Inner Ear Stem-Cell Transplantation in Cochlear
Cultures
Presenters: Dylan K. Chan, MD, PhD; Saku Sinkkonen, MD, PhD; Alan
G. Cheng, MD; Stefan Heller, PhD
Time: 9:46 am
Location: Room 209
Boston, MA Researchers have developed an in vitro system to
investigate hair-cell regeneration techniques and evaluate the
ability of transplanted inner-ear stem-cell spheres to integrate
into the organ of Corti and differentiate into mature hair
cells.
In a presentation at the 2010 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO
EXPO in Boston, researchers revealed that co-culture between
inner-ear stem-cell spheres and the neonatal organ of Corti is a
useful model to evaluate. It could potentially optimize
transplantation of inner-ear stem cells into the cochlea for
hair-cell regeneration. Preliminary co-cultures show
differentiation of adherent spheres into cells bearing hair-cell
markers, but little evidence of precise integration into the
sensory epithelium.
Biofilms in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal
Polyps
Presenters: Thiago Bezerra, MD; Francini Padua, MD, PhD; Eloisa
Gebrim, MD, PhD; Paulo Saldiva, MD, PhD; Richard Voegels, MD,
PhD
Time: 9:38 am
Location: Room 252
Boston, MA The presence of biofilms in patients with chronic
sinusitis with nasal polyps was studied between 2008 and 2009, in a
tertiary care center.
In a presentation at the 2010 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO
EXPO in Boston, researchers discussed a study group consisting of
33 consecutive patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for
chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps. The control group
consisted of 27 control patients undergoing septoplasty for nasal
obstruction without diagnosis of CRS. It is believed that biofilms
may play a major role in chronic sinusitis without nasal
polyps.
Communication Mode Disparity in Pediatric Cochlear
Implants
Presenters: Meredith Edgerton, AuD, CCC-A; Abby Connell, MEd;
Nevitte Morris, MA; Ted Meyer, MD, PhD; David White, MD
Time: 9:46 am
Location: Room 259
Boston, MA Children with Medicaid were significantly more likely
to become non-oral communicators after cochlear implants.
In a paper presented at the 2010 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting &
OTO EXPO in Boston, researchers studied whether racial or
insurance-based disparities exist in the development of oral
communication after cochlear implantation (CI) in children. Data
recorded and analyzed included race, age of implantation,
communication mode, and insurance type.
Pediatric Ear Infections: Racial Disparities in Health
Care
Presenters: Neil Bhattacharyya, MD; Nina Shapiro, MD; Kalpesh
Vakharia, MSc, MD
Time: 9:46 am
Location: Room 259
Boston, MA An annualized population of 4.65 million children in
the United States report frequent ear infections (FEI). Overall,
the study showed that 3.7 percent could not afford care, 5.6
percent could not afford prescriptions, and only 25.8 percent saw a
specialist. A larger percent of the black (42.7%) and Hispanic
children (34.5%) with FEI were below the poverty level, versus
white children (12.4%). Over 18% of Hispanic children were
uninsured, versus 6.5% of white children.
In a paper presented at the 2010 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting &
OTO EXPO in Boston, researchers concluded that racial/ethnic
disparities among children with FEI significantly influence
healthcare resource access and utilization. These disparities
should be targeted for intervention.
Chronic Ear Disease in the Pacific: A 10-Year
Review
Presenter: Jon Robitschek, MD
Time: 8:00 am
Location: Room 257
Boston, MA For ten years, otolaryngology surgeons from Tripler
Army Medical Center (TAMC) have been partnering with the Palau
Ministry of Health to provide care for patients with ear, nose, and
throat disorders.
In a paper presented at the 2010 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting &
OTO EXPO in Boston, researchers presented a ten-year retrospective
review of surgical cases, success rates, and disease incidence
within a unique Pacific island population.
