Publications by authors named "A J Belanger"
Background: This paper reports on the outcomes of a proof-of-principle study for the Exposure Therapy Consortium, a global network of researchers and clinicians who work to improve the effectiveness and uptake of exposure therapy. The study aimed to test the feasibility of the consortium's big-team science approach and test the hypothesis that adding post-exposure processing focused on enhancing threat reappraisal would enhance the efficacy of a one-session large-group interoceptive exposure therapy protocol for reducing anxiety sensitivity.
Methods: The study involved a multi-site cluster-randomized controlled trial comparing exposure with post-processing (ENHANCED), exposure without post-processing (STANDARD), and a stress management intervention (CONTROL) in students with elevated anxiety sensitivity.
Longitudinal, non-invasive, in vivo monitoring of therapeutic gene expression is an unmet need for gene therapy (GT). Positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracers designed to bind to therapeutic proteins may provide a sensitive imaging platform to guide treatment response and dose optimization in GT. Herein, we evaluate a novel PET tracer ([F]AGAL) for targeting α-galactosidase A (GLA), an enzyme deficient in Fabry disease.
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- The study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of the rebound countermovement jump (R-CMJ) as a test for leg muscle function in NCAA Division I football players, comparing it with traditional tests like the counter-movement jump (CMJ) and drop jumps (DJs).
- Findings indicated that while the first phase of the R-CMJ showed reliability similar to the CMJ, the jump height was lower, and the second phase displayed moderate reliability but raised concerns about its validity in measuring reactive strength.
- Overall, although the R-CMJ is easy and time-efficient for coaches to administer, it may not accurately reflect an athlete's reactive strength compared to established jumping tests.
Article Synopsis
- Psilocybin-assisted therapy shows promise in relieving existential distress for patients with serious illnesses, but access remains a challenge in palliative care settings in Canada despite recent legal changes.
- A study involving 16 palliative care professionals revealed their interest in the therapy, but also highlighted concerns such as the need for more education, research, refined protocols, and clarified eligibility criteria.
- The findings suggest that the acceptability of psilocybin therapy among healthcare providers is crucial for its successful integration into practice, indicating that developing clear guidelines could facilitate wider access and usage.
Background: Fragile X syndrome (FXS) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are neurodevelopmental conditions that often have a substantial impact on daily functioning and quality of life. FXS is the most common cause of inherited intellectual disability (ID) and the most common monogenetic cause of ASD. Previous literature has shown that electrophysiological activity measured by electroencephalogram (EEG) during resting state is perturbated in FXS and ASD.
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