25 research outputs found
Perceptual learning of time-compressed and natural fast speech
Speakers vary their speech rate considerably during a conversation, and listeners are able to quickly adapt to these variations in speech rate. Adaptation to fast speech rates is usually measured using artificially time-compressed speech. This study examined adaptation to two types of fast speech: artificially time-compressed speech and natural fast speech. Listeners performed a speeded sentence verification task on three series of sentences: normal-speed sentences, time-compressed sentences, and natural fast sentences. Listeners were divided into two groups to evaluate the possibility of transfer of learning between the time-compressed and natural fast conditions. The first group verified the natural fast before the time-compressed sentences, while the second verified the time-compressed before the natural fast sentences. The results showed transfer of learning when the time-compressed sentences preceded the natural fast sentences, but not when natural fast sentences preceded the time-compressed sentences. The results are discussed in the framework of theories on perceptual learning. Second, listeners show adaptation to the natural fast sentences, but performance for this type of fast speech does not improve to the level of time-compressed sentences
Fish oil administration in older adults: is there potential for adverse events? A systematic review of the literature
ackground: Omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid supplementation is becoming increasingly popular. However given its
antithrombotic properties the potential for severe adverse events (SAE) such as bleeding has safety implications,
particularly in an older adult population. A systematic review of randomized control trials (RCT) was conducted to
explore the potential for SAE and non-severe adverse events (non-SAE) associated with n-3 supplementation in
older adults.
Methods: A comprehensive search strategy using Medline and a variety of other electronic sources was conducted.
Studies investigating the oral administration of n-3 fish oil containing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic
acid (DHA) or both against a placebo were sourced. The primary outcome of interest included reported SAE
associated with n-3 supplementation. Chi-square analyses were conducted on the pooled aggregate of AEs.
Results: Of the 398 citations initially retrieved, a total of 10 studies involving 994 older adults aged ≥60 years were
included in the review. Daily fish oil doses ranged from 0.03 g to 1.86 g EPA and/or DHA with study durations
ranging from 6 to 52 weeks. No SAE were reported and there were no significant differences in the total AE rate
between groups (n-3 intervention group: 53/540; 9.8%; placebo group: 28/454; 6.2%; p= 0.07). Non-SAE relating to
gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances were the most commonly reported however there was no significant increase in
the proportion of GI disturbances reported in participants randomized to the n-3 intervention (n-3 intervention
group: 42/540 (7.8%); placebo group: 24/454 (5.3%); p= 0.18).
Conclusions: The potential for AEs appear mild-moderate at worst and are unlikely to be of clinical significance. The
use of n-3 fatty acids and the potential for SAE should however be further researched to investigate whether this
evidence is consistent at higher doses and in other populations. These results also highlight that well-documented data
outlining the potential for SAE following n-3 supplementation are limited nor adequately reported to draw definitive
conclusions concerning the safety associated with n-3 supplementation. A more rigorous and systematic approach for
monitoring and recording AE data in clinical settings that involve n-3 supplementation is required.The authors would like to acknowledge funding
provided for the ongoing ATLANTIC randomized controlled trial supported
by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Australia