scholarly journals Validity of the Web-based, Self-directed, NeuroCognitive Performance Test in MCI

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Murali Doraisway ◽  
Terry E. Goldberg ◽  
Min Qian ◽  
Alexandra R. Linares ◽  
Adaora Nwosu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Performance Test ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cognitive Tests ◽  
Neurocognitive Performance ◽  
Cognitive Assessments ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
High Eigenvalue ◽  
Similar Factor

Digital cognitive tests offer several potential advantages over established paper-pencil tests but have not yet been fully evaluated for the clinical evaluation of mild cognitive impairment. The NeuroCognitive Performance Test (NCPT) is a web-based, self-directed, modular battery intended for repeated assessments of multiple cognitive domains. Using a sample of 101 MCI subjects, we report in this study that the NCPT composite is significantly correlated with both a composite measure of established tests (r=0.77, p<0.0001) as well as with the ADAS-Cog (r=0.55, p<0.0001). Both test batteries had a similar factor structure that included a large g component with a high eigenvalue. Further, both the NCPT and established tests significantly (p< 0.01) predicted the UPSA and FAQ, measures of daily functioning. Despite limitations such as a relatively small sample, absence of control group and cross-sectional nature, these findings are consistent with the growing literature on the promise of self-directed, web-based cognitive assessments for MCI. Key words: Alzheimers disease, computerized cognitive tests, clinical trials, NCPT

Prevalence and Consequences of Arm, Neck, and/or Shoulder Complaints Among Music Academy Students: A Comparative Study

2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 163-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura M Kok ◽  
Rob GHH Nelissen ◽  
Bionka MA Huisstede
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Systemic Disease ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Music Students ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Occupational Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Medical University ◽  
Anatomic Localization

OBJECTIVE: CANS (complaints of arm, neck, and/or shoulder not caused by a systemic disease or acute trauma) are a recognized problem in specific occupational groups such as musicians. This study aimed to compare the prevalence, characteristics, and consequences of CANS between music academy students and a control group of peer-age medical students. METHODS: A cross-sectional study among music academy students and medical students. Data were collected using a web-based questionnaire on musculoskeletal conditions of the upper extremity in the two cohorts. RESULTS: Students of three music academies (n=345) and one medical university (n=2,870) received the questionnaire, of which 25% (n=87) and 18% (n=503) responded, respectively. The 12-month prevalence of CANS was nearly twice as high among music academy students as the control group (80.7% vs 41.5%, p<0.001). Music academy students reported 2.6 times the point prevalence as medical students (47.0% vs 18.2%, p<0.001). Chronic CANS was present in 36.1% of the music students, compared to 10.3% of the medical students (p<0.001). Music academy students presented more complaints per anatomic localization and a higher number of involved anatomic localizations. Music students rated the influence of CANS on daily functioning as more severe (5.0 vs 3.1, p<0.001). Of all subjects with CANS during the last year, more music academy students (46.3%) visited a healthcare professional compared to medical students (29.8%, p=0.013). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of CANS is high in music academy students compared to medical students. This emphasizes the necessity of effective (preventive) interventions in these high-demanding professionals.

scholarly journals Associations Between Brain Volumes and Cognitive Tests with Hypertensive Burden in UK Biobank

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Danielle Newby ◽  
Laura Winchester ◽  
William Sproviero ◽  
Marco Fernandes ◽  
Di Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Cognitive Tests ◽  
Uk Biobank ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Brain Volumes ◽  
Multiple Measures ◽  
The Impact

Background: Mid-life hypertension is an established risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia and related to greater brain atrophy and poorer cognitive performance. Previous studies often have small sample sizes from older populations that lack utilizing multiple measures to define hypertension such as blood pressure, self-report information, and medication use; furthermore, the impact of the duration of hypertension is less extensively studied. Objective: To investigate the relationship between hypertension defined using multiple measures and length of hypertension with brain measure and cognition. Methods: Using participants from the UK Biobank MRI visit with blood pressure measurements (n = 31,513), we examined the cross-sectional relationships between hypertension and duration of hypertension with brain volumes and cognitive tests using generalized linear models adjusted for confounding. Results: Compared with normotensives, hypertensive participants had smaller brain volumes, larger white matter hyperintensities (WMH), and poorer performance on cognitive tests. For total brain, total grey, and hippocampal volumes, those with greatest duration of hypertension had the smallest brain volumes and the largest WMH, ventricular cerebrospinal fluid volumes. For other subcortical and white matter microstructural regions, there was no clear relationship. There were no significant associations between duration of hypertension and cognitive tests. Conclusion: Our results show hypertension is associated with poorer brain and cognitive health however, the impact of duration since diagnosis warrants further investigation. This work adds further insights by using multiple measures defining hypertension and analysis on duration of hypertension which is a substantial advance on prior analyses—particularly those in UK Biobank which present otherwise similar analyses on smaller subsets.

Application of WeChat Public Account in Lifestyle Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Cross-sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fang-Fang Zhang ◽  
Fan Qu
Keyword(s):  
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lifestyle Management ◽  
Public Account

Abstract BackgroundLifestyle management has been proved to improve both metabolic and reproductive outcomes for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In China, WeChat has become the most popular social media platform. Previous studies have confirmed the effectiveness of WeChat in health intervention and its potential to improve health behaviours. Therefore the present study tried to investigate the efficacy of online education through WeChat public account on the lifestyle interventions of women with PCOS.MethodsWe set up a cross-sectional study between January 2020 and July 2020. Data were collected through online questionnaires. All participants completed a questionnaire, including age, educational level, WeChat activeness, physical exercise, dietary habits, self-reported symptoms and medical history.ResultsA total of 258 women were included in this study, including 96 women with PCOS (PCOS group) and 162 women without PCOS (control group). Among them, 130 women followed our WeChat public account (follower group) and 128 women did not follow the WeChat public account (non-follower group). There were no significant differences in terms of physical activity assessment and dietary assessment between the PCOS and control groups (P>0.05), neither between the followers and non-follower groups (P>0.05). ConclusionsApplication of WeChat public account seems useless in lifestyle management for women with PCOS, however, the conclusion might be limited by the small sample size.

Intraword Variability in Children With Cochlear Implants: The Long-Term Development up to 5 Years of Age and a Comparison With Children With Normal Hearing

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 706-720 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jolien Faes ◽  
Steven Gillis
Keyword(s):  
Cochlear Implants ◽  
Spontaneous Speech ◽  
Normal Hearing ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Production Group ◽  
Catch Up ◽  
Similar Factor ◽  
Whole Word

Purpose This study evaluates intraword or token-to-token variability in the spontaneous speech of Dutch-speaking children with cochlear implants (CIs) longitudinally up to 5 years of age in comparison with intraword variability in age-matched peers with normal hearing (NH). Method Spontaneous speech samples of 9 children with CI were collected longitudinally up to age 5. The data of the NH control group consisted of cross-sectional recordings. Children's word productions were categorized into 4 response types of the variability score (consistent correct, consistent incorrect, variable with hits, variable with no hits), and the proportion of whole-word variation (PWV) was calculated. Results PWV was high in both groups of children but decreased with age. All response types of the variability score appeared in both groups. Children with CI were significantly more variable than their peers with NH up to age 4, but this difference has disappeared by age 5. Longer words had a higher PWV and were more often consistent incorrect and variable. Conclusions Intraword variability was characteristic of children with CI's spontaneous speech productions as it was in children with NH, and a similar factor (word length) affected variability in production. Group comparisons showed higher rates of intraword variability in children with CI, but they seemed to catch up with their peers with NH by age 5.

Validating the Factor Structure of the Stigma of Suicide Scale–Short Form Spanish Version Among Healthcare Students

Crisis ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Ruthmarie Hernández-Torres ◽  
Paola Carminelli-Corretjer ◽  
Nelmit Tollinchi-Natali ◽  
Ernesto Rosario-Hernández ◽  
Yovanska Duarté-Vélez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Factor Structure ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Spanish Version ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Healthcare Students ◽  
Spanish Speaking

Abstract. Background: Suicide is a leading cause of death among Spanish-speaking individuals. Suicide stigma can be a risk factor for suicide. A widely used measure is the Stigma of Suicide Scale-Short Form (SOSS-SF; Batterham, Calear, & Christensen, 2013 ). Although the SOSS-SF has established psychometric properties and factor structure in other languages and cultural contexts, no evidence is available from Spanish-speaking populations. Aim: This study aims to validate a Spanish translation of the SOSS-SF among a sample of Spanish-speaking healthcare students ( N = 277). Method: We implemented a cross-sectional design with quantitative techniques. Results: Following a structural equation modeling approach, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported the three-factor model proposed by Batterham and colleagues (2013) . Limitations: The study was limited by the small sample size and recruitment by availability. Conclusion: Findings suggest that the Spanish version of the SOSS-SF is a valid and reliable tool with which to examine suicide stigma among Spanish-speaking populations.

Comparing the Mathematics Continuous Performance Test With Other Measures of Tests of Attention

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 291-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dubi Lufi ◽  
Shachar Pan
Keyword(s):  
Performance Test ◽  
Continuous Performance Test ◽  
Clinical Population ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Continuous Performance ◽  
Adhd Assessment ◽  
Research Reporting ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Continuous Performance Tests ◽  
Better Than

Abstract. Several studies have shown that Continuous Performance Tests (CPT) can diagnose Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) better than other tests. Research reporting comparisons of two or more CPT-type tests is scarce. The purpose of the study was to compare the Mathematics Continuous Performance Test (MATH-CPT) with another CPT-type test (CPT II) and a questionnaire (the Brown Scale). The comparison was carried out by looking at correlations among subscales and checking the precision of detecting ADHD. Ninety-five high school and college students participated in the study, 41 with ADHD were the research group and 54 were the control group. The participants performed the two tests and answered the questionnaire. The results showed that the MATH-CPT correctly identified 74.50% of the participants of both groups as compared to the 71.60% of the CPT II. Correlations between the two CPT-type tests were moderate; however, they were similar to correlations found in other studies comparing similar tools. The MATH-CPT, final attention formula, showed significant correlations with the Brown scales, while the CPT II, confidence index associated with ADHD assessment, showed nonsignificant correlations with the questionnaire. The study indicated that MATH-CPT can be used with a clinical population of ADHD and for research purposes.

DYSLIPIDEMIA IN THYROID DISORDERS

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kashish Narula ◽  
Narendra Kumar Dara ◽  
Shyam Lal Meena
Keyword(s):  
Lipid Metabolism ◽  
Thyroid Dysfunction ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Thyroid Disorders ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Carbohydrate And Lipid Metabolism ◽  
History Of ◽  
Thyroid Profile ◽  
Basal Energy Expenditure

Background: Thyroid hormones influence nearly all major metabolic pathways. Their most obvious and well-known action is the increase in basal energy expenditure obtained by acting on protein, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. The lipid metabolism is more influenced by the thyroid hormone. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 patients with suspicion of thyroid disorders were taken as cases. One hundred patients with normal thyroid profile and no history of other chronic diseases were taken as control group. Results: The serum TC, TG and LDL levels in hypothyroid individuals (both overt and subclinical) were significantly higher than euthyroid subjects but the levels were comparable between hyperthyroid and euthyroid group. Conclusion: Dyslipidemias are associated with thyroid disorders, so biochemical screening for thyroid dysfunction in all dyslipidemic patients. Therefore, patients presenting with dyslipidemia are recommended for investigation to explore thyroid dysfunction. Keywords: Thyroid profile, Total cholesterol, Triglycerides and LDL

ASSESSMENT OF CORRELATION BETWEEN LEUKODERMA AND PSYCHIATRIC ILLNESS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dr. Mukesh Batra
Keyword(s):  
Psychiatric Illness ◽  
Study Participant ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Control Group ◽  
P Value ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Duration Of Disease ◽  
Illness Anxiety

Background: Leukoderma is an acquired disease of pigmentation which is presented by depigmented areas of different shape and sizes on the skin. In various researches it was reported that these defects in melanocytes occurred due to autoimmune pathway or the complex causation of oxidative stress and genetics. Material & Methods: In the present cross‑sectional prospective study 100 patients who were diagnosed with Leukoderma and controls who were not having depigmentation of skin and without any known clinical disease were enrolled for present study by simple random sampling. Written informed consent was taken from each study participant. Clearance from institutional ethical committee was also taken prior to the study. Results: The prevalence of psychiatric illness among leukoderma group was 22% and among 78% patients we did not found any psychiatric illness. The most common symptom was depression which was present among 22% of patients with Leukoderma and 18% patients with Leukoderma had anxiety symptoms. Among the control group depression was present in 5 % subjects and anxiety symptoms were present in 7% of subjects. The mean WHO-Quality of life scores was low among Leukoderma group in relation to the control group (p value <0.05). On correlation with psychiatric illness, observations were statistically non-significant (p > 0.05) with HAMA-A and HAMA- D. The observations were statistically significant (p < 0.05) with GHQ total and BSA score. Conclusion:  Higher prevalence of psychitric morbidity among patients with leukoderma and it was found associated with duration of disease and BSA scores. The most common symptom was depression which was followed by anxiety symptoms. Key words: Leukoderma, psychiatric illness, anxiety, depression.

Pengaruh bising lalu lintas terhadap penurunan fungsi pendengaran pada juru parkir di kota Denpasar

2013 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ni Ketut Susilawati ◽  
Wayan Sudana ◽  
Eka Putra Setiawan
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Hearing Threshold ◽  
Noise Pollution ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hearing Function

Background: Noise pollution or noise is an unwanted sound which is disturbing to human beings.However small or soft the sound, if it is undesirable it is considered as noise. Noise induced hearingloss is a sensorineural hearing loss that is commonly encountered second to presbycusis. Purpose: Toknow the effect of traffic noise exposure on hearing impairment to the employees of the Parking DistrictCompany of the Denpasar city and to improve diagnostic detection on hearing impairment caused bynoise. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted at the Parking District Company office. Thepopulations of this study were the employees of the Parking District Company. Samples of this study were the employees who were exposed to traffic noise and control samples were an employee who was unexposed. Samples were selected by simple random sampling. Results: From 40 parking attendants,27 persons (67.5%) aged above 35 years old. The parking attendants who had been working for ten to fifteen years were 36 persons (90%) and no history using ear protection when working. Seven persons(17.5%) had referred DPOAE upon examination with increase hearing threshold on audiogram result.In this study the parking attendants who had hearing deficit induced by noise were 7 persons (17.5%)and only one person (2.5%) in control group. There was a statistically significant effect of traffic noiseto hearing function deficit (p<0.05). Conclusion: Traffic noise has effect in hearing function deficit onthe parking attendants.ORLI Vol. 40 No. 2 Tahun 2010Key words: NIHL, parking attendant, audiometry, DPOAE.

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