Effects of Repeated Exposure to Synthetic and Digitized Natural Speech by Individuals With Aphasia

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Madeline Wollersheim ◽  
Jessica A. Brown ◽  
Karen Hux ◽  
Kelly Knollman-Porter ◽  
Sarah E. Wallace
Keyword(s):  
Daily Practice ◽  
Repeated Exposure ◽  
Natural Speech ◽  
Synthetic Speech ◽  
Independent Practice ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Consistent Performance ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Speech Condition

Purpose Technological supports provide multimodal presentation of text, which may increase understandability of written materials by people with aphasia (PWA). Extant literature reveals that digitized natural speech and synthetic computer-generated speech within these supports are comprehensible by PWA at discrete time points; however, understandability following repeated exposure is unexplored. This pilot study evaluated understanding of, and preference regarding, synthetic and digitized natural speech during and following repeated exposures by PWA. Method This multiple–case-study project included four adults with aphasia. Participants independently completed various listening tasks in a single digitized natural speech condition and one of two synthetic speech conditions across a 2-week period. Participants completed sessions to evaluate maintenance effects and generalization to novel stimuli and an untrained synthetic voice condition 1 week and 1 month following daily practice. Results Study participants demonstrated understandability evident by at- or near-ceiling performance during baseline, practice, and follow-up sessions in the digitized natural condition and one synthetic speech condition. Individuals with mild aphasia achieved relatively consistent performance during independent practice, whereas performance of individuals with moderate aphasia fluctuated in both conditions. All four participants demonstrated variable understanding during generalization and maintenance tasks at follow-up time points. Participants most frequently indicated preference for digitized natural speech over either synthetic speech condition. Conclusions Findings hold important clinical implications when considering feasibility of utilizing these speech forms as compensatory strategies for PWA. Further research is needed to more fully understand the effects of repeated exposure to synthetic speech on comprehension among PWA.

scholarly journals Effect of Comprehensive Lifestyle Modification and Meditation on Coronary Atherosclerosis and Its Risk Factors

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-29
Author(s):  
Md Abul Hossain ◽  
Moniruzzaman ◽  
Sabrina Yesmin ◽  
Ahmed Murtaza Choudhury ◽  
Mohammad Khairul Islam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Coronary Atherosclerosis ◽  
Lifestyle Modification ◽  
Daily Practice ◽  
Counseling Session ◽  
Orientation Program ◽  
Unhealthy Diet ◽  
Artery Disease ◽  
Study Participants

Background: Comprehensive lifestyle modification has an effect on coronary atherosclerosis. Objective: This study was performed to determine the effect of comprehensive lifestyle modification and meditation on coronary atherosclerosis. Methodology: This cohort study was done by Quantum Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period of January 2010 to December 2014. Patients who had attended the 2-days long orientation program on comprehensive lifestyle modification, meditation and overview of coronary artery disease were included in the study. Participants who had attended ≥10 monthly and ≤2 monthly follow up & counseling session were defined as compliant and noncompliant group respectively. Patients were follow up for angiogram. Results: A total number of 32 patients were divided into compliant and noncompliant groups. Patient in the compliant group used to take heart healthy diet in 100.0% cases and avoided heart-unhealthy diet in 100.0% cases as well. Patients in the compliant group were also adherent to daily practice of meditation in 100.0% of cases and it was only 26.7% in case of non-compliant (P<0.001). From baseline and repeat angiogram Gensini scoring was done to determine the regression of coronary blockage. Regression of coronary blockage was observed in 61.5% cases of compliant group and 10.5% in non-compliant group (P<0.001). Conclusion: Comprehensive lifestyle modification and meditation can regress coronary atherosclerosis. Journal of Current and Advance Medical Research 2020;7(1): 24-29

scholarly journals Dynamics of Antibody Response to BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine: A 7-Month Follow-Up Study

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (12) ◽  
pp. 1330
Author(s):  
Tudor Rares Olariu ◽  
Sorin Ursoniu ◽  
Iosif Marincu ◽  
Maria Alina Lupu
Keyword(s):  
Immune Responses ◽  
Antibody Response ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Booster Dose ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Follow Up Study ◽  
Previous Infection ◽  
Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay ◽  
Study Participants

Background and Objectives: Comprehension regarding immunity to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is limited, and the durability of immune responses after vaccination is currently unknown. Several studies have reported on the antibody response in fully vaccinated individuals with a limited follow-up of the participants, i.e., below 7 months. Materials and Methods: The antibody response to complete vaccination with the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine was assessed monthly, for 7 months, in 92 healthcare workers, between February 26 and September 26, 2021. The SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike protein IgG (IgGS) antibody was detected using the SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant assay (Abbott, Diagnostics Division, Sligo, Ireland), a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) with a sensitivity of 98.1% and specificity of 99.6%. Participants were divided into two groups, one for individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 and the other for individuals without previous infection. Results: The median IgGS titers decreased monthly both in previously infected individuals and in the uninfected group. Previously infected individuals had significantly higher median titers of IgGS compared with previously uninfected subjects at all seven time points after complete vaccination (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Seven months after vaccination, the median IgGS titer had decreased by more than 92% both in individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 and in uninfected individuals. However, IgGS antibodies were still detected in all study participants and persisted throughout the 7 months after the second dose of the vaccine. Further studies should be conducted to monitor the antibody response to the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine beyond 7 months, to assess the need for a new booster dose in order to extend the duration and amplitude of the specific immune response.

Treatment of varicose tributaries with sclerotherapy with polidocanol 0.5 % foam

VASA ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reich-Schupke ◽  
Weyer ◽  
Altmeyer ◽  
Stücker
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Daily Practice ◽  
Severe Adverse Effect ◽  
Safe Procedure ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Foam Sclerotherapy ◽  
History Of ◽  
One Year ◽  
Additional Therapy

Background: Although foam sclerotherapy of varicose tributaries is common in daily practice, scientific evidence for the optimal sclerosant-concentration and session-frequency is still low. This study aimed to increase the knowledge on foam sclerotherapy of varicose tributaries and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of foam sclerotherapy with 0.5 % polidocanol in tributaries with 3-6 mm in diameter. Patients and methods: Analysis of 110 legs in 76 patients. Injections were given every second or third day. A maximum of 1 injection / leg and a volume of 2ml / injection were administered per session. Controls were performed approximately 6 months and 12 months after the start of therapy. Results: 110 legs (CEAP C2-C4) were followed up for a period of 14.2 ± 4.2 months. Reflux was eliminated after 3.4 ± 2.7 injections per leg. Insufficient tributaries were detected in 23.2 % after 6.2 ± 0.9 months and in 48.2 % after 14.2 ± 4.2 months, respectively. Only 30.9 % (34 / 110) of the legs required additional therapy. In 6.4 % vein surgery was performed, in 24.5 % similar sclerotherapy was repeated. Significantly fewer sclerotherapy-sessions were required compared to the initial treatment (mean: 2.3 ± 1.4, p = 0.0054). During the whole study period thrombophlebitis (8.2 %), hyperpigmentation (14.5 %), induration in the treated region (9.1 %), pain in the treated leg (7.3 %) and migraine (0.9 %) occurred. One patient with a history of thrombosis developed thrombosis of a muscle vein (0.9 %). After one year there were just hyperpigmentation (8.2 %) and induration (1.8 %) left. No severe adverse effect occurred. Conclusions: Foam sclerotherapy with injections of 0.5 % polidocanol every 2nd or 3rd day, is a safe procedure for varicose tributaries. The evaluation of efficacy is difficult, as it can hardly be said whether the detected tributaries in the controls are recurrent veins or have recently developed in the follow-up period. The low number of retreated legs indicates a high efficacy and satisfaction of the patients.

Seven-Year Follow-Up of Screening for Hypertension and Diabetes at a Dental Clinic

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Göran Friman
Keyword(s):  
Antihypertensive Drugs ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Initial Screening ◽  
Pharmacological Treatments ◽  
Medical Screening ◽  
Follow Up Study ◽  
Undiagnosed Hypertension ◽  
Dental Setting ◽  
Study Participants

Objective: To describe the distribution of risk, diagnosis and pharmacological treatments for diabetes and hypertension after seven years among patients provided with opportunistic medical screening in a dental setting. Material and Methods: The initial screening’s 170 participants were asked to take part in a seven-year follow-up study. Data were collected through self-reported information in a written health declaration. Outcome measures: • Number of study participants who had passed away • Prescription of antidiabetics or antihypertensives • Changes in weight and height to calculate body mass index (BMI) Results: The follow-up study consisted of 151 participants. Twenty had passed away. The risk needs for medicating with antihypertensive drugs after seven years for those not receiving pharmacological treatment at the initial screening was 3.7 times greater (p=0.025 CI 1.2-11.3) for participants with a diastolic blood pressure (BP) ≥ 90 mm Hg (85 for diabetics) than for the others. The risk was 3.9 times greater (p=0.020 CI 1.2-12.6) for those with a systolic BP of 140-159 mm Hg and 54.2 times greater (p<0.0001 CI 9.8-300.3) for those with a systolic BP ≥ 160 mm Hg than for those with a systolic BP 140 mm Hg. There were no changes in BMI. Conclusion: At least one in ten cases of incorrect medication or undiagnosed hypertension may be identifiable through opportunistic medical screening

A Review of Selected Adult Congenital Heart Diseases Encountered in Daily Practice

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farhan Bajwa ◽  
Syed M Jafri ◽  
Karthik Ananthasubramaniam
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Procedures ◽  
Congenital Heart ◽  
Heart Diseases ◽  
Daily Practice ◽  
Congenital Heart Diseases ◽  
Congenital Diseases ◽  
Adult Congenital ◽  
The Common ◽  
Adult Congenital Heart Diseases

: The advancement in corrective surgical procedures and anaesthesia technology has resulted in the increase survival of patients with Congenital Heart Diseases (CHD). Most of the surviving CHD patients have successfully reached adulthood and those surviving adults now outnumber the infants born with the CHD. Unfortunately, the surviving adults with CHD do not get proper care due to either inconsistent follow up or not getting care from a specialist in the field of CHD. It is imperative for general practicing clinicians to be aware of the congenital diseases as well as the current clinical recommendations. This manuscript reviews some of the common congenital diseases seen in adults such as cardiac shunts, left heat obstructive lesions and aortopathies.

Diagnostic Usage of Low Dose CT in Solitary Pulmonary Nodule Follow Up in Daily Practice

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehmet Ali Ikidag ◽  
Meral Uyar ◽  
Nevhiz Gundogdu ◽  
Mehmet Ali Cuce ◽  
Maruf Sanli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Nodule ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Solitary Pulmonary Nodule ◽  
Daily Practice ◽  
Low Dose Ct

scholarly journals The Family Psychoeducation Fidelity Scale: Psychometric Properties

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 894-900 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Joa ◽  
J. O. Johannessen ◽  
K. S. Heiervang ◽  
A. A. Sviland ◽  
H. A. Nordin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Interrater Reliability ◽  
Review Process ◽  
Trial Registration ◽  
Family Psychoeducation ◽  
Time Points ◽  
The Family ◽  
Fidelity Scale

Abstract This study examined psychometric properties and feasibility of the Family Psychoeducation (FPE) Fidelity Scale. Fidelity assessors conducted reviews using the FPE fidelity scale four times over 18 months at five sites in Norway. After completing fidelity reviews, assessors rated feasibility of the fidelity review process. The FPE fidelity scale showed excellent interrater reliability (.99), interrater item agreement (88%), and internal consistency (mean = .84 across four time points). By the 18-month follow-up, all five sites increased fidelity and three reached adequate fidelity. Fidelity assessors rated feasibility as excellent. The FPE fidelity scale has good psychometric properties and is feasible for evaluating the implementation of FPE programs. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03271242.

scholarly journals Quantitative Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (Q-CHAT). A population screening study with follow-up: the case for multiple time-point screening for autism

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e000700
Author(s):  
Carrie Allison ◽  
Fiona E Matthews ◽  
Liliana Ruta ◽  
Greg Pasco ◽  
Renee Soufer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phase 1 ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Population Screening ◽  
Diagnostic Assessment ◽  
Test Accuracy ◽  
Multiple Time ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Screening Study

ObjectiveThis is a prospective population screening study for autism in toddlers aged 18–30 months old using the Quantitative Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (Q-CHAT), with follow-up at age 4.DesignObservational study.SettingLuton, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire in the UK.Participants13 070 toddlers registered on the Child Health Surveillance Database between March 2008 and April 2009, with follow-up at age 4; 3770 (29%) were screened for autism at 18–30 months using the Q-CHAT and the Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST) at follow-up at age 4.InterventionsA stratified sample across the Q-CHAT score distribution was invited for diagnostic assessment (phase 1). The 4-year follow-up included the CAST and the Checklist for Referral (CFR). All with CAST ≥15, phase 1 diagnostic assessment or with developmental concerns on the CFR were invited for diagnostic assessment (phase 2). Standardised diagnostic assessment at both time-points was conducted to establish the test accuracy of the Q-CHAT.Main outcome measuresConsensus diagnostic outcome at phase 1 and phase 2.ResultsAt phase 1, 3770 Q-CHATs were returned (29% response) and 121 undertook diagnostic assessment, of whom 11 met the criteria for autism. All 11 screened positive on the Q-CHAT. The positive predictive value (PPV) at a cut-point of 39 was 17% (95% CI 8% to 31%). At phase 2, 2005 of 3472 CASTs and CFRs were returned (58% response). 159 underwent diagnostic assessment, including 82 assessed in phase 1. All children meeting the criteria for autism identified via the Q-CHAT at phase 1 also met the criteria at phase 2. The PPV was 28% (95% CI 15% to 46%) after phase 1 and phase 2.ConclusionsThe Q-CHAT can be used at 18–30 months to identify autism and enable accelerated referral for diagnostic assessment. The low PPV suggests that for every true positive there would, however, be ~4–5 false positives. At follow-up, new cases were identified, illustrating the need for continued surveillance and rescreening at multiple time-points using developmentally sensitive instruments. Not all children who later receive a diagnosis of autism are detectable during the toddler period.

scholarly journals Insights on safety and efficacy of renal artery denervation for uncontrolled-resistant hypertension in a high risk population with chronic kidney disease: first Italian real-world experience

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federico Marin ◽  
Simone Fezzi ◽  
Alessia Gambaro ◽  
Francesco Ederle ◽  
Gianluca Castaldi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Medical Therapy ◽  
Resistant Hypertension ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Daily Practice ◽  
Renal Sympathetic Denervation ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Safety And Efficacy ◽  
Renal Artery Denervation

Abstract Aims To evaluate the safety and efficacy of catheter-based radiofrequency renal sympathetic denervation (RSD) in a daily practice population of patients with uncontrolled resistant hypertension, on top of medical therapy. Methods Consecutive unselected patients with uncontrolled resistant hypertension undergoing RSD were enrolled. Office and ambulatory blood pressure (BP) measurements were collected at baseline and 3, 6 and 12 months after RSD. Efficacy was assessed even in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) below 45 mL/min/1.73 m2. Patients were defined as responders if systolic BP decreased by at least 5 mmHg at ambulatory BP or by 10 mmHg at office BP at their last follow-up visit. Results Forty patients with multiple comorbidities underwent RSD from 2012 to 2019. Baseline office and ambulatory BP was 159.0/84.9 ± 26.2/14.9 mmHg and 155.2/86.5 ± 20.9/14.0 mmHg, respectively. At 12-month follow up a significant reduction in office and ambulatory systolic BP, respectively by − 19.7 ± 27.1 mmHg and by − 13.9 ± 23.6 mmHg, was observed. BP reduction at 12-month follow-up among patients with eGFR < 45 mL/min was similar to that obtained in patients with higher eGFR. Twenty-nine patients (74.4%) were responders. Combined hypertension, higher ambulatory systolic BP and lower E/E’ at baseline emerged as predictors of successful RSD at univariate analysis. No major complications were observed and renal function (was stable up to 12 months), even in patients with the lowest eGFR values at baseline. Conclusion RSD is safe and feasible in patients with uncontrolled resistant hypertension on top of medical therapy, even in a high-risk CKD population with multiple comorbidities, with a significant reduction in systolic BP and a trend towards a reduction in diastolic BP lasting up to 12 months. Graphic abstract

scholarly journals ‘I feel the irritation and frustration all over the body’ Affective ambiguities in networked parenting culture

2021 ◽  
pp. 136787792110035
Author(s):  
Mari Lehto ◽  
Susanna Paasonen
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Media Use ◽  
Research Data ◽  
The Body ◽  
Social Media Use ◽  
Working Through ◽  
Media Research ◽  
Social Media Research ◽  
Study Participants

This article investigates the affective power of social media by analysing everyday encounters with parenting content among mothers. Drawing on data composed of diaries of social media use and follow-up interviews with six women, we ask how our study participants make sense of their experiences of parenting content and the affective intensities connected to it. Despite the negativity involved in reading and participating in parenting discussions, the participants find themselves wanting to maintain the very connections that irritate them, or even evoke a sense of failure, as these also yield pleasure, joy and recognition. We suggest that the ambiguities addressed in our research data speak of something broader than the specific experiences of the women in question. We argue that they point to the necessity of focusing on, and working through affective ambiguity in social media research in order to gain fuller understanding the complex appeal of platforms and exchanges.

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