Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Memory outcomes following cognitive interventions in children with neurological deficits: A review with a focus on under-studied populations

Given the primary role of memory in children's learning and well-being, the aim of this review was to examine the outcomes of memory remediation interventions in children with neurological deficits as a function of the affected memory system and intervention method. Fifty-seven studies that evaluated the outcome of memory interventions in children were identified. Thirty-four studies met the inclusion criteria, and were included in a systematic review. Diverse rehabilitation methods for improving explicit and implicit memory in children were reviewed. The analysis indicates that teaching restoration strategies may improve, and result in the generalisation of, semantic memory and working memory performance in children older than 7 years with mild to moderate memory deficits. Factors such as longer protocols, emotional support, and personal feedback contribute to intervention efficacy. In addition, the use of compensation aids seems to be highly effective in prospective memory tasks. Finally, the review unveiled a lack of studies with young children and the absence of group interventions. These findings point to the importance of future evidence-based intervention protocols in these areas.
Impact of day-of-injury alcohol consumption on outcomes after traumatic brain injury: A meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Although a known risk factor for traumatic brain injury (TBI), alcohol has been found to both promote and protect against secondary brain damage. However, it is presently unclear whether the cognitive, psychological and medical/functional outcomes of adults who have consumed alcohol prior to sustaining a TBI differ from those who have not. This meta-analysis examined the outcomes of groups that differed in terms of their day-of-injury (DOI) blood alcohol levels (BALs) by comparing positive with zero BAL (BAL+/BAL-) and high with low BAL (BALhigh/BALlow) samples. The PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and Scopus databases were searched from inception until the end of March 2015. Hedge’s g effects (continuous data) and odds ratios (categorical data) were calculated for 27 studies that compared either the outcomes of BAL+ and BAL− groups or BALhigh and BALlow groups. BAL+ was associated with significantly poorer cognitive outcomes (overall and on general tests) and higher levels of disability, and BALhigh was associated with shorter stays in intensive care. More generally, however, most effect sizes were small to low-moderate in size, non-significant and inconsistent in their direction. Although DOI alcohol consumption increases the risk of sustaining a TBI, it is not consistently associated with better or worse outcomes, other than subtle cognitive deficits; the source of which remains to be determined.
“Relating through sameness”: a qualitative study of friendship and social isolation in chronic traumatic brain injury

ABSTRACT Social isolation has been described as a common problem among traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors during the chronic phase. Due to physical, cognitive and behavioural changes, survivors become less socially active and experience a marked decrease in the number of friends. The goal of this investigation is to explore TBI survivors’ subjective account of the challenges encountered in sustaining friendships, as well as gaining insight into their particular understanding of such difficulties. Using a thematic analysis approach, 11 survivors of TBI were interviewed in relation to their experience of social isolation and friendship during the chronic stage. Four main themes emerged from the interviews: (1) The impact of long-term cognitive and behavioural problems on relationships; (2) Loss of old friends; (3) Difficulties making new friends, and (4) Relating to other survivors in order to fight social isolation (sameness). Clinical implications of these findings, as well as their relevance in the design of long-term rehabilitation programmes, are discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on the need to acknowledge the value of relating to other survivors, as a way of resisting cultural discourses about disability, and as a source of self-cohesion in the process of identity re-construction.
Learning from the minds of others: A review of social cognition treatments and their relevance to traumatic brain injury

ABSTRACT Social cognition is widely regarded as an essential skill with which to understand the social world. Despite this, the role that social cognition plays in outcome, and whether deficits are remediable after traumatic brain injury (TBI), are not yet well known. The current review examines the construct of social cognition and presents a conceptual biopsychosocial model with which to understand the social cognitive process. This is related to the literature on social cognitive deficits in TBI and we discuss relevant treatment developments to date within this population. We then review social cognition treatment programmes researched in other clinical populations in order to advise and inform approaches for those living with TBI. Whilst treatments have focused on emotion perception skills in the TBI literature, programmes developed for other clinical populations have had broader targets, focusing on Theory of Mind skills and/or modifying interpretational cognitive biases. Moreover, they have largely proven to be efficacious. Programmes that are contextualised, collaborative, and experiential seem optimal in enabling generalisation relevant to individuals’ everyday social lives. We argue that there is therefore scope to improve the evidence-based social cognitive treatment options available for those with TBI, taking into account specific adaptations necessary for this population.
Reducing anger outbursts after a severe TBI: a single-case study

ABSTRACT Anger outbursts constitute a frequent behavioural issue after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and have a strong negative impact on the social outcomes resulting from the TBI. However, few studies have examined the efficacy of specific intervention strategies to reduce the frequency and intensity of anger outbursts. We therefore performed a single-case study on this topic by administering two successive and complementary psychological interventions with an AB design with maintenance (first intervention) and an AC design with maintenance plus a one-month follow-up (second intervention) to a patient with a severe TBI. Whereas the first intervention focused on improving the recognition and expression of basic emotions, the second consisted of a self-regulation programme, including various features such as psychoeducation about self-control strategies, relaxation and assertiveness training that aimed to establish adequate behaviours, which were further promoted by an implementation intentions strategy in the patient’s daily life. The results indicated that all interventions resulted in a reduced frequency and intensity of anger outbursts, and the data upheld the specificity of these effects. In addition, a meta-analytic integration of the effects of both interventions on the outcomes indicated a medium effect size. Further research is needed on other patients who experience long-standing anger outbursts to examine whether the observed gains can be replicated, sustained on a longer-term basis and improved.
Gender differences in prevalence of substance use disorders among individuals with lifetime exposure to substances: results from a large representative sample.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Research regarding substance use and substance use disorders (SUDs) shows significant gender differences in prevalence of substance use and dependence. Though lifetime exposure to substances is higher among males, previous reports have not regarded gender differences in prevalence of SUDs among individuals formerly exposed to substances. In addition, though substance abuse is particularly important when exploring gender differences, previous reports have largely focused on rates of transition to substance dependence alone. In this study, we explored gender differences in prevalence of SUDs among individuals with lifetime exposure to substances using a single diagnostic category (abuse or dependence). METHODS We analyzed 11 different categories of substances: heroin, cocaine, cannabis, nicotine, alcohol, hallucinogens, inhalants, sedatives, tranquilizers, opioids, and amphetamines. Data were derived from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (Wave 1, n = 43,093). The impact of gender on prevalence of SUDs among individuals with lifetime exposure to substances was assessed with odds ratios (ORs) using logistic regressions and adjusted for socio-demographic factors. RESULTS Our results show that among individuals with lifetime exposure to substances, males had a significantly higher prevalence of alcohol (OR = 2.95), sedatives (OR = 2.00), cannabis (OR = 1.93), tranquilizers (OR = 1.64), opioids (OR = 1.54), hallucinogens (OR = 1.31), and cocaine (OR = 1.26) use disorders compared with females. CONCLUSIONS AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE Using a single broad diagnostic category highlights gender differences in the prevalence of SUDs among individuals with former exposure to substances. Specifically, the significant gender differences found for alcohol, sedatives, and cannabis use disorders may be important for tailoring preventive measures targeted at reducing rates of SUDs among males using these substances.
Transient retinal venous and arterial occlusive events in a case of sneddon syndrome.

PURPOSE We report a case with venous and arterial occlusive events in Sneddon syndrome and describe the accompanying fluorescein angiographic findings. METHODS Observational case report. RESULTS This 27-year-old white woman developed acute visual loss and a central scotoma in her right eye in consequence of a central retinal vein occlusion and, 2 years later, a paracentral scotoma in her left eye in consequence of an incomplete branch retinal artery occlusion. Fluorescein angiography revealed an unusual laminar hyperfluorescence downstream to the arterial obstruction. Patient became seropositive for anticardiolipin antibodies in the course of the 2 years. Eventually, the ocular together with neurologic and cardiac manifestations led to the diagnosis of Sneddon syndrome. CONCLUSION Sneddon syndrome should be considered in any ocular vascular occlusive event under the age of 50 years. In addition, this case reports for the first time unusual fluorescein angiographic findings of incomplete branch retinal arterial occlusions, possibly associated with endothelial damage in Sneddon syndrome.
Training adults with acquired brain injury how to help-seek when wayfinding: an understudied critical life skill

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a group treatment protocol called NICE (Noticing you have a problem, Identifying the information you need for help, Compensatory strategies, Evaluating progress) to train help-seeking when wayfinding for individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI). Seven participants completed the NICE group treatment in an outpatient rehabilitation department at a university medical centre. A single subject multiple baseline design was employed to evaluate the efficacy of the NICE group treatment. The Social Behaviour Rating Scale and the Executive Function Route-Finding Task- Revised were repeated measures used to evaluate potential changes in help-seeking and wayfinding. Secondary outcome measures included pre- and post-treatment evaluation of social problem solving and social cognition. Results revealed that all participants improved on measures of help-seeking and wayfinding. Patterns of improvement and implications for rehabilitation are discussed. This is the first experimental study to evaluate the treatment of help-seeking behaviours and discuss its application to wayfinding in adults with ABI. Preliminary evidence supports further investigation of the NICE group treatment protocol.
Risk factor analysis of diarrhoeal diseases in the Aral Sea area (Khorezm, Uzbekistan)

In the Aral Sea basin, human activities have resulted in the severe degradation of water and soil, which is considered to cause serious human health problems. This study investigated the risk factors: water, sanitation and related hygiene issues for diarrhoeal disease in Khorezm province, Uzbekistan. The risk factors were studied using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods including water quality monitoring, standardised questionnaires and spot checks. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that visible contamination of drinking water during storage and the absence of anal cleansing materials were significantly associated with the number of diarrhoeal episodes per household. Overall, the findings of the study show that the domestic domain plays a major role with regard to faecal-oral disease transmission in Khorezm, Uzbekistan. Unhealthy excreta disposal habits and unsafe drinking water storage practices have to be urgently tackled in order to break the faecal-oral transmission route.
Attachment security and problematic substance use in low-income, suicidal, African American women.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES While secure attachment may buffer the effect of adverse early experiences on the development of behavioral problems in children, whether attachment security may provide resilience against problematic substance use in adulthood is less clear, and addressed by this study. METHODS We examined relations between attachment security and problematic substance use in 356 African American women recruited for a suicide prevention/intervention study. Problematic substance use was defined as a positive screen on either the Brief Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test or the Drug Abuse Screening Test-10. Attachment security was assessed using the Secure Subscale of the Relationship Scales Questionnaire. Associations between demographic and psychosocial variables (age, education, unemployment, homelessness, attachment security, past childhood maltreatment, current exposure to intimate partner violence, and depressive symptoms) and problematic substance use were determined using logistic regression analyses. RESULTS Participants averaged 35.1 ± 10.0 years of age, and exhibited significant psychosocial challenges. More secure attachment was independently associated with a lower likelihood of problematic drug use (OR = .516, 95% CI (.343-.777), p ≤ . 01); and the problematic use of either alcohol or drugs (OR = .563, 95% CI (.374-.849), p ≤ . 01). Attachment security, along with childhood maltreatment, age, and homelessness, accounted for 25.5% of the variance in problematic substance use. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Participants who reported greater attachment security were significantly less likely to engage in problematic substance use. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE Future research should explore attachment security as a resilience factor against problematic substance use.
Ziprasidone versus clozapine in the treatment of dually diagnosed (DD) patients with schizophrenia and cannabis use disorders: a randomized study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Clozapine is considered to be particularly effective in the treatment of dually diagnosed (DD) patients with psychosis and substance use disorders. However, its use is restricted by potentially severe side effects. The aim of the present pilot study was to compare the effects of clozapine with the newer second generation antipsychotic (SGA) ziprasidone in DD-patients. METHODS Thirty (n = 30) patients with schizophrenia and cannabis abuse/dependence were randomized to ziprasidone or clozapine and were followed up for up to 12 months. RESULTS Cannabis use was reduced in both groups during follow-up. Clozapine treatment was associated with less positive symptoms of schizophrenia, more side effects and poorer compliance with treatment. CONCLUSIONS Results from this small pilot RCT suggest beneficial effects of both clozapine and ziprasidone in the treatment of cannabis use disorders in psychotic patients. Larger-scale RCTs are needed in order to assess advantages and disadvantages of the different SGAs in dually diagnosed populations.
Single- Versus Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Results Using Navigation: The Japanese Experience

Anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions that more closely approximate the anatomy of the ACL have gained in popularity, especially in Japan. Meanwhile, computer-assisted surgical navigation devices have been adopted in ACL reconstruction for improved accuracy of tunnel placement. Navigation systems also can be used to assess knee kinematics before and after ACL reconstruction during surgery. In this article, we introduce intraoperative biomechanical evaluation of double-bundle reconstruction with a hamstring graft and anatomically oriented single-bundle reconstruction with a patellar tendon graft with the use of a navigation system. Results showed that both reconstructions similarly improved knee laxity compared with before reconstruction in all knee flexion angles. Regarding the function of the bundles in double-bundle reconstruction, the posterolateral bundle restrained tibial displacement mainly in knee extension, whereas the antero-medial bundle restrained it more in the knee flexion position. These results showed that both bundles in anatomic double-bundle reconstruction could share the resultant force under anterior tibial load similar to that of bundles in the intact ACL. Therefore, both bundles should be reconstructed to improve knee laxity throughout knee range of motion. Even with single-bundle reconstruction with the use of a patellar tendon, anatomical reconstruction might improve knee laxity similar to double-bundle reconstruction. We have also included evaluation of tunnel placement in anatomic double-bundle reconstruction using a navigation system and compared these evaluations with anatomical data.
Capillary Structure and Mitochondrial Volume Density in the Trapezius Muscle of Chronic Trapezius Myalgia, Fibromyalgia and Healthy Subjects

Objective: To better understand some of the pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic muscle pain. Methods: Muscle biopsies were obtained from myalgic areas in the trapezius muscle of female patients suffering from either chronic trapezius myalgia or fibromyalgia and from corresponding areas in healthy, symptom-free subjects. Electron microscopy and morphometric analysis were used to determine mean myofibrillar mitochondrial density and the capillary structure. Results: The mitochondrial fraction was higher in the patients with chronic trapezius myalgia than in those with fibromyalgia or in the healthy subjects. The mean volume density of mitochondria in the trapezius muscle fibers, however, was lower than that previously reported for human female limb muscle in all three groups. This indicates that the trapezius muscle in general has a lower capacity to tolerate endurance work than limb muscles. The morphometric analysis of the capillary structure revealed that the area and thickness of the endothelium wa.
Computed Tomography colonography in Preoperative Evaluation of colorectal cancer

Computed tomographic colonography (CTC) has the potential to become an accepted technique for detecting of colorectal cancer. the aim of the study was to evaluate usefulness of CTC in preoperative evaluation of colorectal tumors and the regions of colon endoscopically unavailable. material and methods. A total of 49 patients with colorectal tumors identified at conventional colonoscopy were included. In all these patients CTC was performed and results were compared with colonoscopy. In addition in CTC infiltration of surrounding tissues, organs, lymph nodes and liver were assessed. Findings were compared with contrast-enhanced CT of abdomen. results. Colonoscopy was completed to the caecum in 24 (48.9%) patients. CTC failed only in one patient. CTC was congruent with colonoscopy in evaluation of tumor location and morphological type. In CTC two additional tumors were found proximately to occlusive masses, it is in endoscopically unavailable regions. Sensitivity and specificity of CTC comparing to CT in diagnosis of fat tissue infiltration and surrounding organs infiltration at the site of tumor were 95.5% / 50% and 100% / 86.9% respectively. Concordance of results in evaluation of lymph nodes was 93.9% while sensitivity and specificity for CTC was 84.6% and 100% respectively. Concordance of evaluation of liver metastases was 78.8%, while sensitivity and specificity for CTC was 61.5% and 90% respectively. Conclusions. CTC is a useful method in diagnostics of colorectal tumors. It allows to diagnose tumor, determine local tumor staging and detect synchronous lesions in endoscopically unavailable regions.
The Authoritarian Specter

Claims Examiner Decisional Review has firmly bounced a case I've done, returning it to me to do more work. I'm charged a major error— enough of these and my job's in jeopardy. The claimant's been denied six times before for his sore knees. I find he's mentally ill and grant him benefits back several years. They want his starting date back further still. I'm stuck and feel like the lanced pig Earl drew on his DR return for a misspelling. His comical depiction shook DR, though Earl's intent was just to keep from yelling. I take my lumps, not wanting to provoke a prolonged searchlight on a future case, as an escapee scaling the wall must fear the field below will have no hiding place. Developing the claimant's onset date for disability twelve years ago, I'll call three clinics where he might have gone, then his ex-wife, who certainly would
Threatened Species and the Potential Loss of Phylogenetic Diversity: Conservation Scenarios Based on Estimated Extinction Probabilities and Phylogenetic Risk Analysis

Abstract: New species conservation strategies, including the EDGE of Existence (EDGE) program, have expanded threatened species assessments by integrating information about species' phylogenetic distinctiveness. Distinctiveness has been measured through simple scores that assign shared credit among species for evolutionary heritage represented by the deeper phylogenetic branches. A species with a high score combined with a high extinction probability receives high priority for conservation efforts. Simple hypothetical scenarios for phylogenetic trees and extinction probabilities demonstrate how such scoring approaches can provide inefficient priorities for conservation. An existing probabilistic framework derived from the phylogenetic diversity measure (PD) properly captures the idea of shared responsibility for the persistence of evolutionary history. It avoids static scores, takes into account the status of close relatives through their extinction probabilities, and allows for the necessary updating of priorities in light of changes in species threat status. A hypothetical phylogenetic tree illustrates how changes in extinction probabilities of one or more species translate into changes in expected PD. The probabilistic PD framework provided a range of strategies that moved beyond expected PD to better consider worst‐case PD losses. In another example, risk aversion gave higher priority to a conservation program that provided a smaller, but less risky, gain in expected PD. The EDGE program could continue to promote a list of top species conservation priorities through application of probabilistic PD and simple estimates of current extinction probability. The list might be a dynamic one, with all the priority scores updated as extinction probabilities change. Results of recent studies suggest that estimation of extinction probabilities derived from the red list criteria linked to changes in species range sizes may provide estimated probabilities for many different species. Probabilistic PD provides a framework for single‐species assessment that is well‐integrated with a broader measurement of impacts on PD owing to climate change and other factors.