scholarly journals Neuroanatomical Alterations in Patients With Tinnitus Before and After Sound Therapy: A Combined VBM and SCN Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuan Wei ◽  
Han Lv ◽  
Qian Chen ◽  
Zhaodi Wang ◽  
Chunli Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Model ◽  
Pulse Sequence ◽  
Therapy Group ◽  
Image Data ◽  
Superior Temporal Gyrus ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Sound Therapy ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Post Hoc

Abstract Background: Many neuroanatomical alterations have been detected in patients with tinnitus in previous studies. However, little is known about morphological and structural covariance network (SCN) changes before and after long-term sound therapy. This study aimed to explore alterations in brain anatomical and SCN changes in patients with idiopathic tinnitus using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis 24 weeks before and after sound therapy. Methods: Thirty-three tinnitus patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging scans at baseline and after 24 weeks of sound therapy. Twenty-six age- and sex-matched healthy control (HC) individuals also underwent two scans over a 24-week interval; 3.0T MRI and high-resolution 3D structural images were acquired with a 3D-BRAVO pulse sequence. Structural image data preprocessing was performed using the VBM8 toolbox. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) score was acquired in the tinnitus group to assess the severity of tinnitus and tinnitus-related distress. Two-way mixed model analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc analyses were performed to determine differences between the two groups (patients and HCs) and between the two scans (at baseline and at the 24th week). Two-sample t tests, paired-samples t tests, and Pearson’s correlation analysis were used in the post hoc analysis.Results: Interaction effects between the two groups and the two scans demonstrated significantly different gray matter (GM) volume in the right parahippocampus gyrus, right caudate, left superior temporal gyrus, left cuneus gyrus and right calcarine gyrus; we found significantly decreased GM volume in the above five brain regions among the tinnitus patients before sound therapy (baseline) compared to that in the HC group. The 24-week sound therapy group demonstrated significantly greater brain volume compared with the baseline group among these brain regions. We did not find significant differences in brain regions between the 24-week sound therapy and HC groups. The SCN results showed that the left superior temporal gyrus and left rolandic operculum were significantly different in nodal efficiency, nodal degree centrality and nodal betweenness centrality after FDR correction. Decreased THI scores and GM volume changes between the left thalamus and right thalamus were not correlated. Conclusions: This study characterized the effect of sound therapy on brain GM volume, especially in the left superior temporal lobe. Notably, sound therapy had a normalizing effect on tinnitus patients.

scholarly journals Neuroanatomical Alterations in Patients With Tinnitus Before and After Sound Therapy: A Combined VBM and SCN Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuan Wei ◽  
Han Lv ◽  
Qian Chen ◽  
Zhaodi Wang ◽  
Chunli Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Model ◽  
Pulse Sequence ◽  
Therapy Group ◽  
Image Data ◽  
Superior Temporal Gyrus ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Sound Therapy ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Post Hoc

Many neuroanatomical alterations have been detected in patients with tinnitus in previous studies. However, little is known about the morphological and structural covariance network (SCN) changes before and after long-term sound therapy. This study aimed to explore alterations in brain anatomical and SCN changes in patients with idiopathic tinnitus using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis 24 weeks before and after sound therapy. Thirty-three tinnitus patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging scans at baseline and after 24 weeks of sound therapy. Twenty-six age- and sex-matched healthy control (HC) individuals also underwent two scans over a 24-week interval; 3.0T MRI and high-resolution 3D structural images were acquired with a 3D-BRAVO pulse sequence. Structural image data preprocessing was performed using the VBM8 toolbox. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) score was assessed for the severity of tinnitus before and after treatment. Two-way mixed model analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc analyses were performed to determine differences between the two groups (patients and HCs) and between the two scans (at baseline and on the 24th week). Student-Newman-Keuls (SNK) tests were used in the post hoc analysis. Interaction effects between the two groups and the two scans demonstrated significantly different gray matter (GM) volume in the right parahippocampus gyrus, right caudate, left superior temporal gyrus, left cuneus gyrus, and right calcarine gyrus; we found significantly decreased GM volume in the above five brain regions among the tinnitus patients before sound therapy (baseline) compared to that in the HC group. The 24-week sound therapy group demonstrated significantly greater brain volume compared with the baseline group among these brain regions. We did not find significant differences in brain regions between the 24-week sound therapy and HC groups. The SCN results showed that the left superior temporal gyrus and left rolandic operculum were significantly different in nodal efficiency, nodal degree centrality, and nodal betweenness centrality after FDR correction. This study characterized the effect of sound therapy on brain GM volume, especially in the left superior temporal lobe. Notably, sound therapy had a normalizing effect on tinnitus patients.

scholarly journals Cortical Thickness Alterations in Patients With Tinnitus Before and After Sound Therapy: A Surface-Based Morphometry Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuan Wei ◽  
Han Lv ◽  
Qian Chen ◽  
Zhaodi Wang ◽  
Chunli Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parietal Cortex ◽  
Cortical Thickness ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Pulse Sequence ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Posterior Cingulate Cortex ◽  
Sound Therapy ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Surface Based Morphometry

This study aimed to explore brain surface-based morphometry cortical thickness changes in patients with idiopathic tinnitus before and after 24 weeks of sound therapy. In this prospective observational study, we recruited 33 tinnitus patients who had undergone 24 weeks of sound therapy and 26 matched healthy controls. For the two groups of subjects, a 3D-BRAVO pulse sequence was acquired both at baseline and at the 24th week. Structural image data preprocessing was performed using the DPABISurf toolbox. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) score was assessed to determine the severity of tinnitus before and after treatment. Two-way mixed-model analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson’s correlation analysis were used in the statistical analysis. Student–Newman–Keuls (SNK) tests were used in the post hoc analysis. Significantly lower cortical thickness was found in the left somatosensory and motor cortex (SMC), left posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), and right orbital and polar frontal cortex (OPFC) of the participants in the tinnitus group at baseline than in the participants in the HC group at baseline and after 24 weeks; in the tinnitus group, significantly higher cortical thickness was found after the 24 weeks sound therapy in comparison to the baseline in the left SMC, bilateral superior parietal cortex (SPC), left inferior parietal cortex (IPC), left PCC, and right OPFC. In the HC group, no statistically significant difference in cortical thickness was found after the 24 weeks treatment in comparison to the baseline in the bilateral SMC, bilateral SPC, left IPC, left PCC, or right OPFC. The changes in cortical thickness before and after sound therapy can provide certain reference values for clinical tinnitus treatment. These brain regions could serve as potential targets for neuroimaging.

scholarly journals Using Brain-Breaks® as a Technology Tool to Increase Attitude towards Physical Activity among Students in Singapore

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 784
Author(s):  
Govindasamy Balasekaran ◽  
Ahmad Arif Bin Ibrahim ◽  
Ng Yew Cheo ◽  
Phua Kia Wang ◽  
Garry Kuan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
School Curriculum ◽  
Control Group ◽  
School Students ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Brain Breaks ◽  
Student's Attitudes ◽  
The Brain

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of classroom-based Brain Breaks® Physical Activity Solution in Southeast Asia Singaporean primary school students and their attitude towards physical activity (PA) over a ten-week intervention. A total of 113 participants (8–11 years old) were randomly assigned to either an experimental (EG) or a control group (CG), with six classes to each group; the Brain Breaks® group (EG: six classes) and the Control group (CG: six classes). All EG members participated in a Brain Breaks® video intervention (three–five min) during academic classes and the CG continued their lessons as per normal. The student’s attitudes towards PA in both research conditions were evaluated using the self–reported Attitudes toward Physical Activity Scale (APAS), applied before and after intervention. The effects of the intervention on APAS scores were analysed using a mixed model analysis of variance with Time as within-subject and Group as between-subject factors. The analysis revealed evidence in support of the positive effect of classroom video interventions such as Brain Breaks® on student’s attitudes toward benefits, importance, learning, self-efficacy, fun, fitness, and trying to do their personal best in PA. The Brain Breaks® intervention provided a positive significant impact on students in Singapore. This study also revealed that interactive technology tools implemented into the school curriculum benefit students in terms of health and education.

scholarly journals The impact of a ‘milking the COW’ campaign in a regional hospital in Singapore

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Surinder Kaur M. S. Pada ◽  
Poh Lishi ◽  
Kim Sim Ng ◽  
Sarathamani Rethenam ◽  
Lilibeth Silagan Alenton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Colony Forming Units ◽  
Skin Flora ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Difference ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Computerisation of various processes in hospitals and reliance on electronic devices raises the concern of contamination of these devices from the patient environment. We undertook this study to determine if an attached hand hygiene device that unlocks the screen of a computer on wheels (COW) on usage can be effective in decreasing the microbiological burden on computer keyboards. Methods An electronic hand sanitizer was integrated onto the COW. A prospective cohort study with a crossover design involving 2 control and 2 intervention wards was used. The study end point was the number of colony forming units found on the keyboards. Bacteria were classified into 4 main groups; pathogenic, skin flora, from the environment or those thought to be commensals in healthy individuals. We then used a mixed effects model for the statistical analysis to determine if there were any differences before and after the intervention. Results Thirty-nine keyboards were swabbed at baseline, day 7 and 14, with 234 keyboards cultured, colony forming units (CFUs) counted and organisms isolated. By mixed model analysis, the difference of mean bacteria count between intervention and control for week 1 was 32.74 (− 32.74, CI − 94.29 to 28.75, p = 0.29), for week 2 by 155.86 (− 155.86, CI − 227.45 to − 83.53, p < 0.0001), and after the 2-week period by 157.04 (− 157.04, CI − 231.53 to − 82.67, p < 0.0001). In the sub-analysis, there were significant differences of pathogenic bacteria counts for the Intervention as compared to the Control in contrast with commensal counts. Conclusion A hand hygiene device attached to a COW may be effective in decreasing the microbiological burden on computer keyboards.

Size-related boldness is not altered by stomach flushing in a terrestrial salamander

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Sebastiano Salvidio ◽  
Andrea Costa ◽  
Fabrizio Oneto
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Animal Personality ◽  
Model Analysis ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Linear Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Trophic Strategy ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Animal personality is a relatively neglected field in amphibian research. In this study we assessed the influence of stomach flushing, a non-lethal technique used in amphibian dietary studies, on the boldness behaviour of the cave salamander Speleomantes strinatii. The time of emergence from a shelter located in an unfamiliar environment (a proxy for individual boldness) was measured in 26 cave salamanders before and after stomach flushing, while 14 non-flushed salamanders were tested as controls. Boldness was a repeatable behaviour for salamanders and larger individuals emerged from their shelter more rapidly than smaller ones. Linear mixed model analysis showed that flushing, sex and body condition had no effect on this behaviour. These findings are promising in the framework of the study of salamander personality. In particular, our results will be useful when exploring the relationship between individual trophic strategy and boldness, aggression or exploration behaviours in terrestrial salamanders.

scholarly journals Which Test of Divergent Thinking Is Best?

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark A. Runco ◽  
Ahmed M. Abdulla ◽  
Sue Hyeon Paek ◽  
Fatima A. Al-Jasim ◽  
Hanadi N. Alsuwaidi
Keyword(s):  
Divergent Thinking ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Demographic Questionnaire ◽  
Problem Generation ◽  
Behavior Scale ◽  
Realistic Problem ◽  
Post Hoc ◽  
Better Than

AbstractDivergent thinking (DT) tests are probably the most commonly used measures of creative potential. Several extensive batteries are available but most research relies on one or two specific tests rather than a complete battery. This may limit generalizations because tests of DT are not equivalent. They are not always highly inter-correlated. Additionally, some DT tests appear to be better than others at eliciting originality. This is critical because originality is vital for creativity. The primary purpose of the present study was to determine which test of DT elicits the most originality. Seven measures of DTwere administered on a sample of 611 participants in eight Arabic countries. The tests were Figural, Titles, Realistic Presented Problems, Realistic Problem Generation, Instances, Uses, and Similarities. The Quick Test of Convergent Thinking, Runco’s Ideational Behavior Scale, and a demographic questionnaire were also administered. A linear mixed model analysis confirmed that the originality scores in the DT tests differed by test. Post-hoc tests indicated that the Titles and Realistic Problem Generation tests produced the highest mean originality scores, whereas the Realistic Presented Problems test produced the lowest mean originality scores. These differences confirm that research using only one DT test will not provide generalizable results.

Appetite-stimulating effect of gabapentin vs mirtazapine in healthy cats post-ovariectomy

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (12) ◽  
pp. 1176-1183
Author(s):  
Marco Fantinati ◽  
Julien Trnka ◽  
Amélia Signor ◽  
Séverine Dumond ◽  
Géraldine Jourdan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Food Intake ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Repeated Measure ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Post Hoc ◽  
Difference Test

Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate the appetite-stimulating effect of gabapentin by comparing it with mirtazapine in healthy cats in the first 8 h after ovariectomy surgery. Methods This double-masked, placebo-controlled, prospective clinical trial included 60 healthy cats presented to the hospital for ovariectomy: 20 received gabapentin, 21 received mirtazapine and 19 received a placebo immediately before and 6 h after surgery. Food was offered at 2, 4, 6 and 8 h post-ovariectomy. After each meal, food intake was measured. Data were analysed using repeated-measure ANOVA and a linear mixed-model analysis. Post-hoc Tukey’s honest significant difference test was performed for multiple comparisons. Results Food intake increased in both treatment groups vs placebo. No statistically significant difference was found between cats treated with gabapentin or mirtazapine. Conclusions and relevance Cats receiving gabapentin ate more than cats in the placebo group. Thirty percent of cats in the gabapentin group covered their resting energy requirements, while none of the cats in the placebo group did. Gabapentin and mirtazapine produced similar effects on food intake.

Continuous Jumps Enhance Twitch Peak Torque and Sprint Performance in Highly Trained Sprint Athletes

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Haiko B. Zimmermann ◽  
Débora Knihs ◽  
Fernando Diefenthaeler ◽  
Brian MacIntosh ◽  
Juliano Dal Pupo
Keyword(s):  
Time Course ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Performance Enhancement ◽  
Peak Torque ◽  
Sprint Performance ◽  
Postactivation Potentiation ◽  
Warm Up ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Post Hoc ◽  
Vertical Jumps

Purpose: The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of a conditioning activity (CA) composed of continuous countermovement jumps on twitch torque production and 30-m sprint times. Methods: A total of 12 sprint athletes, 10 men (23.5 [7.7] y) and 2 women (23.0 [2.8] y), volunteered to participate in this study. The participants were evaluated in 2 sessions as follows: (1) to determine the effects of the CA (3 sets of 5 continuous vertical jumps with a 1-min interval between sets) on 30-m sprint performance over time (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 min) and (2) to evaluate twitch peak torque to determine the magnitude and time course of the induced postactivation potentiation at the same recovery intervals. Results: Mixed-model analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc verified that there was a decrease on the 30-m sprint time at 2 minutes (P = .01; Δ = 2.78%; effect size [ES] = 0.43) and 4 minutes (P = .02; Δ = 2%, ES = 0.30) compared with pre when the CA preceded the sprints. The peak torque of quadriceps also showed significant increase from pretest to 2 minutes (P < .01; Δ = 17.0% [12.2%]; ES = 0.45) and 4 minutes (P = .02; Δ = 7.2% [8.8%]; ES = 0.20). Conclusion: The inclusion of CA composed of continuous countermovement jumps in the warm-up routine improved 30-m sprint performance at 2- and 4-minute time intervals after the CA (postactivation performance enhancement). Since postactivation potentiation was confirmed with electrical stimulation at the time when sprint performance increased, it was concluded that postactivation potentiation may have contributed to the observed performance increases.

scholarly journals Different Brain Activation after Acupuncture at Combined Acupoints and Single Acupoint in Hypertension Patients: An Rs-fMRI Study Based on ReHo Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiping Zhang ◽  
Xiaowen Cai ◽  
Yanjie Wang ◽  
Yu Zheng ◽  
Shanshan Qu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Language Production ◽  
Emotional Processing ◽  
Acupuncture Treatment ◽  
Image Data ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Primary Study ◽  
Brain Areas ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Group 3

Background. Acupuncture is proved to be effective on hypertension by numerous studies and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (Rs-fMRI) is a widely used technique to study its mechanism. Along with lower blood pressure, patients with hypertension receiving acupuncture also presented improvement in function of cognition, emotion, language, sematic sensation, and so on. This study was a primary study to explore the acting path of acupuncture at combined acupoints in stimulated brain areas related to such functions. Methods. In this research, regional homogeneity (ReHo) was applied to analyze the Rs-fMRI image data of brain activities after acupuncture at LR3, KI3, and LR3+KI3 and to compare the differences of functional brain activities between stimulating combined acupoints and single acupoint under pathological conditions. A total of thirty hypertension patients underwent Rs-fMRI scanning before acupuncture treatment and then were randomly divided into three groups following random number table, the LR3 group (3 males and 7 females), the KI3 group (3 males and 7 females), and the LR3+ KI3 group (4 males and 6 females) for needling, respectively. When the 30-min treatment finished, they received a further Rs-fMRI scanning. The Rs-fMRI data before and after the acupuncture treatment were analyzed through ReHo. Results. Compared with preacupuncture, respectively, ReHo values increased in Brodmann areas (BAs) 3, 18, and 40 and decreased in BAs 7 and 31 in LR3+ KI3 group. However, ReHo values only decreased in BA7 of KI3 group while the results showed no significant difference of brain regions in LR3 group between pre- and postacupuncture. Compared with LR3 group, LR3+KI3 group exhibited decreased ReHo values in BAs 7, 9, and 31. Meanwhile, compared with KI3 group, LR3+KI3 group exhibited increased ReHo values in the BAs 2, 18, 30, and 40 and decreased ReHo values in BA13. Conclusion. Combined acupoints of LR3 and KI3 could act on wider brain areas than the sum of single acupoints, whose functions include emotional processing, cognition, somatic sensation, spatial orientation, language production, and vision.

scholarly journals Mode of GH administration and gene expression in the female rat brain

2017 ◽  
Vol 233 (2) ◽  
pp. 187-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marion Walser ◽  
Linus Schiöler ◽  
Jan Oscarsson ◽  
Maria A I Åberg ◽  
Ruth Wickelgren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Model ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Male Rat ◽  
Sexually Dimorphic ◽  
Female Rat ◽  
Expression Levels ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Significant Difference

The endogenous secretion of growth hormone (GH) is sexually dimorphic in rats with females having a more even and males a more pulsatile secretion and low trough levels. The mode of GH administration, mimicking the sexually dimorphic secretion, has different systemic effects. In the brains of male rats, we have previously found that the mode of GH administration differently affects neuron–haemoglobin beta (Hbb) expression whereas effects on other transcripts were moderate. The different modes of GH administration could have different effects on brain transcripts in female rats. Hypophysectomised female rats were given GH either as injections twice daily or as continuous infusion and GH-responsive transcripts were assessed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in the hippocampus and parietal cortex (cortex). The different modes of GH-administration markedly increased Hbb and 5′-aminolevulinate synthase 2 (Alas2) in both brain regions. As other effects were relatively moderate, a mixed model analysis (MMA) was used to investigate general effects of the treatments. In the hippocampus, MMA showed that GH-infusion suppressed glia- and neuron-related transcript expression levels, whereas GH-injections increased expression levels. In the cortex, GH-infusion instead increased neuron-related transcripts, whereas GH-injections had no significant effect. Interestingly, this contrasts to previous results obtained from male rat cortex where GH-infusion generally decreased expression levels. In conclusion, the results indicate that there is a small but significant difference in response to mode of GH administration in the hippocampus as compared to the cortex. For both modes of GH administration, there was a robust effect on Hbb and Alas2.

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