BRMP-02. Feasibility and evaluation of a novel language paradigm for intraoperative language testing

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_6) ◽  
pp. vi223-vi223
Author(s):  
Katharina Rosengarth ◽  
Delin Pain ◽  
Frank Dodoo-Schitto ◽  
Katharina Hense ◽  
Teele Tamm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Neuropsychological Testing ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Middle Temporal Gyrus ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Language Functions ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Assessment Time ◽  
Task Trial

Abstract INTRODUCTION Mapping language during direct cortical stimulation (DCS) in the stetting of awake craniotomy might be challenging without using more than one language paradigm. Applying several language tasks leads to increasing surgery times and to patient’s exhaustion. Additionally, a single language trial must be performed in less than 4 seconds to avoid DCS-induced seizures. Therefore, we aimed to design a single language paradigm which pictures highly relevant language functions and simultaneously restrains the assessment time of single language trials up to 4 seconds. METHOD The intraoperative language task comprised a combination of picture naming and verb generation. During DCS patients should generate correct sentences according to the language stimulus by not exceeding 4 seconds. To assess the intraoperative feasibility of the language task we included 30 healthy subjects in a pilot study to measure subjects’ speed of performing a single language task trial and to evaluate the language paradigm according to its language sensitivity by using the paradigm as a task for functional MRI. Intraoperatively, 21 patients with brain tumors in language associated brain areas were included. Patients received neuropsychological testing before and after surgery. RESULTS The pilot study showed in healthy subjects that by applying the novel paradigm during fMRI there is activation in a left accentuated network of inferior frontal and parietal regions and the superior and middle temporal gyrus (p<.05, FEW). It was feasible to conduct a single language trial of the novel paradigm in a time frame of 4s (performance speed 2.53 s; SD=.32s). Intraoperatively, tumor patients showed DCS-associated language errors while conducting the language task. Postoperatively, mild language but no other neuropsychological deteriorations compared to presurgical assessment were observed (p<.05). CONCLUSION We present a novel language paradigm which safely pictures and monitors highly relevant language functions and consequently can minimize postoperative language deficits.

scholarly journals A Novel Language Paradigm for Intraoperative Language Mapping: Feasibility and Evaluation

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 655
Author(s):  
Katharina Rosengarth ◽  
Delin Pai ◽  
Frank Dodoo-Schittko ◽  
Katharina Hense ◽  
Teele Tamm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Intraoperative Complications ◽  
Evaluation Study ◽  
Awake Craniotomy ◽  
Language Mapping ◽  
Tumor Patients ◽  
Language Functions ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Assessment Time ◽  
Neuropsychological Outcomes

(1) Background—Mapping language using direct cortical stimulation (DCS) during an awake craniotomy is difficult without using more than one language paradigm that particularly follows the demand of DCS by not exceeding the assessment time of 4 s to prevent intraoperative complications. We designed an intraoperative language paradigm by combining classical picture naming and verb generation, which safely engaged highly relevant language functions. (2) Methods—An evaluation study investigated whether a single trial of the language task could be performed in less than 4 s in 30 healthy subjects and whether the suggested language paradigm sufficiently pictured the cortical language network using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in 12 healthy subjects. In a feasibility study, 24 brain tumor patients conducted the language task during an awake craniotomy. The patients’ neuropsychological outcomes were monitored before and after surgery. (3) Results—The fMRI results in healthy subjects showed activations in a language-associated network around the (left) sylvian fissure. Single language trials could be performed within 4 s. Intraoperatively, all tumor patients showed DCS-induced language errors while conducting the novel language task. Postoperatively, mild neuropsychological impairments appeared compared to the presurgical assessment. (4) Conclusions—These data support the use of a novel language paradigm that safely monitors highly relevant language functions intraoperatively, which can consequently minimize negative postoperative neuropsychological outcomes.

MUSE pilot study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chole Coulson ◽  
Caitlin Ma ◽  
Azra Jeraj ◽  
Anastasia Lichmanova
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
School Of Nursing ◽  
Participant Experience ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Queen's University ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Study Intervention

Increased levels of stress and anxiety have negative impacts on nursing students’ mental health and education. The purpose of the MUSE pilot study is to assess the feasibility and impact of two methods of technology-assisted meditation on stress and anxiety: the MUSE headband and the Headspace meditation application. These forms of meditation have been shown in the literature to decrease levels of stress and anxiety and improve mental wellbeing. This pragmatic randomized control trial (RCT) occurred over a five-week time frame during fall 2019. In order to test the effectiveness of these interventions, eight nursing students at Queen’s University were recruited, three of whom withdrew. Individuals were eligible for this study if they were 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year Queen’s nursing students in the four-year stream or advanced standing track (AST) program. The study intervention consisted of two 10 to 15 minute meditation sessions per week for five weeks, which were conducted at Queen’s University School of Nursing. Participants completed validated self-reported pre- and post-surveys to evaluate stress and anxiety levels before and after the study. After the participants completed 10 mediation sessions, qualitative data was collected in order to gather feedback on participant experience. In this presentation the study purpose, procedures and outcomes will be discussed, while additionally highlighting the experience and perspective of novice undergraduate researchers. Future directions for data analysis and hopes of sharing the findings within the School of Nursing will be addressed.

The Impact of Neuropsychological Testing on the Emotional State of Patients with Major Depression

2005 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Beblo ◽  
Denise Lahr ◽  
Wolfgang Hartje
Keyword(s):  
Major Depression ◽  
Empirical Data ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Emotional State ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
Neuropsychological Testing ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Depressive Patients

Abstract: Neuropsychological testing is regarded as being possibly strenuous for patients, however, empirical data are missing. The aim of our exploratory study was an initial investigation of the emotional state before and after the administration of a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery in patients with major depression. Twenty-four patients with major depression and 17 healthy subjects were investigated using a German multidimensional questionnaire (“Eigenschaftswörterliste,” EWL-K). The emotional state of the subjects improved during testing with a more pronounced improvement in the patients group. The results might encourage clinicians not to avoid comprehensive neuropsychological test batteries in depressive patients when indicated. Further research is needed to confirm and further clarify these results.

More Alike Than Unalike: Cross-language Similarity Influences Novel Word Lexicalization in Bilingual Individuals

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pauline Palma ◽  
Marie-France Marin ◽  
k onishi ◽  
Debra Titone
Keyword(s):  
Lexical Decision ◽  
Lexical Decision Task ◽  
Decision Task ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Lexical Representations ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Word Forms ◽  
Explicit Recognition ◽  
Novel Word Learning ◽  
Cross Language

Although several studies have focused on novel word learning and consolidation in native (presumably monolingual) speakers, less is know about how bilinguals add novel words to their mental lexicon. Here, we trained 33 English-French bilinguals on novel word-forms that were neighbors to “hermit” English words (i.e., words with no existing neighbors). Importantly, these English words varied in terms of orthographic overlap with their French translation equivalent (i.e., cognates vs. noncognates). We measured explicit recognition of the novel neighbors and the interaction between novel neighbors and English words through a lexical decision task, both before and after a sleep interval. In the lexical decision task, we found evidence of immediate facilitation for English words with novel neighbors, and evidence of competition after a sleep interval for cognate words only. These results suggest that higher quality of existing lexical representations predicts an earlier onset for novel word lexicalization.

A CRITICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE NOVEL «ASSEMBLY HALL» BY HERMANN KANT IN THE REUNIFIED GERMANY (AFTER 1991)

2020 ◽  
pp. 144-152
Author(s):  
Rimma Gurevich
Keyword(s):  
Critical Assessment ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Aesthetic Appreciation ◽  
Party Position ◽  
Creative Personality ◽  
Before And After

H. Kant’s novel received a high literary and aesthetic appreciation in criticism and wide recognition by readers. Criticism (before and after the unification of Germany) concerns mainly one aspect viz. authenticity of the events depicted in the novel and the charcters’ images. Opponents argue that Kant’s ideological views, his consistent socialist and party position have prompt him to embellish reality, create simulacra, and the idyllic world of socialist Biedermeyer. The article shows that these assessments ignore the nature of his talent, especially his creative personality peculiarities such as journalistic orientation of the motivated «political» person and writer.

A pilot study on the effect of ulipristal acetate on myoma angiogenesis, measured by 2D ultrasound and VEGF serum levels

2020 ◽  
pp. 19-29
Author(s):  
Patricia Diaz Ortega ◽  
Manuel García Manero
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Power Doppler ◽  
Uterine Fibroids ◽  
Premenopausal Women ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Ulipristal Acetate ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Angiogenesis Process ◽  
2D Ultrasound ◽  
Average Size

Introduction: Symptomatic uterine fibroids can cause symptoms that can be disabling. There are many treatments, including ulipristal acetate, whose role in reducing symptoms and decreasing the size of the fibroid is well known. With this preliminary study, we also try to evaluate the correlation between myoma vascularization measured by ultrasound (Power Doppler 2D) and serum VEGF levels, before and after treatment with ulipristal acetate; in patients diagnosed with symptomatic uterine fibroids. Materials and Methods: A preliminary, prospective observational pilot study was designed. Twenty-four premenopausal women, diagnosed with symptomatic uterine fibroids, were included and all of them completed the study. Four cycles of ulipristal acetate were administered according to the dose and indications specified in the data sheet. In order to assess the influence of this treatment on the angiogenesis process of the fibroids, measurements of VEGF serum levels were made and their vascularization was assessed by means of 2D power doppler ultrasound; at the beginning and the end of treatment. In addition, several determinations of the same parameters were made throughout the successive visits. Endpoints were defined as the decrease in VEGF levels from previous levels, the decrease in myoma vascularization on ultrasound, and the reduction in myoma size. Result: 24 patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled (n=24). The average size of myomas was reduced from 45,08 ? 24,02mm to 29?16,96mm after treatment. The average VEGF serum level significantly decreased after the first treatment cycle (from 147,17 ? 153,51 pg/ml to 102,04 ? 186,08pg/ml). Vascularization of myomas after treatment with ulipristal acetate was analyzed, and a significantly decrease was achieved in 83,3% of cases. Conclusion: There is a correlation between myoma vascularization and treatment with Ulipristal acetate. SPRMs may provide effective treatment for women with symptomatic fibroids by two ways: supports selective progesterone receptor modulators and reduced angiogenesis. Keywords: Angiogenesis; Ulipristal Acetate; Uterine fibroids; VEGF

scholarly journals THU0642-HPR EVOLUTION OF THE PERCEPTIONS OF RA PATIENTS AFTER EDUCATION PATIENT SESSION TEACHING METHOTREXATE SELF-INJECTION A PROSPECTIVE PILOT STUDY

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 566.1-566
Author(s):  
S. Afilal ◽  
H. Rkain ◽  
B. Berchane ◽  
J. Moulay Berkchi ◽  
S. Fellous ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Patient Education ◽  
Median Duration ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Education Session ◽  
Prospective Pilot Study ◽  
Mean Delay ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Level Of Satisfaction ◽  
Before And After

Background:Methotrexate is a gold standard for treatment of RA. In our context, RA patients prefer to be injected by paramedics rather than self-injecting. This can be explained by patients’ bad perceptions of self-injection or lack of information. Appropriate self-injection education can therefore be an important element in overcoming these obstacles and improving disease self-management.Objectives:Compare the RA patients’ perceptions on methotrexate self-injection before and after a patient education session.Methods:Prospective pilot study that included 27 consecutive patients (81.5% female, mean age 44.4 years, illiteracy rate 40.7%) with RA (median duration of progression of 4 years, mean delay in referral for specialist of 6 months, median duration of methotrexate use of 1 year). The patients benefited from an individual patient education session to learn how to self-inject with methotrexate subcutaneously. The patient education session was supervised by a nurse and a rheumatologist with a control a week later. Perceptions of the reluctance to self-inject and the difficulties encountered by patients were assessed before the patient education session, after the 1st and 2nd self-injection of methotrexate using a 10 mm visual analog scale. Patients also reported their level of satisfaction (10 mm VAS) after the 1st and 2nd self-injection.Results:The mean duration of patient education session is 13 min.Table I compares the evolution of the degrees of reluctance to self-injection, the difficulties encountered, and the satisfaction experienced by the patients.Table 1.Evolution of RA patients’ perceptions on the methotrexate self-injection. (N = 27)BeforeAfter the 1stself-injectionAfter the 2end self-injectionpVAS reluctance (0-10mm)6,5 ± 3,62,2 ± 2,91,0 ± 2,3<0,0001VAS difficulty (0-10mm)7,5 ± 2,62,5 ± 2,71,0 ± 1,9<0,0001VAS satisfaction (0-10mm)-8,9 ± 1,89,5 ± 1,50,002Conclusion:This study suggests the effectiveness of a methotrexate self-injection patient education session in RA patients. It also highlights the value of patient education in rheumatologic care. A large-scale study is necessary to better interpret and complete these preliminary results from this pilot study.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

scholarly journals Plasma Exosomal miRNA Levels after Radiotherapy Are Associated with Early Progression and Metastasis of Cervical Cancer: A Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 2110
Author(s):  
Oyeon Cho ◽  
Do-Wan Kim ◽  
Jae-Youn Cheong
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Initial Stage ◽  
Exosomal Mirnas ◽  
Early Progression ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Microenvironmental Factors ◽  
Exosomal Mirna

Plasma exosomal miRNAs are key regulators of cell-cell interactions associated with several biological functions in patients with cancer. This pilot study aimed to investigate the log2 fold change (log2FC) of the expression of exosomal miRNAs and related mRNAs in the blood of patients with cervical cancer to identify prognostic markers better than those currently available. We sequenced plasma exosomal RNA from 56 blood samples collected from 28 patients with cervical cancer, who had been treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). Changes in the expression of miRNAs and mRNAs before and after CCRT were represented as log2FC. Their biological functions were studied by miRNA-mRNA network analysis, using ingenuity pathway analysis, after the selection of two groups of miRNAs, each associated with early progression (EP) and metastasis, also described as initial stage. Seven patients experienced EP, three of whom died within four months after progression. Reduced levels of miR-1228-5p, miR-33a-5p, miR-3200-3p, and miR-6815-5p and increased levels of miR-146a-3p in patients with EP revealed unresolved inflammation, with accompanying increased expression of PCK1 and decreased expression of FCGR1A. Increased levels of miR-605-5p, miR-6791-5p, miR-6780a-5p, and miR-6826-5p and decreased levels of miR-16-1-3p (or 15a-3p) were associated with the degree of metastasis and led to the systemic activation of myeloid, endothelial, and epithelial cells, as well as neurons, phagocytes, and platelets. Log2FCs in the expression of miRNAs and mRNAs from plasma exosomes after CCRT are associated with EP and metastasis, reflecting unresolved inflammation and systemic microenvironmental factors, respectively. However, this study, supported by preliminary data insufficient to reach clear conclusions, should be verified in larger prospective cohorts.

EVALUATION OF A DIET AND ANTIBIOTICS TARGETING THE MICROBIOTA FOR TREATMENT OF MILD TO MODETARE ACTIVE PEDIARTIC ULCERATIVE COLITIS: AN OPEN LABEL PILOT STUDY

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S38-S38
Author(s):  
Chen Sarbagili-Shabat ◽  
Lindsey Albenberg ◽  
Johan Van Limbergen ◽  
Dror Weiner ◽  
Michal Yaakov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ulcerative Colitis ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Dietary Intervention ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Fecal Calprotectin ◽  
Dietary Therapy ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Intention To Treat ◽  
Stable Maintenance

Abstract Background Newer strategies that target the microbiome may offer an alternative therapeutic approach for Ulcerative Colitis (UC). We developed a novel diet that targets changes in the microbiome and barrier function that have been reported in UC. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy of two sequential induction of remission strategies that target the microbiota: the novel diet termed the ulcerative colitis diet (UCD) and an antibiotics cocktail combination in dietary non responders. Methods This was a prospective, single arm, open label, pilot study in patients aged 8–19, with a pediatric UC activity index (PUCAI) scores &gt;10 and ≤45 on stable maintenance therapy (5ASA or thiopurines). PUCAI score was assessed at week 3 and 6. Patients failing to enter remission or intolerant to dietary therapy could receive an open label 14-day course of Amoxycillin, Metronidazole and Doxycycline (AMD), and had PUCAI scored at day 21. Response was defined a decline in PUCAI ≥ 10 points, remission as PUCAI&lt; 10. The primary endpoint was intention to treat (ITT) remission at week 6 with diet as the sole intervention. Results Twenty-three children mean age of 15.1±2.9 years were enrolled. Two patients (1 responder, 1 remission) withdrew by 3 weeks, four required additional therapy by week 3, all were considered failures by ITT. Mean PUCAI decreased at week 3 and 6 from 34.5±9.8 to 21.7±14.9 and 17.6±17.2 respectively (P=0.005, P=0.001) at ITT analysis including all patients. Sixteen out of twenty-three patients (69.6%) responded by week 6. Ten of twenty-three (43.5%) achieved remission by week 6, and nine (39.1%) had clinical remission at week 6. The median fecal calprotectin (FC) level decreased in patients (n=5) who achieved remission from 630 (IQR, 332–1586) μg/g at week 0 to 230 (75–1298) μg/g at week 6. Eight patients received treatment with antibiotics after failing diet, 4/8 (50.0%) subsequently entered remission. Conclusion A dietary intervention called the UC Diet appears to be effective for induction of remission in children with mild to moderate UC. Sequential use of diet, followed by antibiotic therapy in dietary non responders, needs further evaluation as a microbiome directed steroid sparing therapy in patient’s refractory to 5ASA and thiopurines.

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