scholarly journals From Visual Plasticity to the Bionic Eye

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 10
Author(s):  
Stephanie Buss
Keyword(s):  
Science Fiction ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Functional Restoration ◽  
Visual Prosthesis ◽  
Visual Plasticity ◽  
Prosthetic Devices ◽  
Bionic Eye ◽  
First Time ◽  
The Brain

While visual plasticity is strongest in early infancy, new studies show that plasticity is maintained well into adult life.This possibility is compellingly demonstrated by one patient, SK, who gained vision for the first time in adult life andsignificantly improved his ability to see the world around him. The persistence of visual plasticity in adults is promisingnews for the developing field of visual prosthesis.In recent years, there has been an explosion of research on prosthetic devices for the brain. While memory-enhancingbrain chips are still science fiction, cochlear implants, which stimulate the inner ear with tiny electrodes, now allowpeople who were once deaf to hear with increasing accuracy. Although there is not yet any visual equivalent to thecochlear implant, in recent years vision researchers have started to experiment with similar prosthetic techniques totreat blindness.The goal of visual prosthesis is to allow functional restoration of vision and to improve quality of life for blindpatients. In order to achieve these goals, the prosthetic devices must tap into the brain’s plasticity. Plasticity is howthe brain adapts to new environmental stimuli. It enables all forms of learning, including memorizing facts, playingthe piano, and learning to see. Specifically, plasticity is how neural networks in the brain reorganize in response tonew experiences. Understanding plasticity furthers insight into the brain mechanisms active in visual prostheses, andmay help scientists develop new approaches for future devices.

scholarly journals Vouching for a Head Start Reformation

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 51-56
Author(s):  
Sai Polineni
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Head Start ◽  
Low Income ◽  
The United States ◽  
United States Government ◽  
Low Income Students ◽  
Developmental Needs ◽  
First Time ◽  
The Brain

In the words of Jack Shonkoff, Director of Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child: the quality of the foundation built in early childhood, whether it is strong or fragile, affects future development, health, learning and economic success. With a strong foundation, babies move easily through more and more complex learning stages. And “although it’s never too late to learn new skills since the brain never stops developing, it’s just harder and less effective to build on a weak foundation than it is to get development right the first time”. This speaks to the growing trend and continuation of a national and international effort to restructure our orphanages and homes to better suit the proper developmental needs of children. In conjunction with these changes, the United States government has also increased its focus on improving early childhood education and interactions for those in communities usually bereft of these opportunities. One such program, Head Start, was created in 1965 to prepare low-income students for elementary school. It has evolved and changed over the last five decades and now faces a key juncture that will determine its future. 

Communication Sciences and Disorders PhD Graduates' Perceptions of Their PhD Program

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 463-478
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Crais ◽  
Melody Harrison Savage
Keyword(s):  
Detailed Examination ◽  
Career Expectations ◽  
Doctoral Preparation ◽  
Creative Solutions ◽  
Phd Education ◽  
Doctor Of Philosophy ◽  
First Time ◽  
Students Success ◽  
Phd Program

Purpose The shortage of doctor of philosophy (PhD)–level applicants to fill academic and research positions in communication sciences and disorders (CSD) programs calls for a detailed examination of current CSD PhD educational practices and the generation of creative solutions. The intended purposes of the article are to encourage CSD faculty to examine their own PhD program practices and consider the perspectives of recent CSD PhD graduates in determining the need for possible modifications. Method The article describes the results of a survey of 240 CSD PhD graduates and their perceptions of the challenges and facilitators to completing a PhD degree; the quality of their preparation in research, teaching, and job readiness; and ways to improve PhD education. Results Two primary themes emerged from the data highlighting the need for “matchmaking.” The first time point of needed matchmaking is prior to entry among students, mentors, and expectations as well as between aspects of the program that can lead to students' success and graduation. The second important matchmaking need is between the actual PhD preparation and the realities of the graduates' career expectations, and those placed on graduates by their employers. Conclusions Within both themes, graduate's perspectives and suggestions to help guide future doctoral preparation are highlighted. The graduates' recommendations could be used by CSD PhD program faculty to enhance the quality of their program and the likelihood of student success and completion. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.11991480

Classification of methods for generating pseudo-CT from MRI images for MRI-alone RT

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 54
Author(s):  
BOUKELLOUZ Wafa ◽  
MOUSSAOUI Abdelouahab
Keyword(s):  
Performance Metrics ◽  
Radiation Treatment ◽  
Hybrid Methods ◽  
Dose Calculation ◽  
Absolute Error ◽  
Ct Images ◽  
General Technique ◽  
Therapy Field ◽  
The Brain

Background: Since the last decades, research have been oriented towards an MRI-alone radiation treatment planning (RTP), where MRI is used as the primary modality for imaging, delineation and dose calculation by assigning to it the needed electron density (ED) information. The idea is to create a computed tomography (CT) image or so-called pseudo-CT from MRI data. In this paper, we review and classify methods for creating pseudo-CT images from MRI data. Each class of methods is explained and a group of works in the literature is presented in detail with statistical performance. We discuss the advantages, drawbacks and limitations of each class of methods. Methods: We classified most recent works in deriving a pseudo-CT from MR images into four classes: segmentation-based, intensity-based, atlas-based and hybrid methods. We based the classification on the general technique applied in the approach. Results: Most of research focused on the brain and the pelvis regions. The mean absolute error (MAE) ranged from 80 HU to 137 HU and from 36.4 HU to 74 HU for the brain and pelvis, respectively. In addition, an interest in the Dixon MR sequence is increasing since it has the advantage of producing multiple contrast images with a single acquisition. Conclusion: Radiation therapy field is emerging towards the generalization of MRI-only RT thanks to the advances in techniques for generation of pseudo-CT images. However, a benchmark is needed to set in common performance metrics to assess the quality of the generated pseudo-CT and judge on the efficiency of a certain method.

Neuro-Optometric Treatment of Complications from a Cerebellar Astrocytoma

2020 ◽  
pp. 304-312
Keyword(s):  
Visual System ◽  
Common Site ◽  
Us Army ◽  
Cranial Nerve Palsies ◽  
Pilocytic Astrocytomas ◽  
The Us ◽  
Extent Of Damage ◽  
Functional Components ◽  
The Brain

Background: Insult to the brain, whether from trauma or other etiologies, can have a devastating effect on an individual. Symptoms can be many and varied, depending on the location and extent of damage. This presentation can be a challenge to the optometrist charged with treating the sequelae of this event as multiple functional components of the visual system can be affected. Case Report: This paper describes the diagnosis and subsequent ophthalmic management of an acquired brain injury in a 22 year old male on active duty in the US Army. After developing acute neurological symptoms, the patient was diagnosed with a pilocytic astrocytoma of the cerebellum. Emergent neurosurgery to treat the neoplasm resulted in iatrogenic cranial nerve palsies and a hemispheric syndrome. Over the next 18 months, he was managed by a series of providers, including a strabismus surgeon, until presenting to our clinic. Lenses, prism, and in-office and out-of-office neurooptometric rehabilitation therapy were utilized to improve his functioning and make progress towards his goals. Conclusions: Pilocytic astrocytomas are the most common primary brain tumors, and the vast majority are benign with excellent surgical prognosis. Although the most common site is the cerebellum, the visual pathway is also frequently affected. If the eye or visual system is affected, optometrists have the ability to drastically improve quality of life with neuro-optometric rehabilitation.

PENGARUH PIJAT BAYI TERHADAP KUALITAS TIDUR BAYI UMUR 0 – 3 BULAN DI WILAYAH KERJA PUSKESMAS SOSIAL PALEMBANG TAHUN 2016

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Widyastuti Wahyuningsih Juliana Widyastuti Wahyuningsih
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Design ◽  
Growth And Development ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
P Value ◽  
Development Phase ◽  
Quality Of Sleep ◽  
Infant Massage ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Brain

ABSTRAK Tidur merupakan kebutuhan yang harus terpenuhi terutama pada fase perkembangan karena selama tidur akan terjadi perkembangan otak maupun tubuh, sehingga gangguan tidur merupakan masalah yang akan menimbulkan dampak buruk terhadap pertumbuhan dan perkembangan bayi. Kualitas tidur bayi yang baik dapat diciptakan dengan memberikan pemijatan bayi secara rutin. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membuktikan bahwa pemijatan dapat mempengaruhi kualitas tidur bayi umur 0-3 bulan. Penelitian ini menggunakan desain penelitian Quasy Eksperimental dengan metode One Group Pretest-Postest. Sampel 22 bayi yang dipilih dengan tehnik Total Sampling yang di observasi sebelum dan sesudah diberikan pemijatan. Variabel yang diukur dalam penelitian ini adalah kualitas tidur bayi 0-3 bulan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ada pengaruh pijat bayi terhadap kualitas tidur bayi umur 0-3 bulan (p value  0,008 < α = 0,05).Berdasarkan hasil penelitian ini disarankan agar keluarga dan masyarakat memberikan pemijatan secara rutin dan mandiri untuk meningkatkan kebutuhan tidur bayi yang berkualitas.   ABSTRACT Sleep is a human necessity that must be met, especially in the development phase because during sleep will occur the brain and body developments, so that sleep disturbance is a problem that would cause adverse effects on infants’ growth and development. The good quality of sleep can be created by providing the infants massage routinely. This study aimed to prove that the massage could affect the quality of sleep on the 0-3 months old baby. This study used Quasy-experimental design with One Group Pretest-Posttest. The sample 22 infants selected by total sampling technique observed on before and after the massage. The variables measured in this study are the quality of sleep. The results of study indicate that there is an effect of infant massage to the sleep quality on 0-3 months old babies (p value 0,008 < α = 0,05).Based on the results of this study it recommended for the families and communities to provide infant massage regularly and independently to increase the quality of sleep on the baby.  

Resveratrol: A new potential therapeutic agent for melanoma?

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamad Hossein Pourhanifeh ◽  
Kazem Abbaszadeh-Goudarzi ◽  
Mohammad Goodarzi ◽  
Sara G.M. Piccirillo ◽  
Alimohammad Shafiee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Therapeutic Agent ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Treatment Resistance ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Apoptosis Inducer ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
First Time

: Melanoma is the most life-threatening and aggressive class of skin malignancies. The incidence of melanoma has steadily increased. Metastatic melanoma is greatly resistant to standard anti-melanomatreatments such as chemotherapy, and 5-year survival rate of cases with melanoma who have metastatic form of disease is less than 10%. The contributing role of apoptosis, angiogenesis and autophagy in the pathophysiology of melanoma has been previously demonstrated. Thus, it is extremely urgent to search for complementary therapeutic approachesthat couldenhance the quality of life of subjects and reduce treatment resistance and adverse effects. Resveratrol, known as a polyphenol component present in grapes and some plants, has anti-cancer properties due to its function as an apoptosis inducer in tumor cells, and anti-angiogenic agent to prevent metastasis. However, more clinical trials should be conducted to prove resveratrol efficacy. : Herein, for first time, we summarize current knowledge of anti-cancerous activities of resveratrol in melanoma.

Integrated Biomarkers for Depression in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Critical Review

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 441-452 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofia Wenzler ◽  
Christian Knochel ◽  
Ceylan Balaban ◽  
Dominik Kraft ◽  
Juliane Kopf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Affect Regulation ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Diagnostic Process ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Manifestation ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Control Functional

Depression is a common neuropsychiatric manifestation among Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. It may compromise everyday activities and lead to a faster cognitive decline as well as worse quality of life. The identification of promising biomarkers may therefore help to timely initiate and improve the treatment of preclinical and clinical states of AD, and to improve the long-term functional outcome. In this narrative review, we report studies that investigated biomarkers for AD-related depression. Genetic findings state AD-related depression as a rather complex, multifactorial trait with relevant environmental and inherited contributors. However, one specific set of genes, the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), specifically the Val66Met polymorphism, may play a crucial role in AD-related depression. Regarding neuroimaging markers, the most promising findings reveal structural impairments in the cortico-subcortical networks that are related to affect regulation and reward / aversion control. Functional imaging studies reveal abnormalities in predominantly frontal and temporal regions. Furthermore, CSF based biomarkers are seen as potentially promising for the diagnostic process showing abnormalities in metabolic pathways that contribute to AD-related depression. However, there is a need for standardization of methodological issues and for replication of current evidence with larger cohorts and prospective studies.

A case of linear epidermal naevus presenting as genital warts – a cautionary tale

2005 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 267-269
Author(s):  
M Mahto ◽  
J Ashworth ◽  
D M Vickers
Keyword(s):  
Unusual Case ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Genital Warts ◽  
Definitive Treatment ◽  
Cautionary Tale ◽  
Surgical Ablation ◽  
Genital Area ◽  
Organ Systems ◽  
First Time ◽  
Epidermal Naevus Syndrome

Linear epidermal naevus (LEN) in the genital area is quite rare. It may present at birth or appear later on in life, in infancy or childhood and occasionally for the first time in adult life. There are several variants of epidermal naevi (EN), which, to the less experienced, can be mistaken for warts. When extensive, it can be associated with abnormalities in other organ systems (epidermal naevus syndrome). The definitive treatment of LEN is surgical ablation with excision of underlying dermis, but this frequently leads to scarring. Laser therapy is an alternative treatment modality and good results have been shown. We report an unusual case of LEN in the genital area in a 60-year-old man presenting as genital warts.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the efficacy of hearing aids in older adults: a multiparametric longitudinal study protocol

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Domenico Cuda ◽  
Sara Ghiselli ◽  
Alessandra Murri
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Speech Perception ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Elderly Subjects ◽  
Single Subject ◽  
Measurement Tools ◽  
First Time

Abstract Background Prevalence of hearing loss increases with age. Its estimated prevalence is 40–50 % in people over 75 years of age. Recent studies agree that declinein hearing threshold contribute to deterioration in sociality, sensitivity, cognition, and quality of life for elderly subjects. The aim of the study presented in this paper is to verify whether or not rehabilitation using first time applied Hearing Aids (HA) in a cohort of old people with hearing impairment improves both speech perception in a noisy environment over time and the overall health-related quality of life. Methods The monocentric, prospective, repeated measurements, single-subject, clinical observational study is to recruit 100 older adults, first-time HA recipients (≥ 65 years).The evaluation protocol is designed to analyze changes in specific measurement tools a year after the first HA usage in comparison with the evaluation before HA fitting. Evaluations will consist of multiparametric details collected through self-report questionnaires completed by the recipients and a series of commonly used audiometric measures and geriatric assessment tools. The primary indicator of changes in speech perception in noise to be used is the Italian version of Oldenburg Satz (OLSA) test whereas the indicator of changes in overall quality of life will be the Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL) and Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE) questionnaires. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) will help in screening the cognitive state of the subjects. Discussion The protocol is designed to make use of measurement tools that have already been applied to the hearing-impaired population in order to compare the effects of HA rehabilitation in the older adults immediately before first HA usage (Pre) and after 1 year of experience (Post). This broad approach will lead to a greater understanding of how useful hearing influences the quality of life in older individuals, and therefore improves potentials for healthy aging. The data is to be analyzed by using an intrasubject endpoint comparison. Outcomes will be described and analyzed in detail. Trial registration This research was retrospectively registered underno. NCT04333043at ClinicalTrials.gov (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/) on the 26 March 2020. This research has been registered with the Ethics Committee of the Area Vasta Emilia Nord under number 104, date of approval 17/07/2017.

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