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Autism & Developmental Language... 2022Humans communicate primarily through spoken language and speech perception is a core function of the human auditory system. Among the autistic community, atypical...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Humans communicate primarily through spoken language and speech perception is a core function of the human auditory system. Among the autistic community, atypical sensory reactivity and social communication difficulties are pervasive, yet the research literature lacks in-depth self-report data on speech perception in this population. The present study aimed to elicit detailed first-person accounts of autistic individuals' abilities and difficulties perceiving the spoken word.
METHODS
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine autistic adults. The interview schedule addressed interviewees' experiences of speech perception, factors influencing those experiences, and responses to those experiences. Resulting interview transcripts underwent thematic analysis. The six-person study team included two autistic researchers, to reduce risk of neurotypical 'overshadowing' of autistic voices.
RESULTS
Most interviewees reported pronounced difficulties perceiving speech in the presence of competing sounds. They emphasised that such listening difficulties are distinct from social difficulties, though the two can add and interact. Difficulties were of several varieties, ranging from powerful auditory distraction to drowning out of voices by continuous sounds. Contributing factors encompassed not only features of the soundscape but also non-acoustic factors such as multisensory processing and social cognition. Participants also identified compounding factors, such as lack of understanding of listening difficulties. Impacts were diverse and sometimes disabling, affecting socialising, emotions, fatigue, career, and self-image. A wide array of coping mechanisms was described.
CONCLUSIONS
The first in-depth qualitative investigation of autistic speech-perception experiences has revealed diverse and widespread listening difficulties. These can combine with other internal, interpersonal, and societal factors to induce profound impacts. Lack of understanding of such listening difficulties - by the self, by communication partners, by institutions, and especially by clinicians - appears to be a crucial exacerbating factor. Many autistic adults have developed coping strategies to lessen speech-perception difficulties or mitigate their effects, and these are generally self-taught due to lack of clinical support.
IMPLICATIONS
There is a need for carefully designed, adequately powered confirmatory research to verify, quantify, and disentangle the various forms of listening difficulty, preferably using large samples to explore heterogeneity. More immediate benefit might be obtained through development of self-help and clinical guidance materials, and by raising awareness of autistic listening experiences and needs, among the autistic community, communication partners, institutions, and clinicians.
PubMed: 36382084
DOI: 10.1177/23969415221077532 -
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2022To further develop three-dimensional (3D) applications, it is important to elucidate the negative effects of 3D applications on the human body and mind. Thus, this study...
To further develop three-dimensional (3D) applications, it is important to elucidate the negative effects of 3D applications on the human body and mind. Thus, this study investigated differences in the effects of visual fatigue on cognition and brain activity using visual and auditory tasks induced by watching a 1-h movie in two dimensions (2D) and 3D. Eighteen young men participated in this study. Two conditions were randomly performed for each participant on different days, namely, watching the 1-h movie on television in 2D (control condition) and 3D (3D condition). Before and after watching the 1-h movie on television, critical flicker fusion frequency (CFF: an index of visual fatigue), and response accuracy and reaction time for the cognitive tasks were determined. Brain activity during the cognitive tasks was evaluated using a multi-channel near-infrared spectroscopy system. In contrast to the control condition, the decreased CFF, and the lengthened reaction time and the decreased activity around the right primary somatosensory cortex during Go/NoGo blocks in the visual task at post-viewing in the 3D condition were significant, with significant repeated measures correlations among them. Meanwhile, in the auditory task, the changes in cognitive performance and brain activity during the Go/NoGo blocks were not significant in the 3D condition. These results suggest that the failure or delay in the transmission of visual information to the primary somatosensory cortex due to visual fatigue induced by watching a 3D movie reduced the brain activity around the primary somatosensory cortex, resulting in poor cognitive performance for the visual task. This suggests that performing tasks that require visual information, such as running in the dark or driving a car, immediately after using a 3D application, may create unexpected risks in our lives. Thus, the findings of this study will help outlining precautions for the use of 3D applications.
PubMed: 36337858
DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.974406 -
Clinical Neurophysiology : Official... Jan 2021Reduced corticospinal excitability at rest is associated with post-stroke fatigue (PSF). However, it is not known if corticospinal excitability prior to a movement is... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
OBJECTIVES
Reduced corticospinal excitability at rest is associated with post-stroke fatigue (PSF). However, it is not known if corticospinal excitability prior to a movement is also altered in fatigue which may then influence subsequent behaviour. We hypothesized that the levels of PSF can be explained by differences in modulation of corticospinal excitability during movement preparation.
METHODS
73 stroke survivors performed an auditory reaction time task. Corticospinal excitability was measured using transcranial magnetic stimulation. Fatigue was quantified using the fatigue severity scale. The effect of time and fatigue on corticospinal excitability and reaction time was analysed using a mixed effects model.
RESULTS
Those with greater levels of PSF showed reduced suppression of corticospinal excitability during movement preparation and increased facilitation immediately prior to movement onset (β = -0.0066, t = -2.22, p = 0.0263). Greater the fatigue, slower the reaction times the closer the stimulation time to movement onset (β = 0.0024, t = 2.47, p = 0.0159).
CONCLUSIONS
Lack of pre-movement modulation of corticospinal excitability in high fatigue may indicate poor sensory processing supporting the sensory attenuation model of fatigue.
SIGNIFICANCE
We take a systems-based approach and investigate the motor system and its role in pathological fatigue allowing us to move towards gaining a mechanistic understanding of chronic pathological fatigue.
Topics: Acoustic Stimulation; Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Electromyography; Evoked Potentials, Motor; Fatigue; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Motor Cortex; Movement; Muscle, Skeletal; Pyramidal Tracts; Reaction Time; Stroke; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
PubMed: 33302061
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2020.11.012 -
Entropy (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2021The accurate detection and alleviation of driving fatigue are of great significance to traffic safety. In this study, we tried to apply the modified multi-scale entropy...
The accurate detection and alleviation of driving fatigue are of great significance to traffic safety. In this study, we tried to apply the modified multi-scale entropy (MMSE) approach, based on variational mode decomposition (VMD), to driving fatigue detection. Firstly, the VMD was used to decompose EEG into multiple intrinsic mode functions (IMFs), then the best IMFs and scale factors were selected using the least square method (LSM). Finally, the MMSE features were extracted. Compared with the traditional sample entropy (SampEn), the VMD-MMSE method can identify the characteristics of driving fatigue more effectively. The VMD-MMSE characteristics combined with a subjective questionnaire (SQ) were used to analyze the change trends of driving fatigue under two driving modes: normal driving mode and interesting auditory stimulation mode. The results show that the interesting auditory stimulation method adopted in this paper can effectively relieve driving fatigue. In addition, the interesting auditory stimulation method, which simply involves playing interesting auditory information on the vehicle-mounted player, can effectively relieve driving fatigue. Compared with traditional driving fatigue-relieving methods, such as sleeping and drinking coffee, this interesting auditory stimulation method can relieve fatigue in real-time when the driver is driving normally.
PubMed: 34573834
DOI: 10.3390/e23091209 -
Journal of Pathology Informatics Dec 2024Laboratory testing can provide information useful to promote patient health literacy and ultimately patient well-being. The human state of mind involves not only... (Review)
Review
Laboratory testing can provide information useful to promote patient health literacy and ultimately patient well-being. The human state of mind involves not only cognition but also emotion and motivation factors when receiving, processing, and acting upon information. The cognitive load for patients acquiring and processing new information is high. Modes of distribution can affect both attention to and receipt of information. Implicit unconscious biases can affect whom and what patients believe. Positive wording and framing of information with salience for patients can evoke positive emotions. Providing patients with the gist, or essential meaning, of information can positively influence decision-making. What laboratorians provide as information helps to combat mis- and disinformation. Laboratorians can actively participate in measures to improve the patient experience in health care by developing and contributing to high-quality information to enable timely, meaningful communication and interpretation of test results.
PubMed: 38075016
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpi.2023.100349 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jul 2022Auditory steady-state response (ASSR) is a translational biomarker for several neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as hearing loss, schizophrenia, bipolar...
The Full Informational Spectral Analysis for Auditory Steady-State Responses in Human Brain Using the Combination of Canonical Correlation Analysis and Holo-Hilbert Spectral Analysis.
Auditory steady-state response (ASSR) is a translational biomarker for several neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as hearing loss, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism, etc. The ASSR is sinusoidal electroencephalography (EEG)/magnetoencephalography (MEG) responses induced by periodically presented auditory stimuli. Traditional frequency analysis assumes ASSR is a stationary response, which can be analyzed using linear analysis approaches, such as Fourier analysis or Wavelet. However, recent studies have reported that the human steady-state responses are dynamic and can be modulated by the subject's attention, wakefulness state, mental load, and mental fatigue. The amplitude modulations on the measured oscillatory responses can result in the spectral broadening or frequency splitting on the Fourier spectrum, owing to the trigonometric product-to-sum formula. Accordingly, in this study, we analyzed the human ASSR by the combination of canonical correlation analysis (CCA) and Holo-Hilbert spectral analysis (HHSA). The CCA was used to extract ASSR-related signal features, and the HHSA was used to decompose the extracted ASSR responses into amplitude modulation (AM) components and frequency modulation (FM) components, in which the FM frequency represents the fast-changing intra-mode frequency and the AM frequency represents the slow-changing inter-mode frequency. In this paper, we aimed to study the AM and FM spectra of ASSR responses in a 37 Hz steady-state auditory stimulation. Twenty-five healthy subjects were recruited for this study, and each subject was requested to participate in two auditory stimulation sessions, including one right-ear and one left-ear monaural steady-state auditory stimulation. With the HHSA, both the 37 Hz (fundamental frequency) and the 74 Hz (first harmonic frequency) auditory responses were successfully extracted. Examining the AM spectra, the 37 Hz and the 74 Hz auditory responses were modulated by distinct AM spectra, each with at least three composite frequencies. In contrast to the results of traditional Fourier spectra, frequency splitting was seen at 37 Hz, and a spectral peak was obscured at 74 Hz in Fourier spectra. The proposed method effectively corrects the frequency splitting problem resulting from time-varying amplitude changes. Our results have validated the HHSA as a useful tool for steady-state response (SSR) studies so that the misleading or wrong interpretation caused by amplitude modulation in the traditional Fourier spectrum can be avoided.
PubMed: 35807153
DOI: 10.3390/jcm11133868 -
Physiotherapy Mar 2023Although growing evidence has shown beneficial effects of motor imagery (MI) training in different populations including people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), not all... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Although growing evidence has shown beneficial effects of motor imagery (MI) training in different populations including people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), not all patients with neurological diseases may benefit from MI.
OBJECTIVES
To investigate factors and strategies affecting and enhancing MI ability in pwMS.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE/PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Scopus, EMBASE, EBSCOhost, Web of Science and REHABDATA databases, clinical trials registries, dissertation repositories, study bibliographies and internet search engines were searched through August 2021.
STUDY SELECTION
Any study type but single case studies investigating factors or strategies contributing to MI ability in pwMS.
STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS
Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for Case-Control and Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies and Cochrane RoB-2.0 tool for randomised trials. A qualitative synthesis was performed summarising main results.
RESULTS
Eight databases, 4 trial registries, 9 dissertation repositories, and 1 internet search engine were searched. Fourteen studies including 366 pwMS and 236 healthy controls were included. Most frequently, cognitive impairment was reported as a negative factor influencing MI ability in pwMS. Other negative factors were cognitive fatigue and disability. Inconsistent evidence was found on the contribution of MS phenotype, anxiety, and depression. Using a theory-based MI framework and familiarisation to MI and external cueing may enhance MI ability.
LIMITATIONS
Eligible studies were highly heterogeneous.
CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS OF KEY FINDINGS
Cognitive impairment, cognitive fatigue and disability negatively influence MI ability in pwMS. Visual and/or auditory cueing of MI are strategies for facilitating MI ability.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER
PROSPERO CRD42020173081 CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER.
Topics: Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Cross-Sectional Studies; Imagery, Psychotherapy
PubMed: 36184292
DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2022.09.005 -
Neurological Sciences : Official... Feb 2015The aim of the study was to evaluate visual and brainstem auditory evoked potentials (VEP, BAEP) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with regards to fatigue and...
The aim of the study was to evaluate visual and brainstem auditory evoked potentials (VEP, BAEP) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with regards to fatigue and disease-related variables. The study comprised 86 MS patients and 40 controls. Fatigue was assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS/FSS-5) and the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). Latencies and amplitudes of the P100 component of VEP and the I-V components of BAEP were analyzed. The results of EP were compared between non-fatigued, moderately and severely fatigued MS patients and controls. P100 latency was increased and amplitude decreased in moderately and severely fatigued MS subjects. The latency of the V component of BAEP and interlatencies I-III-V were increased in severely fatigued patients. The amplitude of the V component was lowered in fatigued patients. VEP and BAEP abnormalities were usually one-sided. Interocular P100 latency difference tended to correlate with FSS/FSS-5. The parameters of VEP and BAEP correlated with functional system scores but not with MS duration, overall degree of disability or its progression over time. Significant, usually asymmetrical VEP and BAEP abnormalities were found in fatigued MS patients, with no relationships to disease-related variables. EP may be considered an electrophysiological marker of fatigue in MS patients.
Topics: Acoustic Stimulation; Adult; Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem; Evoked Potentials, Visual; Fatigue; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Multiple Sclerosis; Photic Stimulation; Severity of Illness Index; Young Adult
PubMed: 25240278
DOI: 10.1007/s10072-014-1953-8 -
International Journal of Occupational... Jan 2018To determine whether call center dispatchers wearing headsets are subject to auditory fatigue at the end of a work shift.
OBJECTIVES
To determine whether call center dispatchers wearing headsets are subject to auditory fatigue at the end of a work shift.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Data was gathered at times when call centers were busiest. All call operators wore a headset for up to 12 h. Acoustic environment and noise exposure under the headset were continuously recorded during the entire work shift. Variations in auditory parameters were assessed using pure-tone air-conduction audiometry and an objective test based on distortion product otoacoustic emissions - contralateral suppression of distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) amplitudes (EchoScan test). Thirty-nine operators and 16 controls, all volunteers, were selected from 3 call centers (sales, assistance, and emergency) where all cognitive tasks were accomplished by phone and on computers.
RESULTS
No acoustic shock was detected during the investigation. The highest normalized noise exposure (daily noise exposure level - L) measured was 75.5 dBA. No significant variation in auditory performances was detected with either pure-tone air-conduction audiometry or the EchoScan test. Nevertheless, dispatchers expressed a feeling of tiredness.
CONCLUSIONS
For an equivalent diffuse field noise exposure, the use of a headset does not seem to worsen auditory fatigue for call center operators. The dispatcher's fatigue was probably due to the duration of the work shift or to the tasks they performed rather than to the noise exposure under a headset. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2018;31(2):217-226.
Topics: Adult; Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Auditory Fatigue; Computers; Fatigue; France; Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced; Hotlines; Humans; Middle Aged; Noise; Noise, Occupational; Otoacoustic Emissions, Spontaneous; Telephone
PubMed: 29072709
DOI: 10.13075/ijomeh.1896.01131 -
Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B Feb 2020The objective of this analysis was to provide a comprehensive analysis of safety data for adjunctive brivaracetam (BRV), an antiepileptic drug (AED) of the racetam... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this analysis was to provide a comprehensive analysis of safety data for adjunctive brivaracetam (BRV), an antiepileptic drug (AED) of the racetam class, for treatment of focal seizures in patients with epilepsy.
METHODS
Data were pooled from two phase II, placebo-controlled, double-blind, dose-ranging trials (N01114 [ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00175929], N01193 [NCT00175825]) and three phase III, placebo-controlled, double-blind, 12-week trials (N01252 [NCT00490035], N01253 [NCT00464269], and N01358 [NCT01261325]) in patients aged ≥16 years with focal seizures, as well as a phase III, placebo-controlled, double-blind, 16-week trial in patients aged ≥16 years with focal or generalized epilepsy (N01254 [NCT00504881]). Data are presented for the approved therapeutic dose range of 50-200 mg/day. Data for BRV administered intravenously (25-150 mg doses) were pooled separately from one phase III trial (N01258 NCT01405508]) and two clinical pharmacology trials (N01256 [Part B] [UCB Pharma, data on file]; EP0007 [NCT01796899]). Adverse events (AEs) of interest were summarized in relevant categories.
RESULTS
The safety pool comprised 1957 patients: 1271 receiving adjunctive BRV and 686 receiving placebo. Overall, the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) was 66.9% with BRV versus 62.8% with placebo. The most frequently reported TEAEs with BRV (≥5% of patients) versus placebo were somnolence (13.3% vs. 7.9%), headache (10.5% vs. 11.5%), dizziness (10.0% vs. 7.0%), and fatigue (8.2% vs. 4.2%). Incidence of psychiatric disorder-related TEAEs was 11.3% with BRV versus 8.2% with placebo. Behavioral disorder-related TEAE incidence was low (4.0% with BRV vs. 2.5% with placebo). Irritability was reported in 2.7% of BRV-treated patients vs. 1.5% of patients receiving placebo; anger, aggression, and agitation were each reported by ≤1% of patients receiving BRV. Treatment-emergent adverse events potentially associated with psychosis were psychotic disorder (three patients on BRV vs. two patients on placebo), auditory hallucination, illusion, visual hallucination (one patient each on BRV), epileptic psychosis, and hallucination (one patient each on placebo). No additional safety concerns were identified in patients with intravenous (IV) BRV administration (n = 104).
CONCLUSIONS
These safety data for adjunctive BRV support its acceptable safety and tolerability profile.
Topics: Administration, Intravenous; Anticonvulsants; Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; Dizziness; Double-Blind Method; Drug Therapy, Combination; Epilepsy; Fatigue; Humans; Pyrrolidinones; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 31937513
DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106864