Browse Articles

Efficacy of an educational multimedia in promoting public health literacy on age-related cognitive-communicative health: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Amid the alarming global forecast of age-related cognitive-communicative disorders like dementia, Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) are poised to play a crucial role in dementia-related services, ranging from counselling to end-of-life care. A key step in this direction is enhancing public health literacy regarding optimal age-linked cognitive-communicative health. Given the potential of educational multimedia (EM) programs to promote public health literacy, and the recent development of one such EM in our research, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an SLP-designed and facilitated EM in changing young adults (YAs) knowledge and beliefs about cognitive health in the Indian context. In a randomized controlled trial, 220 YAs aged 18–25 years were equally and randomly assigned to either the experimental group (EG) or the active control group (CG). The EG viewed an EM on cognitive health, while the CG watched an animated fictional video. Both groups completed a retrospective pre-post survey evaluating self-perceived knowledge, factual knowledge, and beliefs about cognitive health. The effect of the EM was analyzed using mixed-model ANOVA. A significant improvement in the EG compared to the CG across all three domains was observed. These findings highlight the efficacy of the EM in enhancing understanding and attitudes toward cognitive health among YAs. The EM shows promise as a structured cognitive health education tool, fostering awareness, encouraging preventive measures, and potentially contributing to early detection and intervention of cognitive health issues. This study aligns with the emerging role of SLPs in educating communities about cognitive-communicative health and well-being.

The efficacy and safety of electrical acupoint stimulation (EAS) for knee osteoarthritis (KOA): A GRADE-assessed systematic review, meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

Electrical acupoint stimulation (EAS) is proposed as a potentially beneficial treatment for patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis (KOA). This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the assess the effectiveness and safety of EAS for KOA. To identify eligible RCTs, a systematic search for eligible RCTs is conducted through 6 November 2024 in 12 electronic literature databases, utilizing relevant keywords. The analysis applies a random-effects model to compute RRs and 95% CIs for the dichotomous outcome, alongside the SMD and 95% CIs for continuous outcomes. This meta-analysis includes 63 RCTs with a total of 6475 participants. The pooled analysis reveals that EAS increases the overall response rate by 19.5% (RR: 1.195, 95% CI: 1.130 to 1.264, P < 0.001; low certainty). For continuous outcomes, EAS produces large effects on WOMAC total score (SMD = −1.72, 95% CI −2.19 to −1.24; P < 0.001; low certainty), VAS score (SMD = −1.92, 95% CI −2.44 to −1.39; P < 0.001; very low certainty), WOMAC stiffness (SMD = −1.12, 95% CI −1.65 to −0.59; P < 0.001; low certainty) and Lysholm score (SMD = 1.10, 95% CI 0.47 to 1.73; P = 0.001; low certainty). It yields medium effects on WOMAC pain (SMD = −0.74, 95% CI −1.10 to −0.37; P < 0.001; low certainty), Lequesne index (SMD = −0.70, 95% CI −0.97 to −0.42; P < 0.001; low certainty) and WOMAC function (SMD = −0.51, 95% CI −0.97 to −0.05; P = 0.03; low certainty). There are no significant effects on peak quadriceps torque (SMD = 0.21, 95% CI −0.42 to 0.83; P = 0.518; low certainty) or knee range of motion (SMD = 0.66, 95% CI −0.07 to 1.38; P = 0.077; low certainty). Trial sequential analysis indicates that the required information size is met. This review suggests that EAS may be an effective and relatively safe adjunctive option for KOA; however, the certainty of the evidence is low due to substantial heterogeneity and potential biases. Higher-quality, rigorously designed RCTs with standardized reporting are needed to confirm these findings.

Association of serum trace elements with non-invasive fibrosis scores in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

Theoretical studies of arbutin, glutathione, and sea cucumber extracts as inhibitors of tyrosinase

Normalized data may have limitations in determining the reliability of MVC measurements

Abstract Measurement data serve as an objective basis for scientific findings. Therefore, their reliability in repeated measurements is a crucial prerequisite. The repeatability of measurements is quantified using various reliability parameters. Often, data are subjected to normalization procedures to reduce inter-individual variability or to improve interpretability. In our study, we aimed to investigate the extent to which the application of normalization has impact on the determined reliability parameters. This was examined using the example of maximum force values for trunk extension and flexion. For this purpose, 85 healthy individuals (42 women) were subjected to maximum isometric force tests of the trunk muscles at two-weeks intervals. The calculated reliability and agreement parameters included the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), the standard error of measurement (SEm), the standard error of the mean (SEM), and the coefficient of variation of the method error (CVME). The ICC values consistently indicated good reliability for the original data (Extension: 0.889, Flexion: 0.882). Within the subpopulations of women and men, lower but still good ICC levels were observed (Women Extension: 0.671, Flexion: 0.826; Men Extension: 0.819, Flexion: 0.680). For the anthropometrically normalized force values, lower ICC levels were found for the entire group (Extension: 0.803, Flexion: 0.768) although the deviations in the subpopulations were different (Women Extension: 0.747, Flexion: 0.805; Men Extension: 0.852, Flexion: 0.642). Thus, normalization of measured values leads to varying deviations of calculated ICC levels compared to the original data, which is why the use of standardized data is not recommended for reliability calculations.

Life cycle assessment of high value activated carbon production based on mass and functional performance metrics

Remaining useful life prediction of lithium batteries based on jump connection multi-scale CNN

Bioelectrical impedance analysis to assess body water status during fluid infusion in a rat model of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Structural basis of fast N-type inactivation in Kv channels

Abstract Action potentials are generated by opening of voltage-activated sodium (Nav) and potassium (Kv) channels1, which can rapidly inactivate to shape the nerve impulse and contribute to synaptic facilitation and short-term memory1–4. The mechanism of fast inactivation was proposed to involve an intracellular domain that blocks the internal pore in both Nav 5,6 and Kv 7–9 channels; however, recent studies in Nav 10,11 and Kv 12,13 channels support a mechanism in which the internal pore closes during inactivation. Here we investigate the mechanism of fast inactivation in the Shaker Kv channel using cryo-electron microscopy, mass spectrometry and electrophysiology. We resolved structures of a fully inactivated state in which the non-polar end of the N terminus plugs the internal pore in an extended conformation. The N-terminal methionine is deleted, leaving an alanine that is acetylated and interacts with a pore-lining isoleucine residue where RNA editing regulates fast inactivation14. Opening of the internal activation gate is required for fast inactivation because it enables the plug domain to block the pore and repositions gate residues to interact with and stabilize that domain. We also show that external K+ destabilizes the inactivated state by altering the conformation of the ion selectivity filter rather than by electrostatic repulsion. These findings establish the mechanism of fast inactivation in Kv channels, revealing how it is regulated by RNA editing and N-terminal acetylation, and providing a framework for understanding related mechanisms in other voltage-activated channels.

Mutual information maximizing quantum generative adversarial networks

Genetic relationship among grape (Vitis vinifera L.) genotypes grown in inner Anatolia region Turkey analyzed by ISSR and RAPD markers

Efficient biomass valorization using silica supported imidazolium based ionic liquid catalysts

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein and 6-month all-cause mortality in Chinese heart failure patients

Abstract Heart failure (HF) is a principal cause of both morbidity and mortality throughout the world. As a marker of systemic inflammation, High - Sensitivity C - Reactive Protein (hs - CRP) is elevated in HF patients and is in relation with adverse clinical outcomes. However, the relationship between hs-CRP levels and mortality of HF patients, particularly in the Chinese population, remains incompletely characterized. In this retrospective cohort research, data from a prospective HF registry involving 941 patients who were hospitalized to the Zigong Fourth People’s Hospital in Sichuan Province during January 2016 and December 2019 were analyzed. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality within six months of admission. Because hs-CRP data did not follow a normal distribution, logarithmic transformation was carried out, and the values were stratified into tertiles to make the comparative analysis more convenient. Multivariable logistic regression, with adjustments made for potential confounding factors, was used to assess the independent prognostic value of log(hs-CRP). Constrained cubic spline transformations were used to investigate the potential nonlinear relationships between log(hs-CRP) and the risk of mortality. Among 941 selected participants, the six-month all-cause mortality rate was 3.08% (29/941). After adjusting for potential confounders, logistic regression analysis showed a significant positive association between elevated hs-CRP concentrations and increased mortality risk (OR = 2.073; 95% CI: 1.009–4.256; p = 0.047). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis confirmed that hs-CRP has predictive value for mortality (AUC:0.66, 95%CI: 0.56–0.76), with an optimal cutoff value of 1.64. However, nonlinear association was not detected between these variables (log-rank p > 0.05). The study revealed a significant direct correlation between hs-CRP levels and six-month all-cause mortality in Chinese HF patients, suggesting that the biomarker may serve as a valuable prognostic indicator. These findings support the incorporation of hs-CRP measurement into routine evaluation protocols for heart failure patients to enhance risk stratification and guide therapeutic decision-making.

ChebIoD: a Chebyshev polynomial-based lightweight authentication scheme for internet of drones environments

Spatiotemporal patterns in air pollution and sound in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract High air pollution and sound in Dhaka pose major health risks, yet limited high-resolution data hinders epidemiologic assessments and interventions. We measured fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅), black carbon (BC), and sound (dBA) at 70 locations across Dhaka during the 2023 dry (Jan–Mar) and wet (Jul–Sep) seasons, with continuous monitoring at 8 fixed sites and short-term sampling at 62 rotating sites (3 days/season). Over 1.7 million minutes of PM2.5 and 1.2 million minutes of sound were collected, enabling detailed spatial (land use features) and temporal (seasonal, weekly, daily, and diurnal) analyses. Air pollution was four times higher in the dry season, with commercial/industrial areas and transportation corridors having the highest levels, particularly at night. Sound levels varied less temporally, and were highest in transportation corridors, mixed-use areas, and commercial hubs. Air pollution and sound across the city exceeded international guidelines. These findings provide critical evidence to inform targeted policy and interventions.

Atomic-scale imaging of frequency-dependent phonon anisotropy

The evolution of hominin bipedalism in two steps

Three-dimensional assessment of pharyngeal airway hyoid bone and craniocervical changes after stabilization splint treatment in temporomandibular disorder patients

Abstract Stabilization splint (SS) therapy is commonly used to treat temporomandibular disorders (TMD), but its three-dimensional (3D) effects on pharyngeal airway (PA) dimensions, hyoid bone (HB) position, and craniocervical (CC) posture remain unclear. This study primarily aimed to evaluate the 3D changes in the PA, with a secondary focus on the HB and CC posture, in adult TMD patients after SS therapy. This retrospective study analyzed 80 adult TMD patients (mean age: 23.88 ± 5.8 years) treated with SS for 6–12 months. Pre- and post-treatment cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were used to measure 3D changes in PA (naso-, oro-, hypo-, and total pharyngeal spaces), HB position, and CC posture using InVivo and Dolphin software. Statistical analysis included paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank test (P < 0.05). Significant reductions occurred in oropharyngeal surface area and sagittal width (P = 0.021; P = 0.017, respectively) and hypopharyngeal parameters (surface area, volume, minimal constriction area, sagittal width; P < 0.05). HB measurements showed significant decrease in hyoid-mandibular plane (H-MP), hyoid-retrognathia distances (H-RGN) and hyoid triangle height measurements (P = 0.002, P = 0.014 and P = 0.029, respectively), with a significant increase in retrognathia-sella distance (RGN-S, P = 0.003). CC posture showed significant decreases in the Sella–Nasion to odontoid process tangent angle (SNL-OPT) and to the cervical vertebra tangent angle (SNL-CVT) (P = 0.005, P = 0.003, respectively). SS therapy significantly reduced oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal airway dimensions, changed HB position, and improved CC posture post-treatment. These results highlight the multidimensional impact of SS therapy and support incorporating airway and CC posture assessments into TMD management which enhances diagnosis and therapeutic outcomes.

Ciprofloxacin pre-exposure influences individual cell MIC and heteroresistance of bacteria inside microfluidic droplets

Abstract Bacterial cells in general present different phenotypes even within the monoclonal populations. Some phenotypes may offer selective advantages under antibiotic stress. In clinical practice such advantage may lead to selection of resistant phenotypes and to treatment failure. Improving treatment regimens thus requires thorough understanding of the underlying cause of developing phenotypic variations within bacterial populations exposed to antibiotics. Here, we use droplet microfluidics to study the response of individual bacterial cells. We investigate how a short-term exposure of ciprofloxacin or streptomycin at the sub-minimum inhibitory concentration levels changes the single-cell distribution of susceptibility on subsequent exposure to either of the antibiotics. We used three different concentrations of pre-exposure for each antibiotic on Escherichia coli MG1655 and followed with re-exposure of the same bacterial cells individually in microfluidic droplets. Experiments with various concentrations of re-exposure on single cells showed that pre-exposures to sub-lethal levels of ciprofloxacin can elevate the individual cell MIC and the level of heteroresistance to ciprofloxacin. Exposure to quarter and half MIC of ciprofloxacin in separate experiments increased the heteroresistance of pre-exposed cells by more than 20-fold on subsequent treatment with ciprofloxacin. Interestingly, the same ciprofloxacin pre-exposure pattern made the cells more fragile and, in some cases, decreased the individual MIC values to streptomycin. The results in our study can be very important in developing new better treatment regimen, addressing the wider problem of antibiotic resistance.

Gut dysbiosis and brain microhemorrhages in young vs. aged mice with chronic kidney disease

Abstract Intestinal dysbiosis and gut-derived toxins in chronic kidney diseases (CKD) are associated with vascular injury. This study examined the relationship between gut dysbiosis and cerebral microhemorrhages (CMH) in young and aged CKD mice (3 vs. 16 months of age) in both sexes. CKD was induced in C57BL/6J mice using a nephrotoxic adenine diet. Serum creatinine, trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), indoxyl sulfate (IS) and p-cresyl sulfate (pCS) were measured. CMH was quantified via brain histology, and gut microbial sequencing was analyzed from fecal pellets. Creatinine and uremic toxins were elevated in both young and aged CKD mice compared with controls, and microbial populations were altered by age, sex and CKD status. Age was the most significant factor in microbial variance, with higher levels of IS and pCS in aged CKD mice. Aged male mice had significantly higher creatinine, TMAO and IS than aged females. Males had higher CMH counts than females, and aged CKD males had the highest CMH burden. Age modified the relationship between uremic toxins and CMH burden, with creatinine, TMAO and IS correlating with increased CMH in aged animals. In conclusion, gut dysbiosis in CKD is modulated by sex and age, and gut-derived uremic toxins including TMAO and IS may contribute to vascular injury and CMH development.