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Schizophrenia Research Mar 2017Patients with schizophrenia display abnormalities in pitch discrimination of non-verbal tones as revealed by the Tone-Matching Task (TMT). It may lead to deficits in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
CONTEXT
Patients with schizophrenia display abnormalities in pitch discrimination of non-verbal tones as revealed by the Tone-Matching Task (TMT). It may lead to deficits in higher-order cognitive functions and clinical symptoms.
OBJECTIVES
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis pooling data about TMT score differences between patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls, to evaluate the deficit's effect size, and to develop reliable knowledge about pitch processing impairment and its pejorative impact.
METHOD
Relevant publications were identified by a systematic search of PubMed and EMBASE databases. Then, we excluded non-relevant studies for the meta-analysis. Effect size for percent of correct responses to the TMT was expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD).
RESULTS
Eighteen of 167 identified studies met eligibility criteria for review, of which 10 were included in the meta-analysis. Our meta-analysis showed that the effect size for the percent of correct response to the TMT between patients (N=371) and controls (N=342) was large: SMD=1.17 [95% CI: 0.926-1.418] (z-value=9.338 and p-value<0.001). Meta-analysis showed moderate heterogeneity between studies (Q(9)=17.22, p=0.04, I=47.74%). The relationship between tone-matching impairment and clinical symptoms of schizophrenia remains heterogeneous across studies. Some authors observed significant correlations between tone-matching performance and a number of higher-order cognitive abilities.
CONCLUSION
This review and meta-analysis highlights a large significant disturbance in tone-matching ability in patients as compared with controls. The study of basic auditory processing opens promising perspectives for pathophysiological modelling of the disorder and therapeutic issues.
Topics: Auditory Perceptual Disorders; Humans; Pitch Discrimination; Schizophrenia
PubMed: 27742161
DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2016.10.009 -
Current Aging Science 2020Verbal Fluency (VF) tasks are known as multimodal measures clinically useful for monitoring cognitive decline during the aging process. Considering that the executive...
BACKGROUND
Verbal Fluency (VF) tasks are known as multimodal measures clinically useful for monitoring cognitive decline during the aging process. Considering that the executive control observed along VF tasks calls for a set of functions directing the behavior toward a general goal, it may be assumed that there is a correspondence between VF ability and Functional Capacity (FC).
METHODS
With this assumption in mind, the author aimed at performing a literature research on VF ability and FC within aging.
RESULTS
Only four studies whose title/abstract presented the target key-terms, partially fulfilled the adopted criteria and were selected for discussion. Taken together, these articles attempted to correlate cognitive material to aspects of functionality, one of which not doing so directly with the elderly and another with no specific association with VF abilities.
CONCLUSION
Theories suggest that VF might be associated with complex executive mechanisms. Still, a theoretical scheme and controlled researches possibly able to shed light on the underlying balance among the VF abilities and functionality within aging are as yet, unknown.
Topics: Aged; Aging; Cognitive Dysfunction; Executive Function; Humans; Neuropsychological Tests
PubMed: 31530271
DOI: 10.2174/1874609812666190917151043 -
Clinical Otolaryngology : Official... Feb 2016The long-term prognosis of hypopharyngeal cancer is poor. Surgery necessitates pharyngolaryngectomy with flap reconstruction. For such patients, it is important that... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Review
BACKGROUND
The long-term prognosis of hypopharyngeal cancer is poor. Surgery necessitates pharyngolaryngectomy with flap reconstruction. For such patients, it is important that functional outcomes are preserved to maintain a respectable quality of life.
OBJECTIVE OF REVIEW
To identify the functional outcomes following pharyngolaryngectomy with respect to quality of life, speech and swallow through a systematic review of literature.
SEARCH STRATEGY
Searches of EBM databases and literature databases using key words: pharyngolaryngectomy, laryngopharyngectomy, swallow, dysphagia, speech and dysphonia from 1970 to August 2014. Articles were screened for relevance using pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria.
EVALUATION METHOD
Articles reviewed by authors and data compiled in tables for analysis.
RESULTS
No previous systematic reviews assessing functional outcomes were identified. Seventeen studies reported speech outcomes (576 patients) and fifteen reported swallow outcomes (1076 patients). The data suggests that patients who underwent trachea-oesophageal puncture developed more favourable speech outcomes than those rehabilitated using other measures. Overall stricture incidence was 11.4% and 6.5% of patients required long-term enteral nutrition. Four studies used validated speech measures, and three used validated swallow measures. They suggest an overall level of perceived impairment in quality of life. Speech and swallow outcomes were significantly poorer than patients who underwent total laryngectomy.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, there is an impairment in speech and swallow outcomes following pharyngolaryngectomy; however, the exact extent is unclear. There is a need for a general consensus on assessment measures and prospective multicentre studies to be conducted. This study compiles the available data to improve caregiver and patient awareness of functional outcomes.
Topics: Deglutition; Humans; Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms; Laryngectomy; Pharyngectomy; Quality of Life; Speech; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 26031311
DOI: 10.1111/coa.12466 -
Geriatric Nursing (New York, N.Y.) 2009Aggression challenges and burdens caregivers face when working in nursing homes. The research questions in this review were (1) what types of residents' aggressive... (Review)
Review
Aggression challenges and burdens caregivers face when working in nursing homes. The research questions in this review were (1) what types of residents' aggressive behavior do caregivers experience in nursing homes and how often? (2) In what situations does aggressive behavior occur? (3) What strategies do caregivers employ to manage aggressive behavior? Twenty one publications in English and/or German from 1996 to 2006 were identified by search strategies conducted in Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and supplemented by screening citations, references, and unpublished manuscripts. Results show that all types of aggressive behavior occur in nursing homes with verbal and physical aggressive behavior combined. Personal care of the residents was the most frequent context in which aggressive behavior occurs. Strategies for preventing and dealing with aggressive behavior used by caregivers ranged from behavioral strategies aiming to prevent aggression, to medical treatment, or following written institutional guidelines for reducing aggressive behavior. Some care providers demonstrated predominantly positive and others predominantly negative strategies. Furthermore, there was a lack of information about "triggering" factors and interactive events during personal care in the referenced publications.
Topics: Aggression; Humans; Nurse-Patient Relations; Nursing Homes; Violence
PubMed: 19520228
DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2008.09.002 -
Nutrients Apr 2013Several reviews and meta-analyses have examined the effects of iodine on mental development. None focused on young children, so they were incomplete in summarizing the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Several reviews and meta-analyses have examined the effects of iodine on mental development. None focused on young children, so they were incomplete in summarizing the effects on this important age group. The current systematic review therefore examined the relationship between iodine and mental development of children 5 years old and under. A systematic review of articles using Medline (1980-November 2011) was carried out. We organized studies according to four designs: (1) randomized controlled trial with iodine supplementation of mothers; (2) non-randomized trial with iodine supplementation of mothers and/or infants; (3) prospective cohort study stratified by pregnant women's iodine status; (4) prospective cohort study stratified by newborn iodine status. Average effect sizes for these four designs were 0.68 (2 RCT studies), 0.46 (8 non-RCT studies), 0.52 (9 cohort stratified by mothers' iodine status), and 0.54 (4 cohort stratified by infants' iodine status). This translates into 6.9 to 10.2 IQ points lower in iodine deficient children compared with iodine replete children. Thus, regardless of study design, iodine deficiency had a substantial impact on mental development. Methodological concerns included weak study designs, the omission of important confounders, small sample sizes, the lack of cluster analyses, and the lack of separate analyses of verbal and non-verbal subtests. Quantifying more precisely the contribution of iodine deficiency to delayed mental development in young children requires more well-designed randomized controlled trials, including ones on the role of iodized salt.
Topics: Age Factors; Brain; Child Behavior; Child Development; Child, Preschool; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Intelligence; Iodine; Mental Health; Pregnancy; Prenatal Care; Psychomotor Performance; Sodium Chloride, Dietary
PubMed: 23609774
DOI: 10.3390/nu5041384 -
European Archives of... Jan 2022Cochlear implantation became a valid hearing rehabilitation option in common cavity deformity. This study aimed to assess the audiological and speech outcomes of... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Cochlear implantation became a valid hearing rehabilitation option in common cavity deformity. This study aimed to assess the audiological and speech outcomes of cochlear implantation in common cavity deformity patients and to address the surgical aspect used in this population.
METHODS
A comprehensive systematic literature review based on preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guideline from database inception through April 2020. Eighteen published articles including 138 patients with common cavity deformity met the inclusion criteria. These articles studied the surgical techniques and the audiological outcomes of cochlear implantation in patients with common cavity deformity in English language.
RESULTS
Trans-mastoid labyrinthotomy was the common surgical approach in these patients. The average speech intelligibility rating and categories of auditory performance scores in common cavity deformity were lower than in normal cochlea subjects (p < 0.05), and non-significant (p > 0.05) compared with other types of inner ear malformations.
CONCLUSION
Patients with common cavity deformity who underwent cochlear implantation showed a beneficial audiological and speech outcome. However, their performance is highly variable. Therefore, pre-operative counseling of the parents is necessary. The surgical approaches should be individualized according to clinical, radiological, and surgical findings.
Topics: Cochlear Implantation; Cochlear Implants; Ear, Inner; Humans; Speech Intelligibility; Speech Perception; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34052873
DOI: 10.1007/s00405-021-06884-5 -
Journal of Affective Disorders Jan 2022Up to 1 in 5 children are exposed to maternal depressive symptoms. Children exposed to maternal depressive symptoms have poorer language skills than children not exposed... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Up to 1 in 5 children are exposed to maternal depressive symptoms. Children exposed to maternal depressive symptoms have poorer language skills than children not exposed to maternal depressive symptoms. Due to the crucial role of children's language skills in school readiness and academic achievement, it is imperative to understand the factors that underlie the relation between maternal depressive symptoms and children's language skills. Previous reviews have examined the mechanistic role of social-pragmatic features of mother-child interactions. However, the literature on the relation between maternal depressive symptoms and data-providing aspects of mother-child interactions, including child-directed speech, has yet to be consolidated. In this systematic review, we present maternal child-directed speech as a potential pathway through which maternal depressive symptoms influence children's language skills.
METHODS
Following PRISMA guidelines, three database searches produced 546 articles related to maternal depressive symptoms, child-directed speech, and children's language skills, ten of which examined the relation between maternal depressive symptoms and child-directed speech.
RESULTS
Findings revealed that increases in maternal depressive symptoms may be associated with decreases in amount of child-directed speech but not necessarily with decreases in the complexity of child-directed speech.
LIMITATIONS
The studies in this review varied in sample size, the inclusion of important sociodemographic factors, and the operationalization of depression and child-directed speech, thereby limiting conclusions, especially about whether maternal depressive symptoms are associated with the complexity of child-directed speech.
CONCLUSIONS
This review has implications for prevention and intervention efforts aimed at optimizing children's language skills; child-directed speech is modifiable, and mothers experiencing depressive symptoms may benefit from resources encouraging rich child-directed speech.
Topics: Depression; Female; Humans; Mother-Child Relations; Mothers; Sociodemographic Factors; Speech
PubMed: 34656673
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.10.015 -
Current Diabetes Reports Apr 2014The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and obesity is increasing in developed countries, presenting significant challenges to acute care and public... (Review)
Review
The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and obesity is increasing in developed countries, presenting significant challenges to acute care and public health. The aim of this study is to systematically review published controlled trials evaluating behavior modification interventions to prevent the development of GDM. Nine studies were identified involving such techniques as repetition of information, use of verbal and written educational information, goal setting, and planning, in addition to group and individual counseling sessions. Of the 3 trials with GDM incidence as a primary outcome, only 1 showed a significant reduction. GDM was a secondary outcome in 6 studies where the prevention of excessive gestational weight gain was the primary outcome and only 1 trial study determined an effective intervention. The small number of effective interventions highlights a significant gap in evidence to inform maternity health policy and practice.
Topics: Diabetes, Gestational; Exercise; Female; Health Behavior; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Male; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Obesity; Patient Compliance; Patient Education as Topic; Pregnancy; Primary Prevention; Risk Reduction Behavior; Weight Gain
PubMed: 24554382
DOI: 10.1007/s11892-014-0480-6 -
Oral Oncology Jun 2013This was a systematic review of the current research on speech and swallowing outcomes and the factors affecting these outcomes after primary resection of tongue cancer... (Review)
Review
This was a systematic review of the current research on speech and swallowing outcomes and the factors affecting these outcomes after primary resection of tongue cancer and free flap reconstruction. A structured search in various electronic databases and relevant journals was performed. Retrieved articles were critically appraised in three rounds according to the level of evidence, the methodological quality, and the specific domain of speech and swallowing. A total of 21 articles were in the final review and the findings were categorized according to the area of tongue resection. For patients with resection and free flap reconstruction limited to either the oral tongue or the base of tongue (BOT), significant decline in speech and swallowing function was evident in the early postoperative phase, but the majority recovered close to preoperative level after 1 year. Poorer speech and swallowing outcomes were found following resections involving both oral and base of tongue (OBOT) regardless of the type of free flap reconstruction. Results overall were influenced by multiple factors including tumor size, area of resection, method of reconstruction and the use of adjuvant therapy. The use of free flaps in the immediate reconstruction of the tongue after tumor resection should aim at the maintenance of the mobility of the residual tongue and restoration of tongue bulk in order to optimize the recovery of speech and swallowing function. Future research in this field should employ standardized and reliable evaluation of speech and swallowing outcomes using multiple modalities in well-designed cohort studies with longer follow-up.
Topics: Deglutition; Humans; Postoperative Period; Speech; Surgical Flaps; Tongue Neoplasms; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 23566773
DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2013.03.001 -
Journal of Medical Internet Research Jan 2024Embodied conversational agents (ECAs) are computer-generated animated humanlike characters that interact with users through verbal and nonverbal behavioral cues. They... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Embodied conversational agents (ECAs) are computer-generated animated humanlike characters that interact with users through verbal and nonverbal behavioral cues. They are increasingly used in a range of fields, including health care.
OBJECTIVE
This scoping review aims to identify the current practice in the development and evaluation of ECAs for chronic diseases.
METHODS
We applied a methodological framework in this review. A total of 6 databases (ie, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, ACM Digital Library, IEEE Xplore Digital Library, and Web of Science) were searched using a combination of terms related to ECAs and health in October 2023. Two independent reviewers selected the studies and extracted the data. This review followed the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) statement.
RESULTS
The literature search found 6332 papers, of which 36 (0.57%) met the inclusion criteria. Among the 36 studies, 27 (75%) originated from the United States, and 28 (78%) were published from 2020 onward. The reported ECAs covered a wide range of chronic diseases, with a focus on cancers, atrial fibrillation, and type 2 diabetes, primarily to promote screening and self-management. Most ECAs were depicted as middle-aged women based on screenshots and communicated with users through voice and nonverbal behavior. The most frequently reported evaluation outcomes were acceptability and effectiveness.
CONCLUSIONS
This scoping review provides valuable insights for technology developers and health care professionals regarding the development and implementation of ECAs. It emphasizes the importance of technological advances in the embodiment, personalized strategy, and communication modality and requires in-depth knowledge of user preferences regarding appearance, animation, and intervention content. Future studies should incorporate measures of cost, efficiency, and productivity to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the benefits of using ECAs in health care.
Topics: Middle Aged; Humans; Female; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Communication; Chronic Disease; Voice; Atrial Fibrillation
PubMed: 38194260
DOI: 10.2196/47134