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Κυριακή 23 Μαΐου 2021

Broad Autism Phenotype Traits in Parents of Children with Language Impairments: A Comparative Study

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Introduction: The broad autism phenotype (BAP) comprises milder language and cognitive deficits seen in the nonautistic relatives of individuals with autism. BAP represents the range of individuals with a higher number of these characteristics than average but a lower number than would point to a diagnosis of autism. The Broad Autism Phenotype Questionnaire (BAPQ) is one of the efficient and reliable tools to explore and measure BAP traits, namely, aloofness, pragmatic language, and rigid personality, which represent a few of the diagnostic features of autism. Against the background of positive familial history and common causes across the developmental disorders, this study aimed to compare BAP traits in the parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), specific language impairment (SLI), and social communication disorder (SCD) by means of the BAPQ. Methods: A total of 120 parents (60 mothers and 60 fathers) of children with ASD, SCD, and SLI participated in the study. All mothers filled in the self-report version and fathers filled in the informant version of BAPQ simultaneously in the communication intervention setting. Results: Obtained data was analyzed with the t test and ANOVA to compare self-ratings, informant ratings, and BAPQ scores across groups. The results of the study revealed no statistically significant difference for the overall BAPQ scores (except on the Pragmatic Language subscale). Furthermo re, mothers in all 3 groups presented with BAP traits, with pragmatic language deficits being common. These observations point towards an overlap of BAP traits in the mothers of children with language disorders. Conclusion: These findings indicate the value of a detailed assessment of BAP in parents of children with developmental disorders.
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The framing of judgement by counter: how appraisal analysis of six sentencing remarks provides an insight into judges’ sentencing practices

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Studies on sentencing in England and Wales are dominated by normative studies prescribing how judges should sentence. Few examine how judges actually sentence. This article provides an insight into the empirical reality of judges' sentencing practices by examining how judges use counter to frame their judgement of offenders and their behaviour in six sentencing remarks. The six sentencing remarks were selected to ensure that variations in sentencing decisions of the six cases were, at least to a large extent, subject to judicial discretion. It finds that the statutory point exercises a binding effect on judicial sentencing despite judges having the discretion& nbsp;to disregard the starting point. The finding leads to the further inference that judges might possibly perceive the Court of Appeal and the public as two important audiences for their sentencing remarks.

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The pandemic and the forensic linguistics caseworker’s wellbeing: effects and recommendations

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Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, countries have implemented different measures to control the spread of the disease. Policies like lockdowns can negatively impact citizens' wellbeing (e.g. Rossi et al. 2020), including professionals working with sensitive data and in legal settings (e.g. Barros et al. 2020). For the first time, this article addresses how this general crisis may have affected forensic linguistics caseworkers' practices and wellbeing. In November 2020, a fixed-response questionnaire was circulated among the forensic linguistics online community. Results show that the most consequential changes in the caseworkers' professional practices brought about by the pandemic have to do with their working environment and schedule. Following the discussion of the results, some recommendations regarding caseworkers' self-care are outlined and discussed. Given the constant changes in policies and the evolution of the pandemic, further surveys and a gen eral discussion concerning practitioners' wellbeing would benefit this professional community.
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Comprehensive comparison of bismuth and silver functionalized nickel foam composites in capturing radioactive gaseous iodine

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J Hazard Mater. 2021 May 11;417:125978. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125978. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Developing an efficient and cheap iodine sorbent is of great practical significance in the modern nuclear industry. In this work, novel bismuth and silver functionalized Ni foam composites as iodine sorption materials (Bi-Ni foam and Ag-Ni foam) were successfully prepared via a simple solvothermal method. Through a series of iodine sorption experiments and characterization me thods, iodine capture properties and corresponding sorption mechanism were comprehensively compared and thoroughly revealed. The results show that the core-sheath structure formed by the solvothermal reaction can supply more active sites (Bi0 or Ag0 particles) for the contact of radioactive iodine gas, thereby improving the sorption capacity of sorbents. Compared with Ag-Ni foam (456 mg/g), Bi-Ni foam exhibits a higher iodine capture capacity (658 mg/g), whereas silver-based material has a faster sorption kinetics. Such excellent sorption performances were attributed to the chemical reaction between Bi0/Ag0 particles and iodine gas, generating stable BiI3/AgI. In addition, this type of sorbents inherits the external structure of the Ni foam skeleton, decreasing the physically sorbed iodine, and can be prepared in different shapes and sizes, which is of great practical significance.

PMID:34015715 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125978

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Internal nasal dimensions of children with unilateral cleft lip and palate and maxillary atresia: comparison between acoustic rhinometry technique and cone-beam computed tomography

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RESUMO Objetivo Comparar a geometria da cavidade nasal de crianças e adolescentes com fissura labiopalatina e deficiência maxilar por meio de dois métodos: a tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico, considerada padrão-ouro, e a rinometria acústica. Método Foram avaliados, de maneira transversal, os exames de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico e de rinometria acústica, previamente obtidos para fins de planejamento ortodôntico, de 17 crianças e adolescentes com fissura labiopalatina e atresia maxilar. Por meio do programa Dolphin Imaging 11.8, a cavidade nasal das imagens tomográficas foi reconstruída por dois avaliadores e foram obtidos os volumes internos nasais. Por meio da rinometria, os volumes nasais foram aferidos para as regiões V1 e V2. Os valores de cada exame foram, então, comparados, a um nível de significância de 5%. Resultados A análise estatística mostrou alta reprodutibilidade intra e interavaliadores na análise da tomografia comp utadorizada de feixe cônico. Os volumes internos nasais médios (± desvio-padrão), utilizando a rinometria acústica e a tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico corresponderam a 6,6 ± 1,9 cm3 e 8,1 ± 1,5 cm3, respectivamente. A diferença entre os exames foi de 17,7%, considerada estatisticamente significante (p = 0,006). Conclusão Os volumes nasais aferidos pelos dois métodos são diferentes, ou seja, apresentam discrepâncias nas medidas. A técnica considerada padrão-ouro identificou volumes maiores na cavidade nasal. A determinação de qual exame reflete a realidade clínica constitui passo futuro importante.
ABSTRACT Purpose To compare the nasal cavity geometry of children and teenagers with cleft lip and palate and maxillary atresia by two methods: cone-beam computed tomography, considered the gold standard, and acoustic rhinometry. Methods Data on cone-beam computed tomography and acoustic rhinometry examinations of 17 children and teenagers with cleft lip and palate and maxillary atresia, previously obtained for orthodontic planning purposes, were evaluated prospectively. Using Dolphin Imaging 11.8 software, the nasal cavity was reconstructed by two evaluators, and the internal nasal volumes were obtained. Using rhinometry, the volumes of regions V1 and V2 were measured. The values of each examination were then compared at a significance level of 5%. Results Statistical analysis showed high intra- and inter-rater reproducibility in the cone-beam computed tomography analysis. The mean internal nasal volumes (± standard deviation) obtained using acoustic rhinometry and cone-beam computed tomography corresponded to 6.6 ± 1.9 cm3 and 8.1 ± 1.5 cm3, respectively. The difference between the examinations was 17.7%, which was considered statistically significant (p = 0.006). Conclusion The nasal volumes measured via the two methods were different; that is, they presented discrepancies in the measurements. The gold standard technique ide ntified larger volumes than acoustic rhinometry in the nasal cavity. Therefore, determining which test reflects clinical reality is an essential future step.
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The applicability of the Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) in the differentiation of tinnitus and hearing complaints

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RESUMO Objetivo verificar a aplicabilidade do THS em mensurar e diferenciar as queixas de zumbido, perda auditiva e tolerância ao som. Método Foi aplicado o questionário THS, composto por 4 questões sobre zumbido, 4 sobre perda auditiva e 1 sobre tolerância ao som. Previamente, todos os participantes realizaram uma bateria de exames de diagnóstico audiológico e foram divididos em grupos: audição normal bilateral com média até 25dB, com e sem queixa de zumbido (Grupos 1 e 3); diagnóstico de perda auditiva sensório neural de grau leve a moderado (26dB a 60dB), sem uso prévio de aparelho de amplificação sonora Individual (AASI), com queixa de zumbido crônico (≥6 meses) e também indivíduos sem queixa de zumbido (Grupos 2 e 4); idade igual ou superior a 18 anos. Resultados Foram incluídos no presente estudo 70 indivíduos. Em relação a análise do total entre os grupos pelo teste Kruskal-Wallis foram encontradas diferenças significativas nas seções sobr e zumbido e perda auditiva, mas não houve significância da seção sobre tolerância ao som. Em relação às questões sobre zumbido apenas os grupos 3 e 4 pontuaram. Quanto às questões referentes à perda auditiva, os grupos sem perda (grupos 1 e 3) foram os que menos pontuaram. Em relação a questão do THS sobre tolerância ao som, o grupo 3 foi o que mais pontuou. Conclusão o questionário THS se mostrou como uma possível ferramenta para auxiliar na compreensão e diferenciação das queixas auditivas.
ABSTRACT Purpose To verify the applicability of the Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) to measure the different complaints of tinnitus, hearing loss and sound tolerance. Methods THS was performed, composed of 4 questions about tinnitus, 4 about hearing loss and one about sound tolerance. Previously, all participants performed a battery of audiological diagnostic tests and were then divided into 4 groups: Bilateral normal audiometry with mean up to 25dB, with and witho ut tinnitus complaint (Groups 1 and 3); diagnosis of mild to moderate neural sensory hearing loss (26dB to 60dB), no previous use of individual hearing aids, complaining of chronic tinnitus (≥6 months) and individuals without tinnitus complaints (Groups 2 and 4); and age ≥18 years old. Results Seventy subjects were included in the present study. Regarding the analysis of the total between the groups by the Kruskal-Wallis test, significant differences were found in the sections about tinnitus and hearing loss, but there was no significance in the section regarding sound tolerance. Regarding the questions in Section A of the THS, only Groups 3 and 4 scored the highest. Regarding the questions related to Section B about hearing loss, the groups without hearing loss (Groups 1 and 3) scored the lowest. In relation to the question of the THS in Section C, Group 3 scored the highest. Conclusions The THS questionnaire proved to be a useful, quick and simple tool to assist the audiolog ist in the understanding and differentiation of the audiologic complaints.
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Immediate effect of surface laryngeal hydration associated with tongue trill technique in amateur singers

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RESUMO Objetivo Analisar o efeito imediato da hidratação de superfície laríngea associado à técnica de vibração sonorizada de língua (TVSL) em cantores. Método Participaram 30 cantores, sem queixas vocais ou alterações laríngeas, divididos em grupo controle (GC) e experimental (GE). O GC realizou a TVSL por cinco minutos. O GE foi submetido à nebulização de 3 ml de solução salina seguido da TVSL por cinco minutos. Foram realizadas autoavaliação vocal, análise acústica e avaliação perceptivoauditiva nos momentos pré (PréTVSL) e pós (PTVSL) no GC e no momento pré (PréHTVSL), pós hidratação (PH) e pós hidratação+TVSL (PHTVSL) no GE. Na autoavaliação foram avaliados: qualidade, estabilidade, rouquidão e intensidade vocal. Os parâmetros acústicos analisados foram Frequência Fundamental; Jitter%; Shimmer%, Noise-to-harmonic Ratio e Cepstral Peak Prominence-Smoothed (CPPs). A avaliação perceptivoauditiva foi realizada por uma fonoaudióloga experiente. Resultados Na comparação dos resultados da autoavaliação, entre os grupos, observou-se melhora da percepção de estabilidade e intensidade vocal no PTVSL (GC) em relação ao PH (GE). Na comparação entre os momentos do GE houve diferença estatística na sensação de intensidade vocal, apontando melhor resultado para PHTVSL. Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos investigados na avaliação perceptivoauditiva e na análise acústica. Conclusão A hidratação laríngea de superfície não potencializa o efeito da TVSL em cantores em condição natural de hidratação com uso de 3ml de nebulização. Para os profissionais da voz com grande demanda vocal, a hidratação de superfície pode ser introduzida durante a utilização da voz, para manutenção da qualidade vocal, sem perda de sua qualidade.
ABSTRACT Purpose To analyze the immediate effect of laryngeal surface hydration associated with the performance of Tongue Trills (TT) on singers. M ethods Thirty singers without vocal complaints or laryngeal alterations divided into control (CG) and experimental (EG) groups. The CG performed the TT for five minutes. The EG was submitted a nebulization with 3 ml of saline solution followed by TT for five minutes. Voice self-assessment, acoustic analysis and perceptual assessment were performed at Pre (Pre TT) and post (PTT) moments in CG and pre (Pre TT), post hydration (PH) and post hydration + TT (PHTT) in GE. In the self-assessment were evaluated quality, stability, vocal intensity and hoarseness. There were extract the values of the Fundamental frequency; Jitter%; Shimmer%, Noise-to-harmonic Ratio e Cepstral Peak Prominence-Smoothed (CPPs) in the acoustic analyze. The perceptual evaluation was performed by an experienced speech therapist. Results Comparing the results of self-assessment between groups showed improvement in the perception of stability and vocal intensity in the PTT (CG) in relation to PH (EG). Comparison bet ween the EG moments showed a statistical difference in the vocal intensity perception, indicating a better results for PHTT. There was no statistical difference between the groups investigated in the perceptual assessments and acoustic analysis. Conclusion Surface laryngeal hydration does not potentiate the effect of TT on naturally hydrated singers with 3ml nebulization. For voice professionals with high vocal demand, surface hydration can be introduced during voice use to maintain vocal quality.
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Intervention based on shared story reading: effect on low and high challenge reading and writing tasks

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RESUMO Objetivo Investigar a eficácia de uma proposta de intervenção baseada em leitura compartilhada de histórias para a compreensão leitora, narrativa escrita e leitura/escrita de palavras. Método 44 crianças divididas em dois grupos, segundo o desempenho destas em uma prova de compreensão leitora – G1: crianças com dificuldade em compreensão leitora; G2: sem dificuldades. Todas as crianças foram avaliadas em relação à leitura e escrita de palavras isoladas, compreensão leitora de frases e narrativa escrita. Após avaliação as crianças do G1 participaram de um programa de intervenção (15 encontros) que estimulava a leitura compartilhada de histórias. Após a intervenção todas as crianças (G1 e G2) foram reavaliadas. Os resultados foram comparados intra e intergrupos, sendo aplicados testes estatísticos pertinentes, adotando o nível de significância menor que 0,05. Resultados Após o programa de intervenção as crianças do G1 apresentaram melh ora significativa nas variáveis avaliadas. Na análise intergrupos, no momento da avaliação, G1 era diferente do G2 em leitura/escrita, compreensão leitora, capacidade julgar corretamente os verbos e em coerência textual. Na reavaliação, G1 se igualou ao G2 em coerência textual e, se aproximou do G2 em leitura/escrita de apalvras isoladas e compreensão leitora. Conclusão A leitura compartilhada de histórias promoveu o desenvolvimento das habilidades de baixo e alto nível de leitura e escrita, sendo mais eficaz para as estratégias de alto nível (exemplo, narrativa escrita). Sugere-se que, para questões ortográficas, um programa específico para este aspecto seja associado.
ABSTRACT Purpose to investigate the effectiveness of an intervention proposal based on shared story reading for reading comprehension, written narrative and word reading/writing. Methods 44 children were divided into two groups according to their performance in a reading comprehension test – The first group, G1, consisted of children with reading comprehension difficulty, and the second, G2, consisted of children who did not have difficulties. All children were evaluated regarding reading/writing isolated words, reading comprehension of sentences, and written narrative. After this evaluation, G1 children participated in an intervention program (15 meetings) that stimulated shared story reading. After this intervention, all children were reevaluated. Intra- and intergroup data were analyzed statistically by applying appropriate statistical tests, with the level of significance set at >0.05%. Results after the intervention program, G1 children showed significant improvement in the variables evaluated. In the intergroup analysis, at the time of evaluation, G1 differed from G2 in reading/writing, reading comprehension, ability to correctly judge the verbs, and in textual coherence. At reassessment, G1 matched G2 in textual coherence and approached G2 in reading/writing isolated words and reading comprehension. Conclusion shared story reading promoted the development of low and high level reading and writing skills, being more effective for high-level strategies (example: written narrative). It is suggested that a specific program for orthographic questions be associated.
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The reverse flow extensor digitorum brevis flap for dorsal foot defects-A single center study

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J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2021 Apr 23:S1748-6815(21)00186-8. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2021.03.082. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Defects on the dorsum of the foot remain a reconstructive challenge for plastic surgeons. There are very few pedicled flaps that have a reach up to the distal foot and those too with a threat of poor perfusion. Very often distal foot has to be resurfaced with free flap even with small defects. This study describes our experience with the reverse extensor digitorum brevis muscle (EDB) flap for small- to medium-sized defects on the dorsum of the foot.

METHODS: The study was conducted on 12 patients between February 2018 and March 2020 who presented with defects on the dorsum of the foot. The mean age of the patients was 30.8 years and the mean defect size was 20.17 cm2. The EDB was applied on 10 male and 2 female subjects and resurfaced with a split thickness skin graft. The donor site was closed primarily.

RESULTS: All flaps survived well. Two patients had small graft loss and 2 partial wound dehiscence of donor site, all of which healed on conservative treatment. Three patients had temporary sensory disturbance which resolved in few weeks.

CONCLUSION: The reverse EDB flap is a reliable flap for the coverage of small- to medium-sized dorsal foot defects. The flap has the advantage of robust vascularity, expendable muscle with little donor site morbidity, an easy to learn technique, short operating time, and acceptable esthetic outcome, and it can be used as the primary option in cases of small to medium dorsal foot defects.

PMID:34016573 | DOI:10.1016/j.bjps.2021.03.082

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The Maxillary Swing: An Efficacious Approach to Surgical Management of Advanced Stage Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma

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Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and outcome using the maxillary swing approach for the management of extensive nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. A retrospective case series analysis in a tertiary care centre revealed eighteen cases with extensive nasal angiofibroma operated using the maxillary swing approach between 2011 and 2017. All patients had tumour extension to the lateral most portions of the infratemporal fossa with complete occupation and destruction of the lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus causing abutment to the cavernous sinus and complete involvement of the pterygopalatine fossa and pterygoid base. One patient displayed full occupancy of the maxillary sinus as a consequence of erosion of the posterior and medial walls of the maxillary sinus. All patients underwent tumour excision using the maxillary swing approach. Patients were followed up for a minimum period of 1 year after surgery. The maxillary swing approach gave optim al exposure of the entire central skull base including the infratemporal fossa and its extreme lateral and superior aspects. Adequate tumour exposure and vascular control could be achieved in all cases resulting in complete tumour excision. The mean operative time was 3 h 15 min. Post-operative healing was satisfactory with palatal fistula formation in four cases and all patients remaining disease-free up to the present time. One had minimal misalignment of the halves of the upper jaw and two had epiphora, of which one required dacryocystorhinostomy. The maxillary swing is an effective approach in the management of extensive nasopharyngeal angiofibroma and leads to optimal anatomical exposure with minimal morbidity.

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Vestibular recruitment: new application for an old concept

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Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2021 May 7:S1808-8694(21)00078-1. doi: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2021.04.006. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Vestibular recruitment is a sign of hyperexcitability of central vestibular neurons and may be characteristic of peripheral vestibular damage.

OBJECTIVE: To define the post-caloric recruitment index and its ability to predict the stage of vestibular compensation and peripheral lesion.

METHODS: First of all, we demonstrated that larger values in the cold post-caloric stimulation compared to warm stimulation were equivalent to vestibular recruitment observed during the sinusoidal harmonic acceleration test. In the next step, patients with vestibular complaints and asymptomatic controls were submitted to the caloric test. We calculated post-caloric recruitment index for the control group. Among the study group, we analyzed the relation between post-caloric recruitment and unilateral weaknes s as well as the types of vestibular diagnoses.

RESULTS: Mean post-caloric recruitment was 17.06% and 33.37% among the control and study group, respectively. The ratio between post-caloric recruitment and unilateral weakness was 1.3 in the study group. Among recruiting subjects, no significant difference of unilateral weakness from the lesioned or healthy side was observed. We found no differences in vestibular diagnoses between recruiting and non-recruiting subjects.

CONCLUSION: Post-caloric recruitment index identified asymmetric vestibular tonus and central compensation. The normal value was established at 17.06%.

PMID:34016567 | DOI:10.1016/j.bjorl.2021.04.006

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