Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “rapid learning”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 883 records · Page 49Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Traumatically acquired conditioned dysphagia in children.

A new diagnosis identifying a nonorganic basis of dysphagia is proposed in relation to behavioral conditioning processes and thereby labeled "conditioned dysphagia" (CD). Literature review of both animal and human studies documents that rapidly acquired and persistent avoidance responses are learned when autonomic functions are contiguous with traumatic physical events. Three case studies with primary diagnoses of TE fistula, congenital heart disease and pseudobulbar palsy demonstrated an association between CD and early childhood incidence of trauma involving the esophagus. Successful treatment was achieved by operant deconditioning therapy. Results of a pilot epidemiological study of 28 postpharyngeal flap surgery children and 47 controls showed significantly higher incidence of mild to moderate CD in the surgery group.

Avoidance Learning↗
PubMed1989

Memory during subclinical hippocampal seizures.

We performed neuropsychological testing in 2 patients during subclinical hippocampal seizures recorded with depth electrodes. Neither subject showed impairment of consciousness, orientation, motor skills, or verbal fluency. The rapidity of recall of a well-learned word list was impaired in 1 subject during ictal fast spiking in the left hippocampus. Subclinical seizure activity may be responsible for a portion of the memory deficits found in patients with epilepsy.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

An examination of blood center structure and hospital customer satisfaction: what can centralized and decentralized blood centers learn from each other?

The cost of blood and blood products has increased rapidly over the last several years while the supply of available blood donors has simultaneously decreased. Higher blood costs and donor shortages have put a strain on the relationship between blood suppliers and their hospital customers. This study examines the association between blood center centralization or decentralization and several aspects of hospital satisfaction. Centralized and decentralized blood centers have significant differences in various aspects of hospital customer satisfaction. Advantages and disadvantages of the two structures are discussed, as well as areas for future research.

Blood Banks↗
PubMed1976

Problems in using linear ultrasound parameters for the determination of fetal weight.

We have developed three formulas for the calculation of fetal weight by means of ultrasound which have proved clinically useful (Formula I for normal size fetuses, Formula II for very small fetuses, and Formula III as a control). From 621 controlled calculations of the fetal weight and the general experience from our ultrasound clinic (over 20,000 examinations) we discuss the inherent problems. We used the Vidoson apparatus manufactured by Siemens (West Germany) which is a rapid imaging B-scan. We have learned from many years of studying means of calculating fetal weight that a regression equation from linear fetal measurements can be used: namely the biparietelllll skull diameter, the sagittal and the transverse thoracic diameter and the length of the trunk (Tab. I)...

Birth Weight↗
PubMed2002

Cognitive processes and motor skills differ in sensitivity to alcohol impairment.

OBJECTIVE: Research reviews have suggested that cognitive and motor skills are not equally sensitive to a moderate dose of alcohol; they disagree, however, on which type of task is more sensitive to impairment. This issue is addressed in two experiments testing a cognitive and a motor skill task performed by the same person at comparable blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) during a moderate dose of alcohol. METHOD: A motor skill task (PR) and a rapid information processing (RIP) task requiring no learned motor skill were performed in counterbalanced order, and tests on the pair of tasks occurred at intervals as BAC rose and declined. In the first experiment, two groups of male social drinkers (each n = 10) received either a moderate dose of alcohol (0.62 g/kg) or placebo and performed the tasks with no consequence for performance. The second experiment comprised four groups (each n = 14) to verify and extend the results to a situation in which unimpaired performance under alcohol was rewarded on one or both tasks. RESULTS: In both experiments, impairment on the PR task tended to increase and diminish with rising and declining BACs, whereas impairment on the RIP task showed no such pattern. Reinforcement reduced the degree of impairment displayed on each task, but the different task profiles of impairment were still evident. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate how disagreement over the sensitivity of cognitive and motor skills to a moderate dose of alcohol may occur when impairment is only assessed at some particular BACs. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Asymmetries in classically conditioned head movements and cingulate cortex slow potentials in cats.

Presuming that conditioned head movements in the cat indicate a preference for a specific direction, asymmetries were also expected to be found in bilaterally recorded cingulate cortex slow potentials to a symmetrical tone stimulus during discriminative conditioning. Conditioned stimuli (CS, 1000 and 2500 Hz tones) were delivered through two miniature loudspeakers fitted to the head in front of both ears. The unconditioned stimulus (US) was an electrical stimulation of either the left or right lateral hypothalamus yielding, in addition to its rewarding effects, an unconditioned head turning response (UR) either to the left, right, forwards or upwards. Discrimination learning appeared as more extended and more rapid headturns and greater negativity in the cingulate cortex to the CS+ than to the CS-. The preferred conditioned behavioral response (CR) was a headturn to the left in 11 of 12 cats accompanying increased negativity in evoked slow potentials in the right cingulate cortex during the 128-324 ms period after the CS onset. No differences in the movements and in the cingulate potentials were found between the left versus right US stimulations. The results showed that regardless of the direction of the original unconditioned head movement, the direction of the CR was at the end of the training period to the left in 11 out of the 12 cats. Larger evoked slow potentials observed in the right cingulate cortex which were not present in the baseline measurements suggest a population bias between the hemispheres.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

[Gas gangrene and hyperbaric oxygenation--a lesson forgotten or never learned?].

Gas gangrene develops in devitalized hypoxic tissue. It spreads rapidly under strong influence of enzymes produced by the causing bacteria and often results in fatal outcome. It is of utmost importance to stop toxin production as soon as possible, which is most effectively achieved by early application of hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO2), as the first measure in a "trident" (HBO2, antibiotics, surgical measures). The paper reviews the most important data from microbiology, pathophysiology and epidemiology of gas gangrene, current clinical practice, scientific basis for application of HBO2 in the treatment of this disease, and data from the archives of the Naval Medical Institute of the Croatian Navy in Split (NMI). At the NMI, in the period from 1982 to 2000, HBO2 was administered in the treatment of 21 patients with gas gangrene, of average age 41.6 +/- 16.3 years. The average treatment consisted of 6.8 +/- 3.8 sessions. 13 (76%) patients were cured.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Initial experience of 3-D video endoscopy in general surgery.

The worldwide explosion of Iaparoscopic surgery within general surgery began in the late 1980sand early 1990s.From its inception, surgeons have expected the image on the video monitor to resemble closely the . image obtained in similar open surgery.The monitor image, however, is presented in two dimensions- height and width. Orientation of the surgeon to the anatomy is more difficult and requires a sound knowl- edge of anatomy, the relationships of organs to each other, and an understanding of the individual patient's unique structures. Adding a third dimension, depth, to imitate natural vision in open surgery may provide surgeons with the confidence to perform more advanced procedures. In addition, trainee surgeons, without the experience of open surgery which their senior colleagues have gained, may more rapidly appreciate orientation of the anatomy and learn the surgical task more quickly.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2005

[Laparoscopic-assisted resection of colorectal tumours].

Two randomised controlled studies comparing laparoscopic-assisted and open surgery for colorectal cancer (the CLASICC and COLOR trials) have been published recently. There is now sufficient evidence that laparoscopic-assisted surgery is as effective as open surgery for cancer of the colon. There is no difference in short-term results (hospital mortality and complications) or 3-year survival rates. The substantial learning curve is a potential drawback for rapid implementation in daily practice and the procedure is associated with extra costs. The impact of the introduction of fast-track surgery has to be considered as another important way to reduce hospital stay. Wide application of laparoscopic-assisted resection of rectal cancer is not justified yet due to impaired short-term outcomes, such as increased circumferential resection margins and urogenital complications.

Colorectal Neoplasms↗
PubMed2005

Scaling up antiretroviral therapy in Africa: learning from tuberculosis control programmes--the case of Malawi.

The rapid and massive scale-up of antiretroviral drug therapy (ART) so needed in sub-Saharan Africa will not be possible using a 'medicalised' model. A more simple approach is required. DOTS has been used now for many years to provide successful anti-tuberculosis treatment to millions of patients in poor countries of the world, and many of the established concepts can be used for the delivery of ART. Malawi, a small and impoverished country in sub-Saharan Africa, is embarking on a national scale-up of ART. In this review we describe how we have adopted several of the principles of DOTS for delivering ART in Malawi: case finding and registration, treatment, monitoring, drug procurement, staffing and the issue of free drugs. We also discuss ART for HIV-infected TB patients. We hope that by using the DOTS approach we will be able to deliver ART to large numbers of HIV-infected patients under controlled conditions, and minimise the risk of developing drug resistance.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed2005

[Preliminary experience with transobturator tape for treatment of urinary incontinence in women].

AIM: Aim of this study is to report our preliminary experience with a minimally invasive surgical procedure using transobturator approach. METHODS: We enrolled in our study 19 patients with stress urinary incontinence and urethral hypermobility without genital prolapse. All patients underwent suburethral transobturator tape (TOT) procedure. Four patients underwent previous surgical procedure for incontinence (3 Kelly and 1 Burch). No patients reported previous major gynaecological surgery. Mean age was 58.68 years (range 36-75). The sling was placed according to the technique described by Delorme. RESULTS: Mean operating time was 21 min (range 14-48). No bladder lesions or intraoperative complications occurred. Fifteen patients were dismissed the same day of surgery. Mean hospital staying was 1.4 days (range 1-5). No infections, erosions or sieromas have been observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience shows as TOT technique is extremely rapid, reproducible and with a very short learning curve. The transobturator approach avoids the risk of bladder, bowel or vascular injuries. Compliance and patient satisfaction have been very encouraging, restoring a real functional well-being. However, the small number of patients in our study and the short follow up do not actually allow us to draw definitive results and further studies are needed to confirm the technique success.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Use of the Mini-Cog test as a screening method for dementia in the Italian population: the Argento Study results].

INTRODUCTION: This article describes the use of the Mini Cog test in a sample of elderly subjects participating in a multicentre Italian study on the healthcare needs of older adults. The Mini Cog is a simple screening test for cognitive impairment. It combines a brief memory test and a simply scored clock-drawing test and allows rapid screening for short term memory defects, learning and different cognitive abilities that are impaired in dementia patients. Various studies have shown that the Mini-Cog, which can be administered in as little as 3 minutes, is as effective in detecting dementia as longer screening tests. In addition, it can be easily administered by personnel that is unfamiliar with cognitive testing. METHODS: The Mini-Cog test was administered to 2,186 elderly subjects participating in the Argento study, a study conducted in 11 Italian regions. Clocks were rated as abnormal (0 points) or normal (1 point) and 1 point was given for each recalled word in the memory test. A total score of 0-2 was considered positive for dementia. Two training courses were organized for the 11 regional coordinators who were responsible for rating the clock drawing test. In order to validate the study results, 300 clocks were rated by expert raters who had developed the test. RESULTS: The test was acceptable to study subjects and less than 1% refused to perform the clock drawing test. Ratings by expert and local raters were found to be 90% concordant. The estimated prevalence of persons with a score >or=2 was 23.1% and double in persons over 75 years of age (65-74: 16,4%; >or=75: 31,2%). No gender differences were observed. On the other hand large differences were observed between persons with different educational levels; in fact while 63.1% of illiterate subjects scored positive for dementia, only 8.9% of university educated persons had positive tests. CONCLUSIONS: The Mini-Cog test was found to be easy to administer by Italian Local Health Unit personnel in the context of evaluating healthcare needs of older persons. Study results were consistent with other population studies that evaluated cognitive impairment in elderly subjects in developed countries. In view of its high acceptability and reliability the Mini-Cog can be a valid screening tool for use in outpatient services and by general practitioners and in the planning and management of healthcare services.

Aged↗
PubMed1993

Using computers as instructional technology in the pressure ulcer field.

The use of computers by healthcare educators is expanding rapidly because computer-assisted instruction reduces learning time, can be accessed at any time, and is cost-effective. How to evaluate their cost-effectiveness and suggestions for use are presented in detail. The advantages and disadvantages of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and interactive videodisc (IVD) technologies are reviewed. Several CAI and IVD programs of interest to wound care clinicians are described.

Computer-Assisted Instruction↗
PubMed1993

A new and simple approach to open laparoscopy.

This new and simple approach to laparoscopy should be in the armamentarium of every laparoscopic surgeon. Similar to the dissection involved with an open peritoneal lavage, the peritoneal cavity is entered. After placement of a pursestring fascial suture, the introducer and laparoscope are inserted. The suture is used to provide an airtight seal and close the defect at the termination of the procedure. We believe that this is a safe, rapid, effective technique that is easy to learn.

Humans↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Telematics equipment for poison control surveillance. Its applications in the health management of relevant chemical incidents].

Health management of major chemical incidents requires a close collaboration between rescuers (on the disaster site and in the emergency department) and the poison center. The study tested telematic technologies allowing telepresence and teleconsulting, a real time and continuous connection among health care personnel and toxicologists involved in the management of the emergency. The link between the poison center (PC) and the emergency department in the local hospital is provided by a ISDN operating video conferencing system, while the data transmission from the site of the accident to the PC is achieved with a personal computer and GSM cellular data transmission. Toxicological databases and risk assessment software are integrated in the system, to support information sharing. To test such instruments in operative nearly realistic conditions, the main phase of the study has implemented simulated chemical disasters in different locations in Italy. Instruments for telepresence and teleconsulting have been effectively utilized to evaluate from a remote location the scenario and the severity of the accident, by inspecting either specific details or the whole scene, to enable PC guiding the triage of the victims before and after hospitalization, to utilize and share data, such as intervention protocols or patient records, and to document all the activities. In summary, this experience shows that the telematic link allows the toxicologists of the poison center to rapidly understand the situation, and to correctly learn about the conditions of patients with the help of images. The results of this study indicate the valuable benefits of telematic instruments for the health care in case of major chemical disasters occurring in a remote geographical location or in an area which lacks local toxicological experts, where specialized expertise can be achieved by the use of telematic technologies.

Emergency Service, Hospital↗
PubMed2002

Immunization reverses memory deficits without reducing brain Abeta burden in Alzheimer's disease model.

We have previously shown that chronic treatment with the monoclonal antibody m266, which is specific for amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta), increases plasma concentrations of Abeta and reduces Abeta burden in the PDAPP transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We now report that administration of m266 to PDAPP mice can rapidly reverse memory deficits in both an object recognition task and a holeboard learning and memory task, but without altering brain Abeta burden. We also found that an Abeta/antibody complex was present in both the plasma and the cerebrospinal fluid of m266-treated mice. Our data indicate that passive immunization with this anti-Abeta monoclonal antibody can very rapidly reverse memory impairment in certain learning and memory tasks in the PDAPP mouse model of AD, owing perhaps to enhanced peripheral clearance and (or) sequestration of a soluble brain Abeta species.

Alzheimer Disease↗
PubMed1999

Task decomposition analysis of intertrial free recall performance on the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test in normal aging and Alzheimer's disease.

Task decomposition provides supplementary data that complement traditionally computed performance indexes of multi-trial list learning. Both traditional and decomposition approaches can be combined to permit a thorough assessment of multiple aspects of learning and memory in patients with memory impairment. We applied task decomposition to investigate the relative roles of acquisition and consolidation in mediating the multi-trial learning deficit in patients with Alzheimer's disease. This goal was accomplished by decomposing recall performance across the five study-and-test trials of the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Tests into measures that presumably tap intertrial acquisition and intertrial consolidation. As compared to matched controls, patients diagnosed with mild Alzheimer's disease showed lower gained access across trials, indicating that Alzheimer's disease impairs the ability to produce a stable memory representation of new material in long-term memory. Additionally, patients with Alzheimer's disease manifested higher lost access, which suggests that deficient consolidation leading to rapid intertrial forgetting also contributes to their poor learning. We argue that analytically decomposing learning curves will help both in uncovering the cognitive processes that underlie disease-related learning deficits in persons with memory disorders and can help to characterize potential areas for remediation.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Position information but not force information is used in adapting to changes in environmental dynamics.

This study investigated how movement error is evaluated and used to change feedforward commands following a change in the environmental dynamics. In particular, we addressed the question of whether only position-error information is used or whether information about the force-field direction can also be used for rapid adaptation to changes in the environmental dynamics. Subjects learned to move in a position-dependent force field (PF) with a parabolic profile and the dynamics of a negative spring, which produced lateral force to the left of the target hand path. They adapted very rapidly, dramatically reducing lateral error after a single trial. Several times during training, the strength of the PF was unexpectedly doubled (PF2) for two trials. This again created a large leftward deviation, which was greatly reduced on the second PF2 trial, and an aftereffect when the force field subsequently returned to its original strength. The aftereffect was abolished if the second PF2 trial was replaced by an oppositely directed velocity-dependent force field (VF). During subsequent training in the VF, immediately after having adapted to the PF, subjects applied a force that assisted the force field for approximately 15 trials, indicating that they did not use information about the force-field direction. We concluded that the CNS uses only the position error for updating the internal model of the environmental dynamics and modifying feedforward commands. Although this strategy is not necessarily optimal, it may be the most reliable strategy for iterative improvement in performance.

Adaptation, Physiological↗