•Many individuals with aphasia maintained old friendships and developed new friendships, particularly with another person with aphasia.•On average, perceived friendship satisfaction and support ...improved over time; however some individuals with aphasia reported feeling dissatisfied and not well supported by friends.•Standardized language testing and self-reported communicative participation had opposite relationships with perceived friendship support.•Aphasia can have lasting social implications.
Friendships are an important contributor to quality of life. Due to communication and other stroke-related challenges, people with aphasia (PWA) can experience negative friendship changes, which have been linked with increased physiological distress. This study examined friendship experiences over time for PWA to understand how friendships evolve throughout the course of stroke and aphasia recovery.
Fifteen stroke survivors with chronic aphasia completed language testing and a friendship questionnaire created by the researchers. The friendship questionnaire was composed of open and closed-ended questions that asked PWA to reflect back on their friendship satisfaction, support, activities, and communication during the time before aphasia and during the acute stage of recovery. The questionnaire also addressed their current friendships in the present-day chronic stage of recovery, as well as questions about an ideal friendship. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to examine the data, with quantitative findings reported in this study.
The majority of PWA reported maintaining some friendships and developing new friendships, often with a fellow stroke survivor with aphasia; however, a few PWA in this study were not able to maintain or develop any new friendships. Average ratings of perceived friendship satisfaction and support improved from the acute to chronic stage, nearing those of the ratings pre-stroke, yet there was greater variability in the chronic stage with some currently feeling dissatisfied and not well supported. Aphasia severity, as measured by a standardized assessment, had a negative relationship with perceived friendship support. In contrast, perception of communicative participation had a positive relationship with friendship support.
This work highlights lasting social implications of aphasia. The overall health of PWA deserves greater attention, including interventions targeting friendship maintenance and development. Continued stakeholder-engaged research and clinical practice focused on the social and emotional consequences of aphasia on PWA, as well as their friends and family, is needed to assist all involved in aphasia recovery achieve better friendships and well-being.
We present new 450 and 850 mu m SCUBA data and 1.3 mm MAMBO data of the dwarf galaxies IIZw 40, He 2-10 and NGC 1140. Additional ISOCAM, IRAS as well as ground based data are used to construct the ...observed mid-infrared to millimeter spectral energy distribution of these galaxies. These spectral energy distributions are modeled in a self-consistent way, as was achieved with NGC 1569 (Galliano et al. 2003, A&A, 407, 159), synthesizing both the global stellar radiation field and the dust emission, with further constraints provided by the photoionisation of the gas. Our study shows that low-metallicity galaxies have very different dust properties compared to the Galaxy. Our main results are: (i) a paucity of PAHs which are likely destroyed by the hard penetrating radiation field; (ii) a very small ( similar to 3-4 nm) average size of grains, consistent with the fragmentation and erosion of dust particles by the numerous shocks; (iii) a significant millimetre excess in the dust spectral energy distribution which can be explained by the presence of ubiquitous very cold dust (T = 5-9 K) accounting for 40 to 80% of the total dust mass, probably distributed in small clumps. We derive a range of gas-to-dust mass ratios between 300 and 2000, larger than the Galactic values and dust-to-metals ratios of 1/30 to 1/2. The modeled dust size distributions are used to synthesize an extinction curve for each galaxy. The UV slopes of the extinction curves resemble that observed in some regions in the Large Magellanic Cloud. The 2175 AA bumps of the modeled extinction curves are weaker than that of the Galaxy, except in the case of IIZw 40 where we are unable to accurately constrain the 2175 AA bump carrier.
Context.
As the millimeter wavelength range remains a largely unexplored spectral region for galaxies, the IMEGIN large program aims to map the millimeter continuum emission of 22 nearby galaxies at ...1.15 and 2 mm.
Aims.
Using the high-resolution maps produced by the NIKA2 camera, we explore the existence of very cold dust and take possible contamination by free–free and synchrotron emission into account. We study the IR-to-radio emission coming from different regions along the galactic plane and at large vertical distances.
Methods.
New observations of NGC 891, using the NIKA2 camera on the IRAM 30 m telescope, along with a suite of observations at other wavelengths were used to perform a multiwavelength study of the spectral energy distribution in the interstellar medium in this galaxy. This analysis was performed globally and locally, using the advanced hierarchical Bayesian fitting code,
HerBIE
, coupled with the
THEMIS
dust model.
Results.
Our dust modeling is able to reproduce the near-IR to millimeter emission of NGC 891, with the exception of an excess at a level of 25% obtained by the NIKA2 observations in the outermost parts of the disk. The radio continuum and thermal dust emission are distributed differently in the disk and galaxy halo. Different dusty environments are also revealed by a multiwavelength investigation of the emission features. Our detailed decomposition at millimeter and centimeter wavelengths shows that emission at 1 mm is purely originated by dust. Radio components become progressively important with increasing wavelengths. Finally, we find that emission arising from small dust grains accounts for ∼9.5% of the total dust mass, reaching up to 20% at large galactic latitudes. Shock waves in the outflows that shatter the dust grains might explain this higher fraction of small grains in the halo.
Conclusions.
NIKA2 observations have proven essential for a complete characterization of the interstellar medium in NGC 891. They have been critical to separate the dust, free–free, and synchrotron emission in the various emitting regions within the galaxy.
Increasing evidence suggests that autism is associated with abnormal white-matter (WM) anatomy and impaired brain 'connectivity'. While myelin plays a critical role in synchronized brain ...communication, its aetiological role in autistic symptoms has only been indirectly addressed by WM volumetric, relaxometry and diffusion tensor imaging studies. A potentially more specific measure of myelin content, termed myelin water fraction (MWF), could provide improved sensitivity to myelin alteration in autism.
We performed a cross-sectional imaging study that compared 14 individuals with autism and 14 age- and IQ-matched controls. T 1 relaxation times (T 1), T 2 relaxation times (T 2) and MWF values were compared between autistic subjects, diagnosed using the Autism Diagnostic Interview - Revised (ADI-R), with current symptoms assessed using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and typical healthy controls. Correlations between T 1, T 2 and MWF values with clinical measures ADI-R, ADOS, and the Autism Quotient (AQ) were also assessed.
Individuals with autism showed widespread WM T 1 and MWF differences compared to typical controls. Within autistic individuals, worse current social interaction skill as measured by the ADOS was related to reduced MWF although not T 1. No significant differences or correlations with symptoms were observed with respect to T 2.
Autistic individuals have significantly lower global MWF and higher T 1, suggesting widespread alteration in tissue microstructure and biochemistry. Areas of difference, including thalamic projections, cerebellum and cingulum, have previously been implicated in the disorder; however, this is the first study to specifically indicate myelin alteration in these regions.
To determine the dose-limiting toxicity and maximum-tolerated dose of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib administered intravenously weekly for 4 every 5 weeks; to determine the bortezomib ...pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics using plasma levels and an assay for 20S proteasome inhibition (PI) in whole blood; to correlate toxicity with bortezomib dose and degree of 20S PI; and to conduct a preliminary determination of the antitumor activity of bortezomib in patients with androgen independent prostate cancer (AIPCa).
Fifty-three patients (48 with AIPCa) received 128 cycles of bortezomib in doses ranging from 0.13 to 2.0 mg/m(2)/dose, utilizing a careful escalation scheme with a continuous reassessment method. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies were performed in 24 patients (at 1.45 to 2.0 mg/m(2)).
A dose-related 20S PI was seen, with dose-limiting toxicity at 2.0 mg/m(2) (diarrhea, hypotension) occurring at an average 1-hour post-dose of >/= 75% 20S PI. Other side effects were fatigue, hypertension, constipation, nausea, and vomiting. No relationship was seen between body-surface area and bortezomib clearance over the narrow dose range tested. There was evidence of biologic activity (decline in serum prostate-specific antigen and interleukin-6 levels) at >/= 50% 20S PI. Two patients with AIPCa had prostate-specific antigen response and two patients had partial response in lymph nodes.
The maximum-tolerated dose and recommended phase II dose of bortezomib in this schedule is 1.6 mg/m(2). Biologic activity (inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B-related markers) and antitumor activity is seen in AIPCa at tolerated doses of bortezomib. This agent should be further explored with chemotherapy agents in advanced prostate cancer.
This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of non-pharmacological manipulations on experimentally induced secondary hypersensitivity in pain-free humans. We investigated the ...magnitude (change/difference in follow-up ratings from pre-manipulation ratings) of secondary hypersensitivity (primary outcome), and surface area of secondary hypersensitivity (secondary outcome), in 27 studies representing 847 participants. Risk of bias assessment concluded most studies (23 of 27) had an unclear or high risk of performance and detection bias. Further, 2 (of 27) studies had a high risk of measurement bias. Datasets were pooled by the method of manipulation and outcome. The magnitude of secondary hypersensitivity was decreased by diverting attention, anodal transcranial direct current stimulation, or emotional disclosure; increased by directing attention toward the induction site, nicotine deprivation, or negative suggestion; and unaffected by cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation or thermal change. Area of secondary hypersensitivity was decreased by anodal transcranial direct current stimulation, emotional disclosure, cognitive behavioral therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, placebo analgesia, or spinal manipulation; increased by directing attention to the induction site, nicotine deprivation, or sleep disruption (in males only); and unaffected by cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation, thermal change, acupuncture, or electroacupuncture. Meta-analytical pooling was only appropriate for studies that used transcranial direct current stimulation or hyperbaric oxygen therapy, given the high clinical heterogeneity among the studies and unavailability of data. The evidence base for this question remains small. We discuss opportunities to improve methodological rigor including manipulation checks, structured blinding strategies, control conditions or time points, and public sharing of raw data.
We described the effects of several non-pharmacological manipulations on experimentally induced secondary hypersensitivity in humans. By shedding light on the potential for non-pharmacological therapies to influence secondary hypersensitivity, it provides a foundation for the development and testing of targeted therapies for secondary hypersensitivity.
•Systematic review including 27 studies with 847 pain-free human participants.•Attention toward the induction increases; attention away decreases secondary hypersensitivity.•Manipulations had consistent effects on both magnitude and area of secondary hypersensitivity.•Enhance methodological rigor with manipulation checks, structured blinding, and control conditions.
Aims. We examine whether dust mass can trace the total or molecular gas mass in late-type Virgo cluster galaxies, and how the environment affects the dust-to-gas ratio and the molecular fraction. ...Methods. Using the far-infrared emission, as observed by the Herschel Virgo Cluster Survey (HeViCS), and the integrated HI 21-cm and CO J = 1-0 line brightness, we infer the dust and total gas mass for a magnitude limited sample of 35 metal rich spiral galaxies. Environmental disturbances on each galaxy are considered by means of the HI deficiency parameter. Results. The CO flux correlates tightly and linearly with far-infrared fluxes observed by Herschel, especially with the emission at 160, 250 and 350 mu m. Molecules in these galaxies are more closely related to cold dust rather than to dust heated by star formation or to optical/NIR brightness. We show that dust mass establishes a stronger correlation with the total gas mass than with the atomic or molecular component alone. The correlation is non-linear since lower mass galaxies have a lower dust-to-gas ratio. The dust-to-gas ratio increases as the HI deficiency increases, but in highly HI deficient galaxies it stays constant. Dust is in fact less affected than atomic gas by weak cluster interactions, which remove most of the HI gas from outer and high latitudes regions. Highly disturbed galaxies, in a dense cluster environment, can instead loose a considerable fraction of gas and dust from the inner regions of the disk keeping constant the dust-to-gas ratio. There is evidence that the molecular phase is also quenched. This quencing becomes evident by considering the molecular gas mass per unit stellar mass. Its amplitude, if confirmed by future studies, highlights that molecules are missing in Virgo HI deficient spirals, but to a somewhat lesser extent than dust.
We examine the relation between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emission at 8 μm and far-infrared emission from hot dust grains at 24 μm and from large dust grains at 160 and 250 μm in the ...nearby spiral galaxies NGC 2403 and M83 using data from the Spitzer Space Telescope and Herschel Space Observatory. We find that the PAH emission in NGC 2403 is better correlated with emission at 250 μm from dust heated by the diffuse interstellar radiation field (ISRF) and that the 8/250-μm surface brightness ratio is well correlated with the stellar surface brightness as measured at 3.6 μm. This implies that the PAHs in NGC 2403 are intermixed with cold large dust grains in the diffuse interstellar medium (ISM) and that the PAHs are excited by the diffuse ISRF. In M83, the PAH emission appears more strongly correlated with 160 μm emission originating from large dust grains heated by star-forming regions. However, the PAH emission in M83 is low where the 24-μm emission peaks within star-forming regions, and enhancements in the 8/160-μm surface brightness ratios appear offset relative to the dust and the star-forming regions within the spiral arms. This suggests that the PAHs observed in the 8 μm band are not excited locally within star-forming regions but either by light escaping non-axisymmetrically from star-forming regions or locally by young, non-photoionizing stars that have migrated downstream from the spiral density waves. The results from just these two galaxies show that PAHs may be excited by different stellar populations in different spiral galaxies.
Purpose: Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who work with people with aphasia focus on assessment and intervention to support improved communication outcomes for their clients. Friendship, a key ...component of quality of life, often depends on communicative interaction, and many people with aphasia report having reduced social circles. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of SLPs working with clients with aphasia on their role in supporting friendship development and maintenance. Method: An online survey composed of questions addressing SLP perspectives and goal setting, assessment, and treatment practices related to aphasia and friendship was distributed to SLPs across the United States. Survey data were analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Results: Forty-seven SLPs completed the survey. While many SLPs reported that the friendships of their clients with aphasia were impacted by aphasia and that it was within their scope of practice to support friendship development and maintenance, many did not specifically assess or target friendship and friendship outcomes in the treatment plan. SLPs identified barriers and facilitators to focusing on friendship within the context of speech and language therapy. Conclusions: Findings suggest the majority of participating SLPs were interested in addressing friendship with clients with aphasia; however, they experienced barriers in practice. Further examination of SLP perspectives and clinical practice regarding friendship and aphasia is warranted. Additionally, research investigating effective assessment and therapeutic methods that target friendship in aphasia is needed to support clinical practice and the well-being of clients with aphasia. Supplemental Material:
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