Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Jan 24, 2015
To evaluate the impact of a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program in patients with ch... more To evaluate the impact of a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program in patients with chronic bothersome tinnitus on the (1) severity of symptoms of tinnitus and (2) functional connectivity in neural attention networks. Open-label interventional pilot study. Outpatient academic medical center. A total of 13 adult participants with a median age of 55 years, suffering from bothersome tinnitus. An 8-week MBSR program was conducted by a trained MBSR instructor. The primary outcome measure was the difference in patient-reported tinnitus symptoms using the Tinnitus Handicap Index (THI) and Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) between pre-intervention, post-MBSR, and 4-week post-MBSR assessments. Secondary outcomes included change in measurements of depression, anxiety, mindfulness, and cognitive abilities. Functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at pre- and post-MBSR intervention time points to serve as a neuroimaging biomarker of critical cortical netwo...
JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, May 1, 2017
Individuals with tinnitus have poorer working memory, slower processing speeds and reaction times... more Individuals with tinnitus have poorer working memory, slower processing speeds and reaction times, and deficiencies in selective attention, all of which interfere with readiness and performance. Brain Fitness Program-Tinnitus (BFP-T) is a cognitive training program specially designed to exploit neuroplasticity for preservation and expansion of cognitive health in adults with tinnitus. To evaluate the effect of the BFP-T on tinnitus. This open-label, intention-to-treat randomized clinical trial prescreened 191 patients with tinnitus and 64 healthy controls (HCs) from June 1, 2012, through October 31, 2013. Participants were 40 adults with bothersome tinnitus for more than 6 months and 20 age-matched HCs. Patients with tinnitus were randomized to a BFP-T or non-BFP-T control group. The BFP-T was completed online, and assessments were completed at Washington University School of Medicine. Participants in the intervention group were required to complete the BFP-T online 1 hour per day 5 days per week for 8 weeks. Tinnitus assessment, neuroimaging, and cognitive testing were completed at baseline and 8 weeks later. The HCs underwent neuroimaging and cognitive assessments. The primary outcome measure was the change in Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) score. Behavioral measures, neuroimaging, and cognitive tests were performed before and after the intervention. A total of 40 patients with tinnitus and 20 HCs participated in the study (median [range] age, 56 [35-64] years in the BFP-T group, 52 [24-64] years in the non-BFP-T group, and 50 [30-64] years in the HC group; 13 [65%] in the BFP-T group, 14 [70%] in the non-BFP-T group, and 13 [65%] in the HC group were males; and 16 [80%] in the BFP-T group, 16 [80%] in the non-BFP-T group, and 15 [75%] in the HC group were white). There was a reduction in the THI score in the BFP-T group (median, 7; range, -16 to 64) and non-BFP-T group (median, 11; range, -6 to 26), but this reduction was not significantly different between the 2 groups (median difference, 0; 95% CI, -10 to 8). There was no difference in cognitive test scores and other behavioral measures. There was a significant difference between baseline and follow-up in functional connectivity in cognitive control regions in the BFP-T group but not in HCs or individuals with untreated tinnitus. Of the 20 patients in the BFP-T group, 10 (50%) self-reported improvement attributable to the intervention, and 6 (30%) reported to be much improved in the domains of tinnitus, memory, attention, and concentration. These findings suggest that the computer-based cognitive training program is associated with self-reported changes in attention, memory, and perception of tinnitus. A possible mechanistic explanation for these changes could be neuroplastic changes in key brain systems involved in cognitive control. Cognitive training programs might have a role in the future treatment of patients with tinnitus. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01458821.
We describe and present initial results of a weak lensing survey of nearby (z 0.1) galaxy cluster... more We describe and present initial results of a weak lensing survey of nearby (z 0.1) galaxy clusters in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). In this first study, galaxy clusters are selected from the SDSS spectroscopic galaxy cluster catalogs of Miller et al. and . We report a total of seven individual low redshift cluster weak lensing measurements which include: A2048, A1767, A2244, A1066, A2199, and two clusters specifically identified with the C4 algorithm. Our program of weak lensing of nearby galaxy clusters in the SDSS will eventually reach ∼ 200 clusters, making it the largest weak lensing survey of individual galaxy clusters to date.
To explore the change in frequency of treatment, and its association with 5-year survival, among ... more To explore the change in frequency of treatment, and its association with 5-year survival, among elderly Medicare enrollees with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx (SCCL). Retrospective analysis of a national cancer database. This was an analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare data set of elderly patients diagnosed with SCCL between 1992 and 2007. Surgical and nonsurgical treatments were identified, and changes in frequency by year of cancer diagnosis were explored. A propensity-matched multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to compare the impact of treatment. There were 3324 cases of primary SCCL diagnosed between 1992 and 2007 studied. Most were male (n = 2605; 78%), white (n = 2845; 87%), and between 66 and 74 years of age (n = 1874; 56%). Between 1992 and 2005, there was a significant trend for increasing 5-year overall survival (43% in 1992 to 54% in 2005-2007; P < .01). There was a significant trend for decreasing frequency of surgical therapy (47% in 1992-1995 to 41% in 2005-2007; P = .03). Surgical therapy was associated with a decreased risk of overall mortality (hazard ratio, 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.68-0.86) in comparison to nonsurgical treatments. The analysis demonstrates an increase in survival among elderly Medicare enrollees diagnosed with SCCL between 1992 and 2007. Despite a significant trend for its decreasing use, there was a significantly decreased risk of overall mortality associated with surgical therapy.
Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Jan 24, 2015
To evaluate the impact of a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program in patients with ch... more To evaluate the impact of a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program in patients with chronic bothersome tinnitus on the (1) severity of symptoms of tinnitus and (2) functional connectivity in neural attention networks. Open-label interventional pilot study. Outpatient academic medical center. A total of 13 adult participants with a median age of 55 years, suffering from bothersome tinnitus. An 8-week MBSR program was conducted by a trained MBSR instructor. The primary outcome measure was the difference in patient-reported tinnitus symptoms using the Tinnitus Handicap Index (THI) and Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) between pre-intervention, post-MBSR, and 4-week post-MBSR assessments. Secondary outcomes included change in measurements of depression, anxiety, mindfulness, and cognitive abilities. Functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at pre- and post-MBSR intervention time points to serve as a neuroimaging biomarker of critical cortical netwo...
Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Jan 24, 2015
To evaluate the impact of a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program in patients with ch... more To evaluate the impact of a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program in patients with chronic bothersome tinnitus on the (1) severity of symptoms of tinnitus and (2) functional connectivity in neural attention networks. Open-label interventional pilot study. Outpatient academic medical center. A total of 13 adult participants with a median age of 55 years, suffering from bothersome tinnitus. An 8-week MBSR program was conducted by a trained MBSR instructor. The primary outcome measure was the difference in patient-reported tinnitus symptoms using the Tinnitus Handicap Index (THI) and Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) between pre-intervention, post-MBSR, and 4-week post-MBSR assessments. Secondary outcomes included change in measurements of depression, anxiety, mindfulness, and cognitive abilities. Functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at pre- and post-MBSR intervention time points to serve as a neuroimaging biomarker of critical cortical netwo...
JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, May 1, 2017
Individuals with tinnitus have poorer working memory, slower processing speeds and reaction times... more Individuals with tinnitus have poorer working memory, slower processing speeds and reaction times, and deficiencies in selective attention, all of which interfere with readiness and performance. Brain Fitness Program-Tinnitus (BFP-T) is a cognitive training program specially designed to exploit neuroplasticity for preservation and expansion of cognitive health in adults with tinnitus. To evaluate the effect of the BFP-T on tinnitus. This open-label, intention-to-treat randomized clinical trial prescreened 191 patients with tinnitus and 64 healthy controls (HCs) from June 1, 2012, through October 31, 2013. Participants were 40 adults with bothersome tinnitus for more than 6 months and 20 age-matched HCs. Patients with tinnitus were randomized to a BFP-T or non-BFP-T control group. The BFP-T was completed online, and assessments were completed at Washington University School of Medicine. Participants in the intervention group were required to complete the BFP-T online 1 hour per day 5 days per week for 8 weeks. Tinnitus assessment, neuroimaging, and cognitive testing were completed at baseline and 8 weeks later. The HCs underwent neuroimaging and cognitive assessments. The primary outcome measure was the change in Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) score. Behavioral measures, neuroimaging, and cognitive tests were performed before and after the intervention. A total of 40 patients with tinnitus and 20 HCs participated in the study (median [range] age, 56 [35-64] years in the BFP-T group, 52 [24-64] years in the non-BFP-T group, and 50 [30-64] years in the HC group; 13 [65%] in the BFP-T group, 14 [70%] in the non-BFP-T group, and 13 [65%] in the HC group were males; and 16 [80%] in the BFP-T group, 16 [80%] in the non-BFP-T group, and 15 [75%] in the HC group were white). There was a reduction in the THI score in the BFP-T group (median, 7; range, -16 to 64) and non-BFP-T group (median, 11; range, -6 to 26), but this reduction was not significantly different between the 2 groups (median difference, 0; 95% CI, -10 to 8). There was no difference in cognitive test scores and other behavioral measures. There was a significant difference between baseline and follow-up in functional connectivity in cognitive control regions in the BFP-T group but not in HCs or individuals with untreated tinnitus. Of the 20 patients in the BFP-T group, 10 (50%) self-reported improvement attributable to the intervention, and 6 (30%) reported to be much improved in the domains of tinnitus, memory, attention, and concentration. These findings suggest that the computer-based cognitive training program is associated with self-reported changes in attention, memory, and perception of tinnitus. A possible mechanistic explanation for these changes could be neuroplastic changes in key brain systems involved in cognitive control. Cognitive training programs might have a role in the future treatment of patients with tinnitus. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01458821.
We describe and present initial results of a weak lensing survey of nearby (z 0.1) galaxy cluster... more We describe and present initial results of a weak lensing survey of nearby (z 0.1) galaxy clusters in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). In this first study, galaxy clusters are selected from the SDSS spectroscopic galaxy cluster catalogs of Miller et al. and . We report a total of seven individual low redshift cluster weak lensing measurements which include: A2048, A1767, A2244, A1066, A2199, and two clusters specifically identified with the C4 algorithm. Our program of weak lensing of nearby galaxy clusters in the SDSS will eventually reach ∼ 200 clusters, making it the largest weak lensing survey of individual galaxy clusters to date.
To explore the change in frequency of treatment, and its association with 5-year survival, among ... more To explore the change in frequency of treatment, and its association with 5-year survival, among elderly Medicare enrollees with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx (SCCL). Retrospective analysis of a national cancer database. This was an analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare data set of elderly patients diagnosed with SCCL between 1992 and 2007. Surgical and nonsurgical treatments were identified, and changes in frequency by year of cancer diagnosis were explored. A propensity-matched multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to compare the impact of treatment. There were 3324 cases of primary SCCL diagnosed between 1992 and 2007 studied. Most were male (n = 2605; 78%), white (n = 2845; 87%), and between 66 and 74 years of age (n = 1874; 56%). Between 1992 and 2005, there was a significant trend for increasing 5-year overall survival (43% in 1992 to 54% in 2005-2007; P < .01). There was a significant trend for decreasing frequency of surgical therapy (47% in 1992-1995 to 41% in 2005-2007; P = .03). Surgical therapy was associated with a decreased risk of overall mortality (hazard ratio, 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.68-0.86) in comparison to nonsurgical treatments. The analysis demonstrates an increase in survival among elderly Medicare enrollees diagnosed with SCCL between 1992 and 2007. Despite a significant trend for its decreasing use, there was a significantly decreased risk of overall mortality associated with surgical therapy.
Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Jan 24, 2015
To evaluate the impact of a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program in patients with ch... more To evaluate the impact of a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program in patients with chronic bothersome tinnitus on the (1) severity of symptoms of tinnitus and (2) functional connectivity in neural attention networks. Open-label interventional pilot study. Outpatient academic medical center. A total of 13 adult participants with a median age of 55 years, suffering from bothersome tinnitus. An 8-week MBSR program was conducted by a trained MBSR instructor. The primary outcome measure was the difference in patient-reported tinnitus symptoms using the Tinnitus Handicap Index (THI) and Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) between pre-intervention, post-MBSR, and 4-week post-MBSR assessments. Secondary outcomes included change in measurements of depression, anxiety, mindfulness, and cognitive abilities. Functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at pre- and post-MBSR intervention time points to serve as a neuroimaging biomarker of critical cortical netwo...
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Papers by Frances Hardin