National Institute On Deafness And Other Communication Disorders Research Articles

Serum NFL and neuropsychological performance over ∼8 years in women with and without HIV: a longitudinal repeated measures study.

Blood-based biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and stroke, including serum neurofilament light chain (sNFL), are understudied in women living with and without HIV. We assessed cross-sectional and longitudinal change in sNFL between 2008 and 2019 associated with neuropsychological performance (NP) among women living with HIV (WLWH) and without HIV (WLWOH) age ≥40 years in the Women's Interagency HIV Study. Baseline and repeated ∼8-year fasting sNFL levels were measured using Simoa. Sociodemographically-adjusted NP T-scores (attention, working memory, executive function, processing speed, learning, verbal fluency and global) were calculated. Multivariable linear regression analyses stratified by HIV serostatus examined cross-sectional baseline and follow-up associations, and ∼8-year change in sNFL level related to global and domain-specific NP T-scores. 417 participants (290 WLWH, 127 WLWOH), African American/Black (55%), ≥high school education (69%), current/former smokers (79%), and overweight/obese (BMI ≥25.0kg/m2, 74%) were included. Compared to WLWOH at baseline, WLWH performed worse on memory and global NP. WLWH versus WLWOH had higher baseline (p≤0.001) and follow-up median (p<0.0001) sNFL levels and ∼8-year change (46.5% in WLWH versus 24.4% in WLWOH, p<0.0001). Among WLWH, higher baseline sNFL was associated with poorer processing speed, learning, memory and verbal fluency. Among WLWOH, higher baseline sNFL was associated with poorer executive function, processing speed and verbal fluency. Among WLWH, higher follow-up sNFL was associated with poorer executive function. Among WLWOH, higher follow-up sNFL was associated with poorer executive function, processing speed, attention, memory, and global NP. ∼8-year increase in sNFL occurred in both WLWH and WLWOH and was associated with poorer executive function, processing speed, memory, and global performance at follow-up among WLWOH, and poorer executive function in WLWH. Adjustment for multiple comparisons showed associations at cross-sectional follow-up and ∼8-year increase in sNFL in WLWOH, only. Higher sNFL was associated with poorer baseline processing speed in WLWH only. Higher levels and greater ∼8-year increases in sNFL were associated with poorer NP by domain in WLWH and WLWOH differentially over time. The contents of this publication are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). MACS/WIHS Combined Cohort Study (MWCCS) (Principal Investigators: Bronx CRS (Kathryn Anastos, David Hanna, and Anjali Sharma), U01-HL146204; Brooklyn CRS (Deborah Gustafson and Tracey Wilson), U01-HL146202; Data Analysis and Coordination Center (Gypsyamber D'Souza, Stephen Gange and Elizabeth Topper), U01-HL146193; Chicago-Cook County CRS (Mardge Cohen and Audrey French), U01-HL146245; Northern California CRS (Bradley Aouizerat, Jennifer Price, and Phyllis Tien), U01-HL146242; Metropolitan Washington CRS (Seble Kassaye and Daniel Merenstein), U01-HL146205. The MWCCS is funded primarily by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), with additional co-funding from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institute on Aging (NIA), National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), and in coordination and alignment with the research priorities of the National Institutes of Health, Office of AIDS Research (OAR). MWCCS data collection is also supported by UL1-TR000004 (UCSF CTSA), UL1-TR003098 (JHU ICTR), UL1-TR001881 (UCLA CTSI).

NIDCD’s 5-year strategic plan seeks innovations in assistive device technologies

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) recently announced the release of its five-year strategic plan, with scientific priorities that include basic research, model systems, innovative technologies, individualized treatment approaches, scientific data sharing, and translation of research into clinical tools [1].

Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) web site provides the latest information on the normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, and language. The NIDCD is part of the National Institutes of Health and strives to advance the science of communication to improve lives. While the focus of NIDCD is conducting and supporting research related to disease prevention and health promotion, the web site contains many resources for consumer health.

New Multi-Center Clinical Trial to Address Cochlear Implantation of Children with Asymmetric Hearing Loss or Single-Sided Deafness

New Multi-Center Clinical Trial to Address Cochlear Implantation of Children with Asymmetric Hearing Loss or Single-Sided Deafness

Association between human immunodeficiency virus serostatus and the prevalence of atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) leads to increased risk for stroke. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), although it is unclear if HIV is associated with AF. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between HIV serostatus and the prevalence of AF in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study.A cross sectional study was conducted among 1674 HIV-infected (HIV+) and uninfected (HIV–) men who completed resting 12-lead electrocardiograms, and/or ambulatory electrocardiogram monitoring. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between AF, defined as the presence of either AF or atrial flutter, and HIV+ serostatus. Associations were adjusted for demographic variables, and then also for CVD risk factors.HIV+ men were younger than HIV– men (median 55.5 vs 61.7 years, P < .001) and were more frequently African-American (30.5% vs 17.8%, P < .001). Most HIV+ men (81%) had undetectable viral load. The age and race adjusted prevalence of AF was 3.0% in HIV+ and 3.3% in HIV– men. There was only 1 case of AF among African-American men. There were no associations between AF and HIV serostatus after adjusting for demographic factors (odds ratio 0.76; 95% CI 0.37 to –1.58; P = .47) or after further adjustment for CVD risk factors (odds ratio 0.84; 95% CI 0.39 to –1.81; P = .66).We found no association between HIV and AF in this cohort in which viral replication among the HIV+ men is generally suppressed. The overall prevalence of AF was low and was rare in African-American men.

Research Drives More Accessible, Affordable Hearing Care

Approximately 15 percent of U.S. adults report some degree of hearing loss. Untreated hearing loss is a huge issue for health.1,2 It may lead to isolation, and has been associated with serious conditions such as depression,3 anxiety, low self-esteem, dementia,4 reduced mobility, and falls.5 Hearing aids and other assistive devices can significantly improve the quality of life of many people, but only about one in four adults who could benefit from hearing aids has ever used these devices, citing roadblocks such as cost, stigma, perception that they are not effective, and limited access to hearing health care.1 As the lead federal agency supporting research and initiatives to prevent, detect, and treat hearing loss, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), part of the National Institutes of Health, has made research on improving access to and affordability of hearing health care a priority over the past decade. In 2009, the NIDCD started a coordinated effort to tackle accessible and affordable hearing health care by forming a working group.6 The working group created a blueprint for research priorities to enhance the affordability and accessibility of hearing health care for adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. This launched a focused effort by the institute that has, to date, inspired a dozen funding opportunities leading to NIDCD's support of 40 research projects on the topic. In 2016, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) published a consensus report, “Hearing Health Care for Adults: Priorities for Improving Access and Affordability.”1 The NIDCD co-sponsored this effort with other federal agencies and the Hearing Loss Association of America. The independent expert panel that conducted the study made recommendations for hearing health care reform, prioritizing the needs of adults with hearing loss. The panelists encouraged agencies, organizations, and professionals to improve access and affordability of services, develop innovative technologies, and better inform consumers about their choices for managing hearing loss. One of the panel's recommendations was for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to create and regulate a new category of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing devices, which could improve access to affordable hearing loss interventions for adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. In 2017, the president signed a law that directed the FDA to establish guidelines and quality standards for this new category of OTC hearing aids. A draft of these regulations is underway and expected to be released by August 2020.7 NIDCD-funded research informed the expert panel's recommendations, as well as the policy changes around improving adult hearing health care. For example, preliminary research showed that people with hearing loss are able to independently adjust the settings on their hearing devices in response to changing acoustic environments,8 and when given the ability to control their own hearing aid settings, they are generally more satisfied with the sound of the devices than with the audiologist's fit.9 In 2016, the first randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial comparing an OTC delivery model of hearing aids with traditional fitting by an audiologist found that hearing aid users in both groups reported similar benefits, supporting the viability of a direct-to-consumer service delivery model.10,11 The NIDCD also supports research that improves hearing aid technology for consumers. A small business research grant funded by the NIDCD led to the first self-fitted hearing aid approved by the FDA.12,13 As hearing researchers and clinicians, we are excited to witness the transformation of hearing health care for adults in the United States with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. We applaud the scientists who provided critical evidence leading to positive changes in public policy and in the marketplace. The NIDCD remains committed to improving the landscape of adult hearing health care, and we encourage continued research in this area to fill remaining gaps.

Neuropeptide Y and Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV in Pre‐ and Post‐Menopausal Women

The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in neuropeptide Y (NPY) protein and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP‐IV) activity in the plasma and saliva in normally cycling women and women after menopause. We recruited seven premenopausal women and seven post‐menopausal women for the study. Blood via venipuncture and saliva samples were taken at each point in the menstrual cycle (pre‐menopausal) or once per week (post‐menopausal) for 2 months. Blood and saliva were analyzed for estrogen, neuropeptide Y using ELISA's and DPP‐IV activity using a fluorometric assay. Plasma β‐estradiol was an average of 96.45±57.04 pg/ml over 2 cycles in the pre‐menopausal group and 1.72±0.35 pg/ml over 2 months in the post‐menopausal group (p&lt;0.05). In the pre‐menopausal group, there were no significant differences in saliva or plasma NPY or DPP‐IV over the cycle. For the post‐menopausal group, salivary NPY and DPP‐IV did not change over 2 months. Plasma NPY was lowest in the middle 2 weeks (average: 0.52±0.10 ng/ml) compared to the first and 4th weeks (average of week 1 and 4: 0.60±0.14 ng/ml; p&lt;0.05). Plasma NPY in postmenopausal women was higher overall (0.56±0.13 ng/ml) compared to pre‐menopausal women (0.30±0.11 ng/ml; p&lt;0.05). Plasma DPP‐IV activity was unchanged by time in the post‐menopausal group. Saliva DPP‐IV and saliva NPY in the pre‐menopausal group had a significant negative correlation (R=−0.95; p&lt;0.05). We found that saliva measures of NPY and DPP‐IV activity are poor estimates of plasma concentrations and activities. Differences in plasma NPY concentrations between the groups and the relationship between salivary NPY and DPP‐IV suggests that there are some unique differences between these groups.Support or Funding InformationThe work presented in this poster session was supported by Award Number 1R03DC013664‐01A1 from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). The content of this presentation is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIDCD or the National Institutes of Health.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Phase 1 – Community Forums Deaf ACCESS: Adapting Consent Through Community Engagement and State-Of-The-Art Simulation [English and Spanish versions

In 2016, the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS), in partnership with Brown University, was awarded a 2-year grant from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) to improve Deaf people’s trust and involvement in biomedical research. The Deaf ACCESS: Adapting Consent through Community Engagement and State-of-the-art Simulation research team is led by Melissa Anderson from UMMS and Co-Investigator Timothy Riker from Brown University. The study team also includes four Deaf Community Advisors. Because the research team includes five Deaf members, American Sign Language is the primary language used while working together. The first research brief for the Deaf ACCESS project at UMass Medical School related to Phase 1: Community Forums is "Deaf ACCESS Research Brief 1" available in ASL at https://youtu.be/qmrdsIpGbeQ. A Spanish translation of this publication is available is also available for download.

2011 Research Conference: Lessons for Success for Emerging Scientists

You have accessThe ASHA LeaderASHA News1 Jun 20112011 Research Conference: Lessons for Success for Emerging Scientists Margaret RogersPhD, CCC-SLP Margaret Rogers Google Scholar More articles by this author , PhD, CCC-SLP https://doi.org/10.1044/leader.AN2.16072011.18 SectionsAbout ToolsAdd to favorites ShareFacebookTwitterLinked In http://www.asha.org/Publications/leader/2011/110607/2011-Research-Conference--Lessons-for-Success-for-Emerging-Scientists.htm ASHA’s ninth annual “Lessons for Success: Developing the Emerging Scientist” brought together 32 junior and 15 senior scientists in the field of communication sciences and disorders (CSD) to enhance knowledge and skills in grant preparation, development and management of competitive research programs, and professional research competencies. The conference is supported by a grant awarded to ASHA from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). The intensive three-day meeting was held at ASHA’s national office in Rockville, Md., on April 27–30. The participants included PhD students, post-doctoral fellows, and junior-level faculty, all of whom have shown promise for a productive research career. (Conference presentations and the list of participants and mentors are available on ASHA’s website.) Participants gained valuable lessons from conference mentors on topics such as managing the challenges of balancing research, teaching, and service in an academic setting; managing a lab; forging successful research collaborations; and publishing their research. In didactic sessions, mentors discussed the major sections of a grant—such as specific aims, abstract, significance, innovation, and approach—to help the participants understand how to communicate clearly and concisely the most important information for each section of a grant. Proposal Reviews In addition to presenting on a variety of grant-writing topics, the mentors conducted several mock reviews of the participants’ grant proposals. The participants also had the opportunity to serve as reviewers in a mock review session after they had observed the mentors’ review. The ability to think about a grant from a reviewer’s perspective is critical, as this perspective helps grant writers to organize and clarify key elements of a proposal more effectively. Every year, two participants from previous conferences are invited to return and share their perspectives and experiences leveraging the conference into funding success. This year, Mary Alt, a speech-language pathologist and assistant professor at the University of Arizona, and Matthew Fitzgerald, an audiologist and assistant professor in the Department of Otolaryngology at New York University School of Medicine, gave inspiring accounts about how the conference had helped them to focus their research, communicate its significance more clearly, and guide their collaborative efforts more effectively. Fitzgerald said that the conference was a welcome and informative opportunity to learn more about the grant-writing process, from basic grantsmanship tips to how the review process actually works. “I particularly enjoyed the mock review sessions, in which faculty and participants had the opportunity to review different grant proposals,” he said. “This is one facet of the grant submission process that often seems opaque to new investigators, and it was helpful to the participants to understand this part of the process better.” Presenters Judith Cooper, Daniel Sklare, Peggy McCardle, and Christine Livingston gave an overview of the funding mechanisms and the application and review processes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Patricia Dorn, from the Veterans Health Administration Rehabilitation Research and Development Service, and Ken Wood, from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, also presented information about funding mechanisms offered through their respective agencies. Nancy Minghetti, executive director of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, provided an overview of ASHFoundation funding opportunities. Participants also had an opportunity to meet individually with representatives from these funding agencies during a two-hour roundtable session. The conference was planned and coordinated by the Research and Scientific Affairs Committee, the Lessons for Success Planning Committee, and ASHA’s Academic Affairs and Research Education unit, and was co-sponsored by NIDCD, ASHA, and the ASHFoundation. Lessons for Success is one of five ASHA programs designed to provide educational and mentoring opportunities for emerging researchers. The Research and Scientific Affairs Committee, chaired by Holly Storkel, associate professor at the University of Kansas, also supports several ASHA convention sessions—such as roundtable discussions for new investigators and sessions on getting a PhD and grant writing—designed specifically for investigators in the early stages of their academic-research careers. Author Notes chief staff officer for science and research, can be reached at [email protected]. Advertising Disclaimer | Advertise With Us Advertising Disclaimer | Advertise With Us Additional Resources FiguresSourcesRelatedDetails Volume 16Issue 7June 2011 Get Permissions Add to your Mendeley library History Published in print: Jun 1, 2011 Metrics Current downloads: 62 Topicsleader_do_tagasha-article-typesleader-topicsCopyright & Permissions© 2011 American Speech-Language-Hearing AssociationLoading ...

Research Symposium Probes Neural Regeneration

You have accessThe ASHA LeaderASHA News1 Jan 2010Research Symposium Probes Neural Regeneration Margaret RogersPhD, CCC-SLP Margaret Rogers Google Scholar More articles by this author , PhD, CCC-SLP https://doi.org/10.1044/leader.AN4.15012010.26 SectionsAbout ToolsAdd to favorites ShareFacebookTwitterLinked In More than 100 scientists and clinical professionals gathered in New Orleans in November for “Neural Regeneration and Communication Processes,” ASHA’s 19th annual research symposium. The full-day symposium, held concurrently with the annual ASHA convention, is funded by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). The event is organized by ASHA’s Scientific Informatics and Research Programs unit and supported by ASHA members who wrote the grant application in 2006 that funds the symposia through 2011. This year’s symposium, organized by Julie Barkmeier-Kraemer (University of Arizona) and Brenda Ryalls (James Madison University), featured three renowned senior scientists: Tessa Gordon (University of Alberta), who spoke on the physiology of neural injury and regeneration in both the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system; Jeff Kleim (University of Florida), who addressed neural regeneration of the motor cortex, especially as it relates to rehabilitation; and Yehoash Raphael (University of Michigan Medical School) who discussed inner-ear tissue engineering to restore hearing. The symposium also features the work of more junior scientists; the 2009 presenters and topics included Kazuo Oshima (Stanford University), hair cell regeneration through manipulation of stem cells; Michele Ciucci (University of Wisconsin-Madison), striatal-dopaminergic neuron recovery with behavioral intervention; and Doug Van Daele (University of Iowa), laryngeal muscle fiber changes with denervation. ASHA’s annual research symposium grants fund convention and symposium attendance for up to five doctoral students and provides a structure for these individuals to be mentored throughout convention. The 2009 recipients of the Research Symposium Mentoring-Pair award were: Yi-Chi Lo (University of Wisconsin-Madison) and mentor Cynthia Fowler (University of Wisconsin-Madison); Stacy Harnish (University of Florida) and mentor Jeff Kleim (University of Florida); Jun Wang (University of Nebraska-Lincoln) and mentor Brad Story (University of Arizona); Michelle Quinn (University of Iowa) and mentor Bruce Tomblin (University of Iowa); and Peter Meulenbroek (University of Wisconsin-Madison) and mentor Malcolm McNeil (University of Pittsburgh). The mentors and mentees also were invited to participate in a luncheon that featured Steve Barlow (University of Kansas) and Diane Bless (University of Wisconsin-Madison), who spoke about the importance and challenges of developing and maintaining research collaborations. Future research symposia topics include: Neural Plasticity: Mechanisms and Drivers of Functional Recovery in the Mature Brain (2010 ASHA convention) will examine the different forms and theories of neural plasticity and how the factors driving brain plasticity may be applied to the rehabilitation of individuals with acquired neurological communication and swallowing disorders. Neurobiological Bases of Auditory and Speech Perception (2011 ASHA convention). Research Symposia Planning Committee ASHA volunteers involved in writing the NIDCD grant and planning the 2007–2011 research symposia include: Julie Barkmeier-Kraemer, University of Arizona Steven Barlow, University of Kansas Marc Fey, University of Kansas Medical Center Lisa Hunter, University of Utah-Health Science Center Amanda Owen, University of Iowa Leslie Gonzalez Rothi, University of Florida/VAMC Margaret Rogers, ASHA (then at the University of Washington) Brenda Ryals, James Madison University Diane Scott, North Carolina Central University Linda Shuster, West Virginia University Author Notes Margaret Rogers, PhD, CCC-SLP, chief staff officer for science and research, can be reached at [email protected] for information on the symposia or other research initiatives. Additional Resources FiguresSourcesRelatedDetails Volume 15Issue 1January 2010 Get Permissions Add to your Mendeley library History Published in print: Jan 1, 2010 Metrics Downloaded 131 times Topicsasha-topicsleader_do_tagleader-topicsasha-article-typesCopyright & Permissions© 2010 American Speech-Language-Hearing AssociationLoading ...

The Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP): A New Standard Physiologic Approach to Swallowing Assessment and Targeted Treatment

Abstract One of the most critical roles of a speech-language pathologist (SLP) is making decisions from a swallowing assessment about life sustaining and life quality issues such as the ability to continue to eat and drink. The optimal swallowing assessment requires recognizing subtle variations in the physiologic components and events that comprise an intact, healthy swallowing mechanism. No voluntary standard currently exists for swallowing evaluation terminology, measurement, or reporting. Bonnie Martin-Harris, a practicing clinician and researcher, sought to evaluate if a protocol that standardized language, administration/measurement of contrast viscosities, and reporting method could be validly and reliably executed for the modified barium swallow study (MBSS). A five-year study supported by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) rigorously tested the content and external validity and reliability of a method that resulted in developing a standardized tool, the Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP) (Martin-Harris et al., 2008). A web-based learning environment is under construction and will be available for any clinician who desires training and competence in using the MBSImP. This article provides background on development of the MBSImP, the importance and benefit of standardized, objective assessment, and detail on features and status of the MBSImP web site.

Hot Topics in Dysphagia

Hot Topics in Dysphagia

Wising Up about Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: An Evaluation of WISE EARS! A National Campaign to Prevent Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

In 1999, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) joined forces with public and private partners to launch WISE EARS!, a national campaign to prevent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). The campaign's objectives were to educate the general public about the risks of NIHL and to motivate individuals and organizations to increase awareness about preventing NIHL. Central to the effort was the development and distribution of free educational materials, available both online and through a toll-free information clearinghouse. The materials included bilingual fact sheets and other publications, promotional items, multimedia presentations, an activity book for third through sixth graders, and an in-depth, Web-interactive curriculum for seventh and eighth grade students. In 2006, NIDCD evaluated WISE EARS! to determine how well the campaign was meeting its objectives and to make recommendations for the future direction of the campaign. Based on the evaluation's key findings, NIDCD plans to retool its NIHL campaign by focusing on children ages 9 to 13 years, forging more mutually beneficial partnerships, and making use of delivery channels with the highest potential to attract and engage the target audience.

Remapping Auditory-Motor Representations in Voice Production

Evidence regarding visually guided limb movements suggests that the motor system learns and maintains neural maps between motor commands and sensory feedback. Such systems are hypothesized to be used in a feed-forward control strategy that permits precision and stability without the delays of direct feedback control. Human vocalizations involve precise control over vocal and respiratory muscles. However, little is known about the sensorimotor representations underlying speech production. Here, we manipulated the heard fundamental frequency of the voice during speech to demonstrate learning of auditory-motor maps. Mandarin speakers repeatedly produced words with specific pitch patterns (tone categories). On each successive utterance, the frequency of their auditory feedback was increased by 1/100 of a semitone until they heard their feedback one full semitone above their true pitch. Subjects automatically compensated for these changes by lowering their vocal pitch. When feedback was unexpectedly returned to normal, speakers significantly increased the pitch of their productions beyond their initial baseline frequency. This adaptation was found to generalize to the production of another tone category. However, results indicate that a more robust adaptation was produced for the tone that was spoken during feedback alteration. The immediate aftereffects suggest a global remapping of the auditory-motor relationship after an extremely brief training period. However, this learning does not represent a complete transformation of the mapping; rather, it is in part target dependent.

Verbal Perseveration in Individuals with Alzheimer's Disease

Perseveration has been described as a reliable indicator of disturbed brain function and is a common characteristic of neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). This article will begin with a review of recent theories that account for the phenomenon of perseveration, and data from a National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)--supported study further delineate the nature of perseveration among individuals with AD. The study investigated the frequency of verbal perseveration in individuals with AD in relation to task type, mental status, and performance on attention and memory tests. Thirty Alzheimer's patients and 40 healthy elders were given a confrontation naming, generative naming, and picture description test. Perseveration was defined as a proportion of total number of responses. Data analysis revealed that individuals with AD perseverated more than normal elders did, but variability was high. Generative naming elicited more perseveration than either confrontation naming or picture description did. When overall frequency of perseveration was correlated with mental status and performance on attention and memory tests, seemingly paradoxical results were obtained, probably because the unique cognitive demands of each language test affected the probability of perseveration differently. Nonparadoxical, strong positive correlations were obtained, however, between language test scores and performance on tests of attention, memory and mental status.

Training camp: The quest to become a new National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded independent investigator

This presentation will provide information on the research training and career development programs of the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). The predoctoral and postdoctoral fellowship (F30, F31, F32) programs and the research career development awards for clinically trained individuals (K08/K23) and for individuals trained in the quantitative sciences and in engineering (K25) will be highlighted. In addition, the role of the NIDCD Small Grant (R03) in transitioning postdoctoral-level investigators to research independence will be underscored.

Seeking NIH funding: Defining the process

The presentation will provide a brief introduction to the National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) with emphasis on the Voice and Speech program in the Division of Extramural Research. The process of seeking NIH funding will be outlined and a number of funding mechanisms will be described. The peer review process and the time course of a grant application will be highlighted.

Focus on Minority Health

Focus on Minority Health

Potential Health Effects of Odor from Animal Operations, Wastewater Treatment, and Recycling of Byproducts

ABSTRACT Complaints of health symptoms from ambient odors have become more frequent in communities with confined animal facilities, wastewater treatment plants, and biosolids recycling operations. The most frequently reported health complaints include eye, nose, and throat irritation, headache, nausea, diarrhea, hoarseness, sore throat, cough, chest tightness, nasal congestion, palpitations, shortness of breath, stress, drowsiness, and alterations in mood. Typically, these symptoms occur at the time of exposure and remit after a short period of time. However, for sensitive individuals such as asthmatic patients, exposure to odors may induce health symptoms that persist for longer periods of time as well as aggravate existing medical conditions. A workshop was held at Duke University on April 16-17, 1998 cosponsored by Duke University, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) to assess the current state of knowledge regarding the health effects of ambient odors. This report summarizes the conclusions from the Workshop regarding the potential mechanisms responsible for health symptoms from ambient odors. Methods for validation of health symptoms, presence of odor, and efficacy of odor management techniques are described as well.

Initiating a Clinical Trials Cooperative Group in an Increasingly Managed Care Environment: Successes and Problems in Establishing Collaboration

The Communication Sciences and Disorders Clinical Trials Research Group (CSDRG) was organized in 1995 and funded in 1997 by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) as a cooperative clinical trials group. It designs and conducts multi-institutional randomized clinical trials focusing on treatments delivered by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists for disorders of speech, language, hearing, balance, and voice/swallowing. Data are presented on a comparison of the number of site participants from the group's onset in 1995 through 31 December 1997. Successes and problems experienced by CSDRG are defined with regard to organizing the group, and designing and conducting clinical trials in a managed care environment with nonprimary care professionals. Different barriers to participation are identified at various levels of care/types of institutions and with various types of patient populations, for example, children receiving their health care through the schools versus elderly, demented individuals in nursing care facilities.