The Vocal Flutter of Multiple System Atrophy: A Parkinsonian-Type Phenomenon?

Background: Early features of multiple system atrophy (MSA) are similar to those in Parkinson's disease (PD), which can challenge differential diagnosis. Identifying clinical markers that help distinguish MSA from forms of parkinsonism is essential to promptly implement the most appropriate management plan. In the context of a thorough neurological evaluation, the presence of a vocal flutter might be considered a potential feature of MSA-parkinsonian type (MSA-P).

A neonatal piglet model reveals interactions between nasal microbiota and influenza A virus pathogenesis.

While vaccination and therapeutics for prevention/treatment of influenza are available, new strategies are needed to combat influenza disease in susceptible populations, particularly young children and newborns. Host associated microbiota play an important role in modulating the virulence of numerous pathogens, including the influenza A virus. In this study, we examined microbiome-influenza interactions in a neonatal piglet model system.

Impacts of Deep Brain Stimulation of the Globus Pallidus Internus on Swallowing: A Retrospective, Cross-Sectional Study.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a common treatment for motor symptoms of Parkinson disease (PD), a condition associated with increased risk of dysphagia. The effect of DBS on swallowing function has not been comprehensively evaluated using gold-standard imaging techniques, particularly for globus pallidus internus (GPi) DBS. The objective of this retrospective, cross-sectional study was to identify differences in swallowing safety and timing kinematics among PD subjects with and without GPi DBS.

Emergency ventilator for COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the world in 2020 by spreading at unprecedented rates and causing tens of thousands of fatalities within a few months. The number of deaths dramatically increased in regions where the number of patients in need of hospital care exceeded the availability of care. Many COVID-19 patients experience Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), a condition that can be treated with mechanical ventilation.

Dysarthria and Speech Intelligibility Following Parkinson's Disease Globus Pallidus Internus Deep Brain Stimulation.

Background: Although earlier studies reported variable speech changes following subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, the effects of globus pallidus internus (GPi) DBS on speech performance in PD remain largely unknown.

Objective: We aimed to characterize speech changes following PD GPi-DBS.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical and speech outcomes of 25 PD patients treated with bilateral GPi-DBS at a single center.

A comprehensive review of the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson's disease dysphagia and aspiration.

Introduction: Bulbar dysfunction is common in Parkinson's disease (PD) with more than 80% of affected individuals developing dysphagia during the course of the disease. Symptoms can begin in the preclinical stage and individuals may remain clinically asymptomatic for years. Furthermore, patients may be unaware of swallowing changes, which contributes to the difference between the prevalence of self-reported dysphagia and deficits identified during instrumental evaluations.

Respiratory and Laryngeal Function in Teachers: Pre- and Postvocal Loading Challenge.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine laryngeal and respiratory physiological changes in teachers before and after a 1-hour vocal loading challenge.

Methods: Twelve teachers completed ratings of vocal tiredness, vocal effort, and produced a reading passage and monologue before and after a 1-hour vocal loading challenge (reading aloud in noise). Sound pressure level, lung volume parameters, cepstral peak prominence, and low/high spectral ratio were measured.