1,093 research outputs found

    Terra incognita—cerebellar contributions to neuropsychiatric and cognitive dysfunction in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia

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    Although converging evidence has positioned the human cerebellum as an important relay for intact cognitive and neuropsychiatric processing, changes in this large structure remain mostly overlooked in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), a disease which is characterized by cognitive and neuropsychiatric deficits. The present study assessed whether degeneration in specific cerebellar subregions associate with indices of cognition and neuropsychiatric performance in bvFTD. Our results demonstrate a relationship between cognitive and neuropsychiatric decline across various domains of memory, language, emotion, executive, visuospatial function, and motivation and the degree of gray matter degeneration in cerebellar lobules V–VII. Most notably, bilateral cerebellar lobule VII and the posterior vermis emerged as distinct for memory processes, the right cerebellar hemisphere underpinned emotion, and the posterior vermis was highlighted in language dysfunction in bvFTD. Based on cortico-cerebellar connectivity maps, these findings in the cerebellum are consistent with the neural connections with the cortices involved in these domains in patients with bvFTD. Overall, the present study underscores the significance of cortical-cerebellar networks associated with cognition and neuropsychiatric dysfunction in bvFTD

    Computer Assisted Robotic Therapy for Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: Can it work in the acute setting?

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    Problem: Computer assistive robotic therapy is an innovative treatment offering an interactive experience that may benefit individuals with spinal cord injury, however it is not known if such a treatment is feasible in the acute setting. Aims: To assess the experience of individuals and practitioners during the process of implementing computer assisted robotic therapy and to determine the feasibility of using such a therapy during acute rehabilitation. Methods: To accomplish the aims of this study a qualitative feasibility study was carried out, consisting of semi-structured interviews (N=4) with a participant, their partner and the administering practitioners at a public hospital in a metropolitan area of Australia. These interviews were conducted using a guide created to ensure comprehensive and rich responses. These responses were then transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was completed using NVIVO 11. Established feasibility constructs were then related to the exposed themes. Results: This study provided qualitative findings on the implementation of computer assisted robotic therapy with a patient with cervical spinal cord injury and interrelated these findings with theoretical constructs relating to feasibility. Conclusion: High demand for computer assisted robotic therapy both from patients and practitioners was reported along with many potential benefits especially regarding participant immersion, motivation and engagement. However, the practicality of such a treatment is complicated by prohibitive costs, time constraints and the vulnerable state of patients. Consequently, when considering current protocol, computer assisted robotic therapy may not be feasible in acute spinal cord rehabilitation. More rigorous research is suggested to support this therapy given the context

    A Pilot Study to Investigate the Feasibility of an Occupational Therapy Early Referral Tool for Nurses in Acute Care

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    Background/aim: Acute care priorities are focused on stabilisation of a patient’s condition on admission. Patients with multi-morbidities affecting functional performance may not have their needs adequately met. Occupational therapy is well placed to address factors affecting functional decline thus early and accurate identification of patients requiring referral is imperative. This study investigated the feasibility of an occupational therapy early referral tool for acute care nurses. Methods: A mixed methods cross-sectional approach was used including: i) Completion of the Modified Blaylock Referral Tool (MBRT) on 305 patients by six acute care nurses in 3 wards. The tool results were analysed using descriptive and non-parametric statistics. ii) Semi-structured interviews with nurses on completion of the trial to understand their perspectives of occupational therapy and using the MBRT. Results: Of the assessed patients, 45% were recommended for occupational therapy referral. The main criteria associated with functional decline risk were mobility, memory and recent hospital admissions. Nurses indicated barriers to referral included resource limitations, lack of visibility and understanding of occupational therapy and lack of holistic assessment of patients. The MBRT identified patients consistent with nurses’ own recommendations and was easy to administer during admission to the ward. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the clinical utility of the MBRT for nurses to identify acute care patients at risk of functional decline. Recommended further research includes trials with larger nurse and ward samples and longitudinal studies to examine the effect of the MBRT on outcomes such as length of stay and post-discharge functional performance

    Deficiency in clonogenic endometrial mesenchymal stem cells in obese women with reproductive failure – a pilot study

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    The mechanisms of obesity associated reproductive complications remain poorly understood. Endometrial mesenchymal stem-cells are critical for cyclic renewal and uterine function. Recently, W5C5+ cells, with high clonogenicity, capable of producing endometrial stroma in vivo, have been described. We sought to investigate the abundance and cloning efficiency of W5C5+ and W5C5− endometrial cells in relation to Body Mass Index, age and reproductive outcome. Design W5C5+ and W5C5− cells were purified from mid-luteal endometrial biopsies (n = 54) by magnetic bead separation and subjected to in vitro colony-forming assays. Results First trimester pregnancy losses were significantly higher in obese subjects (n = 12) compared to overweight (n = 20) and subjects with normal Body Mass Index (n = 22) (P0.05). Conclusions Our observations suggest that the regenerative capacity and plasticity of the endometrium of obese women is suboptimal, which in turn may account for the increased risk of reproductive complications associated with obesity

    CERVICAL SPINAL CORD INJURY AND UPPER LIMB ROBOTIC THERAPY

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    Abstract. A major debilitating factor of sustaining a cervical level spinal cord injury is the loss of independence in completing activities of daily living as a result of impaired upper limb function. Early intervention has been hypothesised to preserve upper limb function in this population and enhance capacity to perform functional tasks. The use of robotics as an upper limb therapy modality is increasing in the neurorehabilitation field, however there is limited evidence to support their use in the cervical spinal cord injury population. Despite this, occupational therapists are using them as part of a therapy program. Aim: This study aimed to explore the upper limb outcomes of using a computer assisted robotic device in acute therapy for people who have sustained a cervical spinal cord injury. Methods: A single case pre-post study design was performed with one middle aged male who had who was an inpatient at a public metropolitan hospital in Australia. They undertook a three week therapy program using the Diego by Tyromotion in conjunction with standard occupational therapy interventions. Range of motion, muscular strength, pain, fatigue the Spinal Cord Independence Measure, and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure were used as outcome measures. Results: Increases were seen in range of motion and muscular strength and functional status; objective and subjectively. Conclusion: Preliminary findings suggest that the Diego may be a useful tool for improving upper limb outcomes when combined with occupational therapy in this population, however greater research and participants are required for definitive data

    The Porter, Lady Macbeth, and the Theme of Spoiled Hospitality

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    This thesis analyzes how scholarship has treated Act 2, scene 3 in William Shakespeare’s Macbeth and posits that the scene has significance with respect to the theme of hospitality. To prove this thesis, we first review the relevant scholarship about the scene. Next we explore the theme of hospitality in the play with a focus on the historical context. Finally we show how Lady Macbeth and the porter are connected as faces of hospitality. We find that throughout the play not only does Lady Macbeth remain interested in preserving the semblance of hospitality, but also by convincing her husband to break the laws of hospitality, she has severed them from the peace that good hospitality was meant to foster. This finding shows that Act 2, scene 3 is more than the comic relief scene in an otherwise solemn play.English, Department ofHonors Colleg

    Assessment of tree registration in Leyte and Biliran Islands

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    Staff in six Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENROs) − four in Leyte Province, three in Southern Leyte Province and one in Biliran − were interviewed to establish baseline information on tree registration. In general, the rate of tree registration was found to be low, except in CENRO Maasin, where during 1997 to 2006 a total of 2799 tree farms were registered, covering an aggregate area of 2807 ha and with 1,292,495 trees registered. The highest number of tree farms registered in CENRO Maasin took place in 2004, when a total of 531 were registered, covering an area of 373 ha. Measures and strategies practiced by this CENRO to promote tree registration include: conducting an information, education and communication (IEC) campaign including distribution of extension materials; establishing a link between farmers and buyers in marketing products; and encouraging barangay officials to disseminate tree registration information. Factors leading to the low tree registration rate in Leyte and Biliran CENROs include: long distance between farms and CENR offices; weak tenure (farms under timberland status); inefficient processing of the registration documents; absence of the officer-in-charge of tree registration during farmer visits to Department of Environment and Natural Resources offices; land under common ownership; and farmers unaware about the tree registration process. Suggestions by respondents to improve tree registration include: regularly conducting IEC activities including distribution of extension material, supported by necessary funding; hiring of additional personnel for this purpose, to be assigned in every municipality; enhancing the timber market network; deputizing barangay officials as Environment and Natural Resources Officers (ENROs) to conduct tree inventory, authorized by municipal officials to collect Tree Inventory Certification. Keywords: ,

    Predicting the outcomes of new short-course regimens for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis using intrahost and pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modelling

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    Background: Short-course regimens for multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) are urgently needed. Limited data suggest that bedaquiline (BDQ), when used in conjunction with other drugs, improves treatment outcomes and potentially shorten MDR-TB treatment duration to less than six months. Further assessment on the efficacy of short-course BDQ-containing regimens is required before recommendations can be made about its value in MDR-TB treatment. Mathematical models combining drug pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics (PK-PD) with the intrahost immune response can provide a platform to investigate different dosing strategies to identify highly effective regimens. Materials/methods: A mathematical model was developed to mimic the human immune response to TB. Major elements of the immune response to TB including macrophages, cytokines and lymphocytes were incorporated. This model was then combined with a PK-PD model to simulate various short-course BDQ-containing regimens, and estimate their anti-mycobacterial effects. These regimens consisted of an initial intensive phase with BDQ, moxifloxacin (MXF), clofazimine (CFZ), pyrazinamide (PZA), isoniazid (INH) and kanamycin (KNM), followed by a continuation phase with BDQ, MXF, CFZ and PZA. Various durations of treatment were investigated and a comparative analysis of their efficacy was undertaken in order to identify highly effective regimens. Results: We found that treatment duration for MDR-TB can be reduced to just 18 weeks while still maintaining a very high treatment success rate (100% for daily BDQ for two weeks during the intensive phase, or 95% when BDQ is given daily for one week during the intensive phase). The estimated time to bacterial clearance of these regimens ranges from 27 to 33 days. Achieving optimal exposure early, in the first four weeks of treatment, is critical for successful treatment. Intermittent dosing of MXF (three times weekly or weekly) does not compromise treatment efficacy. Conclusions: This study represents a novel approach to the global challenge of MDR-TB. Our study shows that MDR-TB treatment could potentially be further shortened to four months with BDQ. The findings provide the justification for empirical evaluation of short-course BDQ-containing regimens. If BDQ-containing regimens are found to improve outcomes then we anticipate clear cost-savings and a subsequent improvement in the efficiency of national TB programs

    An Exploratory Study of Creating Persuasive and Effective Blurbs in Reward-Based Crowdfunding (RBCF)

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    Crowdfunding is an alternative financing for funding innovative businesses. Research shows that reward-based crowdfunding (RBCF) is increasingly pivotal for raising project capital, given the current Covid-19 climate where conventional funding is scarce. The project blurbs are essential to attract funds. However, little has been done in studying the project blurb and how it impacts the campaign’s outcomes. Therefore, this paper aims to explore unique words for creating persuasive and effective blurbs that increase RBCF project success by studying their sentiments. This research collects Kickstarter data from June 2019 to June 2020. Descriptive, sentiment and word analyses are incorporated. This triangulation contributes to a practical guideline in creating effective project blurbs. The descriptive analysis offers contexts such as length and time. Sentiment analysis informs positive sentiments spread across successful and failed projects, requiring word analysis to determine the unique words used in writing persuasive and effective blurb to increase project success
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