Effects of computer-based intervention through acoustically modified speech (Fast ForWord) in severe mixed receptive-expressive language impairment: outcomes from a randomized controlled trial.

Seventy-seven children between the ages of 6 and 10 years, with severe mixed receptive-expressive specific language impairment (SLI), participated in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of Fast ForWord (FFW; Scientific Learning Corporation, 1997, 2001). FFW is a computer-based intervention for treating SLI using acoustically enhanced speech stimuli. These stimuli are modified to exaggerate their time and intensity properties as part of an adaptive training process.

Vasoconstrictors: indications and precautions.

Vasoconstrictors are useful additives to local anesthetic solutions. They can enhance the duration and quality of the anesthetic block while also decreasing surgical blood loss. Precautions must be taken, however, when using vasoconstrictors with certain patients, especially those with cardiovascular disease.