1
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Degraff Z, Souza GS, Santos NA, Shoshina II, Felisberti FM, Fernandes TP, Sigurdsson G. Brain atrophy and cognitive decline in bipolar disorder: Influence of medication use, symptomatology and illness duration. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 163:421-429. [PMID: 37276646 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.05.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Bipolar disorder (BPD) is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent episodes of mania and depression. To date, the association of biological and psychopathological processes in BPD has not been extensively studied on a cognitive and cortical basis at the same time. We investigated whether brain atrophy (in prefrontal, temporal and occipital cortices) was associated with cognitive, biological and clinical processes in patients with BPD and healthy controls (HCs). A total of 104 participants (56 with BPD) completed tasks that measured attention, memory, information processing speed, inhibitory control, visuospatial working memory and cognitive flexibility. In addition, structural brain scans were obtained using high-resolution MRI. Outcomes of the measurements were examined using robust multiple mediation analyses. BPD patients showed greater cortical atrophy across all regions of interest when compared to HCs, linked to cognitive decline. BPD patients had slower reaction times and markedly increased errors of commission on the tasks. The outcomes were significantly influenced by medication use, symptomatology and illness duration. The findings showcase the complexity of brain structures and networks as well as the physiological mechanisms underlying diverse BPD symptomatology and endophenotypes. These differences were pronounced in patients with BPD, motivating further investigations of pathophysiological mechanisms involved in brain atrophy and cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeke Degraff
- Svenskagier Neurologie, Stockholm, Sweden; Institute of Neurology, Belgium.
| | | | | | | | | | - Thiago P Fernandes
- Federal University of Para, Para, Brazil; Federal University of Paraiba, Paraiba, Brazil
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2
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Nicotine's effect on cognition, a friend or foe? Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2023; 124:110723. [PMID: 36736944 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Tobacco smoking is a preventable cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Smoking comes in form of absorption of many compounds, among which nicotine is the main psychoactive component of tobacco and its positive and negative reinforcement effects are proposed to be the key mechanism for the initiation and maintenance of smoking. Growing evidence suggests that the cognitive enhancement effects of nicotine may also contribute to the difficulty of quitting smoking, especially in individuals with psychiatric disorders. In this review, we first introduce the beneficial effect of nicotine on cognition including attention, short-term memory and long-term memory. We next summarize the beneficial effect of nicotine on cognition under pathological conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Schizophrenia, Stress-induced Anxiety, Depression, and drug-induced memory impairment. The possible mechanism underlying nicotine's effect is also explored. Finally, nicotine's detrimental effect on cognition is discussed, including in the prenatal and adolescent periods, and high-dose nicotine- and withdrawal-induced memory impairment is emphasized. Therefore, nicotine serves as both a friend and foe. Nicotine-derived compounds could be a promising strategy to alleviate neurological disease-associated cognitive deficit, however, due to nicotine's detrimental effect, continued educational programs and public awareness campaigns are needed to reduce tobacco use among pregnant women and smoking should be quitted even if it is e-cigarette, especially for the adolescents.
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3
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Fernandes TP, Shoshina II, Oliveira MEC, Andreevna VE, Silva GM, Santos NA. Correlates of clinical variables on early-stage visual processing in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 149:323-330. [PMID: 35339912 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The use of noninvasive tools can help understand mental states and changes that are caused by medications, symptom severity, and other clinical variables. We investigated low-level visual processing using the contrast sensitivity function (CSF), a reliable, robust, and widely used approach. Our main purpose was (1) to evaluate visual impairments in schizophrenia (SCZ) and bipolar disorder (BPD) patients and (2) to investigate associations between clinical variables and visual function in both diseases. Fifty-six healthy controls (HCs; mean age = 31.04 years), 42 BPD patients (mean age = 32.84 years) who took only lithium, and 39 SCZ patients who took only olanzapine (mean age = 32.80 years) were recruited for this study. CSF differed between groups. Both groups of patients exhibited lower discrimination at low, mid-, and high spatial frequencies compared with HCs. No differences were observed between patients, with the exception of high spatial frequency. These impairments were also related to clinical variables, revealed by a strong effect in the mediation analyses. These findings may aid investigations of other clinical variables and the role of state- and trait-like effects on visual and cognitive processing in these patient populations. This study underscores the need for visual remediation interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago P Fernandes
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Brazil.
| | - Irina I Shoshina
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Milena E C Oliveira
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Brazil
| | | | - Gabriella M Silva
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Brazil
| | - Natanael A Santos
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Brazil
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4
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Shoshina II, Almeida NL, Oliveira MEC, Trombetta BNT, Silva GM, Fars J, Santos NA, Fernandes TP. Serum levels of olanzapine are associated with acute cognitive effects in bipolar disorder. Psychiatry Res 2022; 310:114443. [PMID: 35286918 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Bipolar (BPD) patients have deficits in cognition, but there are still controversies about the effects of some medications on their cognitive performance. Here, we investigated the relationship between cognition in terms of executive functions, memory, and attention in both first-episode medication-naive BPD patients and BPD patients taking olanzapine. Forty-one healthy controls, 40 unmedicated drug-naive BPD patients, and 34 BPD patients who took only olanzapine were recruited for the study. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Flanker test, Stroop test, and Corsi-block test. Bayesian multivariate regression analysis was run considering maximum robustness to avoid bias and to predict the outcomes. Our results revealed that unmedicated medication-naive BPD patients performed worse than healthy controls and the olanzapine group in some tasks. Additionally, BPD patients who took olanzapine had better cognitive performance than healthy controls and unmedicated BPD patients. The acute cognitive effects were predicted by olanzapine dosage and serum levels (i.e., large effects). The potential pro-cognitive effects of olanzapine in BPD patients should be carefully interpreted by considering various other clinical variables. We expect that our findings will contribute to further research in this area, with the goal of helping other researchers, patients, and the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina I Shoshina
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology, RAS, Laboratory of Vision Physiology, Saint-Petersburg, Russia; St. Petersburg State University, Institute for Cognitive Research, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Natalia L Almeida
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Brazil
| | - Milena E C Oliveira
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Brazil
| | - Bianca N T Trombetta
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Brazil
| | - Gabriella M Silva
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Brazil
| | - Julien Fars
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Natanael A Santos
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Brazil
| | - Thiago P Fernandes
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Brazil.
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5
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Combined influence of medication and symptom severity on visual processing in bipolar disorder. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 147:135-141. [PMID: 35032946 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have reported visual impairments in patients with bipolar disorder (BPD), but unclear were whether clinical variables would be associated with those disturbances. Here, we investigate the relationship between visual functioning, in terms of color discrimination, and the impact of BPD duration, mood state, and the patients' medication. Forty-five participants (25-45 years old) were recruited for this study. Color discrimination was performed using the Cambridge Colour Test. Serial multiple mediations were run to investigate the assumption of association between color discrimination and the clinical variables. Our findings showed that, compared with healthy controls, BPD patients' performance was worse for the Protan, Deutan, and Tritan vectors, revealing deterioration of color discrimination. In addition, the mediation analyses revealed a strong direct (p < .001) and moderate-to-high indirect effects (p < .01) of medication and symptom severity on color discrimination. Overall, both longer the duration of the disease and greater the symptom severity of BPD patients resulted in worse performance. It highlights the importance of examining the wider clinical context of an affective disorder to understand how it affects visual processing in this population.
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6
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Shoshina II, Hovis JK, Felisberti FM, Santos NA, Adreeva A, Butler PD, Fernandes TP. Visual processing and BDNF levels in first-episode schizophrenia. Psychiatry Res 2021; 305:114200. [PMID: 34653830 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that patients diagnosed with schizophrenia (SCZ) have deficits in early visual processing, namely contrast processing. The brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) is an important measure to investigate neuroplasticity in some visual functions like visual perception. In this study, we investigated the relationship between visual processing and BDNF levels in first-episode SCZ patients. Thirty-nine healthy controls and 43 first-episode SCZ patients were enrolled. Contrast sensitivity measurements were conducted using low, mid- and high spatial frequencies. First-episode SCZ patients had higher contrast sensitivity than healthy controls for all frequencies, except for the middle spatial frequency. Negative correlations were found between BDNF, contrast sensitivity and clinical variables, mostly for middle and high spatial frequencies among females. Our results provide support for (i) the association of SCZ with alterations of magno- and parvocellular pathway functioning and (ii) decreased BDNF levels in first-episode SCZ patients. This study highlights the importance of using biomarkers along with other measures to investigate visual processing in SCZ and other disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina I Shoshina
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Science, Department of Visual Physiology, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation; St. Petersburg State University, Department of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Jeffery K Hovis
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Fatima M Felisberti
- Department of Psychology, Kingston University London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Natanael A Santos
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Brazil
| | - Anna Adreeva
- St. Petersburg State University, Department of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Pamela D Butler
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, United States; Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, NY, USA
| | - Thiago P Fernandes
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Brazil.
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7
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Silva GM, Souto JJ, Fernandes TP, Bonifacio TA, Almeida NL, Gomes GH, Felisberti FM, Santos NA. Impairments of facial detection in tobacco use disorder: baseline data and impact of smoking duration. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 43:376-384. [PMID: 32997076 PMCID: PMC8352734 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2020-1107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Chronic tobacco consumption, classified as tobacco use disorder (TUD), has been associated with a variety of health problems. Investigations of face processing in TUD are hampered by lack of evidence. Here, we evaluated facial detection in TUD and assessed test-retest reliability for a facial detection task. Methods: Participants were instructed to detect the orientation (either left or right) of a face when it was presented with a face/non-face pair on the monitor screen, using Bayesian entropy estimation. Bland-Altman analysis and intraclass correlation coefficients were used to test the reliability of the task. The general linear model and Bayesian statistics were then used to evaluate differences between TUD (n=48) and healthy controls (n=34). Results: The reliability of the task was high for the 96 stimuli presentations. Slower reaction times (p < 0.001) and lower discrimination index (p < 0.001) were observed in the TUD group than for healthy controls. Mediation analysis indicated direct effects of smoking duration on reaction time (p < 0.001) and discrimination index (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Overall, we observed high reliability of this task and reduction of facial detection in tobacco use disorder. We conclude our findings are significant for public health initiatives and call for follow-up studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella M Silva
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa, PB, Brazil.,Laboratório de Percepção, Neurociências e Comportamento, UFPB, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
| | - Jandirlly J Souto
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa, PB, Brazil.,Laboratório de Percepção, Neurociências e Comportamento, UFPB, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
| | - Thiago P Fernandes
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa, PB, Brazil.,Laboratório de Percepção, Neurociências e Comportamento, UFPB, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
| | - Thiago A Bonifacio
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa, PB, Brazil.,Laboratório de Percepção, Neurociências e Comportamento, UFPB, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
| | - Natalia L Almeida
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa, PB, Brazil.,Laboratório de Percepção, Neurociências e Comportamento, UFPB, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
| | | | | | - Natanael A Santos
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa, PB, Brazil.,Laboratório de Percepção, Neurociências e Comportamento, UFPB, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
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8
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Fernandes TP, Almeida NL, Silva GM, Santos NA. Nicotine gum enhances visual processing in healthy nonsmokers. Brain Imaging Behav 2021; 15:2593-2605. [PMID: 33675460 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-021-00461-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The main purpose of this study was to investigate the isolated effects of nicotine on visual processing, namely contrast processing. METHODS Thirteen participants, aged 18-40 years, were enrolled in this double blind, randomized and pilot controlled trial involving nicotine gum administration (placebo, 2-mg and 4-mg doses). The participants' instruction was to detect the location of vertical gratings (0.2; 1.0; 3.3; 5.7; 8.8; 13.2 and 15.9 cycles per degree) when it was presented either left or right on the monitor screen. A repeated multivariate analysis of variance was conducted to analyse the results for the visual processing tasks. Bayesian analyses were also carried out considering maximum robustness to avoid bias. RESULTS The findings that nicotine gum administration resulted in better contrast discrimination when compared to placebo gum (p < .001). More specifically, the 4-mg resulted in better visual sensitivity when compared to the 2-mg (p < .01) and the placebo (p < .001) gum. Demographic data were not related to the outcomes. CONCLUSIONS These data bring the need for support the findings. If proved, it is possible that nicotine, in small doses, can have a potential therapeutic use for those populations with low vision. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER RBR-46tjy3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago P Fernandes
- Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil. .,Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil.
| | - Natalia L Almeida
- Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil. .,Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil.
| | - Gabriella M Silva
- Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil.,Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Natanael A Santos
- Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil.,Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil
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9
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Silva GM, Almeida NL, Souto JJS, Rodrigues SJ, Fernandes TP, Santos NA. Does chronic smoking affect performance on a go/no-go task? CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-020-01305-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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10
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Almeida NL, Rodrigues SJ, Gonçalves LM, Silverstein SM, Sousa IC, Gomes GH, Butler PD, Fernandes TP, Santos NA. Opposite effects of smoking and nicotine intake on cognition. Psychiatry Res 2020; 293:113357. [PMID: 32823200 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Our main purpose was to investigate how smoking and nicotine interacted with specific aspects of cognitive functioning. The research was conducted in two parts: (i) an investigation of cognition in heavy smokers and healthy nonsmokers, and (ii) an investigation of cognition in healthy nonsmokers enrolled in a clinical trial involving administration of nicotine gum. Results indicated that the relationship between smoking and nicotine was characterized by an inverted U-shaped effect. On the one hand, cognitive test performance of the heavy smokers group was reduced on all of the cognitive tasks used here. On the other hand, healthy nonsmokers who used 2-mg of nicotine gum performed better, whilst the 4-mg group performed worse than the 2-mg and the placebo group. Demographic data were not related to the cognitive tasks. These data suggest that small doses of nicotine can have an activating function that leads to improved cognition, while heavy smoking on a chronic (and possibly acute) basis leads to cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia L Almeida
- Federal University of Paraiba, Department of Psychology, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience, and Behaviour Laboratory, Joao Pessoa, Brazil.
| | - Stephanye J Rodrigues
- Federal University of Paraiba, Department of Psychology, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience, and Behaviour Laboratory, Joao Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Letícia M Gonçalves
- Federal University of Paraiba, Department of Psychology, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience, and Behaviour Laboratory, Joao Pessoa, Brazil
| | | | - Isadora C Sousa
- Federal University of Paraiba, Department of Psychology, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience, and Behaviour Laboratory, Joao Pessoa, Brazil
| | | | | | - Thiago P Fernandes
- Federal University of Paraiba, Department of Psychology, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience, and Behaviour Laboratory, Joao Pessoa, Brazil.
| | - Natanael A Santos
- Federal University of Paraiba, Department of Psychology, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience, and Behaviour Laboratory, Joao Pessoa, Brazil
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11
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Fernandes TP, Hovis JK, Almeida N, Souto JJS, Bonifacio TA, Rodrigues S, Silva GM, Andrade MO, Silva JB, Gomes GH, Oliveira ME, Lima EH, Gomes ME, Junior MVA, Martins ML, Santos NA. Effects of Nicotine Gum Administration on Vision (ENIGMA-Vis): Study Protocol of a Double-Blind, Randomized, and Controlled Clinical Trial. Front Hum Neurosci 2020; 14:314. [PMID: 33100983 PMCID: PMC7506462 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.00314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies reported that tobacco addiction was related to visual impairments, but one unresolved issue is whether the impairments are related to the many compounds existing in the cigarettes or to the effects of nicotine. On the other hand, nicotine gum can be used as replacement therapy or as a neuroprotective agent for some diseases. The main purpose of this controlled trial is to investigate the effects of nicotine gum on vision. The ENIGMA-Vis trial aims to compare two dosages of nicotine gum (2 and 4 mg) and a placebo gum in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 100 participants to be allocated into a single group assignment of repeated measures (two studies; N = 50 for each one). Eligibility criteria are healthy non-smokers not diagnosed with substance abuse and without an acute or chronic medical condition. Intervention will last three sessions for each participant with a window frame of 1 week per session. Study outcomes are (1) short-term effects of nicotine gum on contrast sensitivity; (2) short-term effects of nicotine gum on chromatic contrast discrimination; and (3) whether demographics, body mass index, or serum cotinine predicts response of visual processing. This study addresses an important gap in the effects of nicotine on vision. One of the main takeaways of this study is to understand the effects of nicotine on contrast sensitivity and chromatic contrast discrimination. This information will provide a further understanding of how nicotine interacts with early visual processes and help determine how the different components present during smoking can affect vision. Clinical Trial Registration Number: RBR-46tjy3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago P Fernandes
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Brazil.,Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Jeffery K Hovis
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Natalia Almeida
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Brazil.,Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Jandirlly J S Souto
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Brazil.,Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Thiago Augusto Bonifacio
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Brazil.,Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Stephanye Rodrigues
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Brazil.,Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Gabriella Medeiros Silva
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Brazil.,Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Michael Oliveira Andrade
- Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Brazil.,Department of Psychology, State University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Jessica Bruna Silva
- Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Brazil.,Department of Psychology, State University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Milena Edite Oliveira
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Brazil.,Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Eveline Holanda Lima
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Brazil.,Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Maria Eduarda Gomes
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Brazil.,Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Marcos V A Junior
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Mariana Lopes Martins
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Brazil.,Department of Speech Therapy, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Natanael A Santos
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Brazil.,Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Brazil
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12
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Fernandes TP, Butler PD, Rodrigues SJ, Silva GM, Anchieta MV, Souto JJS, Gomes GHV, Almeida NL, Santos NA. Short-term effects of nicotine gum on facial detection in healthy nonsmokers: a pilot randomized controlled trial. J Addict Dis 2020; 39:15-25. [DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2020.1805093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Thiago P. Fernandes
- Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil
- Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Pamela D. Butler
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA
| | - Stephanye J. Rodrigues
- Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil
- Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Gabriella M. Silva
- Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil
- Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil
| | | | - Jandirlly J. S. Souto
- Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil
- Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil
| | | | - Natalia L. Almeida
- Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil
- Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Natanael A. Santos
- Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil
- Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil
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13
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Abstract
Objectives: The present study evaluated early visual processing, in terms of the contrast sensitivity function (CSF), in bipolar disorder (BPD) patients.Methods: Data were recorded in 17 healthy participants and 17 outpatients with type 1 BPD, from 20 to 45 years of age. The CSF was measured at spatial frequencies of 0.2, 0.6, 3.1, 8.0, 16.0 and 20.0 cycles per degree (cpd) using Gabor patches and a two-alternative, forced-choice, logarithmic staircase method. The groups were matched for gender, age and level of education.Results: The CSF differed between groups. Patients with BPD had lower discrimination at spatial frequencies of 0.2 cpd (P < 0.001), 0.6 cpd (P < 0.001), 16.0 cpd (P < 0.001) and 20.0 cpd (P < 0.001) compared with healthy subjects. No differences were observed at 3.1 cpd (P > 0.05) and 8.0 cpd (P > 0.05). This visual impairment was related both to longer duration of illness and to greater severity of manic symptoms.Conclusions: The differences in visual processing were pronounced in patients with BPD, which justifies further investigations of the pathophysiological mechanisms that are involved in sensorial alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago P Fernandes
- Department of Psychology, Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Joao Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Steven M Silverstein
- Department of Psychiatry Division of Schizophrenia Research, Rutgers University Behavioural Health Care, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Natalia L Almeida
- Department of Psychology, Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Joao Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Natanael A Santos
- Department of Psychology, Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Joao Pessoa, Brazil
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Fernandes TP, de Almeida NL, Butler PD, Santos NA. Spatial contrast sensitivity: effects of reliability, test-retest repeatability and sample size using the Metropsis software. Eye (Lond) 2019; 33:1649-1657. [PMID: 31165771 PMCID: PMC7002598 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-019-0477-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The goals of the study were to further assess contrast sensitivity to (1) investigate the existence of monocular vs. binocular differences; (2) observe possible differences between sample sizes; (3) investigate the effects of test-retest repeatability. METHODS Contrast sensitivity measurements were obtained by presenting eight horizontal sine-wave gratings (ranging from 0.2 to 20 cycles per degree). A three-up-one-down method was used to obtain thresholds with a criterion of 79.4% correct responses for each spatial frequency. The mean of 12 reversals was used for obtaining thresholds, and the two-alternative forced-choice method was used. Data were recorded in 55 naive observers from 20 to 45 years. All participants were free from identifiable ocular disease and had normal visual acuity. RESULTS We observed the absence of differences on CSF for both monocular and binocular observers, as well as the absence of differences between large sample sizes. The latter investigation revealed a high degree of repeatability across time (baseline to 6 months later) with the higher test-retest for low and high spatial frequencies. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicated that spatial contrast sensitivity measurements were little influenced by variables, such as binocular summation, eye dominance, sample size and time using the Metropsis test. The results obtained here have significance for basic and clinical vision science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago Paiva Fernandes
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil
- Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Natalia Leandro de Almeida
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil.
- Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil.
| | - Pamela D Butler
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA
| | - Natanael Antonio Santos
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil
- Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil
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15
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Almeida NL, Fernandes TP, Lima EH, Sales HF, Santos NA. Combined influence of illness duration and medication type on visual sensitivity in schizophrenia. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY 2019; 42:27-32. [PMID: 31269094 PMCID: PMC6986493 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2018-0331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Patients with schizophrenia have visual processing impairments. The main findings from the literature indicate that these deficits may be related to differences in paradigms, medications, and illness duration. This study is part of a large-scale study investigating visual sensitivity in schizophrenia. Here we aimed to investigate the combined effects of illness duration and antipsychotic use on contrast sensitivity function. Methods: Data were collected from 50 healthy controls and 50 outpatients with schizophrenia (classified according to illness duration and medication type) aged 20-45 years old. The contrast sensitivity function was measured for spatial frequencies ranging from 0.2 to 20 cycles per degree using linear sine-wave gratings. Results: Patients with an illness duration > 5 years had more pronounced deficits. Differences in the combined effects of illness duration and antipsychotic use were marked in patients on typical antipsychotics who had been ill > 10 years. No significant differences were found between typical and atypical antipsychotics in patients with an illness duration < 5 years. Conclusion: Visual impairment was related to both long illness duration and medication type. These results should be tested in further studies to investigate pharmacological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia L Almeida
- Laboratório de Percepção, Neurociências e Comportamento (LPNeC), Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
| | - Thiago P Fernandes
- Laboratório de Percepção, Neurociências e Comportamento (LPNeC), Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
| | - Eveline H Lima
- Laboratório de Percepção, Neurociências e Comportamento (LPNeC), Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
| | - Hemerson F Sales
- Laboratório de Percepção, Neurociências e Comportamento (LPNeC), Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
| | - Natanael A Santos
- Laboratório de Percepção, Neurociências e Comportamento (LPNeC), Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
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16
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Fernandes TP, Shaqiri A, Brand A, Nogueira RL, Herzog MH, Roinishvili M, Santos NA, Chkonia E. Schizophrenia patients using atypical medication perform better in visual tasks than patients using typical medication. Psychiatry Res 2019; 275:31-38. [PMID: 30878854 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SCZ) patients show deficits in many domains, including cognition and perception. However, results are often mixed. One reason for mixed results may be differences in medication. Very little is known about the role of medication in visual processing. Here, we investigated the effects of typical vs. atypical medication on contrast sensitivity (spatial frequencies ranging from 0.2 to 20 cycles per degree), vernier acuity, and visual backward masking. From a large pool of patients, we selected 50 patients (Study 1, conducted in Brazil) and 97 patients (Study 2, conducted in Georgia) taking either only typical or atypical medication. Patients with atypical medication performed significantly better than patients with typical medication for contrast sensitivity, vernier duration, and backward masking. As a secondary result, we found similar, but not significant, trends for the cognitive tasks (Stroop, Flanker, Trail-Making Test-B, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test and Continuous Performance Test) in the same patients. No correlations were found between demographics, psychopathology, chlorpromazine equivalents and visual processing. A conclusion of our study is that one needs to be careful comparing studies when medication is not comparable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago P Fernandes
- Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Albulena Shaqiri
- Laboratory of Psychophysics, Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Station 19, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Andreas Brand
- Institute for Psychology and Cognition Research, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | | | - Michael H Herzog
- Laboratory of Psychophysics, Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Station 19, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Maya Roinishvili
- Department of Psychiatry, Tbilisi State Medical University, Tbilisi, Georgia; Department of Behaviour and Cognitive Functions, I. Beritashvili Institute of Physiology, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Natanael A Santos
- Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Eka Chkonia
- Department of Psychiatry, Tbilisi State Medical University, Tbilisi, Georgia
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Fernandes TMP, Silverstein SM, Butler PD, Kéri S, Santos LG, Nogueira RL, Santos NA. Color vision impairments in schizophrenia and the role of antipsychotic medication type. Schizophr Res 2019; 204:162-170. [PMID: 30201549 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/01/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia patients (SCZ) demonstrate deficits in many domains of mental functioning, including visual perception. An issue that has been relatively unexplored, in terms of explaining variation in visual function in SCZ, however, is medication use. The present study explored potential medication effects on color vision in SCZ, a process that is strongly linked to dopaminergic function in the retina. SCZ patients who had clear-cut either typical (n = 29) or atypical (n = 29) monotherapy, without any other concurrent medication, and a group of age- and gender-matched healthy controls participated in the study. Color vision was assessed by the Cambridge Colour Test, using the Trivector and Ellipse subtests. The results demonstrated impaired color perception in patients with schizophrenia, especially in those receiving typical antipsychotics, but these deficits were subtle and not generalized to all parameters. Our findings are consistent with the known neurophysiology of the retina and visual pathways, and with the effects of dopamine blocking medications, but the results should be carefully interpreted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pamela D Butler
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA
| | - Szabolcs Kéri
- Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
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Fernandes TP, Silverstein SM, Almeida NL, Santos NA. Visual impairments in tobacco use disorder. Psychiatry Res 2019; 271:60-67. [PMID: 30469090 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Prior studies found small effects of chronic smoking on spatial and color vision, but they were inconclusive. This study tries to: (1) replicate and extend these previous findings, and (2) rule in that this relationship is pronounced by tobacco addiction. Data were recorded in 71 healthy controls (M = 33.5 years; SD = 5.4 years) and 63 individuals with tobacco addiction (M = 34.7 years; SD = 4.8 years). Visual processing was assessed in the forms of contrast sensitivity for linear sine-wave gratings (spatial frequencies ranging between 0.2 and 16 cycles per degree) and color discrimination (using the Ellipse and Trivector subtests). The groups were matched for age, gender and level of education. The group with heavy smokers had reduced sensitivity for all spatial frequencies (p < .001), and impairments in color discrimination for both Trivector (all p-values < .001 for Protan, Deutan and Tritan) and Ellipse (all p-values < .001). This study consistently replicates and extended previous findings, and showed that visual processing can be strongly associated with tobacco addiction. These results indicate that excessive use of cigarettes, or chronic exposure to their compounds, affects visual discrimination, supporting the existence of overall deficits in visual processing in tobacco addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Natalia L Almeida
- Perception, Neuroscience and Behavior Laboratory, Joao Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Natanael A Santos
- Perception, Neuroscience and Behavior Laboratory, Joao Pessoa, Brazil
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Fernandes TMP, Silverstein SM, Almeida NLD, Santos NAD. Psychophysical evaluation of contrast sensitivity using Gabor patches in tobacco addiction. J Clin Neurosci 2018; 57:68-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2018.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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