Ultrafast optogenetic stimulation of the auditory pathway by targeting-optimized Chronos.

Optogenetic tools, providing non-invasive control over selected cells, have the potential to revolutionize sensory prostheses for humans. Optogenetic stimulation of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) in the ear provides a future alternative to electrical stimulation used in cochlear implants. However, most channelrhodopsins do not support the high temporal fidelity pertinent to auditory coding because they require milliseconds to close after light-off.

Ca-binding protein 2 inhibits Ca-channel inactivation in mouse inner hair cells.

Ca-binding protein 2 (CaBP2) inhibits the inactivation of heterologously expressed voltage-gated Ca channels of type 1.3 (Ca1.3) and is defective in human autosomal-recessive deafness 93 (DFNB93).

Optogenetic stimulation of the auditory nerve.

Direct electrical stimulation of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) by cochlear implants (CIs) enables open speech comprehension in the majority of implanted deaf subjects(1-) (6). Nonetheless, sound coding with current CIs has poor frequency and intensity resolution due to broad current spread from each electrode contact activating a large number of SGNs along the tonotopic axis of the cochlea(7-) (9). Optical stimulation is proposed as an alternative to electrical stimulation that promises spatially more confined activation of SGNs and, hence, higher frequency resolution of coding.

Optogenetic stimulation of the auditory pathway.

Auditory prostheses can partially restore speech comprehension when hearing fails. Sound coding with current prostheses is based on electrical stimulation of auditory neurons and has limited frequency resolution due to broad current spread within the cochlea. In contrast, optical stimulation can be spatially confined, which may improve frequency resolution.

[Rhinorrhea following laryngectomy : Treatment with botulinum toxin type A.].

After laryngectomy, the transport of intranasal secretions is often inadequate due to the lack of the nasal ventilation. Consequently, persistent and disruptive anterior rhinorrhea may occur. We report the case of a 61-year-old man who had recently undergone a laryngectomy and who was successfully treated with bilateral injections of botulinum toxin into the anterior portion of the inferior turbinates.