50 research outputs found
Consideration of the listener in the assessment and treatment of dysarthria
Traditionally, speech production deficits have been the focus of clinical practice and research in dysarthria. However, recent research has begun to examine the role of the listener in communication interaction. This article provides an overview of perceptual processing theory relevant to dysarthria. In addition, it discusses the relationship of current theoretical models of speech perception to the assessment and treatment of dysarthria. Finally, it provides insight into how this information may inform current clinical practices and future research in the field
Image fusion using CT, MRI and PET for treatment planning, navigation and follow up in percutaneous RFA
Aim: To evaluate the feasibility of fusion of morphologic and functional imaging modalities to facilitate treatment planning, probe placement,
probe re-positioning, and early detection of residual disease following radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of cancer. Methods: Multi-modality datasets
were separately acquired that included functional (FDG-PET and DCE-MRI) and standard morphologic studies (CT and MRI). Different
combinations of imaging modalities were registered and fused prior to, during, and following percutaneous image-guided tumor ablation with
radiofrequency. Different algorithms and visualization tools were evaluated for both intra-modality and inter-modality image registration using
the software MIPAV (Medical Image Processing, Analysis and Visualization). Semi-automated and automated registration algorithms were used
on astandard PC workstation: 1) landmark-based least-squares rigid registration, 2) landmark-based thin-plate spline elastic registration, and
3) automatic voxel-similarity, affine registration. Results: Intra- and inter-modality image fusion were successfully performed prior to, during
and after RFA procedures. Fusion of morphologic and functional images provided a useful view of the spatial relationship of lesion structure and
functional significance. Fused axial images and segmented three-dimensional surface models were used for treatment planning and post-RFA
evaluation, to assess potential for optimizing needle placement during procedures. Conclusion: Fusion of morphologic and functional images
is feasible before, during and after radiofrequency ablation of tumors in abdominal organs. For routine use, the semi-automated registration
algorithms may be most practical. Image fusion may facilitate interventional procedures like RFA and should be further evaluated
Deriving the dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) score in women from seven pregnancy cohorts from the European alphabet consortium
The ALPHABET consortium aims to examine the interplays between maternal diet quality, epigenetics and offspring health in seven pregnancy/birth cohorts from five European countries. We aimed to use the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) score to assess diet quality, but different versions have been published. To derive a single DASH score allowing cross-country, cross-cohort and cross-period comparison and limiting data heterogeneity within the ALPHABET consortium, we harmonised food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) data collected before and during pregnancy in ≥26,500 women. Although FFQs differed strongly in length and content, we derived a consortium DASH score composed of eight food components by combining the prescriptive original DASH and the DASH described by Fung et al. Statistical issues tied to the nature of the FFQs led us to re-classify two food groups (grains and dairy products). Most DASH food components exhibited pronounced between-cohort variability, including non-full-fat dairy products (median intake ranging from 0.1 to 2.2 servings/day), sugar-sweetened beverages/sweets/added sugars (0.3–1.7 servings/day), fruits (1.1–3.1 servings/day), and vegetables (1.5–3.6 servings/day). We successfully developed a harmonized DASH score adapted to all cohorts being part of the ALPHABET consortium. This methodological work may benefit other research teams in adapting the DASH to their study’s specificities
Associations of maternal dietary inflammatory potential and quality with offspring birth outcomes: An individual participant data pooled analysis of 7 European cohorts in the ALPHABET consortium
BACKGROUND: Adverse birth outcomes are major causes of morbidity and mortality during childhood and associate with a higher risk of noncommunicable diseases in adult life. Maternal periconception and antenatal nutrition, mostly focusing on single nutrients or foods, has been shown to influence infant birth o
Extended version of the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) results in changes to vocal sound pressure level comparable to those resulting from traditional LSVT in a group of 12 participants
(1) Does an extended version of the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT), completed over a 2-month
period, result in significant increases in vocal sound pressure level in patients with Parkinson’s
disease? (2) If so, are these increases comparable to those in a previous LSVT study? (3) Does this extended version of LSVT result in functional improvement to communication
Perceptual learning of dysarthric speech: A review of experimental studies
Purpose: This review article provides a theoretical overview of the
characteristics of perceptual learning, reviews perceptual learning
studies that pertain to dysarthric populations, and identifies
directions for future research that consider the application of
perceptual learning to the management of dysarthria.
Method: A critical review of the literature was conducted that
summarized and synthesized previously published research in the
area of perceptual learning with atypical speech. Literature related
to perceptual learning of neurologically degraded speech was
emphasized with the aim of identifying key directions for future
research with this population.
Conclusions: Familiarization with unfamiliar or ambiguous
speech signals can facilitate perceptual learning of that same
speech signal. There is a small but growing body of evidence that
perceptual learning also occurs for listeners familiarized with
dysarthric speech. Perceptual learning of the dysarthric signal is
both theoretically and clinically significant. In order to establish
the efficacy of exploiting perceptual learning paradigms for
rehabilitative gain in dysarthria management, research is required
to build on existing empirical evidence and develop a theoretical
framework for learning to better recognize neurologically
degraded speech