Research Awards

       2007    •    2004    •    2003    •   2002    •    2001    •    2000

2007

Jason Isenberg

Resident Educator of the Year.

Nathan Welham, Xinhong Lim, Ichiro Tateya, Diane Bless.

Inflammatory Factor Profiles Immediately Following Vocal Fold Injury. The 9th Annual David W. Brewer Award for Best Poster at the Annual Meeting of the Voice Foundation, Philadephia, PA, June, 2007.

Rita Patel

Thomas-Delmar Scholarship Award
Council of Academic Programs in Communicative Sciences and Disorders (CAPCSD)

Scott McMurray

Broyles-Maloney Award
American Broncho-Esophagological Association

2004

Ichiro Tateya, MD, PhD, Koichi Omori, MD, PhD, Hisayoshi Kojima, MD, PhD, Yasushi Naito, MD, PhD, Shigeru Hirano, MD, PhD, Masaru Yamashita, MD, and Juichi Ito, MD, PhD

"Laryngeal surgery changes cortical activation in patients with spasmodic dysphonia"

American Laryngological Association (ALA) Young Faculty/Investigator Research Award - 125th ALA Annual Meeting, Phoenix, AZ, May 1, 2004.

Abstract: Spasmodic dysphonia (SD) is a complex neurological communication disorder characterized by a choked, strain-strangled vocal quality with voice stoppages in phonation. SD is classified as an idiopathic focal dystonia and CNS disorder is thought to be a cause. However, the etiology of SD is not well understood. We performed lateralization thyroplasties on 3 adductor SD patients and compared pre- and post-operative positron emission tomography recordings made during vocalization to reveal the brain function. Pre-operatively, cordal supplementary motor area (SMA), bilateral auditory association areas, and thalamus were activated while reading aloud. Such activity was not observed in normal subjects. Midline lateralization thyroplasty was performed according to Isshiki’s method and the strained voice was significantly reduced or eliminated in all 3 patients. Post-operative PET showed normal brain activation pattern with a significant decrease in cordal SMA, bilateral auditory association areas and thalamus, and a significant increase in rostral SMA compared with pre-operative recordings. This is the first report showing that treatment to a peripheral organ, which reverses voice symptoms, also reverses dysfunctional patterns of the central nervous system in patients with SD.

Tomoko Tateya, MD, Ichiro Tateya, MD, PhD, Jin Ho Sohn, MD, PhD, and Diane M. Bless, PhD

"Histological characterization of rat vocal fold scarring"

American Broncho-Esophagological Association( ABEA) Poster Award 1st Place - 84th ABEA Annual Meeting, Phoenix, AZ, April 30-May 1, 2004.

Abstract: This study aimed to clarify the characteristics of rat vocal fold scarring by examining the alteration of key components in ECM; Hyaluronic acid (HA), collagen and fibronectin. By monitoring with a 1.9-diameter telescope, vocal fold stripping was performed unilaterally and larynges were harvested at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks postoperatively. The vocal folds were histologically analyzed using Alcian blue stain, trichrome stain and immunofluorescence of collagen type I, type III and fibronectin. Scarred vocal folds showed less HA and more collagen types I and III than control at all time points. Type III was stable for 12 weeks while type I declined until 8 weeks and thereafter unchanged. Fibronectin increased for 4 weeks and then decreased close to the control level at 8 and 12 weeks. These results suggest that the tissue remodeling process in scarred vocal folds slows down around 2 months after wounding.

Shigeru Hirano, Diane Bless, Hiromi Nagai, Ichiro Tateya, Tomoko Tateya, Charles Ford.

Therapeutic potential of basic fibroblast growth factor for aged rat vocal folds.

American Broncho-Esophagological Association( ABEA) Poster Award 3rd Place - 84th ABEA Annual Meeting, Phoenix, AZ, April 30-May 1, 2004

Kartini Ahmad

Vilas Travel Fellowship
Graduate School

Nathan Welham

Stanley Ewanowski Scholastic Award
Wisconsin Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Nathan Welham

Grant Writing Travel Award
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Caryn Easterling

Nominated
Marquette University Alumni of the Year
College of Health Sciences

Caryn Easterling

Member
Advisory Board
Special Interest Division on Swallowing & Swallowing Disorders

2003

Hodges SH, Anderson A, Connor NP.

"Neuromuscular junction changes in aged rat genioglossus muscle. "

Steven Dean Gray Resident Essay Contest, 1st place, American Broncho-Esophagological Association - Nashville, TN, May 5, 2003.

Kyungah Lee

Stanley Ewanowski Scholastic Award - WSHA Foundation, March 2003.

Diane M. Bless

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Honors of the Association – Chicago, IL, November 2003.

Highest honor bestowed by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association for outstanding clinical, academic, and professional service.

Nathan Welham

New Century Scholars Doctoral Scholarship
American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation

Bernard Rousseau, Diane M. Bless

“Phytochemical treatments for vocal fold scar”

Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award—Individual pre-doctoral fellowship, National Institutes of Deafness and other Communication Disorders

Abstract: Iatrogenic vocal fold scarring results in a severe dysphonia, which is difficult to treat successfully. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an important molecule found in the extracellular matrix of the vocal fold lamina propria that contributes to tissue viscosity, and the initiation and propagation of vocal fold oscillation. Techniques aimed at maximizing post-operative HA levels during wound healing may offer clinically useful methods for optimizing tissue viscoelasticity, and minimizing the effects of iatrogenic scarring on vocal fold biomechanical properties. Echinacoside, Anthocyanoside, and Oleanolic Acid are phytochemicals that increase the deposition of HA in healing wounds. These phytochemicals may provide useful treatments for scarring. This proposal aims to: 1) Quantify HA levels in vocal fold scar, 2) Assess the effects of phytochemical treatments on deposition of HA, and 3) Quantify the viscoelastic shear tissue properties of treated and untreated tissue samples. Histologic staining will be used to assay HA, and rheologic methods will be used for measuring tissue viscoelasticity. It is hypothesized that the treated vocal fold will show greater deposition of HA, and present with less stiffness and dynamic viscosity post-operatively, signifying enhanced viscoelastic properties in phytochemically treated tissue.

Bernard Rousseau, Jinho Sohn, Douglas W. Montequin, Ichiro Tateya, Diane M. Bless

“Vocal fold scar vibratory and histologic properties: a pig model”

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Exceptional Student Authored Paper – American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL, November 2003

Objective: To examine the functional effects of hyaluronan and collagen alterations in acute vocal fold scar. Study Design: Experimental, animal model. Methods: Fifteen pig larynges were injured by vocal fold mucosa stripping. At three, 10, and 15 days post-operatively, excised larynx experiments were completed to obtain phonation threshold pressure (PTP) and vocal economy – an acoustic output cost ratio (OCR), followed by hyaluronan and collagen assay. Five uninjured larynges were used for excised controls. Results: Hyaluronan was reduced in the scarred vocal fold through 15 days of wound healing. Collagen was increased at day 15. PTP was increased and OCR was decreased in scarred larynges, indicating decreased vocal efficiency and ease of phonation. Conclusions: PTP and OCR were sensitive to the bio-molecular changes in acute vocal scar. Hyaluronan was more susceptible than collagen to acute tissue ultrastructural alterations. These findings may provide a rationale for increasing hyaluronan in acute vocal scar to improve post-operative vocal outcomes.

Bernard Rousseau, Shigeru Hirano, Roger W. Chan, Nathan V. Welham, Susan L. Thibeault, Charles N. Ford, Diane M. Bless

“Characterization of Chronic Vocal Fold Scarring in a Rabbit Model”

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Publication Travel Award – Research in Communication Sciences and Disorders: Lessons for Success, Savannah, GA, May 2003

Abstract: The purpose of the current study was to assess the histologic and rheologic properties of the scarred vocal fold lamina propria during a chronic phase of wound repair in a rabbit model. Eighteen rabbit larynges were scarred using a procedure that involved stripping the vocal fold lamina propria down to the thyroarytenoid muscle, using 3 mm microforceps. The approximate dimension of injury to the vocal fold was 3 x 1.5 x 0.5 mm [length x width x depth]. At six months post-operatively, histologic analysis of the scarred and control lamina propria in eight of these rabbits was completed for collagen, procollagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Compared to control samples, scarred tissue samples revealed fragmented and disorganized elastin fibers. Additionally, collagen was significantly increased, organized, and formed thick bundles in the scarred vocal fold lamina propria. Measurements of the viscoelastic shear properties of the scarred and control lamina propria in the remaining 10 rabbits revealed increased elastic shear modulus (G’) in 8 of 10 scarred samples, and increased dynamic viscosity (h’) in 9 of 10 scarred samples. While rheologic differences were not statistically significant, they revealed that on average, scarred samples were stiffer and more viscous than the normal controls. Histologic data are interpreted as indicating that by six months post-injury, the scarred rabbit vocal fold has reached a mature phase of wound repair, characterized by an increased, organized, and thick bundle collagen matrix. Rheologic data are interpreted as providing support for the potential role of increased, thick bundle collagen, and a disorganized elastin network on shear stiffness and dynamic viscosity in the chronic vocal fold scar. Based on these results, a six-month post-operative time frame is proposed for future studies of chronic vocal fold scarring using the rabbit animal model.

Bernard Rousseau, Ichiro Tateya, Xinhong Lim, Alejandro Munoz-del-Rio, Charles N. Ford, Diane M. Bless

“Investigation of phytochemicals on hyaluronan production”

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Research Travel Award– 13th Annual Research Symposium: Outcomes Research and Evidence-Based Practice, Chicago, IL, November 2003

Abstract: Hyaluronan is an important glycosaminoglycan found in the vocal fold that contributes to tissue viscosity. Previously, we have reported decreased hyaluronan levels in the scarred vocal fold during acute injury to be associated with changes in phonation threshold pressure (PTP) and vocal economy (OCR). We therefore hypothesized that increasing hyaluronan during the acute stages of vocal fold injury might improve wound healing and restore optimal biomechanical properties for phonation. Echinacoside is a bioactive phytochemical found in species of Echinacea that has been reported to inhibit hyaluronidases, a class of enzymes responsible for hyaluronan degradation. Thus, we examined whether or not the anti-hyaluronidase activity of echinacoside could be exploited to increase hyaluronan production from human vocal fold fibroblasts. We investigated various concentrations of an echinacoside standardized extract on the in-vitro deposition of hyaluronan from human vocal fold fibroblasts after 24, 48, or 72 hours of incubation. Results revealed higher concentrations of hyaluronan in culture medium of cells treated with echinacoside after 24 hours. Next, we examined the in-vivo effects of topical application of a standardized Echinacea extract on hyaluronan and collagen deposition in a pig animal model. Results revealed increased hyaluronan content in scarred vocal folds receiving treatment relative to control and an overall improvement in PTP and OCR.

2002

Jack J. Jiang, MD PhD

Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers.

This is the highest honor bestowed by the United States government on outstanding scientists and engineers in the early phase of their research careers.

Bernard Rousseau, Shigeru Hirano, Troy D. Scheidt, Nathan V. Welham, Susan L. Thibeault, Roger W. Chan, Diane M. Bless.

"Histological classification of vocal fold acute and chronic scarring in a canine model"

4th Annual David W. Brewer Award for Best Scientific Poster
- Voice Foundation's 31st Annual Symposium: Care of the Professional Voice, June, 2002.

Objective: To assess the histologic and viscoelastic shear tissue properties of the scarred vocal fold lamina propria at two and six-months post-operatively in a canine model. Study Design: Experimental, nonrandomized prospective study. Methods: Six canine larynges were injured using a vocal fold stripping procedure. At two and six-months post-operatively, histological analyses of the scarred and control lamina propria were completed for collagen, procollagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Results: In canines sacrificed at two months, scarred tissue samples contained increased procollagen and decreased elastin. Elastin fibers in the scarred lamina propria were characteristically tangled and disorganized. In canines sacrificed at six months, scarred tissue samples showed decreased elastin, and increased collagen. Collagen fibers formed thick, disorganized bundles, and elastin fibers were disorganized throughout the entire scarred vocal fold lamina propria. Viscoelastic shear tissue measurements revealed increased stiffness and viscosity in one of three cases at two months and in all three cases at six months, indicating increased stiffness and resistance to shear flow during oscillatory shear deformation for scarred tissue samples. No differences were observed between the two post-operative times. Conclusions: Results indicate that viscoelastic tissue changes may take place prior to scar maturation in the scarred vocal fold lamina propria, and that while abundant collagen deposition may influence viscoelastic shear tissue properties; disorganization of collagen and elastin fibers, thick bundle collagen formation, or the interplay of several of these factors might also play a contributing role.

Caryn Easterling

Elected
President
Wisconsin Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Rita Patel

Glady’s McKinley Scholarship,
Wisconsin Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Rita Patel

Student Scholarship
Sixth Biennial Phonosurgery Symposium
Madison, WI, June 2002

Bernard Rousseau

Student Scholarship
Sixth Biennial Phonosurgery Symposium
Madison, WI, June 2002

Bernard Rousseau

Graduate Student Scholarship
American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation

Nathan Welham

University of Wisconsin Graduate School Vilas Travel Award

Inagi K, Connor NP, Suzuki T, Bless DM., Kamijo, T.

"Visual Observations of Glottal Configuration and Vocal Outcomes in Arytenoid Adduction."

First place poster award at the Combined Scientific Poster Session
Spring meeting of the American Bronchoesophagological Association and American Laryngological Association, Triological Society, Boca Raton, FL, May 11, 2002.

2001

Nathan Welham

American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation Graduate Student Scholarship

Connor NP, Suzuki T, Lee K, Sewall GK, Heisey DM, Ford CN, Bless DM.

"Neuromuscular junction changes in aged rat thyroarytenoid muscle."

Second place poster award at the Combined Scientific Poster Session, spring meeting of the American Bronchoesophagological Association and American Laryngological Association, Triological Society, Palm Desert, CA, May 14, 2001.

Bernard Rousseau

Research Supplement for Underrepresented Minorities.
National Institutes of Deafness and other Communication Disorders

Bernard Rousseau

Research Travel Award
Fourth International Conference on Speech Motor Disorders
Nijmegen, Netherlands

Bernard Rousseau, Nathan V. Welham, Douglas W. Montequin, Susan L. Thibeault, Tatsutoshi Suzuki, David A Berry, Diane M. Bless

“An application of the porcine larynx to investigate laryngeal scarring”

Research travel award, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Science and research career forum, November 2001

Abstract: The purpose of this research was to collect data on the use of the porcine larynx as a model for studying the effects of vocal fold scarring on laryngeal biomechanics. The porcine model was selected because of its deep pocket ventricle, which provides posterior and superior access to the true vocal folds and a vehicle for systematic addition of stiffness. By applying a variety of topical gel adhesives, we have made attempts to induce conditions of stiffness within this deep pocket ventricle, to simulate the effects of vocal fold scarring.

Rita Patel

Vilas Travel Fellowship
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Graduate School

Bernard Rousseau

Vilas Travel Fellowship
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Graduate School

2000

Inagi K, Connor NP, Suzuki T, Ford CN, Bless DM.

Analysis of vertical vocal fold positioning in arytenoid adduction procedures.

Second place poster award at the Combined Scientific Poster Session, spring meeting of the American Broncho-esophagological Association and American Laryngological Association, Orlando, May 13-14, 2000.

Suzuki T, Connor NP, Bless DM, Ford CN, Inagi, K.

Laryngeal-respiratory kinematics are impaired in aged rats.

First place poster award at the Combined Scientific Poster Session, spring meeting of the American Broncho-esophagological Association and American Laryngological Association, Orlando, May 13-14, 2000

Bernard Rousseau, Diane M. Bless

“High speed digital imaging of vocal fold vibration”

Research in Higher Education Mentoring Award, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, June 2000

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