Ultrasonic vocalizations in mice: relevance for ethologic and neurodevelopmental disorders studies

Mice use ultrasonic vocalizations(USVs)to communicate each other and to convey their emotional state.USVs have been greatly characterized in specific life phases and contexts,such as mother isolation-induced USVs for pups or female-induced USVs for male mice during courtship.USVs can be acquired by means of specific tools and later analyzed on the base of both quantitative and qualitative parameters.Indeed,different ultrasonic call categories exist and have already been defined.The understanding of different calls meaning is still missing,and it will represent an essential step forward in the field of USVs.They have long been studied in the ethological context,but recently they emerged as a precious instrument to study pathologies characterized by deficits in communication,in particular neurodevelopmental disorders(NDDs),such as autism spectrum disorders.This review covers the topics of USVs characteristics in mice,contexts for USVs emission and factors that modulate their expression.A particular focus will be devoted to mouse USVs in the context of NDDs.Indeed,several NDDs murine models exist and an intense study of USVs is currently in progress,with the aim of both performing an early diagnosis and to find a pharmacological/behavioral intervention to improve patients’quality of life.

High frequency components in avian vocalizations

Ultrasonic communication in vertebrates is attracting increasing research interest.To determine if ultrasonic vocalization is common in birds,we recorded their vocalizations with ultrasound detectors in the Dongzhai National Nature Reserve of Henan Province,China.We found varying degrees of high frequency components in the vocalizations of 14 species and in several of these species,the frequency of harmonics was up to the range of ultrasound.We suggest that more studies are required to determine whether the high frequency components in avian vocalizations have functions and what these functions are.In addition,the ability of birds to hear sounds in the high frequency range also requires re-examination.

Taxonomic revision of the Savanna Nightjar(Caprimulgus affinis)complex based on vocalizations reveals three species

Background:The Savanna Nightjar(Caprimulgus affinis)is a widespread,polytypic species which was previously treated as two or three species.It is currently treated as a single species based on superficial similarity of their songs but no detailed comparisons of the songs in this complex have been made.Methods:A total of 15 acoustic variables were measured for the songs of 86 individuals representing 8 of the 10 subspecies in the complex.Results:Three major groups can be distinguished based on univariate and multivariate analyses:a northern group consisting of the subspecies C.a.monticolus,C.a.amoyensis and C.a.stictomus;a southern group consisting of C.a.affinis,C.a.kasuidori,C.a.timorensis and C.a.propinquus;and a third group in the Philippines consisting of C.a.griseatus.Conclusions:It is here argued that these groups are best treated as species,and that Franklin's Nightjar(C.monticolus)and Kayumanggi Nightjar(C.griseatus)are reinstated as separate species.

Multifaceted superoxide dismutase 1 expression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients:a rare occurrence?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS)is a neuromuscular condition resulting from the progressive degeneration of motor neurons in the cortex,brainstem,and spinal cord.While the typical clinical phenotype of ALS involves both upper and lower motor neurons,human and animal studies over the years have highlighted the potential spread to other motor and non-motor regions,expanding the phenotype of ALS.Although superoxide dismutase 1(SOD1)mutations represent a minority of ALS cases,the SOD1 gene remains a milestone in ALS research as it represents the first genetic target for personalized therapies.Despite numerous single case reports or case series exhibiting extramotor symptoms in patients with ALS mutations in SOD1(SOD1-ALS),no studies have comprehensively explored the full spectrum of extramotor neurological manifestations in this subpopulation.In this narrative review,we analyze and discuss the available literature on extrapyramidal and non-motor features during SOD1-ALS.The multifaceted expression of SOD1 could deepen our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms,pointing towards a multidisciplinary approach for affected patients in light of new therapeutic strategies for SOD1-ALS.

Humans identify negative （but not positive） arousal in silver fox vocalizations： implications for the adaptive value of interspecific eavesdropping

The ability to identify emotional arousal in heterospecific vocalizations may facilitate behaviors that increase survival opportunities. Crucially, this ability may orient inter-species interactions, par- ticularly between humans and other species. Research shows that humans identify emotional arousal in vocalizations across multiple species, such as cats, dogs, and piglets. However, no previ- ous study has addressed humans＂ ability to identify emotional arousal in silver foxes. Here, we adopted low- and high-arousal calls emitted by three strains of silver fox--Tame, Aggressive, and Unselected--in response to human approach. Tame and Aggressive foxes are genetically selected for friendly and attacking behaviors toward humans, respectively. Unselected foxes show aggres- sive and fearful behaviors toward humans. These three strains show similar levels of emotional arousal, but different levels of emotional valence in relation to humans. This emotional information is reflected in the acoustic features of the calls. Our data suggest that humans can identify high- arousal calls of Aggressive and Unselected foxes, but not of Tame foxes. Further analyses revealed that, although within each strain different acoustic parameters affect human accuracy in identifying high-arousal calls, spectral center of gravity, harmonic-to-noise ratio, and F0 best predict humans＇ ability to discriminate high-arousal calls across all strains. Furthermore, we identified in spectral center of gravity and F0 the best predictors for humans＇ absolute ratings of arousal in each call. Implications for research on the adaptive value of inter-specific eavesdropping are discussed.

Sex differences in the influence of social context, salient social stimulation and amphetamine on ultrasonic vocalizations in prairie voles

Prairie voles(Microtus ochrogaster)are a socially monogamous rodent species and their cooperative behaviors require extensive communication between conspecifics.Rodents use ultrasonic vocalizations(USVs)to com­municate and because a prairie vole breeder pair must engage in extensive cooperation for successful repro­duction,auditory communication may be critical for this species.Therefore,we sought to characterize USVs in adult male and female prairie voles,and to determine how these calls are influenced by social context,salient social stimuli and the psychostimulant drug of abuse amphetamine(AMPH).Here,we characterize prairie vole USVs by showing the range of frequencies of prairie vole USVs,the proportion of various call types,how these call types compare between males and females,and how they are influenced by social stimulation and AMPH.AMPH caused a robust increase in the number of USVs in both males and females and there was a dramatic sex difference in the complexity of call structures of AMPH-induced USVs,with males emitting more elaborate calls.Moreover,we show that novel(i.e.salient)social cues evoked differential increases in USVs across sex,with males showing a much more robust increase in USV production,both with respect to the frequency and complexity of USV production.Exposure to an estrous female in particular caused an extraordinary increase in USVs in male subjects.These data suggest that USVs may be a useful measure of social motivation in this spe­cies,including how social behaviors can be impacted by drugs of abuse.

三维超声VOCAL技术:一种精确测量子宫肌瘤体积的方法

目的:评估二维超声(2D-US)、三维超声VOCAL技术(3D-VOCAL)对子宫肌瘤体积(UMV)测量的精确性。方法:选取2022年10月~2023年4月于福建医科大学附属龙岩第一医院行子宫肌瘤外科手术治疗的患者45例,术前运用2D-US、3D-VOCAL对UMV进行测量,与手术切除后的实际肌瘤体积进行比较,评估两种超声技术测量UMV的准确性及重复性。结果:3D-VOCAL测量肌瘤体积的一致性(ICC=0.992)高于2D-US(ICC=0.976),且3D-VOCAL在不同大小肌瘤中的ICC均高于2D-US(均P<0.001)。2D-US、3D-VOCAL、手术术后3组间UMV测值的体积在最大径<8 cm差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),而3组间在最大径≥8 cm差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);进一步两两分析显示,在最大径≥8 cm UMV中,2D-US与手术术后的UMV测值差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),3D-VOCAL与手术术后的UMV测值差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。3D-VOCAL在不同观察者间及观察者内的一致性均优于2D-US。结论:3D-VOCAL对于术前UMV的测量优于2D-US,是一种简便、高效的可靠方法,为临床随访提供理论依据。

Pitfalls in internal jugular vein cannulation

Central venous catheter insertion in the internal jugular vein(IJV)is frequently performed in acute care settings,facilitated by its easy availability and increased use of ultrasound in healthcare settings.Despite the increased safety profile and insertion convenience,it has complications.Herein,we aim to inform readers about the existing literature on the plethora of complications with potentially disastrous consequences for patients undergoing IJV cannulation.

Nasogastric tube syndrome:A Meta-summary of case reports

BACKGROUND Since its description in 1790 by Hunter,the nasogastric tube(NGT)is commonly used in any healthcare setting for alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms or enteral feeding.However,the risks associated with its placement are often underes-timated.Upper airway obstruction with a NGT is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening complication.NGT syndrome is characterized by the presence of an NGT,throat pain and vocal cord(VC)paralysis,usually bilateral.It is poten-tially life–threatening,and early diagnosis is the key to the prevention of fatal upper airway obstruction.However,fewer cases may have been reported than might have occurred,primarily due to the clinicians'unawareness.The lack of specific signs and symptoms and the inability to prove temporal relation with NGT insertion has made diagnosing the syndrome quite challenging.AIM To review and collate the data from the published case reports and case series to understand the possible risk factors,early warning signs and symptoms for timely detection to prevent the manifestation of the complete syndrome with life-threatening airway obstruction.METHODS We conducted a systematic search for this meta-summary from the database of PubMed,EMBASE,Reference Citation Analysis(https://www.referencecitation-analysis.com/)and Google scholar,from all the past studies till August 2023.The search terms included major MESH terms"Nasogastric tube","Intubation,Gastrointestinal","Vocal Cord Paralysis",and“Syndrome”.All the case reports and case series were evaluated,and the data were extracted for patient demographics,clinical symptomatology,diagnostic and therapeutic interventions,clinical course and outcomes.A datasheet for evaluation was further prepared.RESULTS Twenty-seven cases,from five case series and 13 case reports,of NGT syndrome were retrieved from our search.There was male predominance(17,62.96%),and age at presentation ranged from 28 to 86 years.Ten patients had diabetes mellitus(37.04%),and nine were hypertensive(33.33%).Only three(11.11%)patients were reported to be immunocompromised.The median time for developing symptoms after NGT insertion was 14.5 d(interquartile range 6.25-33.75 d).The most commonly reported reason for NGT insertion was acute stroke(10,37.01%)and the most commonly reported symptoms were stridor or wheezing 17(62.96%).In 77.78%of cases,bilateral VC were affected.The only treatment instituted in most patients(77.78%)was removing the NG tube.Most patients(62.96%)required tracheostomy for airway protection.But 8 of the 23 survivors recovered within five weeks and could be decannulated.Three patients were reported to have died.CONCLUSION NGT syndrome is an uncommon clinical complication of a very common clinical procedure.However,an under-reporting is possible because of misdiagnosis or lack of awareness among clinicians.Patients in early stages and with mild symptoms may be missed.Further,high variability in the presentation timing after NGT insertion makes diagnosis challenging.Early diagnosis and prompt removal of NGT may suffice in most patients,but a significant proportion of patients presenting with respiratory compromise may require tracheostomy for airway protection.

Atypical presentation of a posterior fossa tumour:A case report

BACKGROUND We described a case of a patient with a meningioma in the posterior fossa presenting atypically with an isolated unilateral vocal cord palsy causing severe respiratory distress.This is of interest as the patient had no other symptomatology,especially given the size of the mass,which would typically cause a pressure effect leading to neurological and auditory symptoms.CASE SUMMARY This case report described a 48-year-old male who was married with two children and employed as a car guard.He had a medical history of asthma for the past 10 years controlled with an as-needed beta 2 agonist metered dose inhaler.He initially presented to our facility with severe respiratory distress.He reported a 1-wk history of shortness of breath and wheezing that was not relieved by his bronchodilator.He had no constitutional symptoms or impairment of hearing.On clinical examination,the patient’s chest was“silent.”Our initial assessment was status asthmaticus with type 2 respiratory failure,based on the history of asthma,a“silent chest,”and the arterial blood gas results.CONCLUSION A posterior fossa meningioma of such a large size and with extensive infiltration rarely presents with an isolated unilateral vocal cord palsy.The patient’s chief presenting feature was severe respiratory distress,which combined with his background medical history of asthma,was misleading.Clinicians should thus consider meningioma as a differential diagnosis for a unilateral vocal cord palsy even without audiology involvement.

A Study of the Effect of Sichuan Opera Singing on the Vocal Skills of Music Students

The purpose of the article is to explore the effects of Sichuan opera singing on music majors’vocal skills,focusing on three key aspects:pitch test,assessment of rhythmic perception,and emotional expression.Through a quasi-experimental design,100 music majors were selected as research subjects and divided into an experimental group that received Sichuan opera singing instruction and a control group that received traditional vocal instruction.The results showed that compared with the control group,the experimental group receiving Sichuan opera singing teaching showed significant improvement in pitch mastery,rhythm perception,and emotional expression.

The Contribution of Vocal Music Education in Colleges and Universities to Cultural Inheritance and Innovation

The importance of education and cultural inheritance is becoming increasingly prominent.Through literature review and empirical research,combining quantitative data and qualitative analysis,this paper assesses the teaching methods,curriculum,and student interest and participation in vocal music education in colleges and universities.The study found that vocal music education played a positive role in increasing students’participation in cultural activities,enhancing their identification with traditional music and improving their skills,despite problems such as inadequate teaching systems and homogenized curricula.In particular,the participation rate of students in cultural activities before and after the educational changes increased significantly from 31–54.7%to 62.4–83.6%,indicating that vocal music education can effectively stimulate students’enthusiasm for cultural participation.In addition,the strengthening of the teaching staff and innovations in teaching methods,such as the application of multimedia and virtual reality technologies,provide students with richer learning experiences and personalized learning paths.

CO_2激光在喉癌前病变中的应用

癌前病变是指一类比正常黏膜更易发生癌变的疾病，包括喉角化病、声带白斑、成人喉乳头状瘤等，对此类患者应积极干预治疗，阻止癌变的发生。

声带息肉合并喉梗阻症状的治疗方法探讨

目的研究喉显微镜支撑喉镜下CO2激光手术治疗声带息肉合并不同程度喉梗阻患者的疗效。方法选取18例声带息肉伴有不同程度喉梗阻患者为研究对象,均采用纤维支气管镜引导下经鼻气管插管,实施喉显微镜支撑喉镜下CO2激光切除声带息肉手术,术后1个月复查电子喉镜,统计患者治疗总有效率及嗓音功能恢复、并发症以及术后复发等情况。结果 18例患者均一次性插管成功,无气管切开病例,除2例口咽侧壁擦伤外无其他并发症,术后呼吸困难症状改善明显,术后1个月嗓音功能恢复良好,治愈14例(77.78%),好转4例(22.22%),随访半年,无复发病例。结论纤维支气管镜引导下经鼻气管插管,CO2激光显微外科手术是治疗声带息肉合并喉梗阻患者安全、有效、微创的手术方法,值得临床推广应用。

激光联合局部应用玻璃酸钠注射液治疗声带粘连

声带粘连是声带疾病术后及喉外伤的常见并发症,其治疗至今仍是临床上的棘手课题。声带粘连轻者可引起声嘶,丧失语言交流能力,重者还易发生呼吸困难、丧失劳动力,甚至危及生命。该病治疗方法虽多,但疗效却不甚理想。作者采用激光切割联合经皮环甲膜穿刺局部注射施沛特（玻璃酸钠注射液）治疗声带粘连,取得一定效果,现报道如下。

喉动力切削系统在声带良性病变中的应用

喉动力切削系统具有负压吸引与旋转吸切相结合的功能,使喉部手术快速、精确、安全,大大提高了手术的效率和质量,目前已广泛应用于喉部微创手术[1]。回顾性分析我科2009年6月～2011年6月采用鼻内镜辅助支撑喉镜下喉动力切削系统治疗的84例声带良性病变,报道如下。

支撑喉镜下电动切削器治疗声带息肉

声带息肉是耳鼻咽喉科常见病和多发病，手术为主要治疗方式。常规以镰状刀先切开，再用钳咬除并修整创面，亦可采用激光等治疗方法。但对多发性广基甚至全声带息肉样变者，如何准确掌握切除范围及术中出血对手术的干扰是棘手难题，术后。恢复时间长且效果欠佳。我院自2006年1月起采用支撑喉镜下电动切削器辅助手术切除多发性广基声带息肉65例，取得良好效果，报道如下。

双声带曲霉菌感染1例

声带真菌感染在耳鼻咽喉头颈外科并不多见,我科曾遇1例,现报道如下。 1临床资料患者,女,31岁,教师,因感冒致声嘶、发热、咽喉疼痛1天,去当地私人诊所就诊,诊断为上呼吸道感染,给予输液治疗5天（用药不详）,停止发热,咽喉疼痛好转,感冒症状明显减轻,但声嘶哑无好转且逐渐加重,又到当地县医院就诊,诊断：急性咽喉炎,给予输液治疗7天（用药不详）,

以双侧喉返神经麻痹为首发症状的婴儿佩梅病1例

临床资料患儿，男，2个月4天，以吸气性呼吸困难1个月入院。足月剖腹产第1胎，无缺氧史，出生体重3.3kg。生后即出现吃奶差，1周后出现喉鸣，此后吃奶逐渐好转。