scholarly journals Analysis of prototypical narratives produced by aphasic individuals and cognitively healthy subjects

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 279-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriela Silveira ◽  
Letícia Lessa Mansur
Keyword(s):  
Fairy Tales ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Language Assessment ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Brazilian Portuguese ◽  
Written Language ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Language Discourse ◽  
Normal Individuals ◽  
Significant Difference

Aphasia can globally or selectively affect comprehension and production of verbal and written language. Discourse analysis can aid language assessment and diagnosis. Objective: [1] To explore narratives that produce a number of valid indicators for diagnosing aphasia in speakers of Brazilian Portuguese. [2] To analyze the macrostructural aspects of the discourse of normal individuals. [3] To analyze the macrostructural aspects of the discourse of aphasic individuals. Methods: The macrostructural aspects of three narratives produced by aphasic individuals and cognitively healthy subjects were analyzed. Results: A total of 30 volunteers were examined comprising 10 aphasic individuals (AG) and 20 healthy controls (CG). The CG included 5 males. The CG had a mean age of 38.9 years (SD=15.61) and mean schooling of 13 years (SD=2.67) whereas the AG had a mean age of 51.7 years (SD=17.3) and mean schooling of 9.1 years (SD=3.69). Participants were asked to narrate three fairy tales as a basis for analyzing the macrostructure of discourse. Comparison of the three narratives revealed no statistically significant difference in number of propositions produced by the groups. A significant negative correlation was found between age and number of propositions produced. Also, statistically significant differences were observed in the number of propositions produced by the individuals in the CG and the AG for the three tales. Conclusion: It was concluded that the three tales are applicable for discourse assessment, containing a similar number of propositions and differentiating aphasic individuals and cognitively healthy subjects based on analysis of the macrostructure of discourse.

Over-expression of IL-6 coding gene in the peripheral blood of migraine with aura patients

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Mahdi Ramezani ◽  
Alireza Komaki ◽  
Mohammad Mahdi Eftekharian ◽  
Mehrdokht Mazdeh ◽  
Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
Keyword(s):  
Migraine With Aura ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Migraine Without Aura ◽  
P Value ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Over Expression ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Male Patients ◽  
Years Lived With Disability

Migraine is a common disorder which is placed among the top ten reasons of years lived with disability. Cytokines are among the molecules that contribute in the pathophysiology of migraine. In the current study, we evaluated expression levels of IL-6 coding gene in the peripheral blood of 120 migraine patients (54 migraine without aura and 66 migraine with aura patients) and 40 healthy subjects. No significant difference was detected in expression of IL-6 between total migraine patients and healthy controls (Posterior beta = 0.253, P value = 0.199). The interaction effect between gender and group was significant (Posterior beta =-1.274, P value = 0.011), therefore, we conducted subgroup analysis within gender group. Such analysis revealed that while expression of this gene is not different between male patients and male controls (Posterior beta =-0.371, P value > 0.999), it was significantly over-expressed in female patients compared with female controls (Posterior beta = 0.86, P= 0.002). Expression of IL-6 was significantly higher in patients with aura compared with controls (Posterior beta = 0.63, adjusted P value = 0.019). However, expression of this cytokine coding gene was not different between patients without aura and healthy subjects (Posterior beta = 0.193, adjusted P value = 0.281). Therefore, IL-6 might be involved in the pathophysiology of migraine among females and migraine with aura among both sexes.

MO477SERUM C-REACTIVE PROTEIN AND PROCALCITONIN LEVELS IN HEMODIALYSIS AND INTRADIALYTIC ALTERATIONS

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Makrouhi Sonikian ◽  
Aggeliki Barbatsi ◽  
Eugenia Karakou ◽  
Theodoros Chiras ◽  
Jacob Skarakis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
C Reactive Protein ◽  
Polysulfone Membrane ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Markers Of Inflammation ◽  
Dialysate Flow Rate ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Serum Crp

Abstract Introduction C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) are widely used as markers of inflammation and infection in general population and in chronic hemodialysis (HD) as well. However, in dialysis (D) patients, serum CRP and PCT levels may be elevated even in the absence of inflammatory or infectious disease and diagnostic process is a challenge in such cases. We studied HD patients' laboratory profile concerning CRP and PCT. Subjects and Methods We studied 25 stable HD patients, M/F=22/3, aged 68(44-89) years, dialyzed thrice weekly for 55(6-274) months with a dialysate flow rate of 700 ml/min, with a residual daily diuresis less than 200 ml, Kt/V values of 1,44±0,3 and no signs of infection. Patients were classified in two groups. Group A included 10 patients on pre-dilution online hemodiafiltration (HDF). Group B consisted of 15 patients on conventional HD with low-flux polysulfone membrane. Twenty healthy subjects formed a control group C. Serum CRP and PCT levels were measured in duplicate in A and B groups before and at the end of mid-week dialysis sessions and also in C group. Results Pre-D serum CRP values in the total of patients were higher than those in healthy controls (10,89±19,29 vs 2,54±1,28 mg/L-p=0,004). Compared with group C, pre-D CRP values were higher only in B group (15,98±24,54 mg/L-p=0,001) but not in A group (4,09±3,33 mg/L-p=NS). There was a significant difference in pre-D serum CRP values between A and B groups (p=0,028). At the end of D session serum CRP values showed a tendency to increase in both groups A (5,16±4,81 mg/L) and B (17,00±27,00 mg/L) but differences were not significant. Pre-D serum PCT values in the total of patients were higher than those in healthy controls (0,82±0,9 vs 0,29±0,55 ng/ml-p<0,001). Compared with group C, pre-D PCT values were higher in both A group (0,52±0,15 ng/ml-p<0,001) and B group (1,01±1,13 ng/ml-p=0,006). There was no significant difference in pre-D serum PCT values between A and B groups (p=0,261). At the end of D session serum PCT values decreased in A group (0,32±0,11 ng/ml-p<0,001) and increased in B group (1,12±1,21 ng/ml-p=0,014). Conclusions In patients on both conventional low-flux HD and online HDF pre-D serum CRP and PCT levels were higher than those in healthy subjects. Dialysis modality and membrane flux did not affect post-D serum CRP values, but post-PCT values decreased in online HDF. PCT usefulness might be limited in dialysis with high-flux membranes. Cut-off values have to be established for both markers to eliminate confusion in diagnosis of inflammatory and infectious diseases in hemodialyzed patients.

Effects of Culture Supernatants of Leukocytes from Periodontal Patients on Monocyte-Mediated Hydroxyapatite Resorption

1988 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 368-371
Author(s):  
Y. Marumoto ◽  
I. Sato ◽  
K. Ikeda
Keyword(s):  
Periodontal Disease ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Mononuclear Cells ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Peripheral Blood Leukocytes ◽  
Blood Leukocytes ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Culture Supernatants

In this study, the effects of culture supernatants on various activities of the monocyte, as a bone-resorbing cell, were compared between peripheral blood leukocyte (PBL) cultures from patients with periodontal disease and those from subjects with a clinically healthy periodontium. We have reported that normal human monocytes in vitro induce the release of calcium from synthetic hydroxyapatite particles and that the activity is enhanced by supernatants from cultures of stimulated or non-stimulated peripheral blood leukocytes. Monocytes from both patients and healthy subjects induced the release of calcium from hydroxyapatite particles (HA) to an equal degree. This activity of monocytes from healthy subjects showed a statistically significant increase by addition of supernatants from stimulated or unstimulated cultures of peripheral blood leukocytes from periodontitis patients. This increase was greater than that seen with supernatants from cells of healthy controls. The Nitro Blue Tetrazolium reduction activity and [3H]-thymidine incorporation of monocytes were also increased by addition of the supernatants from leukocyte cultures from either patients or healthy controls, but no significant difference was noted in the increase. These results suggest that the HA-resorbing activity of monocytes was enhanced by factors from cultured leukocytes. Furthermore, these studies showed that production of these factors by peripheral mononuclear cells from patients with periodontal disease was greater than that seen with cells from normal subjects.

Taste Sensitivity to Phenylthiourea Among Leprosy and Filarial Patients in Coastal Andhra Pradesh

1972 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 332-336
Author(s):  
B.R. Busi
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Andhra Pradesh ◽  
Healthy Control Group ◽  
Taste Sensitivity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Normal Individuals ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Leprosy Patients ◽  
Healthy Control

SummaryTaste blindness for PTC has been studied in (a) 416 leprosy patients and 424 healthy subjects, and (b) 261 filarial patients and 136 normal individuals of both sexes. A significant difference was found between leprosy patients and the healthy control group in the proportion of nontasters (χ2 = 4.096, for 1 DF, P〈0.05). No significant difference could be observed between the filariasis and the control group (χ2 = 0.605, for 1 DF, P〉0.30).

scholarly journals Alteration of Serum Levels of Cytokines in Schizophrenic Patients before and after Treatment with Risperidone

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esfandiar Azizi ◽  
Ahmad Zavaran Hosseini ◽  
Sara Soudi ◽  
Ahmad Ali Noorbala
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Syndrome Scale ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Schizophrenic Patients ◽  
Ifn Γ

A growing body of evidence suggests the existence of abnormalities in the immune system of schizophrenic patients. The current study examined serum levels of interleukin (IL) -1β, IL-6, IL-2,interferon(IFN) -γ, and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α in schizophrenic patients before and after treatment with risperidone and correlated levels of these cytokines with symptomatology. The study group consisted of 24 schizophrenic patients as defined by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th edition (DSM-IV) criteria and 24 healthy controls. Serum cytokine levels were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Schizophrenic symptomatology was assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) questionnaire. The serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were significantly higher in participants before treatment compared with the healthy controls and after treatment (p<0.001). IFN-γ and IL-2 levels were significantly lower in participants after treatment compared with before treatment and the healthy controls (p<0.001). Except for IL-6 (p<0.05), there was no significant difference in the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β between the patients receiving treatment and the healthy subjects. Moreover, there was no significant difference in levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 between patients before treatment and the healthy subjects. There were no significant correlations between the concentration of cytokines studied and the PANSS. Positive intercorrelations between the production of IFN-γ and IL-2 were detected for sums of all groups(r=0.33, p=0.005). Clinical improvement of treated patients was associated with a reduction in the studied cytokines. It seems that changes in the cytokines level may play a significant role in the psychopathology of these patients.

Non-linear analysis of skin blood flow in patients suffering from chronic venous leg ulcers

Phlebologie ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 38 (02) ◽  
pp. 64-70
Author(s):  
K. Bräuer ◽  
C. Radke ◽  
A. Strölin ◽  
H.-M. Häfner
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Blood Flow ◽  
Wavelet Analysis ◽  
Chronic Venous Insufficiency ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Venous Insufficiency ◽  
Laser Doppler ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Laser Doppler Fluxmetry ◽  
Significant Difference

SummaryThe elevated ambulatory pressure in the peripheral venous system in patients suffering from chronic venous insufficiency manifests itself not only in the form of disturbed macrocirculation but also and particularly in microangiopathic changes. Laser Doppler fluxmetry is a well established method to measure cutaneous blood flow. Aim of the study was to investigate the cutaneous vasomotion at the inner ankle in patients suffering from chronic venous insufficiency in the clinical stadium C6 compared to healthy subjects. Patients, methods: In 38 patients suffering from venous ulcer and in 33 healthy subjects continous time series of Laser Doppler fluxmetry (LDF) data were recorded with a sampling frequency of 50 Hz over a period of 15 min. The patients were supine and LDF was measured at the inner ankle. Time series were analyzed using newly developed methods (wavelet analysis and biorthogenal decomposition). Results: There was a statistically significant difference in mean LDF between patients and healthy controls (94 SD 65 AU [C6] vs. 28 SD 13 AU (C0), p < 0.001). There also were statistically significant differences in the scaling levels using wavelet analysis corresponding to sympathetic activity, corresponding to myogenic activity in the vessel wall and corresponding to the heart beat. Conclusion: There are changes in vasomotion between patients with venous ulcers and healthy controls. We found a vasale neuropathy and a high degree in dysregulating skin perfusion. The new innovative strategies are suited for describing microcirculation and controlling therapies.

scholarly journals P987 Comprehensive systolic right ventricular longitudinal strain analysis in congenital heart disease patients with different right ventricular loading conditions

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Van Berendoncks ◽  
D J Bowen ◽  
J Mcghie ◽  
J A Cuypers ◽  
M Kauling ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Congenital Heart Disease ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Right Ventricular ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Congenital Heart ◽  
Function Analysis ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Loading Conditions ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Rv Function

Abstract Background Right ventricular (RV) function is recognized as a prognostic factor in congenital heart disease (CHD). Speckle tracking analysis might reveal subclinical systolic dysfunction. Accurate assessment of global (GLS) and regional strain measurements of the RV remain challenging. We previously introduced a novel four-view approach with all RV walls visualized in their long axis from one apical view using 2D multi-plane-transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) iRotate mode. Aims To extensive evaluate GLS of the entire RV using iRotate echocardiography in CHD patients with different RV loading conditions compared with healthy subjects. Methods and Results One-hundred forty-two CHD patients with different RV loading conditions were recruited from the outpatient clinic and compared with 89 age, gender and BSA matched healthy controls. CHD patients were divided in 5 groups: 42 patients with volume overloaded (VO)RV (at least moderate pulmonary or tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and/or an atrium septum defect), 16 patients with pressure overloaded (PO) RV (defined as TR velocity &gt; 2.8 m/s), 34 patients who met both criteria for volume and pressure overloaded RV (P + VO), 30 patients with systemic RV and 27 with normal RV loading conditions. TAPSE and Fractional area change (FAC%) were significantly lower in all CHD subgroups vs healthy controls (p &lt; 0.05). Within the CHD group, TAPSE, FAC% and TDI S` did not differentiate systemic RV from PO RV, whereas RV function was significantly better in RV VO and RV VO + PO compared with systemic RV. GLS was significantly lower in patients with CHD compared with healthy subjects. Within the CHD groups, GLS values of systemic RV were lower (p &lt; 0.05), but no significant difference could be observed between the other subpulmonic RV loading conditions (Figure). Conclusion Comprehensive RV function analysis reveals decreased RV function in all CHD subgroups compared with healthy subjects. GLS showed RV systolic function to be the worst in the systemic RV but however could not differentiate between subpulmonic RV groups confirming the load independent functional analysis capacity of GLS. Abstract P987 Figure.

Effects of L-thyroxine treatment on heart functions in infants with congenital hypothyroidism

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alev Arslan ◽  
Veysel Nijat Baş ◽  
Salih Uytun ◽  
Hatice Gamze Poyrazoğlu
Keyword(s):  
Systolic Function ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Tissue Doppler ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Substitution Therapy ◽  
Tei Index ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Heart Functions ◽  
Index Index ◽  
Conventional Echocardiography

AbstractBackground:Impaired heart functions in newborns with hypothyroidism should be reversed by levothyroxine substitution therapy. The aim of the study was to investigate heart functions with congenital hypothroidism (CH) in newborns and changes after levothyroxine substitution therapy, measured with tissue Doppler echocardiography and conventional echocardiography.Methods:The study included 30 neonates with CH and 34 healthy controls. Echocardiography were performed at baseline, 2nd week and 6th month of therapy.Results:Heart systolic function was normal. Mitral E velocities and mitral E/A ratios were significantly lower in patients at baseline. Tei indices were significantly higher in patients and a significant negative correlation was detected between free thyroxine levels and Tei indices.When early and late post-treatment echocardiography findings are compared, a non-significant difference was detected.Conclusions:Neonates with CH may exhibit systolic and diastolic heart dysfunction, which can be reversed by early L-T4 substitution treatment. The Tei index index should be measured in addition to conventional echocardiography.

scholarly journals Preschool Language Assessment Instrument, second edition, in Brazilian Portuguese-speaking children

CoDAS ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 328-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tâmara Andrade Lindau ◽  
Natalia Freitas Rossi ◽  
Célia Maria Giacheti
Keyword(s):  
Language Skills ◽  
Expressive Language ◽  
Language Assessment ◽  
Brazilian Portuguese ◽  
Assessment Instrument ◽  
Preschool Language ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Back Translation ◽  
Test Version ◽  
Initial Results

PURPOSE: To present a brief report on the initial results of the application of Preschool Language Assessment Instrument, second edition, in Brazilian Portuguese-speaking children.METHODS: The study included 300 children with typical language development, from both genders, aged from 3 to 5 years and 11 months, as proposed by the original test version. After translation, back-translation, and adaptation of the second edition of the Preschool Language Assessment Instrument, the instrument was administered to investigate the receptive and expressive language skills.RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the average gross scores of the three groups for both "receptive" and "expressive" language skills, and a growing tendency of scores according to age.CONCLUSION: After analysis, we found that versions translated and adapted for Brazilian Portuguese speakers allow one to evaluate and discriminate the performance of children in receptive and expressive language skills, according to age group, as well as the original version.

Higher postural heart rate increments on head-up tilt correlate with younger age but not orthostatic symptoms

2013 ◽  
Vol 115 (4) ◽  
pp. 525-528 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colleen T. Ives ◽  
Kurt Kimpinski
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Orthostatic Intolerance ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Head Up Tilt ◽  
Orthostatic Symptoms

Reports have shown that younger individuals present with higher postural heart rate increments on head-up tilt (HUT). However, a correlation between the degree of heart rate increment and symptoms of orthostatic intolerance has not been determined. The objective of this study was to determine whether higher postural heart rate increments during HUT correlate with symptoms of orthostatic intolerance in healthy subjects. Postural heart rate increment on HUT did not differ between men and women ( P = 0.48) but did show a significant decrease by age group ( P < 0.0001). There was a significant negative correlation between heart rate increment on HUT and age [ r = −0.63 (−0.73, −0.51), r2 = 0.400; P < 0.0001]. There was a significant difference with respect to symptoms of orthostatic intolerance by sex ( P = 0.03) but not age ( P = 0.58). There was no significant correlation between either symptoms of orthostatic intolerance and age [ r = −0.13 (−0.31, 0.06), r2 = 0.017; P = 0.17] or heart rate increment on HUT and symptoms of orthostatic intolerance [ r = 0.15 (−0.04, 0.33), r2 = 0.022; P = 0.13]. The results demonstrate that higher postural heart rate increments in younger individuals do not result in an increase in orthostatic intolerance. This highlights the potential need for a reevaluation of the diagnostic criteria for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in younger individuals.

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