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PloS One 2017The placebo effect is usually studied in clinical settings for decreasing negative symptoms such as pain, depression and anxiety. There is interest in exploring the...
BACKGROUND
The placebo effect is usually studied in clinical settings for decreasing negative symptoms such as pain, depression and anxiety. There is interest in exploring the placebo effect also outside the clinic, for enhancing positive aspects of performance or cognition. Several studies indicate that placebo can enhance cognitive abilities including memory, implicit learning and general knowledge. Here, we ask whether placebo can enhance creativity, an important aspect of human cognition.
METHODS
Subjects were randomly assigned to a control group who smelled and rated an odorant (n = 45), and a placebo group who were treated identically but were also told that the odorant increases creativity and reduces inhibitions (n = 45). Subjects completed a recently developed automated test for creativity, the creative foraging game (CFG), and a randomly chosen subset (n = 57) also completed two manual standardized creativity tests, the alternate uses test (AUT) and the Torrance test (TTCT). In all three tests, participants were asked to create as many original solutions and were scored for originality, flexibility and fluency.
RESULTS
The placebo group showed higher originality than the control group both in the CFG (p<0.04, effect size = 0.5) and in the AUT (p<0.05, effect size = 0.4), but not in the Torrance test. The placebo group also found more shapes outside of the standard categories found by a set of 100 CFG players in a previous study, a feature termed out-of-the-boxness (p<0.01, effect size = 0.6).
CONCLUSIONS
The findings indicate that placebo can enhance the originality aspect of creativity. This strengthens the view that placebo can be used not only to reduce negative clinical symptoms, but also to enhance positive aspects of cognition. Furthermore, we find that the impact of placebo on creativity can be tested by CFG, which can quantify multiple aspects of creative search without need for manual coding. This approach opens the way to explore the behavioral and neural mechanisms by which placebo might amplify creativity.
Topics: Cognition; Creativity; Humans; Odorants; Placebo Effect; Pliability; Thinking
PubMed: 28892513
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182466 -
Journal of the Neurological Sciences Nov 2019Embolization coils have routinely been used to treat intracranial aneurysms via an endovascular approach. Soft coils are typically viewed as the best design for filling...
BACKGROUND
Embolization coils have routinely been used to treat intracranial aneurysms via an endovascular approach. Soft coils are typically viewed as the best design for filling and finishing the aneurysms to achieve a higher packing density and are hypothesized to exert a lower force against the aneurysm wall during deployment. We report here an in vitro pliability test method to assess clinically relevant coil softness and compare these metrics for two commercially available framing and finishing coil products.
METHODS
A force measurement sensor was affixed onto a side-wall synthetic aneurysm model to continuously measure forces on the aneurysm wall during coil deployment at a fixed delivery rate. A quantitative overall energy metric (average work number or AWN) was calculated from the force-displacement graph representing coil delivery into the aneurysm. Two groups of coils were evaluated: (a) finish coil group (N = 20 ea.): Axium™ Prime Extra Soft coil (ES) and Target™ 360 Nano coil (Nano), and (b) frame coil group (N = 20 ea.): Axium™ Prime FC coil (FC) and Target™ 360 Standard coil (Standard).
RESULTS
(a) In the finish coil group, AWN was measured as: ES (0.53 ± 0.09 gf-cm) and Nano (0.99 ± 0.21 gf-cm). (b) In the frame coil group, AWN was measured as FC (2.54 ± 0.53 gf-cm) and Standard (4.48 ± 0.52 gf-cm). In both groups, Axium Prime coils had statistically lower measures of AWN and therefore higher pliability compared to Target coils (p < .001).
CONCLUSIONS
The in-vitro pliability test method offers quantitative metrics to assess coil softness during deployment in a clinically relevant aneurysm model.
Topics: Embolization, Therapeutic; Equipment Design; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Intracranial Aneurysm; Pliability
PubMed: 31629992
DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2019.116432 -
Scientific Reports Feb 2022Color blindness, or color vision deficiency (CVD), is an ocular disease that suppresses the recognition of different colors. Recently, tinted glasses and lenses have...
Color blindness, or color vision deficiency (CVD), is an ocular disease that suppresses the recognition of different colors. Recently, tinted glasses and lenses have been studied as hopeful devices for color blindness correction. In this study, 2D biocompatible and flexible plasmonic contact lenses were fabricated using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and a low-cost, and simple design based on the soft nano-lithography method and investigated for correction of red-green (deuteranomaly) color blindness. In addition, the stability test of the fabricated plasmonic contact lenses was investigated into the phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution and the proposed lens offers an excellent stability into the PBS solution. The plasmonic contact lens proposed herein is based on the plasmonic surface lattice resonance (SLR) phenomenon and offers a good color filter for color blindness correction. The biocompatibility, low cost, stability, and simple fabrication of these contact lenses can offer new insights for applications of color blindness correction.
Topics: Biocompatible Materials; Buffers; Color; Color Perception; Color Vision Defects; Contact Lenses; Dimethylpolysiloxanes; Humans; Phosphates; Pliability; Saline Solution; Vision, Ocular
PubMed: 35132172
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06089-8 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Feb 2016Multiple robotic flexible endoscope platforms have been developed based on cross specialty collaboration between engineers and medical doctors. However, significant... (Review)
Review
Multiple robotic flexible endoscope platforms have been developed based on cross specialty collaboration between engineers and medical doctors. However, significant number of these platforms have been developed for the natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery paradigm. Increasing amount of evidence suggest the focus of development should be placed on advanced endolumenal procedures such as endoscopic submucosal dissection instead. A thorough literature analysis was performed to assess the current status of robotic flexible endoscopic platforms designed for advanced endolumenal procedures. Current efforts are mainly focused on robotic locomotion and robotic instrument control. In the future, advances in actuation and servoing technology, optical analysis, augmented reality and wireless power transmission technology will no doubt further advance the field of robotic endoscopy. Globally, health systems have become increasingly budget conscious; widespread acceptance of robotic endoscopy will depend on careful design to ensure its delivery of a cost effective service.
Topics: Diffusion of Innovation; Endoscopes, Gastrointestinal; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; Equipment Design; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Humans; Pliability; Predictive Value of Tests; Robotic Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 26855540
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i5.1811 -
Trends in Cognitive Sciences Feb 2009We present an overview of current literature addressing cognitive flexibility in autism spectrum disorders. Based on recent studies at multiple sites, using diverse... (Review)
Review
We present an overview of current literature addressing cognitive flexibility in autism spectrum disorders. Based on recent studies at multiple sites, using diverse methods and participants of different autism subtypes, ages and cognitive levels, no consistent evidence for cognitive flexibility deficits was found. Researchers and clinicians assume that inflexible everyday behaviors in autism are directly related to cognitive flexibility deficits as assessed by clinical and experimental measures. However, there is a large gap between the day-to-day behavioral flexibility and that measured with these cognitive flexibility tasks. To advance the field, experimental measures must evolve to reflect mechanistic models of flexibility deficits. Moreover, ecologically valid measures are required to be able to resolve the paradox between cognitive and behavioral inflexibility.
Topics: Autistic Disorder; Cognition; Humans; Neuropsychological Tests; Pliability; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Psychomotor Performance
PubMed: 19138551
DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2008.11.006 -
Dental Materials : Official Publication... Feb 2020To assess the performance of thiol Michael photocurable composites based on ester-free thiols and vinyl sulfonamides of varying monomer structures and varied filler...
OBJECTIVE
To assess the performance of thiol Michael photocurable composites based on ester-free thiols and vinyl sulfonamides of varying monomer structures and varied filler loadings and to contrast the properties of the prototype composites with conventional BisGMA-TEGDMA methacrylate composite.
METHODS
Synthetic divinyl sulfonamides and ester-free tetrafunctional thiol monomers were utilized for thiol-Michael composite development with the incorporation of thiolated microfiller. Polymerization kinetics was investigated using FTIR spectroscopy. Resin viscosities were assessed with rheometry. Water uptake properties were assessed according to standardized methods. Thermomechanical properties were analyzed by dynamic mechanical analysis. Flexural modulus/strength and flexural toughness were measured on a universal testing machine in three-point bending testing mode.
RESULTS
The vinyl sulfonamide-based thiol-Michael resin formulation demonstrated a wide range of viscosities with a significant increase in the functional group conversion when compared to the BisGMA-TEGDMA system. The two different types of vinyl sulfonamide under investigation demonstrated significant differences towards the water sorption. Tertiary vinyl sulfonamide did not undergo visible swelling whereas the secondary vinyl sulfonamide composite swelled extensively in water. With the introduction of rigid monomer into the polymer matrix the glass transition temperature increased and so increased the toughness. Glassy thiol-Michael composites were obtained by ambient curing.
SIGNIFICANCE
Employing the newly developed step-growth thiol-Michael resins in dental composites will provide structural uniformity, improved stability and lower water sorption.
Topics: Composite Resins; Materials Testing; Methacrylates; Pliability; Polyethylene Glycols; Polymerization; Polymethacrylic Acids; Stress, Mechanical; Sulfhydryl Compounds; Sulfonamides
PubMed: 31791733
DOI: 10.1016/j.dental.2019.11.012 -
Journal of Dental Research Jul 2019A novel filler-resin matrix interphase structure was developed and evaluated for dental composite restoratives. Nanogel additives were chemically attached to the filler...
A novel filler-resin matrix interphase structure was developed and evaluated for dental composite restoratives. Nanogel additives were chemically attached to the filler surface to use this created interphase as a potential source of compliance to minimize stress development during polymerization. In addition, we evaluated the effects of free nanogel dispersion into the resin matrix, combined or not with nanogel-modified fillers. Nanogels with varied characteristics were synthesized (i.e., size, 5 and 11 nm; glass transition temperature, 28 °C to 65 °C). Glass fillers were treated with trimethoxyvinylsilane and further reacted with thiol-functionalized nanogels via a free radical thiol-ene reaction. γ-Methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane-surface treated fillers were used as a control. Composites were formulated with BisGMA/TEGDMA resin blend with 60 wt% fillers with nanogel-modified fillers and/or free nanogel additives at 15 wt% in the resin phase. Polymerization kinetics, polymerization stress, volumetric shrinkage, and rheological and mechanical properties were evaluated to provide comprehensive characterization. Nanogel-modified fillers significantly reduced the polymerization stress from 2.2 MPa to 1.7 to 1.4 MPa, resulting in 20% stress reduction. A significantly greater nanogel content was required to generate the same magnitude stress reduction when the nanogels were dispersed only in the resin phase. When the nanogel-modified filler surface treatment and resin-dispersed nanogel strategies were combined, there was a stress reduction of 50% (values of 1.2 to 1.1 MPa). Polymerization rate and volumetric shrinkage were significantly reduced for systems with nanogel additives into the resin. Notably, the flexural modulus of the materials was not compromised, although a slight reduction in flexural strength associated with the nanogel-modified interphase was observed. Overall, modest amounts of free nanogel additives in the resin phase can be effectively combined with a limited nanogel content filler-resin interphase to lower volumetric shrinkage and dramatically reduce overall polymerization stress of composites.
Topics: Composite Resins; Dental Materials; Materials Testing; Methacrylates; Nanogels; Pliability; Polymerization; Polymethacrylic Acids; Stress, Mechanical; Surface Properties
PubMed: 31050913
DOI: 10.1177/0022034519845843 -
Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.) May 2016Measuring physical function in children with obesity is important to provide targets for clinical intervention to reduce impairments and increase participation in... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Measuring physical function in children with obesity is important to provide targets for clinical intervention to reduce impairments and increase participation in activities. The objective of this integrative review was to evaluate measurement properties of performance-based measures of physical function in children with overweight and obesity.
DESIGN AND METHODS
An integrative review of literature published in Cochrane Reviews, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, PLoS, Medline, and Scopus was conducted.
RESULTS
Twenty-eight studies were eligible and represented 66 performance-based measures of physical function. Assessments of repeatability and feasibility were not conducted in the majority of performance measures reported; only 6-min-timed walk (6MTW) was examined for test-retest repeatability. Measures of flexibility, strength, aerobic performance, anaerobic performance, coordination, and balance demonstrated construct validity and responsiveness; however, findings were inconsistent across all performance-based measures. Multi-item tests of physical function demonstrated acceptable construct validity and responsiveness; however, internal consistency was not determined.
CONCLUSIONS
There is moderate evidence that 6MTW is suitable for the measurement of physical function in children with obesity. However, evidence is low for the use of aerobic and anaerobic performance, muscle strength, Movement Assessment Battery for Children, and Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency multi-item performance instruments and very low for flexibility, coordination, and balance tests. Based on this review, measurement of physical function using 6MTW is recommended.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Humans; Movement; Muscle Strength; Overweight; Pediatric Obesity; Physical Endurance; Physical Fitness; Pliability; Reproducibility of Results; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 27062537
DOI: 10.1002/oby.21468 -
Canadian Family Physician Medecin de... Sep 2003To present a practical approach for preventing running injuries. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To present a practical approach for preventing running injuries.
QUALITY OF EVIDENCE
Much of the research on running injuries is in the form of expert opinion and comparison trials. Recent systematic reviews have summarized research in orthotics, stretching before running, and interventions to prevent soft tissue injuries.
MAIN MESSAGE
The most common factors implicated in running injuries are errors in training methods, inappropriate training surfaces and running shoes, malalignment of the leg, and muscle weakness and inflexibility. Runners can reduce risk of injury by using established training programs that gradually increase distance or time of running and provide appropriate rest. Orthoses and heel lifts can correct malalignments of the leg. Running shoes appropriate for runners' foot types should be selected. Lower-extremity strength and flexibility programs should be added to training. Select appropriate surfaces for training and introduce changes gradually.
CONCLUSION
Prevention addresses factors proven to cause running injuries. Unfortunately, injury is often the first sign of fault in running programs, so patients should be taught to recognize early symptoms of injury.
Topics: Athletic Injuries; Biomechanical Phenomena; Evidence-Based Medicine; Family Practice; Humans; Muscle Weakness; Orthotic Devices; Physician's Role; Pliability; Risk Factors; Running; Shoes
PubMed: 14526862
DOI: No ID Found -
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery Jan 2006
Topics: Chest Tubes; Dimethylpolysiloxanes; Drainage; Equipment Design; Humans; Pliability; Research Design; Silicones; Thoracostomy; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 16368395
DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2005.07.066