Fusion of dichotic consonants in normal-hearing and hearing-impaired listenersa).

Hearing-impaired (HI) listeners have been shown to exhibit increased fusion of dichotic vowels, even with different fundamental frequency (F0), leading to binaural spectral averaging and interference. To determine if similar fusion and averaging occurs for consonants, four natural and synthesized stop consonants (/pa/, /ba/, /ka/, /ga/) at three F0s of 74, 106, and 185 Hz were presented dichotically-with ΔF0 varied-to normal-hearing (NH) and HI listeners. Listeners identified the one or two consonants perceived, and response options included /ta/ and /da/ as fused percepts. As ΔF0 increased, both groups showed decreases in fusion and increases in percent correct identification of both consonants, with HI listeners displaying similar fusion but poorer identification. Both groups exhibited spectral averaging (psychoacoustic fusion) of place of articulation but phonetic feature fusion for differences in voicing. With synthetic consonants, NH subjects showed increased fusion and decreased identification. Most HI listeners were unable to discriminate the synthetic consonants. The findings suggest smaller differences between groups in consonant fusion than vowel fusion, possibly due to the presence of more cues for segregation in natural speech or reduced reliance on spectral cues for consonant perception. The inability of HI listeners to discriminate synthetic consonants suggests a reliance on cues other than formant transitions for consonant discrimination.

Use of the G8 Geriatric Screening Tool in Surgical Head and Neck Cancer Patients Requiring Rehabilitation: A Multisite Investigation.

OBJECTIVES: The G8 is a well-validated screening test for older cancer patients. The current study was undertaken to determine whether the G8 is predictive of short-term post-operative outcomes after head and neck cancer (HNC) surgery. METHODS: Consecutive patients aged 65 years or more and referred for a preoperative assessment by a speech-language pathologist were consecutively screened by clinicians at 2 academic medical centers using the G8. The G8 was used to screen for vulnerability prior to surgery. Patients were deemed vulnerable if they had a total G8 score ≤14 according to published guidelines. Data were also collected on demographic characteristics, tumor staging, post-operative course, and tracheostomy and feeding tube (FT) status. RESULTS: Ninety patients were consecutively screened during the study period. Using the G8, 64% of the patients were deemed vulnerable. Vulnerable patients differed significantly from non-vulnerable patients with regard to age, health, tumor stage, and baseline dysphagia, and underwent more extensive surgery. Postoperatively, vulnerable patients had a significantly longer hospital length of stay (LOS; 10.17 vs 5.50 days, respectively, P < .001), were less likely to discharge home (76% vs 94%, P = .044), and were more likely to be FT dependent for over a month (54% vs 21%, P = .006) compared to non-vulnerable patients. In regression models, controlling for T-stage and surgical variables, the G8 independently predicted 2 post-operative outcomes of interest, namely LOS and FT dependency. CONCLUSIONS: The G8 may be a useful screening tool for identifying older adults at risk of a protracted postoperative medical course after HNC surgery. Future research should aim to identify the optimal screening protocol and how this information can be incorporated into clinical pathways to enhance the post-operative outcomes of older HNC patients.

Results of Patch Testing to Botanicals: Review of the Mayo Clinic Experience Over 2 Decades (1997-2017).

Background: Botanicals are increasingly incorporated into skincare products. Although allergic contact dermatitis due to botanicals is recognized, data describing the prevalence of positive patch tests to botanicals are sparse. Objective: To report the Mayo Clinic experience of patch testing to selected botanical products in the standard, extended standard, fragrance, and plant series. Methods: IRB-approved retrospective study of the Mayo Clinic experience with patch testing to botanicals from 1997 to 2017. Results: In total, 12,169 people were patch tested to botanicals in the standard, extended standard, fragrance, and plant series; 4032 were men and 8137 were women. The mean age of the population tested was 54 (standard deviation 17.7) years. Almost 11% (1320/12,169) of the patch-tested population exhibited positive reactions to at least 1 botanical agent. Myroxylon pereirae resin 25% was the most common positive allergen in the series. Patients who had positive reactions to at least 1 botanical agent were more (19.8%) likely to have a positive reaction to at least 1 additional botanical than those patients who did not have any positive tests. Most patients presented with generalized involvement (334) or involvement of the hands (284) or face (232). Conclusion: Physicians should be aware of the high prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis and patch test positivity associated with botanical products.

Nourish: A pilot program to support self-Efficacy, learning, and wellness during USMLE step 1 preparation.

PURPOSE: Medical trainees experience significant exam-related stress, such as preparing for the USA Licensing Medical Examination Step 1, which often negatively affects emotional health. Nourish, a novel Step 1 support program, was designed to foster improved self-efficacy and well-being during the process of studying for and taking the exam. Nourish was piloted at Oregon Health & Science University between December 2018 and February 2019. METHODS: Program elements were guided by Self-Efficacy Theory and included community building, wellness support, peer tutoring and social persuasion. Program evaluation included pre- and post-program surveys. Participation was optional and included 46 of 154 students (30%) with 40 of the 46 students (87%) completing pre and post evaluations. The pre-survey was given during the Nourish orientation in December prior to the Step 1 study period, and the post-survey was given in early February when most students had taken their exam but none had received their scores. RESULTS: While summary self-efficacy scores increased between baseline and post program (24.9 vs 27.7, p < 0.001), summary emotional health scores worsened (8.15 vs 8.75, p = 0.03). Summary scores for physical health also dropped but this difference was not statistically significant. Summary perceived stress scores increased from 15.5 at baseline to 23.7 post program (p < 0.001). All students who routinely participated in Nourish passed their USMLE Step 1 exam. One student who participated only in the orientation session did not pass. CONCLUSION: Nourish appeared to improve self-efficacy, even though students reported being stressed with low emotional health. The program appeared to help students align task demands with their own personal resources and set reasonable expectations and strategies to pass the exam. Medical schools should consider similar peer- and faculty mentor-based wellness and tutoring programs to support medical students while they work to achieve academic success.