Beyond Percent Correct: Measuring Change in Individual Picture Naming Ability

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-23
Author(s):  
Grant M. Walker ◽  
Alexandra Basilakos ◽  
Julius Fridriksson ◽  
Gregory Hickok
Keyword(s):  
Picture Naming ◽  
Distance Measure ◽  
Item Difficulty ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Specific Response ◽  
Percent Correct ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Accuracy Measure ◽  
Different Response ◽  
Changes Over Time

Purpose: Meaningful changes in picture naming responses may be obscured when measuring accuracy instead of quality. A statistic that incorporates information about the severity and nature of impairments may be more sensitive to the effects of treatment. Method: We analyzed data from repeated administrations of a naming test to 72 participants with stroke aphasia in a clinical trial for anomia therapy. Participants were divided into two groups for analysis to demonstrate replicability. We assessed reliability among response type scores from five raters. We then derived four summary statistics of naming ability and their changes over time for each participant: (a) the standard accuracy measure, (b) an accuracy measure adjusted for item difficulty, (c) an accuracy measure adjusted for item difficulty for specific response types, and (d) a distance measure adjusted for item difficulty for specific response types. While accuracy measures address the likelihood of a correct response, the distance measure reflects that different response types range in their similarity to the target. Model fit was assessed. The frequency of significant improvements and the average magnitude of improvements for each summary statistic were compared between treatment groups and a control group. Effect sizes for each model-based statistic were compared with the effect size for the standard accuracy measure. Results: Interrater and intrarater reliability were near perfect, on average, though compromised somewhat by phonological-level errors. The effects of treatment were more evident, in terms of both frequency and magnitude, when using the distance measure versus the other accuracy statistics. Conclusions: Consideration of item difficulty and response types revealed additional effects of treatment on naming scores beyond those observed for the standard accuracy measure. The results support theories that assume naming ability is decomposable into subabilities rather than being monolithic, suggesting new opportunities for measuring treatment outcomes. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.17019515

scholarly journals Efficacy of oral meloxicam as primary pain mitigation following caustic paste disbudding of three day old Holstein calves1

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyle J Karlen ◽  
Faith S Baier ◽  
Sara L Odegard ◽  
Ruth M Baumann ◽  
Johann F Coetzee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Substance P ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Dairy Calves ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Mechanical Nociceptive Threshold ◽  
Changes Over Time ◽  
Treatment Application ◽  
Over Time

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of perioperative administration of oral meloxicam prior to and following the application of caustic paste to disbud neonatal dairy calves. Sixty-one 3–4-d-old Holstein heifer calves were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups of 15–16 calves. The treatment groups were: 1) M1, caustic paste disbudding and oral meloxicam (45 mg) with a placebo 24 h later; 2) M2, treatment M1 followed by a second 45-mg dose of meloxicam 24 h later instead of placebo; 3) CONTROL, treatment M1 with placebo in place of meloxicam; and 4) SHAM, sham disbudding with placebo in place of meloxicam. Infrared thermography was used to quantify eye and horn bud temperatures. Pressure algometry was used to measure Mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT) surrounding the horn bud. Average daily gain and body weight (BW) were obtained by weighing each animal throughout the study and calculating the changes over time. Plasma was collected and analyzed for cortisol and substance P concentrations. Substance P and cortisol decreased in all animals over time, regardless of treatment. Mean plasma substance P concentration across all time points was greater (P < 0.05) in the SHAM group than M1 or M2 but not different (P > 0.05) than the CONTROL group. The MNT and ocular temperatures decreased over time across all treatments (P < 0.05). Mean BW increased over time across all treatments (P < 0.05). A significant interaction (P < 0.05) between treatment and sampling time was observed at 12 h following treatment application for both mean horn bud temperature and the ratio between horn bud and ocular temperature. Overall, the results of this study suggest that meloxicam administration at a dose of 45 mg per animal may have limited influence as the primary modulator of pain and inflammatory response in calves that have been disbudded with caustic paste at 3 d of age.

Effect of Fixed Minidose Warfarin, Conventional Dose Warfarin and Aspirin on INR and Prothrombin Fragment 1 + 2 in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

1997 ◽  
Vol 77 (05) ◽  
pp. 0845-0848 ◽  
Author(s):  
B G Koefoed ◽  
C Feddersen ◽  
A L Gulløv ◽  
P Petersen
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
International Normalized Ratio ◽  
Coagulation System ◽  
Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Prothrombin Fragment ◽  
Conventional Dose ◽  
Dose Warfarin ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Changes Over Time

SummaryThe efficacy of conventional dose adjusted oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation is well- documented but not considered ideal as primary antithrombotic treatment in elderly patients. The antithrombotic effect of fixed minidose warfarin 1.25 mg/day alone or in combination with aspirin 300 mg/day, of conventional dose adjusted warfarin (INR 2.0-3.0), and of aspirin 300 mg/day have been investigated in outpatients with chronic nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in the second Copenhagen Atrial Fibrillation, Aspirin and Anticoagulant Therapy Study (AFASAK 2). In order to investigate the effect on the coagulation system of the treatments, the International Normalized Ratio of the prothrombin time (INR) and prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (F1 +2) were monitored at baseline and after three months of treatment in 100 patients consecutively included in the trial. At baseline no differences in INR and F1+2 between the four treatment groups were present. After three months of therapy the level of INR increased significantly from baseline in patients receiving warfarin in any dose and the level of F1+2 decreased significantly by combined minidose warfarin-aspirin and by dose adjusted warfarin. When comparing the changes over time in FI +2 (three-month value minus baseline value) during therapy with fixed minidose warfarin, combined minidose warfarin-aspirin and aspirin alone no significant difference between the groups was found. In conclusion, INR was changed by all three warfarin regimens but only dose adjusted warfarin (INR 2.0-3.0) had a marked effect on F1+2.

Changes of IL-4 and IFN-g expression in monocytes and T-helper lymphocytes while modeling of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis in Wistar rats

2018 ◽  
pp. 61-69
Author(s):  
В.Н. Сахаров ◽  
П.Ф. Литвицкий ◽  
Е.И. Алексеева ◽  
Н.А. Маянский ◽  
Р.Ш. Закиров
Keyword(s):  
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis ◽  
Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells ◽  
Wistar Rats ◽  
Mononuclear Cells ◽  
Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Peripheral Blood Mononuclear ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Blood Mononuclear Cells ◽  
T Helpers

Цель исследования - изучение перепрограммирования мононуклеарных лейкоцитов на модели системного ювенильного идиопатического артрита (сЮИА), воспроизводимой у крыс Wistar с использованием полного адъюванта Фрейнда и липополисахарида. Методика. сЮИА воспроизведен у 6-месячных крыс-самцов Wistar. На 40-е сут. эксперимента животные были разделены на 3 группы: 1-я группа - контроль; 2-я - группа доксициклина; 3-я - группа дексаметазона. Взятие проб крови у животных проводили на нулевые, 41-е и 55-е сут. Мононуклеарные клетки периферической крови выделяли гравиметрически, после чего окрашивали их на маркеры и внутриклеточные цитокины. Дифференцировали моноциты (CD3-CD4+) и Т-хелперы (CD3+CD4+). Анализировали динамику внутриклеточной экспрессии интерлейкина IL-4 (рассматривали как маркер про-М2 фенотипа, так как в случае выделения из клетки ИЛ-4 служит стимулятором М2 поляризации макрофагов) и IFN-g (как маркер про-М1 фенотипа) по данным проточной цитофлуориметрии. Применяли непараметрический статистический тест Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon в программе R для статистической обработки данных. Результаты и заключение. При моделировании сЮИА выявлено закономерное изменение фенотипа моноцитов. Применение же доксициклина и дексаметазона приводило к более ранней поляризации их по про-М2-пути в отношении моноцитов (на 41-е сут.) в сравнении с контролем. Про-М1 эффект (на 55-е сут., в сравнении с контролем) выявлен также в группах доксициклина и дексаметазона. У животных разных групп обнаружены характерные динамические изменения внутриклеточной экспрессии цитокинов. Важно, что различная направленность поляризации фенотипа при сЮИА и применении препаратов наблюдается не только у моноцитов, но и у Т-хелперов. The study objective was to evaluate targeted reprogramming of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) modeled in 6-month-old male Wistar rats by co-administration of complete Freund’s adjuvant and lipopolysaccharide. Methods. On day 40 of the experiment, rats were divided into three groups: control, doxycycline, and dexamethasone groups. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 41, and 55. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated gravimetrically and stained for markers and cytokines. Monocytes (CD3-CD4+) and T-helpers (CD3+CD4+) were differentiated as target cells. IL-4 was considered a marker for the pro-M2 phenotype since IL-4 can activate M2 macrophage polarization; IFN-g was considered a marker for the pro-M1 phenotype. Time-related changes in the intracellular expression of IL-4 and IFN-g were studied using flow cytometry. Data were analyzed using nonparametric statistical tests (Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon) in the R environment for statistical computing. Results and conclusions. Monocytes (like macrophages) underwent reprogramming during the development of modeled sJIA disease. In monocytes of doxycycline and dexamethasone treatment groups, pro-M2 effects were observed earlier (day 41) than in the control group. Pro-M1 effects were observed in monocytes of doxycycline and dexamethasone groups on day 55, as compared with the control group. Characteristic time-related changes of intracellular cytokine expression were described for different groups. Importantly, the differently directed phenotype polarization was observed in sJIA and treatment groups for both monocytes and T-helpers.

Mechanism Involved in Fortification by Berberine in CDDP-Induced Nephrotoxicity

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 342-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vipin K. Verma ◽  
Salma Malik ◽  
Ekta Mutneja ◽  
Anil K. Sahu ◽  
Kumari Rupashi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Renal Tissue ◽  
Isoquinoline Alkaloid ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
Beclin 1 ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Single Intraperitoneal Injection ◽  
Male Wistar Rats

Background: The activation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway has been shown to protect against cisplatin- induced nephrotoxicity by reducing oxidative stress. Berberine (Ber), an isoquinoline alkaloid, has demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities in various experimental models. Aim: To check the effect of Ber on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and to explore the involved mechanism. Methods: Adult male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups: Normal, cisplatin-control, treatment groups and per se group. Normal saline and Ber (20, 40 and 80 mg/kg; p.o.) was administered to rats for 10 days. A single intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin (8 mg/kg) was injected on 7th day to induced nephrotoxicity. On 10th day, rats were sacrificed, the kidney was removed and stored for the estimation of various parameters. Results: As compared to cisplatin-control group, Ber pretreatment improved renal function system and preserved renal architecture. It also diminished oxidative stress by upregulating the expression of Nrf2/HO-1 proteins. In addition, Ber attenuated the cisplatin mediated inflammation and apoptosis. Furthermore, it also reduced the phosphorylation of p38/JNK and PARP/Beclin-1 expression in the kidney. Conclusion: Ber attenuated renal injury by activating Nrf2/HO-1 and inhibiting JNK/p38MAPKs/ PARP/Beclin-1 expression which prevented oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and autophagy in renal tissue.

Efficacy of Ovsynch and Ovsynch Plus Protocol for Improvement of Fertility in Postpartum Sahiwal Cows

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (04) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. P. Lakher ◽  
M. K. Awasthi ◽  
J. R. Khan ◽  
M. R. Poyam
Keyword(s):  
Fixed Time ◽  
Conception Rate ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Group Iii ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Group I ◽  
Early Postpartum ◽  
The Status ◽  
Sahiwal Cows ◽  
And Control

The present study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of Ovsynch and Ovsynch plus protocol in postpartum (day 60) Sahiwal cows (n=18). Animals were randomly divided into three equal groups, viz., Ovsynch group Ovsynch plus group and Control group. Animals of group I (n = 6) were treated with traditional Ovsynch protocol. The animals (n = 6) of group II were treated with Ovsynch plus protocol which consisted of an initial intramuscular injection of eCG (Folligon) @ 250 IU on day 60 postpartum followed 3 days later by GPG (Ovsynch) protocol. In group-III Control, no treatment was given to animals (n = 6). Treated animals were inseminated at a fixed time between 14 and 20 hrs after second GnRH injection, irrespective of estrus detection. Blood samples were collected from each animal on days 50 and 60 postpartum to determine the status of cyclicity in animals based on serum concentrations of progesterone (P4). A third blood sample was collected on the day of prostaglandin treatment to determine the response of first GnRH injection. Four animals each were cyclic, and two were acyclic in both treatment groups. Four animals each responded to first GnRH treatment in both treatment groups. Similarly, two animals each got conceived giving conception rate of 50% (2/4) in each treatment. In the control group, one out of 6 animals got conceived yielding 16.66 % conception rate (1/6) during the study period. It may be thus concluded that Ovsynch and Ovsynch plus protocol may be used during the early postpartum period to improve the reproductive efficiency in postpartum Sahiwal cows.

scholarly journals Effects of long-acting, broad spectra anthelmintic treatments on the rumen microbial community compositions of grazing sheep

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina D. Moon ◽  
Luis Carvalho ◽  
Michelle R. Kirk ◽  
Alan F. McCulloch ◽  
Sandra Kittelmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Archaeal Community ◽  
Fungal Communities ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Microbiota Composition ◽  
Rumen Microbiota ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Methanobrevibacter Ruminantium ◽  
Group 12 ◽  
Relative Abundances ◽  
Long Acting

AbstractAnthelmintic treatment of adult ewes is widely practiced to remove parasite burdens in the expectation of increased ruminant productivity. However, the broad activity spectra of many anthelmintic compounds raises the possibility of impacts on the rumen microbiota. To investigate this, 300 grazing ewes were allocated to treatment groups that included a 100-day controlled release capsule (CRC) containing albendazole and abamectin, a long-acting moxidectin injection (LAI), and a non-treated control group (CON). Rumen bacterial, archaeal and protozoal communities at day 0 were analysed to identify 36 sheep per treatment with similar starting compositions. Microbiota profiles, including those for the rumen fungi, were then generated for the selected sheep at days 0, 35 and 77. The CRC treatment significantly impacted the archaeal community, and was associated with increased relative abundances of Methanobrevibacter ruminantium, Methanosphaera sp. ISO3-F5, and Methanomassiliicoccaceae Group 12 sp. ISO4-H5 compared to the control group. In contrast, the LAI treatment increased the relative abundances of members of the Veillonellaceae and resulted in minor changes to the bacterial and fungal communities by day 77. Overall, the anthelmintic treatments resulted in few, but highly significant, changes to the rumen microbiota composition.

scholarly journals Safety Study on Ketoprofen in Pigs: Evaluating the Effects of Different Dosing and Treatment Scheme on Hematological, Hepatic, and Renal Parameters

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 30
Author(s):  
Luis Emilio Fazzio ◽  
Santiago José Raggio ◽  
Juan Facundo Romero ◽  
Juver Membrebe ◽  
Antonio Humberto Hamad Minervino
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Safety Study ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Treatment Scheme ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Biochemical Evaluation ◽  
Different Doses

A safety study on ketoprofen 10% was carried out on pigs using a different dosing and treatment scheme. Forty healthy crossbreed pigs with similar age, weight, and body condition score were distributed into five treatment groups. The pigs were intramuscularly injected once with different doses of ketoprofen: 3 mg/kg (group 1X), 6 mg/kg (group 2X), 9 mg/kg (group 3X). In addition, the 3 mg/kg dosis was administered on three consecutive days (group 1X ext.). Intramuscular injections of saline solution were used in control group (CTL). The pigs were clinically examined throughout the trial and blood samples were taken for hematological and biochemical evaluation on days −4 (before treatment), +3, +7, and +14 (the end of the trial). Any unusual behaviour or clinical signs were reported as potential toxic effects of ketoprofen. Serum measurements showed that none of the ketoprofen doses produced changes in renal or hepatic biochemical parameters, liver enzymes, or total bilirubin. Likewise, hematological assessment indicated no altered parameters or hematocrit percentage in the study groups. These results demonstrate that ketoprofen has no adverse effects in pigs when the doses and scheme evaluated in this study are applied.

A RCT Testing If a Storybook Can Teach Children About Home Safety

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara A Morrongiello ◽  
Alexandra R Marquis ◽  
Amanda Cox
Keyword(s):  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Risky Behaviors ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Home Safety ◽  
English Speaking ◽  
Safety Knowledge ◽  
Changes Over Time ◽  
Intervention Condition

Abstract Objective Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death for children under 19 years of age. For preschoolers, many injuries occur in the home. Addressing this issue, this study assessed if a storybook about home safety could be effective to increase preschoolers’ safety knowledge and reduce their injury-risk behaviors. Methods Applying a randomized controlled trial design, normally developing English speaking preschool children (3.5–5.5 years) in Southwestern Ontario Canada were randomly assigned to the control condition (a storybook about healthy eating, N = 30) or the intervention condition (a storybook about home hazards, N = 29). They read the assigned storybook with their mother for 4 weeks; time spent reading was tracked, and fidelity checks based on home visits were implemented. Results Comparing postintervention knowledge, understanding score, and risk behaviors across groups revealed that children who received the intervention were able to identify more hazards, provide more comprehensive safety explanations, and demonstrate fewer risky behaviors compared with children in the control group (ηp2 = 0.13, 0.19, and 0.51, respectively), who showed no significant changes over time in safety knowledge, understanding, or risk behaviors. Compliance with reading the safety book and fidelity in how they did so were very good. Conclusions A storybook can be an effective resource for educating young children about home safety and reducing their hazard-directed risk behaviors.

Capsular closure versus unrepaired interportal capsulotomy after hip arthroscopy in patients with femoroacetabular impingement, results of a patient-blinded randomised controlled trial

2021 ◽  
pp. 112070002110057
Author(s):  
Niels H Bech ◽  
Inger N Sierevelt ◽  
Sheryl de Waard ◽  
Boudijn S H Joling ◽  
Gino M M J Kerkhoffs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Femoroacetabular Impingement ◽  
Hip Arthroscopy ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Background: Hip capsular management after hip arthroscopy remains a topic of debate. Most available current literature is of poor quality and are retrospective or cohort studies. As of today, no clear consensus exists on capsular management after hip arthroscopy. Purpose: To evaluate the effect of routine capsular closure versus unrepaired capsulotomy after interportal capsulotomy measured with NRS pain and the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS). Materials and methods: All eligible patients with femoroacetabular impingement who opt for hip arthroscopy ( n = 116) were randomly assigned to one of both treatment groups and were operated by a single surgeon. Postoperative pain was measured with the NRS score weekly the first 12 weeks after surgery. The HAGOS questionnaire was measured at 12 and 52 weeks postoperatively. Results: Baseline characteristics and operation details were comparable between treatment groups. Regarding the NRS pain no significant difference was found between groups at any point the first 12 weeks after surgery ( p = 0.67). Both groups significantly improved after surgery ( p < 0.001). After 3 months follow-up there were no differences between groups for the HAGOS questionnaire except for the domain sport ( p = 0.02) in favour of the control group. After 12 months follow-up there were no differences between both treatment groups on all HAGOS domains ( p  > 0.05). Conclusions: The results of this randomised controlled trial show highest possible evidence that there is no reason for routinely capsular closure after interportal capsulotomy at the end of hip arthroscopy. Trial Registration: This trial was registered at the CCMO Dutch Trial Register: NL55669.048.15.

scholarly journals Randomized, controlled trial of lasmiditan over four migraine attacks: Findings from the CENTURION study

Cephalalgia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 294-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Messoud Ashina ◽  
Uwe Reuter ◽  
Timothy Smith ◽  
Judith Krikke-Workel ◽  
Suzanne R Klise ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Study Drug ◽  
Statistical Testing ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Primary Endpoints ◽  
Registration Number ◽  
Secondary Endpoints ◽  
Common Teaes

Background We present findings from the multicenter, double-blind Phase 3 study, CENTURION. This study was designed to assess the efficacy of and consistency of response to lasmiditan in the acute treatment of migraine across four attacks. Methods Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to one of three treatment groups – lasmiditan 200 mg; lasmiditan 100 mg; or a control group that received placebo for three attacks and lasmiditan 50 mg for either the third or fourth attack. The primary endpoints were pain freedom at 2 h (first attack) and pain freedom at 2 h in ≥2/3 attacks. Secondary endpoints included pain relief, sustained pain freedom and disability freedom. Statistical testing used a logistic regression model and graphical methodology to control for multiplicity. Results Overall, 1471 patients treated ≥1 migraine attack with the study drug. Both primary endpoints were met for lasmiditan 100 mg and 200 mg ( p < 0.001). All gated secondary endpoints were met. The incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) was highest during the first attack. The most common TEAEs with lasmiditan were dizziness, paresthesia, fatigue, and nausea; these were generally mild or moderate in severity. Conclusions These results confirm the early and sustained efficacy of lasmiditan 100 mg and 200 mg and demonstrate consistency of response across multiple attacks. Trial Registration Number: NCT03670810

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