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Biomedical subjects

J Weisberg

Publications and source records attributed to J Weisberg.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Neural correlates of semantic and episodic memory retrieval.

To investigate the functional neuroanatomy associated with retrieving semantic and episodic memories, we measured changes in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) with positron emission tomography (PET) while subjects generated single word responses to achromatic line drawings of objects. During separate scans, subjects either named each object, retrieved a commonly associated color of each object (semantic condition), or recalled a previously studied uncommon color of each object (episodic condition). Subjects were also scanned while staring at visual noise patterns to provide a low level perceptual baseline. Relative to the low level baseline, all three conditions revealed bilateral activations of posterior regions of the temporal lobes, cerebellum, and left lateralized activations in frontal regions. Retrieving semantic information, as compared to object naming, activated left inferior temporal, left superior parietal, and left frontal cortices. In addition, small regions of right frontal cortex were activated. Retrieving episodic information, as compared to object naming, activated bilateral medial parietal cortex, bilateral retrosplenial cortex, right frontal cortex, thalamus, and cerebellum. Direct comparison of the semantic and episodic conditions revealed bilateral activation in temporal and frontal lobes in the semantic task (left greater than right), and activation in medial parietal cortex, retrosplenial cortex, thalamus, and cerebellum (but not right frontal regions) in the episodic task. These results support the assertion that distinct neural structures mediate semantic and episodic memory retrieval. However, they also raise questions regarding the specific roles of left temporal and right frontal cortices during episodic memory retrieval, in particular.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Modulation of human medial temporal lobe activity by form, meaning, and experience.

Clinically, the hallmark of the human amnesic syndrome is an impaired ability to consciously recollect or remember daily events. If the medial region of the temporal lobes, including the hippocampus and related structures, is critical for establishing these new memories, then this brain region should be active whenever events are experienced, regardless of whether subjects are asked explicitly to learn and remember. Here we show that the medial temporal region is active during encoding and that the hemisphere activated and the amount of activation depend on the type of stimulus presented (objects or words), whether the stimulus can be encoded for meaning (real objects and words versus nonsense objects and words), and task experience (first versus the second time a task is performed). These findings demonstrate that the medial temporal lobe memory system is engaged automatically when we attend to a perceptual event and that the location and amount of activation depend on stimulus characteristics (physical form, meaning) and experience.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Spouse-assisted coping skills training in the management of osteoarthritic knee pain.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a spouse-assisted pain-coping skills training intervention on pain, psychological disability, physical disability, pain-coping, and pain behavior in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knees. METHODS: Eighty-eight OA patients with persistent knee pain were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 conditions: 1) spouse-assisted pain-coping skills training, (spouse-assisted CST), 2) a conventional CST intervention with no spouse involvement (CST), or 3) an arthritis education-spousal support (AE-SS) control condition. All treatment was carried out in 10 weekly, 2-hour group sessions. RESULTS: Data analysis revealed that at the completion of treatment, patients in the spouse-assisted CST condition had significantly lower levels of pain, psychological disability, and pain behavior, and higher scores on measures of coping attempts, marital adjustment, and self-efficacy than patients in the AE-SS control condition. Compared to patients in the AE-SS control condition, patients who received CST without spouse involvement had significantly higher post-treatment levels of self-efficacy and marital adjustment and showed a tendency toward lower levels of pain and psychological disability and higher scores on measures of coping attempts and ratings of the perceived effectiveness of pain-coping strategies. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that spouse-assisted CST has potential as a method for reducing pain and disability in OA patients.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1995

Segmentation and feature extraction techniques, with applications to MRI head studies.

To obtain a three-dimensional reconstruction of the hippocampus from a volumetric MRI head study, it is necessary to separate that structure not only from the surrounding white matter, but also from contiguous areas of gray matter--the amygdala and cerebral cortex. At present it is necessary for a physician to manually segment the hippocampus on each slice of the volume to obtain such a reconstruction. This process is time consuming, and is subject to inter- and intraoperator variation as well as large discontinuities between slices. We propose a novel technique, making use of a combination of gray scale and edge-detection algorithms and some a priori knowledge, by which a computer may make an unsupervised identification of a given structure through a series of contiguous images. This technique is applicable even if the structure includes so-called false contours or missing contours. Applications include three-dimensional reconstruction of difficult-to-segment regions of the brain, and volumetric measurements of structures from series of two-dimensional images.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1993

Postsurgical temporomandibular joint hypomobility. Rehabilitation technique.

Specific techniques to treat temboromandibular joint (TMJ) hypomobility caused by capsular restriction are explained. Initially inflammation must be controlled. TMJ manipulation by condylar distraction during opening, protrusion, and lateral movements, and a simple stretching exercise to maintain increased mandibular range of motion, are described. Resistive opening and closing exercises at full opening to relax the lateral pterygoid muscles are prescribed. For all exercises five repetitions, repeated five times per day, are prescribed. These techniques are demonstrated in the successful treatment of a child with a presurgically and postsurgically hypomobile right TMJ.

Child↗
PubMed1984

Joint play movements of the temporomandibular joint: clinical considerations.

During the voluntary mandibular movements produced by various combinations of medial and lateral pterygoid muscle activity, the mandibular condyle is confined to a line roughly parallel to the articular surface of the temporal bone. Techniques using involuntary joint-play movements of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can move the condyles downward or mediolaterally. Condylar distraction is accomplished by application of a downward force to the patient's posterior molar and a simultaneous upward force to the patient's chin. Variations, such as addition of a forward component to the distraction, or bilateral distraction (requiring an assistant to stabilize the patient's head), are often used. Lateral condylar movement requires application of a gentle lateral force to the lingual surface of the patient's posterior molar, as an opposite force is applied to the anterior part of the patient's mandible. These joint-play procedures are indicated initially, in TMJ evaluation, or during treatment of TMJ hypomobility. However, these techniques must be used cautiously if the joint is inflamed, as indicated by tenderness to palpation. TMJ evaluation requires gentle downward and lateral movements, while treatment of TMJ hypomobility may require alternation of forceful distraction and gentle lateral movements. Hypomobility due to an anteriorly displaced disc requires a strong distraction to reduce the disc and a removable dental prosthesis to maintain it in its correct position as the posterior ligament retracts. These joint play techniques are valuable in restoring function to the TMJ.

Humans↗
PubMed1983

Therapeutic injection of the temporomandibular joint.

A simplified technique for a therapeutic injection of the temporomandibular joint has been presented. We have emphasized diagnosis of the condition, as well as indications and contraindications. If the injection is used where indicated, the results are quite successful. Since this technique is inherently less demanding than those so far described, it may overcome the reluctance of dentists to inject the TMJ and thereby make certain cases more responsive to treatment.

Humans↗
PubMed1983

Neglected conditions producing preauricular and referred pain.

Various theories regarding temporomandibular joint symptoms are reviewed. Two hundred and forty six patients suffering from head, neck, or facial pain, or masticatory dysfunction were studied. In 108 of these patients, the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint synovitis, lateral pterygoid muscle dysfunction, or tenomyositis of the masseter muscle was made. Examination procedures, diagnosis, frequency of occurrence, and initial treatment of these conditions are described.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1982

Application of orthopedic principles in evaluation of the temporomandibular joint.

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction is often the cause of a variety of symptoms throughout the head and neck. Because such dysfunction plays an integral part in head pain and earache, differential diagnosis should include an evaluation of the temporomandibular joint. Dentists are the primary professionals involved in temporomandibular joint evaluation and treatment, but they are mainly concerned with nonmovable radio-opaque parts. Physical therapists, then, must learn more about this joint so they can assist dentists in restoring function to it. Principles of joint evaluation are presented relative to the temporomandibular joint so physical therapists can apply their expertise in joint and soft tissue management to assist dentists in restoring function to the temporomandibular joint.

Humans↗