The neurology and psychiatry of humor, smiling and laughter: A tribute to Paul McGhee. Part I. Introduction and clinical studies

2017 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank Rodden
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Science ◽  
Functional Imaging ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Frames Of Reference ◽  
Psychiatric Diseases ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Imaging Methods

AbstractThis review article was written for people like Paul McGhee when he was 20 years old: curious and interested in the neurology and psychiatry of humor, smiling and laughter but neither physicians nor experts in cognitive science. It begins with necessary reflections on what it even means to consider humor, smiling and laughter from within these disciplines. These frames of reference, useful as they are, are far from neutral. The reader is encouraged to be sensitive to some logical and linguistic pitfalls that can fatally endanger meaningful discussions of these subjects. The results of empirical studies of humor, smiling and laughter which have employed the tools of neurology and psychiatry are then reviewed, roughly in the order in which the techniques have emerged historically, beginning with clinical studies (Part I) and continuing with current studies employing functional imaging methods in Part II. Therapeutic approaches using humor, smiling and laughter, particularly with respect to neurological and psychiatric diseases – but also including other diseases – are discussed. Finally a short synopsis of what is known about the neurology and psychiatry of humor, smiling and laughter is presented.

The neurology and psychiatry of humor, smiling and laughter: A tribute to Paul McGhee. Part I. Introduction and clinical studies

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 339-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank A. Rodden
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Science ◽  
Functional Imaging ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Frames Of Reference ◽  
Psychiatric Diseases ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Imaging Methods

AbstractThis review article was written for people like Paul McGhee when he was 20 years old: curious and interested in the neurology and psychiatry of humor, smiling and laughter but neither physicians nor experts in cognitive science. It begins with necessary reflections on what it even means to consider humor, smiling and laughter from within these disciplines. These frames of reference, useful as they are, are far from neutral. The reader is encouraged to be sensitive to some logical and linguistic pitfalls that can fatally endanger meaningful discussions of these subjects. The results of empirical studies of humor, smiling and laughter which have employed the tools of neurology and psychiatry are then reviewed, roughly in the order in which the techniques have emerged historically, beginning with clinical studies (Part I) and continuing with current studies employing functional imaging methods in Part II. Therapeutic approaches using humor, smiling and laughter, particularly with respect to neurological and psychiatric diseases – but also including other diseases – are discussed. Finally, a short synopsis of what is known about the neurology and psychiatry of humor, smiling and laughter is presented.

PET/CT

2005 ◽  
Vol 44 (S 01) ◽  
pp. S51-S57 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Beyer ◽  
G. Brix
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Radiation Exposure ◽  
Dose Reduction ◽  
Pet Imaging ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
High Radiation ◽  
Radiation Burden ◽  
Pet Ct

Summary:Clinical studies demonstrate a gain in diagnostic accuracy by employing combined PET/CT instead of separate CT and PET imaging. However, whole-body PET/CT examinations result in a comparatively high radiation burden to patients and thus require a proper justification and optimization to avoid repeated exposure or over-exposure of patients. This review article summarizes relevant data concerning radiation exposure of patients resulting from the different components of a combined PET/CT examination and presents different imaging strategies that can help to balance the diagnostic needs and the radiation protection requirements. In addition various dose reduction measures are discussed, some of which can be adopted from CT practice, while others mandate modifications to the existing hardand software of PET/CT systems.

Redox State in Atrial Fibrillation Pathogenesis and Relevant Therapeutic Approaches

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 765-779 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexios S. Antonopoulos ◽  
Athina Goliopoulou ◽  
Evangelos Oikonomou ◽  
Sotiris Tsalamandris ◽  
Georgios-Angelos Papamikroulis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Redox State ◽  
Redox Balance ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Critical Determinant ◽  
Electrophysiological Properties ◽  
Antioxidant Agents ◽  
Clinical Benefits

Background: Myocardial redox state is a critical determinant of atrial biology, regulating cardiomyocyte apoptosis, ion channel function, and cardiac hypertrophy/fibrosis and function. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether the targeting of atrial redox state is a rational therapeutic strategy for atrial fibrillation prevention. Objective: To review the role of atrial redox state and anti-oxidant therapies in atrial fibrillation. Method: Published literature in Medline was searched for experimental and clinical evidence linking myocardial redox state with atrial fibrillation pathogenesis as well as studies looking into the role of redoxtargeting therapies in the prevention of atrial fibrillation. Results: Data from animal models have shown that altered myocardial nitroso-redox balance and NADPH oxidases activity are causally involved in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation. Similarly experimental animal data supports that increased reactive oxygen / nitrogen species formation in the atrial tissue is associated with altered electrophysiological properties of atrial myocytes and electrical remodeling, favoring atrial fibrillation development. In humans, randomized clinical studies using redox-related therapeutic approaches (e.g. statins or antioxidant agents) have not documented any benefits in the prevention of atrial fibrillation development (mainly post-operative atrial fibrillation risk). Conclusion: Despite strong experimental and translational data supporting the role of atrial redox state in atrial fibrillation pathogenesis, such mechanistic evidence has not been translated to clinical benefits in atrial fibrillation risk in randomized clinical studies using redox-related therapies.

scholarly journals Tumor Heterogenity in Gastro-Entero-Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasia

Endocrines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-36
Author(s):  
Ludovica Magi ◽  
Maria Rinzivillo ◽  
Francesco Panzuto
Keyword(s):  
Functional Imaging ◽  
Clinical Heterogeneity ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Prognostic Role ◽  
Neuroendocrine Neoplasia ◽  
Pet Ct ◽  
18F Fdg ◽  
Fdg Pet Ct

Owing to the rarity and the biological and clinical heterogeneity of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasia (GEP NEN), the management of these patients may be challenging for physicians. This review highlights the specific features of GEP NEN with particular attention on the role of Ki67 heterogeneity, the potential prognostic role of novel radiological techniques, and the clinical usefulness of functional imaging, including 68Ga-DOTA-SST PET/CT and 18F-FDG PET/CT. Understanding these specific features may help to plan proper and tailored follow-up programs and therapeutic approaches.

scholarly journals Platelets miRNA as a Prediction Marker of Thrombotic Episodes

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michal Bijak ◽  
Malgorzata Dzieciol ◽  
Joanna Rywaniak ◽  
Joanna Saluk ◽  
Marzenna Zielinska
Keyword(s):  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Expression Profile ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Blood Platelets ◽  
Predictive Biomarkers ◽  
Mrna Translation ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Profile Changes ◽  
Mirnas Expression

The blood platelets are crucial for the coagulation physiology to maintain haemostatic balance and are involved in various pathologies such as atherosclerosis and thrombosis. The studies of recent years have shown that anucleated platelets are able to succeed protein synthesis. Additionally, mRNA translation in blood platelets is regulated by miRNA molecules. Recent works postulate the possibility of using miRNAs as biomarkers of atherosclerosis and ischemic episodes. This review article describes clinical studies that presented blood platelets miRNAs expression profile changes in different thrombotic states, which suggest use of these molecules as predictive biomarkers.

scholarly journals Transient Crossed Aphasia: A Case Study with SPECT

1991 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 75-79
Author(s):  
José M. Ferro ◽  
Guilhermina Cantinho ◽  
Élia Baeta
Keyword(s):  
Functional Imaging ◽  
Acute Stage ◽  
Imaging Methods ◽  
Crossed Aphasia ◽  
Brain Behavior

A 45-year-old right-handed man developed “crossed” anomie aphasia, neglect and inaccurate reaching of his left arm in both hemispaces due to a right parietal haemorrhage. Aphasia cleared in a few days. SPECT failed to demonstrate crossed left hemispheric diaschisis. This report emphasizes the importance of evaluating patients in the acute stage and of coupling “static” and “functional” imaging methods when studying brain-behavior relationships.

scholarly journals Current status of therapeutic approaches and vaccines for SARS-CoV-2

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Braira Wahid ◽  
Anam Amir ◽  
Ayesha Ameen ◽  
Muhammad Idrees
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Experimental Designs ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Efficacious Treatment ◽  
Rapid Pace ◽  
Global Health Challenge

SARS-CoV-2, declared a pandemic in March 2020, is the current global health challenge. The global bioburden of this virus is increasing at a rapid pace. Many antiviral drugs and vaccines have been registered for clinical trials because of their inhibitory activity observed in vitro. Currently, five types of vaccines have successfully passed Phase IV clinical trial and are being administered in populations worldwide. A plethora of experimental designs have been proposed worldwide in order to find a safe and efficacious treatment option. Therefore, it is necessary to provide baseline data and information to clinicians and researchers so that they can review the current status of therapeutics and efficacy of already developed vaccines. This review article summarizes all therapeutic options that may help to combat SARS-CoV-2.

scholarly journals Exploring Sentence Diversity at the Boundary of Typical and Impaired Language Abilities

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (10) ◽  
pp. 3236-3251
Author(s):  
Pamela A. Hadley
Keyword(s):  
Language Impairment ◽  
Specific Language Impairment ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Simple Sentence ◽  
Language Abilities ◽  
Developmental Patterns ◽  
Third Person ◽  
Archival Database ◽  
Simple Sentences

Purpose This review article summarizes programmatic research on sentence diversity in toddlers developing language typically and explores developmental patterns of sentence diversity in toddlers at risk for specific language impairment. Method The first half of this review article presents a sentence-focused approach to language assessment and intervention and reviews findings from empirical studies of sentence diversity. In the second half, subject and verb diversity in three simple sentence types are explored in an archival database of toddlers with varying levels of grammatical outcomes at 36 months of age: low average, mild/moderate delay, and severe delay. Results Descriptive findings from the archival database replicated previous developmental patterns. All toddlers with low-average language abilities produced diverse simple sentences by 30 months of age and exhibited greater sentence diversity with first-person I -subjects before third-person subjects. Third-person subject diversity emerged in a developmental sequence, increasing in one-argument copula contexts and one-argument subject–verb sentences before two-argument subject–verb–object sentences. This developmental pattern held across all three outcome groups. Third-person subjects were least diverse for children with severe grammatical delays and were absent in all sentence contexts for two children with severe delays at 36 months. Conclusions Sentence diversity increases gradually and expands in predictable patterns. Understanding these developmental patterns may help identify and treat children who display unexpected difficulty combining different subjects and verbs in flexible ways. Supplemental Material and Presentation Video https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12915320

scholarly journals Vital Energy and Afterlife: Implications for Cognitive Science of Religion

2015 ◽  
Vol 25 (61) ◽  
pp. 145-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maira Monteiro Roazzi ◽  
Carl N. Johnson ◽  
Melanie Nyhof ◽  
Silvia Helena Koller ◽  
Antonio Roazzi
Keyword(s):  
Theory Of Mind ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Cognitive Science ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Cognitive Science Of Religion ◽  
Science Of Religion ◽  
Culture And Development ◽  
Supernatural Agency ◽  
Intuitive Theory

Literature investigating people’s concepts of supernatural agency (such as ghosts and deities) points to an intuitive theory of mind underlying such ideas, however, recent studies suggest that intuitive ideas over vital energy could also be involved. The present paper focuses on examining the culture and development of people’s conceptions on vital energy. A search was made using the keyword vital energy targeting literature from Anthropology, Psychology and Cognitive Science. A literature review over this topic was made yielding reflections over the development of vital energy concepts. Results suggest that an intuitive biology, grounded on ideas of biological energy (vital energy), may underlie an understanding of soul, spirit, and supernatural energy. Future empirical studies should target the development of vital energy intuitive theories with different age ranges and cultures.

scholarly journals What Have We Learned from Empirical Studies of Unemployment Insurance?

ILR Review ◽  
1979 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-95
Keyword(s):  
Uniform Distribution ◽  
Unemployment Insurance ◽  
Total Population ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Policy Research ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Coverage Rate ◽  
Unemployment Duration ◽  
Waiting Period ◽  
The Mean

TIMOTHY J. CARR of Mathematica Policy Research, Inc. has brought to our attention an error in an example provided by Finis Welch in his July 1977 Review article, “What Have We Learned from Empirical Studies of Unemployment Insurance?” On page 459 Welch stated that under his assumptions (of a uniform distribution of unemployment duration from zero to twenty weeks and a two-week waiting period), the mean duration among those not receiving benefits, given an 80 percent coverage rate, would be six weeks. Actually, with an 80 percent coverage rate, the mean duration would be 7.43 weeks. According to Welch, this can be verified by the following calculations: With fraction, C, of the population covered and with 10 percent of covered employees not receiving benefits, the fraction of the total population not receiving benefits is [Formula: see text] and expected or mean duration is [Formula: see text] So, with C = 0.8, expected duration is (10.0 − 7.92) / (1 − .72) = 2.08/.28 = 7.43. EDITOR

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document