scholarly journals Auditory discrimination and frequency modulation learning in schizophrenia patients: amphetamine within-subject dose response and time course

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Neal R. Swerdlow ◽  
Savita G. Bhakta ◽  
Jo Talledo ◽  
Lindsay Benster ◽  
Juliana Kotz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Frequency Modulation ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Auditory Information ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Auditory Learning ◽  
Speech In Noise ◽  
Clinical Benefits ◽  
Auditory Information Processing ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Auditory frequency modulation learning (‘auditory learning’) is a key component of targeted cognitive training (TCT) for schizophrenia. TCT can be effective in enhancing neurocognition and function in schizophrenia, but such gains require significant time and effort and elude many patients. Methods As a strategy to increase and/or accelerate TCT-induced clinical gains, we tested the dose- and time-course effects of the pro-attentional drug, amphetamine (AMPH; placebo, 2.5, 5 or 10 mg po; within-subject double-blind, order balanced) on auditory learning in schizophrenia patients [n = 32; M:F = 19:13; age 42.0 years (24–55)]. To understand predictors and/or mechanisms of AMPH-enhanced TCT, we also measured auditory fidelity (words-in-noise (WIN), quick speech-in-noise (QuickSIN)) and neurocognition (MATRICS comprehensive cognitive battery (MCCB)). Some measures were also acquired from age-matched healthy subjects (drug free; n = 10; M:F = 5:5). Results Patients exhibited expected deficits in neurocognition. WIN and QuickSIN performance at low signal intensities was impaired in patients with low v. high MCCB attention/vigilance (A/V) scores; these deficits were corrected by AMPH, maximally at 2.5–5 mg (d's = 0.79–1.29). AMPH also enhanced auditory learning, with maximal effects at 5 mg (d = 0.93), and comparable effects 60 and 210 min post pill. ‘Pro-learning’ effects of AMPH and AMPH-induced gains in auditory fidelity were most evident in patients with low MCCB A/V scores. Conclusions These findings advance our understanding of the impact of pro-attentional interventions on auditory information processing and suggest dose- and time-course parameters for studies that assess the ability of AMPH to enhance the clinical benefits of TCT in schizophrenia patients.

scholarly journals Cytotoxic Chemotherapy and CD4+ Effector T Cells: An Emerging Alliance for Durable Antitumor Effects

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhi-Chun Ding ◽  
Gang Zhou
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Clinical Problem ◽  
Chemotherapeutic Agents ◽  
Cytotoxic Chemotherapy ◽  
Effector T Cells ◽  
Cell Phenotype ◽  
Antitumor Effects ◽  
Clinical Benefits ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Impact

Standard cytotoxic chemotherapy can initially achieve high response rates, but relapses often occur in patients and represent a severe clinical problem. As increasing numbers of chemotherapeutic agents are found to have immunostimulatory effects, there is a growing interest to combine chemotherapy and immunotherapy for synergistic antitumor effects and improved clinical benefits. Findings from recent studies suggest that highly activated, polyfunctional CD4+ effector T cells have tremendous potential in strengthening and sustaining the overall host antitumor immunity in the postchemotherapy window. This review focuses on the latest progresses regarding the impact of chemotherapy on CD4+ T-cell phenotype and function and discusses the prospect of exploiting CD4+ T cells to control tumor progression and prevent relapse after chemotherapy.

scholarly journals Apabetalone and hospitalization for heart failure in patients following an acute coronary syndrome: a prespecified analysis of the BETonMACE study

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen J. Nicholls ◽  
◽  
Gregory G. Schwartz ◽  
Kevin A. Buhr ◽  
Henry N. Ginsberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Acute Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Cardiovascular Death ◽  
Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Patients With Diabetes ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Patients with diabetes and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are at high risk for subsequent heart failure. Apabetalone is a selective inhibitor of bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins, epigenetic regulators of gene expression. Preclinical data suggest that apabetalone exerts favorable effects on pathways related to myocardial structure and function and therefore could impact subsequent heart failure events. The effect of apabetalone on heart failure events after an ACS is not currently known. Methods The phase 3 BETonMACE trial was a double-blind, randomized comparison of apabetalone versus placebo on the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in 2425 patients with a recent ACS and diabetes. This prespecified secondary analysis investigated the impact of apabetalone on hospitalization for congestive heart failure, not previously studied. Results Patients (age 62 years, 74.4% males, 90% high-intensity statin use, LDL-C 70.3 mg/dL, HDL-C 33.3 mg/dL and HbA1c 7.3%) were followed for an average 26 months. Apabetalone treated patients experienced the nominal finding of a lower rate of first hospitalization for heart failure (2.4% vs. 4.0%, HR 0.59 [95%CI 0.38–0.94], P = 0.03), total number of hospitalizations for heart failure (35 vs. 70, HR 0.47 [95%CI 0.27–0.83], P = 0.01) and the combination of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure (5.7% vs. 7.8%, HR 0.72 [95%CI 0.53–0.98], P = 0.04). Conclusion Apabetalone treatment was associated with fewer hospitalizations for heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes and recent ACS. Future studies are warranted to define the potential for BET inhibition with apabetalone to prevent heart failure in patients with diabetes and ACS.

scholarly journals Traditional martial arts and shooting training have different effects on auditory fine structure processing ability---Evidence from behavioral tests and fMRI

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Ding ◽  
Keying Zhang ◽  
Chunmei Cao
Keyword(s):  
Fine Structure ◽  
Martial Arts ◽  
Brain Area ◽  
Auditory Information ◽  
Exercise Habits ◽  
Area Of Interest ◽  
Brain Structure And Function ◽  
Auditory Information Processing ◽  
High Level ◽  
And Function

Explore the influence of traditional martial arts and shooting training on the ability of auditory temporal fine structure (TFS) processing. Twenty-five college students participated in the experiment, including 8 traditional martial arts practitioners, 8 high-level shooting athletes, and 9 control groups without any regular exercise habits. The BIC (break in interaural correlation) delay threshold and TFS1 test were used to evaluate the temporary storage capacity and sensitivity of TFS, respectively, and a fMRI test was performed after the test. The results found that the traditional martial arts group had stronger TFS sensitivity, while the shooting group had stronger TFS retention ability, and the performance of the behavioral test of the shooting group is related to the fALFF value of the brain area of interest. Traditional martial arts and shooting training have improved the ability of auditory information processing from different angles, diversified exercise habits will lead to the development of diversity in brain structure and function.

scholarly journals Prader-Willi syndrome and psychotic symptoms: report of a further case

1995 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J Clarke ◽  
Tessa Webb ◽  
Joyce P Bachmann-Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
Auditory Information ◽  
Prader Willi Syndrome ◽  
Auditory Information Processing ◽  
Information Processing Deficits ◽  
Maladaptive Behaviours ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Paranoid Psychosis

AbstractA 21 year-old woman with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and a delusional disorder (paranoid psychosis) is described. Other reports of psychoses associated with PWS are reviewed. Reasons for the co-existence of the two disorders are considered, with discussion of the possible role of auditory information processing deficits in the genesis of psychotic symptoms. Such symptoms must be differentiated from maladaptive behaviours not arising from psychosis, the latter being relatively common in PWS. Treatment with a small dose of flupenthixol greatly reduced the impact of the patient's psychotic symptoms, with a corresponding improvement in her quality of life.

Impact of mitral regurgitation on left ventricular anatomic and molecular remodeling and systolic function: implication for outcome

2009 ◽  
Vol 296 (6) ◽  
pp. H1727-H1732 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Pu ◽  
Zhaohui Gao ◽  
Xueqian Zhang ◽  
Duanping Liao ◽  
Daniel K. Pu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mitral Regurgitation ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Diastolic Pressure ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Sham Operation ◽  
Proportional Hazard ◽  
Long Term Outcome ◽  
Lv Remodeling ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Impact

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of mitral regurgitation (MR) on left ventricular (LV) anatomic and molecular remodeling and function and to determine whether early LV remodeling and function predict long-term outcome in experimental organic MR. A new rodent model of chronic MR was created. Twenty-eight rats had surgically induced MR, twelve rats had a sham operation, and twelve rats had no operation. LV diameters, volume, and mass and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and LV fractional shortening (LVFS) were assessed using echocardiography in the early stage of MR (6 and 12 wk after induction of MR). LV hemodynamics was assessed invasively. Cardiac α- and β-myosin heavy chains and sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase 2 (SERCA2) were measured to assess molecular remodeling and contractility. Cox's proportional hazard ratios (HR) were used to identify outcome predictors. Early LV dilation was demonstrated in rats with MR when LVEF and LVFS were still normal. LV remodeling was associated with an increase in LV end-diastolic pressure and decrease in maximal change in pressure over time. Shifting of α- to β-myosin and reduced SERCA2 were observed in rats with MR. Cox's proportional hazard analysis showed that LV end-diastolic diameters (HR, 1.2–2.4; P = 0.007) and LV end-diastolic volume (HR, 1.1–1.4; P = 0.005) at 6 wk and LV mass index (HR, 1.1–2.0; P = 0.004) at 12 wk after induction of MR were significantly associated with 1-yr mortality. However, LVEF (HR, 0.7–6.8 for the 6 wk, P > 0.05; and HR, 0.4–3.2 for the 12 wk, P > 0.05) and LVFS (HR, 0.4–1.4 for the 6 wk; and 0.4–3.1 for the 12 wk, P > 0.05) did not predict late death. Chronic MR leads to LV anatomic and cellular remodeling and impaired contractility. The time course of LV remodeling and function changes in the rat model of MR is similar to humans. Prediction of outcome may be achieved by assessments of early LV remodeling.

The Stop Arthritis Very Early (SAVE) trial, an international multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on glucocorticoids in very early arthritis

2010 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 495-502 ◽  
Author(s):  
Klaus P Machold ◽  
Robert Landewé ◽  
Josef S Smolen ◽  
Tanja A Stamm ◽  
Désirée M van der Heijde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Time Course ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Early Arthritis ◽  
First Year ◽  
Symptom Duration ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Single Intramuscular Injection ◽  
Clinical Benefits ◽  
Remission Criteria ◽  
Randomised Controlled

BackgroundGlucocorticoids (GCs) are often used as early arthritis treatment and it has been suggested that they induce remission or at least delay the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the need to start disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).ObjectiveTo test the effect of GCs on patients with very early arthritis (symptom duration of <16 weeks) in a randomised controlled trial.MethodsPatients received a single intramuscular injection of 120 mg methylprednisolone or placebo (PL) and were followed up for 52 weeks. Primary end point was drug-free clinical remission, both at weeks 12 and 52. Among secondary outcomes were fulfilment of remission criteria at weeks 2, 12 or 52, time course of ‘core set variables’ and proportion of patients starting DMARDs.Results17.0% of all analysed subjects (65/383) achieved persistent remission: 17.8% (33/185) of the PL group, 16.2% (32/198) of the patients receiving methylprednisolone (OR=1.13, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.92, p=0.6847). Analyses of secondary end points showed significant clinical benefits of the GC only at week 2. These differences subsequently disappeared. DMARDs were started in 162 patients: 50.3% methylprednisolone and 56.7% PL patients had to start DMARD treatment (OR=0.78, 95% CI 0.49 to 1.22, p=0.30). Significantly more patients with polyarthritis than with oligoarthritis received DMARDs (OR=2.84, 95% CI 1.75 to 4.60, p<0.0001).ConclusionsNeither remission nor development of RA is delayed by GC treatment. Remission is rare in the first year of very early arthritis, occurring in <20% of the patients. Also, the need to start DMARDs was not influenced by GC treatment.

Treatment effects of monthly intravenous immunoglobulin on patients with relapsing - remitting Multiple Sclerosis: Further analyses of the Austrian immunoglobulin in MS Study

1997 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franz Fazekas ◽  
Florian Deisenhammer ◽  
Siegrid Strasser-Fuchs ◽  
Gerhard Nahler ◽  
Bruno Mamoli
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Intravenous Immunoglobulin ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Treatment Effects ◽  
Ivig Treatment ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Relapsing Remitting ◽  
Remitting Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
The Impact

Recently, the Austrian Immunoglobulin in Multiple Sclerosis (AIMS) study showed patients with relapsing - remitting multiple sclerosis to benefit from repeated administration of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). To provide a more detailed understanding of IV/g's action we performed further analyses on the time course of treatment effects and in regard to the impact of clinical disability at study entry on patients' response to medication. The AIMS trial was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind, multicenter trial. It included 148 patients (IVIg : 75; placebo 73) who suffered from relapsing-remitting MS, were 15-65 years old and scored from I -6 on the Expanded Disability Status Score (EDSS). IVIg was given over 2 years in a monthly dosage of 0.15 - 0.2 g/kg body weight. Within the first 6 months of the trial clinical disability of IVIg treated patients improved significantly from a baseline EDSS of 3.33 ± 1.38 to a score of 3.05 ± 1.73 (P=0.002). This improvement was retained over the subsequent 18 months of the trial (final EDSS: 3.09 ± 1.62). In contrast, placebo-treated patients showed a slight trend for deterioration over the study period (baseline EDSS: 3.37± 1.67; final EDSS: 3.49± 1.83). IVIg treatment was associated with a significant reduction of relapses throughout the study which was independent of the patients' disability at baseline. The observation of clinical improvement in the early phase of IVIg medication may suggest the activation of repair mechanisms such as the promotion of remyelination while immunoregulatory effects would be expected as the cause of fewer exacerbations throughout the AIMS study. These hypotheses need to be tested in future trials.

Surgery for Lung Cancer and the Consequences for the Swallow

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (13) ◽  
pp. 162-168
Author(s):  
Pippa Hales ◽  
Corinne Mossey-Gaston
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Vocal Cord Palsy ◽  
Subsequent Treatment ◽  
Physiological Reserve ◽  
Palliative Phase ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Swallow Function

Lung cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers across Northern America and Europe. Treatment options offered are dependent on the type of cancer, the location of the tumor, the staging, and the overall health of the person. When surgery for lung cancer is offered, difficulty swallowing is a potential complication that can have several influencing factors. Surgical interaction with the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) can lead to unilateral vocal cord palsy, altering swallow function and safety. Understanding whether the RLN has been preserved, damaged, or sacrificed is integral to understanding the effect on the swallow and the subsequent treatment options available. There is also the risk of post-surgical reduction of physiological reserve, which can reduce the strength and function of the swallow in addition to any surgery specific complications. As lung cancer has a limited prognosis, the clinician must also factor in the palliative phase, as this can further increase the burden of an already compromised swallow. By understanding the surgery and the implications this may have for the swallow, there is the potential to reduce the impact of post-surgical complications and so improve quality of life (QOL) for people with lung cancer.

The Laryngeal Epithelium in Reflux

2011 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 112-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Erickson-Levendoski ◽  
Mahalakshmi Sivasankar
Keyword(s):  
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Laryngeal Disease ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Impact

The epithelium plays a critical role in the maintenance of laryngeal health. This is evident in that laryngeal disease may result when the integrity of the epithelium is compromised by insults such as laryngopharyngeal reflux. In this article, we will review the structure and function of the laryngeal epithelium and summarize the impact of laryngopharyngeal reflux on the epithelium. Research investigating the ramifications of reflux on the epithelium has improved our understanding of laryngeal disease associated with laryngopharyngeal reflux. It further highlights the need for continued research on the laryngeal epithelium in health and disease.

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