Linguistic multifeature MMN paradigm for extensive recording of auditory discrimination profiles

We studied whether a multifeature mismatch negativity (MMN) paradigm using naturally produced speech stimuli is feasible for studies of auditory discrimination accuracy of adult participants. A naturally produced trisyllabic pseudoword was used in the paradigm, and MMNs were recorded to changes that were acoustic (changes in fundamental frequency or intensity) or potentially phonological (changes in vowel identity or vowel duration). All the different changes were presented in three different word segments (initial, middle, or final syllable). All changes elicited an MMN response, but the vowel duration change elicited a different response pattern than the other deviant types. Changes in vowel duration and identity also had an effect on MMN lateralization. Our results show that assessing speech sound discrimination of several features in word context is possible in a short recording time (30 min) with the multifeature paradigm.     

Auditory processing that leads to conscious perception: a unique window to central auditory processing opened by the mismatch negativity and related responses

In this review, we will present a model of brain events leading to conscious perception in audition. This represents an updated version of Näätänen's previous model of automatic and attentive central auditory processing. This revised model is mainly based on the mismatch negativity (MMN) and N1 indices of automatic processing, the processing negativity (PN) index of selective attention, and their magnetoencephalographic (MEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) equivalents. Special attention is paid to determining the neural processes that might underlie conscious perception and the borderline between automatic and attention‐dependent processes in audition.     

Employment predictors for discharged schizophrenia patients

Objective To investigate predictors for competitive employment in a three-year follow-up study of discharged schizophrenia patients. Methods The nationally representative sample comprised 2168 schizophrenia patients aged 15–64 years, who had been discharged from psychiatric hospitals in 1986, 1990, and 1994 in Finland. Comprehensive data were collected from psychiatric case records on the patients’ sociodemographic and clinical characteristics at discharge and use of services during the follow-up period. The patients were interviewed 3 years after discharge using a structured interview schedule, which included questions on employment. Results At follow-up, the competitive employment rate declined among the three cohorts (1989: 7.4%, 1993: 2.6% and 1997: 1.5%), whereas the rate of non-competitive employment remained at the same level (8.4%, 7.2% and 9.6%). The probability of competitive employment was higher for those who, at the time of discharge, were not on disability pension and had a current or past history of marriage, and had been discharged in the late 1980s. The probability of being competitively employed was lower for those who had no occupation at discharge and for those who had spent more time in hospital care during the three years after discharge. Conclusions The high unemployment rate and continuous changes in work life, which characterized Finland in the 1990s may have negatively affected the employment prospects of schizophrenia patients. Work rehabilitation should be more commonly offered, to increase their opportunities for obtaining competitive employment and for improving their quality of life.     

Depressive symptoms predispose females to metabolic syndrome: a 7‐year follow‐up study

Objective: To evaluate the risk for developing metabolic syndrome when having depressive symptoms. Method: The prevalence of depressive symptoms and metabolic syndrome at baseline, and after a 7‐year follow‐up as measured with Beck depression inventory (BDI), and using the modified National Cholesterol Education Program – Adult Treatment Panel III criteria for metabolic syndrome (MetS) were studied in a middle‐aged population‐based sample (n = 1294). Results: The logistic regression analysis showed a 2.5‐fold risk (95% CI: 1.2–5.2) for the females with depressive symptoms (BDI ≥10) at baseline to have MetS at the end of the follow‐up. The risk was highest in the subgroup with more melancholic symptoms evaluated with a summary score of the melancholic items in BDI (OR 6.81, 95% CI: 2.09–22.20). In men, there was no risk difference. Conclusion: The higher risks for MetS in females with depressive symptoms at baseline suggest that depression may be an important predisposing factor for the development of MetS.     

Group intervention changes brain activity in bilingual language-impaired children

This investigation assessed the effectiveness of a phonological intervention program on the brain functioning of bilingual Finnish 6- to 7-year-old preschool children diagnosed with specific language impairment (SLI). The intervention program was implemented by preschool teachers to small groups of children including children with SLI. A matched group of other bilingual children with SLI received a physical exercise program and served as a control group. Auditory evoked magnetic fields were measured before and after the intervention with an oddball paradigm. The brain activity recordings were followed by a behavioral discrimination test. Our results show that, in children with SLI, the positive intervention effect is reflected in plastic changes in the brain activity of the left and right auditory cortices.     

Sleep in Children with Asperger Syndrome

The prevalence of sleep disturbances in 52 children with Asperger syndrome (AS) as compared with 61 healthy controls (all subjects aged 5–17 years) was investigated. Problems with sleep onset and maintenance, sleep-related fears, negative attitudes toward sleeping, and daytime somnolence were more frequent among children with AS than among controls. Short sleep duration (<9 h) was almost twofold (59% vs. 32%), and the risk for sleep onset problems more than fivefold (53% vs. 10%) more common in the AS group than in the control group. Child-reported sleeping problems were also more prevalent in the AS group than in controls (58% vs. 7%). The results suggest that sleep disturbances should be routinely evaluated in children with AS.