI 0.00, 0.10)]) and language fluency (Vegetables [mean difference = –0.07 (95% CI –0.14, –0.01)], Boston Naming Test [mean difference = –0.07 (95% CI –0.13, –0.01)]). No differences in these neurocognitive performance scores were demonstrated between Treated HL and No HL groups other than MMSE [mean difference = –0.06 (95% CI –0.12, 0.00)]. Through follow-up, executive dysfunction differed by hearing group (χ2(2) = 46.08, p

"Endoscopic ear surgery (EES) has become increasingly popular due to numerous visualization benefits, including angled optics that enable the surgeon to see and dissect around corners. These advantages help the surgeon overcome the visualization limitations of microscopic ear surgery, reducing the need for a post-auricular incision and bone removal. This chapter discusses useful pearls and pitfalls of EES, technical tips and ergonomic strategies, so the learner can understand and solve common obstacles faced when learning EES and incorporate it into his or her practice."

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) has been connected to both cognitive decline and late-life depression. Several mechanisms have been offered to explain both individual links. Causal and common mechanisms have been theorized for the relationship between ARHL and impaired cognition, including dementia. The causal mechanisms include increased cognitive load, social isolation, and structural brain changes. Common mechanisms include neurovascular disease as well as other known or as-yet undiscovered neuropathologic processes. Behavioral mechanisms have been used to explain the potentially causal association of ARHL with depression. Behavioral mechanisms include social isolation, loneliness, as well as decreased mobility and impairments of activities of daily living, all of which can increase the risk of depression. The mechanisms underlying the associations between hearing loss and impaired cognition, as well as hearing loss and depression, are likely not mutually exclusive. ARHL may contribute to both impaired cognition and depression through overlapping mechanisms. Furthermore, ARHL may contribute to impaired cognition which may, in turn, contribute to depression. Because ARHL is highly prevalent and greatly undertreated, targeting this condition is an appealing and potentially influential strategy to reduce the risk of developing two potentially devastating diseases of later life. However, further studies are necessary to elucidate the mechanistic relationship between ARHL, depression, and impaired cognition.

Background: Understanding patient-specific risk factors for complications of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is critical. Previous work has investigated such risk factors, but a population-based analysis has not been performed to date. Objectives: This study analyzes the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database to identify patient-specific risk factors associated with complications following ESS. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent ESS was conducted using the NSQIP database from 2011 to 2017. Patients were identified using CPT-codes for ESS procedures. The primary outcome analyzed was any postoperative complication. Simultaneous procedures with ESS were controlled for with regression analysis. Post-operative complications and 30-day readmission were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression controlling for age, gender, race, comorbidities (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, renal failure, steroid use, and cancer history), smoking history, and intraoperative factors. Results: A total of 1279 patients who underwent ESS were identified. The average age of patients was 46.1 (SD = 16.8). Most patients (58.2%) had no major comorbidities. 594 (46.4%) patients had a tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, or uvulopharyngoplasty at the same time as ESS. 101 (7.9%) patients experienced a complication post-operatively. 46 (3.6%) patients experienced a readmission postoperatively. The most common complication was reoperation (N = 40, 3.1%). Regression analysis revealed that gender was the only demographic factor associated with risk of post-operative complications, with women having a significantly lower risk than men (OR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.37-0.99, P = .046). Conclusions: ESS is typically performed on a relatively young and healthy population. Women have a significantly lower risk of complications after controlling for comorbidities. Further analysis of gender-specific differences in surgical outcomes should be evaluated to understand this phenomenon.

The article considers approaches to building relationships in the tax area, in accordance with which, the author found that the cooperation of business, society and the state in tax matters requires greater responsibilities of each participant in the tax system, and a healthy environment interaction favorable business climate, efficient, transparent budget process and a well-developed institutions of conflict resolution, including alternative dispute resolution. The directions of improvement of relations between tax authorities and taxpayers in accordance with the ideas of social partnership have been developed.

OBJECTIVES: Accumulating evidence suggests that hearing loss (HL) treatment may benefit depressive symptoms among older adults with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), but the specific individual characteristics of those who stand to improve most are unknown. METHODS: N=37 patients ≥60 years with HL and MDD received either active or sham hearing aids in this 12-week double-blind randomized controlled trial. A combined moderator approach was utilized in the analysis in order to examine multiple different pretreatment individual characteristics to determine the specific qualities that predicted the best depressive symptom response to hearing aids. Pretreatment characteristics included: Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE-S), pure tone average (PTA), speech reception threshold (SRT), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), cognition (Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status). RESULTS: The analysis revealed a combined moderator, predicting greater improvement with active versus sham hearing aids, that had a larger effect size than any individual moderator (combined effect size [ES]=0.49 [95% CI: 0.36, 0.76]). Individuals with worse hearing-related disability (HHIE-S: individual ES=−0.16), speech recognition (SRT: individual ES=−0.14), physical performance (SPPB: individual ES=0.41), and language functioning (individual ES=0.19) but with relatively less severe audiometric thresholds (PTA: individual ES=0.17) experienced greater depressive symptom improvement with active hearing aids. CONCLUSIONS: Older adults with relatively worse HL-related, physical, and cognitive functioning may stand to benefit most from hearing aids. Given the large number of older adults experiencing HL and MDD, a non-invasive and scalable means of targeting those most likely to respond to interventions would be valuable.

Concern that synthetic food dyes may impact behavior in children prompted a review by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA). OEHHA conducted a systematic review of the epidemiologic research on synthetic food dyes and neurobehavioral outcomes in children with or without identified behavioral disorders (particularly attention and activity). We also conducted a search of the animal toxicology literature to identify studies of neurobehavioral effects in laboratory animals exposed to synthetic food dyes. Finally, we conducted a hazard characterization of the potential neurobehavioral impacts of food dye consumption. We identified 27 clinical trials of children exposed to synthetic food dyes in this review, of which 25 were challenge studies. All studies used a cross-over design and most were double blinded and the cross-over design was randomized. Sixteen (64%) out of 25 challenge studies identified some evidence of a positive association, and in 13 (52%) the association was statistically significant. These studies support a relationship between food dye exposure and adverse behavioral outcomes in children. Animal toxicology literature provides additional support for effects on behavior. Together, the human clinical trials and animal toxicology literature support an association between synthetic food dyes and behavioral impacts in children. The current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acceptable daily intakes are based on older studies that were not designed to assess the types of behavioral effects observed in children. For four dyes where adequate dose-response data from animal and human studies were available, comparisons of the effective doses in studies that measured behavioral or brain effects following exposure to synthetic food dyes indicate that the basis of the ADIs may not be adequate to protect neurobehavior in susceptible children. There is a need to re-evaluate exposure in children and for additional research to provide a more complete database for establishing ADIs protective of neurobehavioral effects.

OBJECTIVE: Worse hearing was linked to higher brain β-amyloid, a pathologic hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, in a recent study. We analyze the associations between β-amyloid and early age-related hearing loss in the right versus left ear to explore the laterality of this relationship. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of a prospective cohort study SETTING: Tertiary referral center PARTICIPANTS: 98 late middle-age adults INTERVENTIONS: None MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was whole brain and regional β-amyloid standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) on positron emission tomography. The exposure was hearing in the right and left ear, measured by pure tone average (PTA) and word recognition score (WRS). Linear regression analyzed the association between β-amyloid and hearing in each ear, adjusting for potential confounders, including age, gender, education, cardiovascular disease, and hearing aid use. RESULTS: Mean age±standard deviation was 64.3±3.5 years. Mean PTA was 20.4±8.8 dB. Multivariable regression adjusting for covariates demonstrated that a 10 dB worsening in PTA in the left ear was associated with significantly higher β-amyloid (SUVR) in the bilateral cingulate gyri (right coefficient: 0.029, [95% confidence interval: 0.003–0.054]; left: 0.029 [0.003–0.055]), bilateral frontal lobes (right: 0.024 [0.002–0.047]; left: 0.028, [0.006–0.049]), and the right temporal lobe (0.019 [0.002–0.037]). Consistent results were observed when WRS served as the exposure. No associations were observed between β-amyloid and PTA or WRS in the right ear. CONCLUSIONS: Worse hearing in the left ear, but not the right ear, was associated with higher β-amyloid. This might relate to asymmetric central auditory processing.

A layered compound with regularly alternating monolayers of MoS2 and N,N,N',N'-tetramethylguanidine (TMG) is synthesized by the reaction of monolayer dispersions of molybdenum disulfide containing anionic particles (MoS2)x– with protonated TMG molecules. It is found by a combination of methods (X‑ray diffraction analysis adapted for turbostrate-disordered systems, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, and quantum-chemical calculations by the density functional theory) that the structure of MoS2 layers with octahedrally coordinated molybdenum atoms forming chains of Mo–Mo bonds is stabilized in the compound. Noncovalent binding interactions occur between the MoS2 monolayers and TMG molecules including CH…S, NH…S, and N…S contacts with the predominant contribution of contacts of the first type to the binding energy (СIF file CCDC no. 1 990439).

OBJECTIVE To review occupational ergonomic risks for the Otologist and Neurotologist. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, OVID, PubMed, and Google Scholar. STUDY SELECTION A search was conducted to identify all studies in the English language that involve ergonomic-related risks for surgeons. RESULTS Occupational hazards, particularly musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), are common in the surgical community in general and among Otolaryngologists in particular. Very few studies have been conducted assessing MSDs specific to Otologists and Neurotologists. However, extrapolating from other surgical professions with similar ergonomic postures in the operation room and office, one can infer that cervical and lumbar pain are related to prolonged static sitting and neck flexion when working with a microscope and begins early in training. Early institution of correct ergonomic training is feasible and may be effective. Improved ergonomic habits include upright sitting, avoidance of neck flexion, initiating short breaks, and the use of chairs with arm and back support. Future technologies incorporated into otologic surgery should have improved ergonomic design. CONCLUSIONS Otologists and Neurotologists are exposed to MSDs directly related to their work demands. Incorporating healthy ergonomics into surgical training as well adopting correct posture and the use equipment designed for back support may help mitigate the long-terms risks of MSD.

Objectives Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a prevalent condition associated with increased risk for depression and cognitive decline. This 12-week prospective, double-blind pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) of hearing aids (HAs) for depressed older adults with ARHL evaluated the feasibility of a novel research design. Methods/design N = 13 individuals aged ≥60 years with Major Depressive Disorder or Persistent Depressive Disorder and at least mild hearing loss (pure tone average ≥ 30 dB) were randomized to receive full- (active) vs low-amplification (sham) HAs added to psychiatric treatment as usual. Duration of HA use in hours/day, adverse events frequency, attrition rate, and maintenance of the study blinding were the primary outcome measures. Results Compliance with HAs was excellent (>9 hours/day for both groups) and rates of adverse events and drop-outs did not differ between groups. Preliminary data demonstrated differential improvement for active vs sham HAs on hearing functioning (Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly [nonparametric effect size (np-ES) = 0.62]), depressive symptoms (Inventory for Depressive Symptomatology [np-ES = 0.31]), cognition (Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status Immediate Memory [np-ES = 0.25]), and general functioning (World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule [np-ES = 0.53]). Significantly greater than 50% of both groups correctly guessed their treatment assignment, indicating incomplete concealment of treatment allocation. Conclusions This pilot RCT for ARHL and late-life depression was feasible to execute and showed clinical promise, but improved methods of blinding the experimental treatments are needed. Larger studies should investigate whether hearing remediation may be an effective preventative and/or therapeutic strategy for late-life depression and cognitive decline.

Objective Our objective was to compare outcomes in speech and quality of life in those undergoing cochlear implantation for single-sided deafness (SSD), with the aim to characterize the clinical impact of underlying diagnosis in the affected ear and pre-operative hearing status. Study design Prospective case series. Setting Academic Cochlear Implant Center. Patients 42 adult patients implanted with the diagnosis of SSD. Interventions Patients were evaluated at 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-operatively using AZBio sentence and speech, and consonant-nucleus-consonant (CNC) depending on appropriate testing level. Our previously validated Comprehensive Cochlear Implant Quality of Life (CCIQ) questionnaire was administered. Main outcome measures Speech perception, quality of life. Results Subjects were stratified by the underlying diagnosis: Meniere's Disease (MD; n = 10), sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL; n = 13), and Other (eg TBI, acoustic neuroma, progressive, noise-induced; n = 19). Mean preoperative PTA of the implanted ear was 82dB ± 17; that of the nonimplanted ear was 32dB ± 17. SSNHL and MD demonstrated the highest speech perception score at 3 months (93 and 95%), and "Other" demonstrated the lowest scores at 88%. All 3 groups demonstrated nadir in speech scores at 6 months before improving at 12 months, but the "Other" diagnoses maintained the lowest speech testing across all time points. All 3 groups reported improved quality of life on CCIQ. Conclusions Subjects with SSNHL and MD demonstrate excellent speech perception and quality of life outcomes after cochlear implantation for SSD. Subjects with "Other" diagnoses underlying their SSD demonstrated lower scores on speech testing but nonetheless reported improved quality of life.

The contributions of various noncovalent interactions in stabilization of the assembled and delaminated MoS2–hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA)-layered compound resulted from the assembly of protonated HMTA molecules and negatively charged 1T-MoS2 monolayers have been considered on the basis of powder X-ray diffraction pattern modeling, density functional theory calculations, and atoms in molecules quantum theory analysis. The structure with HMTA cations involved in NH···S bonding with MoS2 layers was concluded to be more advantageous than the alternative one with NH···N bonding between the cations. Delamination was demonstrated to essentially influence the hierarchy of interactions and leads to significant strengthening of the NH···S hydrogen bond established between HMTA and the MoS2 monolayer surface. The method applied in this study for evaluation of the monolayer MoS2 properties on the basis of the 3D structure of the MoS2–organic compound is expected to be helpful to gain insights into the interactions o...

To investigate disparities in hearing aid use across the life span for borderline/mild hearing loss, a cross-sectional epidemiologic study in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was conducted. Multivariable logistic regressions controlling for hearing level analyzed the association between hearing aid use and age in borderline/mild hearing loss. Age was grouped into quartiles. Of 2470 subjects, 2.0% (n = 50) were25 years old; 12.0% (n = 297), 25 to 49 years; 65.5% (n = 1618), 50 to 74 years; and 20.5% (n = 505), ≥75 years. When compared with the youngest quartile and while controlling for hearing level, those in the second quartile were 4.6 times less likely to use hearing aids (

This paper reports an easy route to immobilize the antiseptic drug miramistin (MR) molecules between the sheets of molybdenum disulfide, known for excellent photothermal properties. Two hybrid layered compounds (LCs) with regularly alternating monolayers of MR and MoS2, differing in thickness of organic layer are prepared and studied by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), density functional theory (DFT) calculations and quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) topological analysis. The obtained structural models elucidate the noncovalent interaction network of MR molecules confined in the two-dimensional spacing surrounded by sulfide sheets. It emerged that the characteristic folded geometry of MR molecule previously evidenced for pure miramistin is preserved in the hybrid structures. Quantification of the energetics of bonding interactions unveils that the most important contribution to structure stabilization of both compounds is provided by the weak but numerous CH…S bonding contacts. They are accompanied by the intra- and inter-molecular interactions within the MR layers, with dominating bonding effect of intermolecular hydrophobic interaction. The results obtained in the models provide a comprehensive understanding of the driving forces controlling the assembly of MR and MoS2 and may lead towards the development of novel promising MoS2-based photothermal therapeutic agents.

Technological, technical and economic indicators of BOF heat largely depend on the organization of the blowing mode. Under the current conditions of instable supply and the quality of charge materials and energy carriers, as well as the need to increase the intensity and quality of the blowing process, the studies on developing new design of tip for oxygen lance, the base element of it being a composite annular coaxial nozzle. The studies were carried out on “cold” physical models and on models of BOF convertor with hot metal. Comparative analysis of the interaction of oxygen jet with a liquid bath, using an annular coaxial nozzle (the experimental tip), and a tip having four nozzles (the comparative tip) were accomplished. It was determined, that the jet from experimental tip has a higher dynamic pressure and depth of penetration into the liquid melt without increased metal splash. While blowing through the lance with the experimental tip, a “hard” blowing pattern with the formation of a smaller amount of slag were observed. The “hard” nature of the blowing was eliminated due to the additional lateral cylindrical nozzles. As a result of the changes more active absorption of lime than at comparative heats was reached. It was revealed that the use of the perfected experimental lance tip contributes to a higher bath heating and a decrease of dust emission.