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European Radiology Feb 2017Determine feasibility of vocal fold (VF) abduction and adduction assessment by cine magnetic resonance imaging (cine-MRI) METHODS: Cine-MRI of the VF was performed on...
OBJECTIVE
Determine feasibility of vocal fold (VF) abduction and adduction assessment by cine magnetic resonance imaging (cine-MRI) METHODS: Cine-MRI of the VF was performed on five healthy and nine unilateral VF paralysis (UVFP) participants using an axial gradient echo acquisition with temporal resolution of 0.7 s. VFs were continuously imaged with cine-MRI during a 10-s period of quiet respiration and phonation. Scanning was repeated twice within an individual session and then once again at a 1-week interval. Asymmetry of VF position during phonation (VF phonation asymmetry, VFPa) and respiration (VF respiration asymmetry, VFRa) was determined. Percentage reduction in total glottal area between respiration and phonation (VF abduction potential, VFAP) was derived to measure overall mobility. An un-paired t-test was used to compare differences between groups. Intra-session, inter-session and inter-reader repeatability of the quantitative metrics was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).
RESULTS
VF position asymmetry (VFPa and VFRa) was greater (p=0.012; p=0.001) and overall mobility (VFAP) was lower (p=0.008) in UVFP patients compared with healthy participants. ICC of repeatability of all metrics was good, ranged from 0.82 to 0.95 except for the inter-session VFPa (0.44).
CONCLUSION
Cine-MRI is feasible for assessing VF abduction and adduction. Derived quantitative metrics have good repeatability.
KEY POINTS
• Cine-MRI is used to assess vocal folds (VFs) mobility: abduction and adduction. • New quantitative metrics are derived from VF position and abduction potential. • Cine-MRI able to depict the difference between normal and abnormal VF mobility. • Cine-MRI derived quantitative metrics have good repeatability.
Topics: Adult; Feasibility Studies; Female; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cine; Male; Phonation; Reproducibility of Results; Vocal Cord Paralysis; Vocal Cords
PubMed: 27085701
DOI: 10.1007/s00330-016-4341-3 -
The Laryngoscope Oct 2021There are currently no treatments available that restore dynamic laryngeal function after hemilaryngectomy. We have shown that dynamic function can be restored post...
OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS
There are currently no treatments available that restore dynamic laryngeal function after hemilaryngectomy. We have shown that dynamic function can be restored post hemilaryngectomy in a rat model. Here, we report in a first of its kind, proof of concept study that this previously published technique is scalable to a porcine model.
STUDY DESIGN
Animal study.
METHODS
Muscle and fat biopsies were taken from three Yucatan minipigs. Muscle progenitor cells (MPCs) and adipose stem cells (ASCs) were isolated and cultured for 3 weeks. The minipigs underwent a left laterovertical partial laryngectomy sparing the left arytenoid cartilage and transecting the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Each layer was replaced with a tissue-engineered implant: 1) an acellular mucosal layer composed of densified Type I oligomeric collagen, 2) a skeletal muscle layer composed of autologous MPCs and aligned oligomeric collagen differentiated and induced to express motor endplates (MEE), and 3) a cartilage layer composed of autologous ASCs and densified oligomeric collagen differentiated to cartilage. Healing was monitored at 2 and 4 weeks post-op, and at the 8 week study endpoint.
RESULTS
Animals demonstrated appropriate weight gain, no aspiration events, and audible phonation. Video laryngoscopy showed progressive healing with vascularization and re-epithelialization present at 4 weeks. On histology, there was no immune reaction to the implants and there was complete integration into host tissue with nerve and vascular ingrowth.
CONCLUSIONS
This pilot study represents a first in which a transmural vertical partial laryngectomy was performed and successfully repaired with a customized, autologous stem cell-derived multi-layered tissue-engineered implant.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
NA Laryngoscope, 131:2277-2284, 2021.
Topics: Adipose Tissue; Animals; Cell Differentiation; Cells, Cultured; Deglutition; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Laryngeal Cartilages; Laryngectomy; Laryngoplasty; Larynx; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Motor Endplate; Muscle, Skeletal; Myoblasts; Phonation; Pilot Projects; Primary Cell Culture; Proof of Concept Study; Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve; Swine; Swine, Miniature; Tissue Engineering; Tissue Scaffolds
PubMed: 33247846
DOI: 10.1002/lary.29282 -
Deutsches Arzteblatt International Feb 2023
Topics: Humans; Vocal Cords; Singing; Hemorrhage
PubMed: 37070180
DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.m2022.0356 -
CoDAS 2019To investigate the immediate effect of phonation into silicone tube on self-assessment and vocal quality of gospel singers.
PURPOSE
To investigate the immediate effect of phonation into silicone tube on self-assessment and vocal quality of gospel singers.
METHODS
The sample was composed of 40 gospel singers without vocal complaint, males and females, from 18 to 40 years. The singers performed semi-occluded vocal tract exercise in LaxVox® silicone tube. The end of the tube was submerged in water (2cm depth), for three minutes. Before and after exercise, voice recording was performed for perceptive-auditory evaluation, and only after exercise, the voice and comfort phonation self-assessments (CSA) were performed. The descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were performed.
RESULTS
All participants reported improvement in voice. In addition, a significant higher proportion of them indicated phonation comfort improvement after exercise. According to the perceptive-auditory evaluation, there was no difference in the comparison of the proportions of pre- and post-exercise perceptive-auditory evaluation categories in gospel singers.
CONCLUSION
The phonation exercise into a silicone tube caused an immediate positive effect on gospel singers' voice and comfort phonation self-assessments. There was no significant difference in the perceptive-auditory evaluation before and after phonation into silicone tube in gospel singers.
Topics: Acoustics; Adolescent; Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Phonation; Prospective Studies; Self-Assessment; Silicones; Singing; Voice; Voice Quality; Voice Training; Young Adult
PubMed: 31800878
DOI: 10.1590/2317-1782/20192018117 -
The Laryngoscope Jul 2016To describe a nonstimulated in vivo rabbit phonation model using an Isshiki type IV thyroplasty and uninterrupted humidified glottal airflow to produce sustained audible...
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS
To describe a nonstimulated in vivo rabbit phonation model using an Isshiki type IV thyroplasty and uninterrupted humidified glottal airflow to produce sustained audible phonation.
STUDY DESIGN
Prospective animal study.
METHODS
Six New Zealand white breeder rabbits underwent a surgical procedure involving an Isshiki type IV thyroplasty and continuous airflow delivered to the glottis. Phonatory parameters were examined using high-speed laryngeal imaging and acoustic and aerodynamic analysis. Following the procedure, airflow was discontinued, and sutures remained in place to maintain the phonatory glottal configuration for microimaging using a 9.4 Tesla imaging system.
RESULTS
High-speed laryngeal imaging revealed sustained vocal fold oscillation throughout the experimental procedure. Analysis of acoustic signals revealed a mean vocal intensity of 61 dB and fundamental frequency of 590 Hz. Aerodynamic analysis revealed a mean airflow rate of 85.91 mL/s and subglottal pressure of 9 cm H2 O. Following the procedure, microimaging revealed that the in vivo phonatory glottal configuration was maintained, providing consistency between the experimental and postexperimental laryngeal geometry. The latter provides a significant milestone that is necessary for geometric reconstruction and to allow for validation of computational simulations against the in vivo rabbit preparation.
CONCLUSION
We demonstrate a nonstimulated in vivo phonation preparation using an Isshiki type IV thyroplasty and continuous humidified glottal airflow in a rabbit animal model. This preparation elicits sustained vocal fold vibration and phonatory measures that are consistent with our laboratory's prior work using direct neuromuscular stimulation for evoked phonation.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
N/A. Laryngoscope, 126:1589-1594, 2016.
Topics: Acoustics; Animals; Computer Simulation; Glottis; Laryngeal Muscles; Male; Models, Animal; Phonation; Pressure; Prospective Studies; Rabbits; Vibration; Vocal Cords
PubMed: 26971861
DOI: 10.1002/lary.25559 -
The Laryngoscope Feb 2023Although phonatory glottal posture and airflow pulse shape affect voice quality, studies to date have been limited by visualization of vocal fold (VF) vibration from a...
INTRODUCTION
Although phonatory glottal posture and airflow pulse shape affect voice quality, studies to date have been limited by visualization of vocal fold (VF) vibration from a superior view. We performed a 3D reconstruction of VF vibratory motion during phonation from a medial view and assessed the glottal volume waveform and resulting acoustics as a function of neuromuscular stimulation.
STUDY DESIGN
In vivo canine hemilarynx phonation.
METHODS
Across 121 unique combinations of the superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) and recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) stimulation, the hemilarynx was excited to the oscillation with airflow. VF medial surface reference points were tracked on high-speed video, mapped into 3D space, and surface shape was restored using cubic spline interpolation. Glottal surface shape, reconstruction-based parameters, and glottal volume waveform were calculated. Fundamental frequency (F0), cepstral peak prominence (CPP), and harmonic amplitude (H1-H2) were measured from high-quality audio samples.
RESULTS
The glottis was convergent during opening and divergent during closing. Neuromuscular activation changed phonatory glottal shape and reduced glottal volume. Significant reduction in glottal volume and closing quotient were present with SLN stimulation. RLN stimulation significantly increased F0 and CPP and decreased H1-H2 (constricted glottis), while SLN effects were similar and synergistic with concurrent RLN stimulation.
CONCLUSION
3D reconstruction of in vivo medial surface vibration revealed effects of laryngeal nerve stimulation on glottal vibratory pattern and acoustic correlates of voice quality. SLN activation resulted in significantly quicker glottal closure per cycle, decreased glottal volume, and higher-pitched, less breathy, and less noisy voice. RLN had a similar effect on acoustic measures.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
NA, Basic Science Laryngoscope, 133:357-365, 2023.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Glottis; Vocal Cords; Phonation; Voice Quality; Vibration
PubMed: 35633189
DOI: 10.1002/lary.30178 -
Scientific Reports Aug 2022Thoracic and abdominal movements can be tightly coupled during voluntary breathing, such as when singing and playing wind instruments. The present study investigated the...
Thoracic and abdominal movements can be tightly coupled during voluntary breathing, such as when singing and playing wind instruments. The present study investigated the coordination of thoracic and abdominal movements during voluntary breathing using a dynamical systems approach. We examined whether there are two stable coordination patterns, and if the coordination pattern would abruptly change when the breathing frequency increased, which is known as phase transition. The participants inhaled and exhaled repeatedly at 7.5, 15, 30, 60, or 120 breaths per minute. At the beginning and end of the experiment, the participants performed breathing at their preferred frequency. As a result, the coordination pattern at the lower and preferred frequencies exhibited an in-phase pattern. When breathing frequency increased, participants showed deviated coordination patterns from the in-phase pattern to either a thoracic-leading pattern, an abdominal-leading pattern, or an anti-phase pattern depending on the individual. These deviations occurred gradually; thus, phase transition was not observed. Our findings suggest that thoracic and abdominal movements are tightly coupled at lower frequencies, but their patterns vary depending on the breathing frequency and individuals. Therefore, the present study suggests the importance of viewing breath control in terms of coordination of thoracic and abdominal movements.
Topics: Abdomen; Humans; Respiration; Singing
PubMed: 35918415
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17473-9 -
Journal of Voice : Official Journal of... Mar 2023Typical singing registers are the chest and falsetto; however, trained singers have an additional register, namely, the mixed register. The mixed register, which is also...
INTRODUCTION
Typical singing registers are the chest and falsetto; however, trained singers have an additional register, namely, the mixed register. The mixed register, which is also called "mixed voice" or "mix," is an important technique for singers, as it can help bridge from the chest voice to falsetto without noticeable voice breaks.
OBJECTIVE
The present study aims to reveal the nature of the voice-production mechanism of the different registers (chest, mix, and falsetto) using high-speed digital imaging (HSDI), electroglottography (EGG), and acoustic and aerodynamic measurements.
STUDY DESIGN
Cross-sectional study.
METHODS
Aerodynamic measurements were acquired for twelve healthy singers (six men and women) during the phonation of a variety of pitches using three registers. HSDI and EGG devices were simultaneously used on three healthy singers (two men and one woman) from which an open quotient (OQ) and speed quotient (SQ) were detected. Audio signals were recorded for five sustained vowels, and a spectral analysis was conducted to determine the amplitude of each harmonic component. Furthermore, the absolute (not relative) value of the glottal volume flow was estimated by integrating data obtained from the HSDI and aerodynamic studies.
RESULTS
For all singers, the subglottal pressure (P) was the highest for the chest in the three registers, and the mean flow rate (MFR) was the highest for the falsetto. Conversely, the P of the mix was as low as the falsetto, and the MFR of the mix was as low as the chest. The HSDI analysis showed that the OQ differed significantly among the registers, even when the fundamental frequency was the same; the OQ of the mix was higher than that of the chest but lower than that of the falsetto. The acoustic analysis showed that, for the mix, the harmonic structure was intermediate between the chest and falsetto. The results of the glottal volume-flow analysis revealed that the maximum volume velocity was the least for the mix register at every fundamental frequency. The first and second harmonic (H1-H2) difference of the voice source spectrum was the greatest for the falsetto, then the mix, and finally, the chest.
CONCLUSIONS
We found differences in the registers in terms of the aeromechanical mechanisms and vibration patterns of the vocal folds. The mixed register proved to have a distinct voice-production mechanism, which can be differentiated from those of the chest or falsetto registers.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Voice Quality; Cross-Sectional Studies; Vocal Cords; Phonation; Glottis
PubMed: 33518476
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2020.12.028 -
European Archives of... Sep 2023The current study aimed to profile vocal fold morphology, vocal fold symmetry, gender and task-specific data for vocal fold length (VFL) and vocal fold displacement...
PURPOSE
The current study aimed to profile vocal fold morphology, vocal fold symmetry, gender and task-specific data for vocal fold length (VFL) and vocal fold displacement velocity (VFDV) in young normophonic adults in the age range of 18-30 years using ultrasonography (USG).
METHODS
Participants underwent USG across quiet breathing, /a/ phonation and /i/ phonation tasks, and acoustic analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between USG and acoustic measures.
RESULTS
The study found that males have longer vocal folds than females, and overall greater velocities were observed in /a/ phonation, followed by /i/ phonation, with the lowest velocity observed in the quiet breathing task.
CONCLUSIONS
The obtained norms can be used as a quantitative benchmark for analyzing the vocal fold behavior in young adults.
Topics: Male; Female; Young Adult; Humans; Adolescent; Adult; Vocal Cords; Phonation; Ultrasonography; Acoustics; Vibration
PubMed: 37221308
DOI: 10.1007/s00405-023-08025-6 -
Planta Medica Mar 2020(hedge mustard and formerly called ) is a common plant in wild lands of Europe and Africa. It is also cultivated for its seeds and leaves to be used in salad or... (Review)
Review
(hedge mustard and formerly called ) is a common plant in wild lands of Europe and Africa. It is also cultivated for its seeds and leaves to be used in salad or mustard. is useful not only in culinary preparations, but it also seems to possess interesting therapeutic properties, especially for throat diseases such as aphonia and hoarseness. For this reason, it is commonly called "herb of singers" (in Italian, "Erba dei cantanti"). Indeed a cup of infusion is frequently consumed by singers before artistic performance, even if its beneficial ability still needs to be scientifically demonstrated. Some preliminary data can be analyzed, but new efforts and resources should be devoted to study and investigate a plant with valuable therapeutic potential. This review summarizes the data available for
Topics: Africa; Brassicaceae; Europe; Seeds; Singing
PubMed: 32018307
DOI: 10.1055/a-1088-9928