Changes In Frequency Research Articles

Analysis of frequency changes in CD8+ regulatory T cell subsets in peripheral blood of individuals with type 1 diabetes

BackgroundThis study aims to examine the alterations and clinical significance of CD8+ regulatory T cell subsets in the peripheral blood of individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).MethodsFrom January 2020 to December 2023, a study was conducted involving 40 individuals with T1DM, who visited the Department of Endocrinology at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (T1DM group). For comparison, 40 healthy individuals who underwent routine physical examinations at the same hospital during this period were selected as the control group. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated, and CD8+ T cells were labeled with CD3, CD25 and FoxP3 to analyze their subset frequencies using flow cytometry. The study examined differences in subset frequencies between the two groups and explored correlations between subset frequency, disease duration, and age of onset.ResultsThe frequencies of CD8+ CD25+, CD8+ FoxP3+, CD8+ CD25+ CD3+ and CD8+ FoxP3+ CD3+ subsets in peripheral blood mononuclear cells did not significantly differ between the healthy control group and the T1DM group (P > 0.05). In the T1DM group, the expression level of CD25 on CD8+ T cells showed no correlation with the age of onset or disease duration, and FoxP3 levels were also unrelated to the age of onset, with no statistical differences (P > 0.05). However, within the T1DM group, FoxP3 levels progressively decreased with longer disease duration, demonstrating a statistically significant negative correlation (Pearson r = -0.331, P < 0.05). In the T1DM group, the level of CD3+ CD8+ T cells expressed CD25, and there was no correlation between Foxp 3 level and age of onset, not statistically significant (P > 0.05), but the level of Foxp 3 in the T1DM group decreased with the duration of the disease, (Pearson r= − 0.363, P < 0.05).ConclusionThe levels of CD8+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with T1DM show a significant correlation with disease duration, suggesting that these cells may play a critical role in the progression of T1DM.

Age-Dependent Bi-Phasic Dynamics of Ly49+CD8+ Regulatory T Cell Population.

Aging is tightly associated with reduced immune protection but increased risk of autoimmunity and inflammatory conditions. Regulatory T cells are one of the key cells to maintaining immune homeostasis. The age-dependent changes in CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been well documented. However, the nonredundant Foxp3-CD8+ Tregs were never examined in the context of aging. This study first established clear distinctions between phenotypically overlapping CD8+ Tregs and virtual memory T cells. Then, we elucidated the dynamics of CD8+ Tregs across the lifespan in mice and further extended our investigation to human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In mice, we discovered a bi-phasic dynamic shift in the frequency of CD8+CD44hiCD122hiLy49+ Tregs, with a steady increase in young adults and a notable peak in middle age followed by a decline in older mice. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that mouse CD8+ Tregs upregulated a selected set of natural killer (NK) cell-associated genes, including NKG2D, with age. Importantly, NKG2D might negatively regulate CD8+ Tregs. Additionally, by analyzing a scRNA-seq dataset of human PBMC, we found a distinct CD8+ Treg-like subset (Cluster 10) with comparable age-dependent frequency changes and gene expression, suggesting a conserved aging pattern in CD8+ Treg across mice and humans. In summary, our findings highlight the importance of CD8+ Tregs in immune regulation and aging.

Neural sensitivity to frequency changes in song structure in a high-order auditory area reflects tutor song memory in adult songbirds.

Vocal learners, including humans and songbirds, acquire their complex vocalizations by accurately memorizing and imitating the vocal patterns of other individuals. In songbirds, the caudomedial nidopallium (NCM), considered the secondary auditory region, has been suggested to play a critical role in memorizing and recognizing the songs of tutors. However, the mechanisms by which NCM neurons encode the acoustic information of tutor song are not yet fully understood. Here, we investigate the neural representation of tutor song information in NCM neurons by examining their sensitivity to spectral changes in song structure, using electrophysiological recordings in anesthetized male zebra finches. We manipulated the acoustic structures of both tutor songs and unfamiliar conspecific songs by shifting the fundamental frequency (FF) of harmonic syllables by various frequency steps and recorded neural responses to those FF-shifted and original songs. Our results demonstrate that NCM neurons are highly sensitive to FF shifts in tutor song but much less in unfamiliar conspecific song, providing novel evidence for neural encoding of tutor song information in NCM neurons. Moreover, we find that the effects of FF shifts on neural responses depend on the direction of FF shifts. These findings suggest that NCM neurons encode detailed information of tutor song, which can serve as a tutor song template required for song learning.

Osteopathic correction as part of complex treatment of patients with irritable bowel syndrome

Introduction. According to WHO data from 15 to 20 % of patients seeking gastroenterological care suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. The peak incidence is at the age of 30–40 years and is a frequent cause of disability due to the development of pain syndrome with localisation in the abdomen and changes in stool frequency in the absence of organic pathology. Low effectiveness of treatment of this disease is associated not only with multifactorial formation of gastrointestinal tract dysfunction and the lack of a single standard of therapy, but also with low adherence of patients to treatment due to polypragmasy and the need for long-term use of medications against the background of stressors, urbanisation, low motor activity and changes in diet and diet quality. All this puts before clinicians the task of searching for and including new non-medication methods of treatment of patients with this nosology, which predetermined the purpose of this study.The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of including osteopathic correction in the complex treatment of patients with irritable bowel syndrome on the course of this disease.Materials and methods. A prospective randomised controlled study, conducted between January 2022 and March 2023 at the outpatient clinic of FBUZ MSCh № 32 FMBA of Russia in Zarechny, Sverdlovsk region, included 64 patients of both sexes with an established diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome. All participants of the study were divided into two comparable groups - main and control groups of 32 people each. Patients of the main group along with standard drug therapy received osteopathic correction, patients of the control group received only drug therapy according to clinical recommendations in gastroenterology. At the end of the treatment course the osteopathic status and the degree of pain syndrome severity were evaluated in patients of both groups.Results. In patients with irritable bowel syndrome the most frequently diagnosed were somatic dysfunctions of global and regional level. Somatic dysfunctions of the global (psychovisceral dysfunction — 23,4 %, rhythmogenic cranial dysfunction — 17,2 %, global biomechanical dysfunction — 6,3 %) and regional levels (lumbar region: visceral component — 35 %, somatic component — 29,7 % and thoracic region: somatic component — 37,4 %) were determined as dominant. The inclusion of osteopathic correction in the complex treatment of patients with irritable bowel syndrome resulted in a statistically signifi cant (p&lt;0,05) decrease in the severity of pain syndrome with localisation in the abdomen.Conclusion. As part of the complex treatment of patients with irritable bowel syndrome, osteopathic correction in combination with the use of standard drug therapy contributes to a signifi cantly more signifi cant reduction in the severity of pain syndrome compared to the use of pharmacological treatment alone in this category of patients.

Unintentional medication discrepancies at care transitions: prevalence and their impact on post-discharge emergency visits in critically ill older adults

BackgroundUnintentional medication discrepancies during care transitions pose a significant risk for medication errors, particularly in critically ill older patients. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of such discrepancies during care transitions and their impact on post-discharge emergency department (ED) visits in this patient population.MethodsThis retrospective cross-sectional study included patients aged 65 and older who were on chronic medications and admitted to the intensive care units of emergency departments (ED-ICUs) between 2019 and 2020. We evaluated unintentional medication discrepancies, including omissions or changes in medication type, dose, frequency, formulation, or administration route without clear clinical justification during care transition. The association between these discrepancies and post-discharge ED visits was analyzed using a multivariable Cox-proportional hazard model.ResultsOf the 339 patients analyzed, 68% encountered unintentional medication discrepancies at some point during care transitions, with prevalence of 35% at admission, 20% during transfer, and 49% at discharge. After adjusting for confounding factors, patients with unintentional medication discrepancies had a twofold higher risk of ED visits within 30 days of discharge (HR = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.06–4.30).ConclusionThis study demonstrated a substantial prevalence of unintentional medication discrepancies among critically ill older adults during care transitions, significantly increasing the risk of ED visits within a month of discharge. The findings highlight the crucial need for systematic identification and management of medication discrepancies throughout the care transition process to enhance patient safety.

Efficacy of piracetam in children with breath-holding spells: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

A number of randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted comparing the efficacy of piracetam with placebo and other medications in children with breath-holding spells (BHS). However, no systematic review has yet collated all this evidence. All RCTs comparing the efficacy and/or safety of piracetam with placebo or other medications in children with BHS were included. The pooled estimates were compared for the number of participants with a favorable response, the change in monthly frequency of BHS, compliance, and adverse effects in both groups. The ROB 2.0 tool was used to assess the risk of bias, and the GRADE system was used to determine the certainty of the collated evidence. We included 5 RCTs (437 participants) in the review. Piracetam group had significantly more participants with favorable responses at 1, 2 and 3months after randomization, as compared to placebo group (RR: 6.5 (95% CI-1.8-23.2), I2 = 75%, p = 0.004, RR: 4.7 (95% CI-3.3-6.7), I2 = 49%, p < 0.0001, RR: 5.4 (95% CI-3.4-8.5), I2 = 0%, p < 0.0001 respectively). Number of participants with complete response or total cessation of attacks was more in thepiracetam group compared to placebo (RR: 5.7 (95% CI-1.4-23.2), I2 = 88%, p = 0.01). Change in theaverage number of BHS was significantly more in thepiracetam group, as compared to theplacebo group (mean difference-4.9 (95% CI-0.7-9.0), I2 = 99%, p = 0.02). Number of participants with treatment-emergent adverse effects were comparable in both piracetam and placebo groups (RR: 1.9 (95% CI-0.5-7.6), I2 = 0%, p = 0.33). Conclusion: Oral piracetam is efficacious and safe in children with BHS, and its efficacy may further increase by co-administration of oral docosahexaenoic acid. What is known? • Breath-holding spells (BHS) are a common pediatric condition, affecting 0.1% to 4.6% of otherwise healthy children. • Several studies have investigated the efficacy of piracetam in reducing the frequency and severity of BHS, with mixed results. What is new? • Oral piracetam is efficacious and safe in children with BHS. • Its efficacy is further increased by co-administration of oral docosahexaenoic acid.

Global change aggravates drought, with consequences for plant reproduction.

The frequency and intensity of droughts are expected to increase under global change, driven by anthropogenic climate change and water diversion. Precipitation is expected to become more episodic under climate change, with longer and warmer dry spells, although some areas might become wetter. Diversion of freshwater from lakes and rivers and groundwater pumping for irrigation of agricultural fields are lowering water availability to wild plant populations, increasing the frequency and intensity of drought. Given the importance of seasonal changes and extremes in soil moisture to influence plant reproduction, and because the majority of plants are flowering plants and most of them depend on pollinators for seed production, this review focuses on the consequences of drought on different aspects of reproduction in animal-pollinated angiosperms, emphasizing interactions among drought, flowering and pollination. Visual and olfactory traits play crucial roles in attracting pollinators. Drought-induced floral changes can influence pollinator attraction and visitation, together with pollinator networks and flowering phenology, with subsequent effects on plant reproduction. Here, we review how drought influences these different aspects of plant reproduction. We identify knowledge gaps and highlight areas that would benefit from additional research. Visual and olfactory traits are affected by drought, but their phenotypic responses can vary with floral sex, plant sex, population and species. Ample phenotypic plasticity to drought exists for these traits, providing an ability for a rapid response to a change in drought frequency and intensity engendered by global change. The impact of these drought-induced changes in floral traits on pollinator attraction, pollen deposition and plant reproductive success does not show a clear pattern. Drought affects the structure of plant-pollinator networks and can modify plant phenology. The impact of drought on plant reproduction is not always negative, and we need to identify plant characteristics associated with these more positive responses.

Changes in allele frequencies and genetic architecture due to selection in two pig populations

BackgroundGenetic selection improves a population by increasing the frequency of favorable alleles. Understanding and monitoring allele frequency changes is, therefore, important to obtain more insight into the long-term effects of selection. This study aimed to investigate changes in allele frequencies and in results of genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and how those two are related to each other. This was studied in two maternal pig lines where selection was based on a broad selection index. Genotypes and phenotypes were available from 2015 to 2021.ResultsSeveral large changes in allele frequencies over the years were observed in both lines. The largest allele frequency changes were not larger than expected under drift based on gene dropping simulations, but the average allele frequency change was larger with selection. Moreover, several significant regions were found in the GWAS for the traits under selection, but those regions did not overlap with regions with larger allele frequency changes. No significant GWAS regions were found for the selection index in both lines, which included multiple traits, indicating that the index is affected by many loci of small effect. Additionally, many significant regions showed pleiotropic, and often antagonistic, associations with other traits under selection. This reduces the selection pressure on those regions, which can explain why those regions are still segregating, although the traits have been under selection for several generations. Across the years, only small changes in Manhattan plots were found, indicating that the genetic architecture was reasonably constant.ConclusionsNo significant GWAS regions were found for any of the traits under selection among the regions with the largest changes in allele frequency, and the correlation between significance level of marker associations and changes in allele frequency over one generation was close to zero for all traits. Moreover, the largest changes in allele frequency could be explained by drift and were not necessarily a result of selection. This is probably because selection acted on a broad index for which no significant GWAS regions were found. Our results show that selecting on a broad index spreads the selection pressure across the genome, thereby limiting allele frequency changes.

Frequencies of β-casein variants and their influence on genetic merit for production traits in Holstein cows

Context Traits considered for selection are influenced by social, consumer, and breeder demands. In the past decades, there has been increasing global interest in producing milk free from the β-casein (CSN2) A1 allele because of the health benefits it may have. This has encouraged many breeders to select A2A2 cows in their dairy cattle herds. Aims This study aimed to evaluate the genetic variation in the bovine CSN2 gene regarding A1-like and A2-like variants and to assess the potential association between these variants and production traits in Holstein cows. Methods In total, 2600 Holstein cows from three commercial dairy farms with different breeding objectives and phenotypic records taken over different seasons, periods, and lactations were genotyped for single-nucleotide polymorphism rs43703011, which distinguishes A1-like from A2-like β-casein variants. Allele and genotype frequencies were determined and their breeding values for milk, fat, and protein yields, and fat and protein percentages were estimated. The influence of CSN2 genotypes on these breeding values was studied through a one-way ANOVA. For the significant CSN2 genotype–breeding value associations, allele substitution effects were estimated. Key results We found allele frequencies for A1-like and A2-like alleles in the ranges 0.262–0.366 and 0.634–0.738 respectively, and genotype frequencies in the ranges of 0.043–0.125, 0.43–0.537, and 0.393–0.523 for A1A1, A1A2 and A2A2 genotypes respectively. We demonstrated that the A2-like CSN2 variant correlates with higher estimated breeding values (EBVs) for milk, protein, and fat yields, and lower EBVs for fat and protein percentages. Conclusions These results are valuable to visualize the trends in CSN2 allele and genotype frequency changes over the years and to analyze the effect of the different variants of β-casein on production performance. Implications Our findings contribute to evaluating the consequences on dairy performance of selection for the A2-like variant.

Health-Economic Modelling of Improved Behavior in Insulin Injection Technique in Belgium

Health-Economic Modelling of Improved Behavior in Insulin Injection Technique in Belgium

Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici Exhibited a Significant Change in Virulence and Race Frequency in Xinjiang, China

Xinjiang is an important region due to its unique epidemic characteristics of wheat stripe rust disease caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici. Some previous studies on race identification were conducted in this region, but it is still unclear how temporal changes affect the dynamics, diversity, and virulence characteristics of Pst races in Xinjiang. To gain a better understanding, we compared the race data from spring and winter wheat crops of 2022 with that of 2021. Our results showed a significant change in virulence frequency in 2022. Vr10, Vr13, and Vr19 exhibited an increasing trend, with a frequency of ≥18%, while the maximum decline was observed in Vr1, Vr3, and Vr9, with a frequency of ≤−25%. It was found that Yr5 and Yr15 remained effective against Xinjiang Pst races. The race diversity increased from 0.92 (70 races out of 345 isolates) to 0.94 (90 races out of 354 isolates) in 2022, with G22G being the dominant race group. Race CYR34 became prevalent in the region in 2022, while the LvG grouped was wiped out in 2022, from both summer and winter crop seasons. HyG and SuG groups showed an overall declining trend. Overall prevalent races showed over-summering and over-wintering behaviors in Xinjiang. The number of new races occurrence frequency increased by 34% in 2022, indicating a potential change in the population structure of Pst. It is crucial to introduce newly resistant gene cultivars in this region and to establish rust-monitoring protocols to prepare for any future epidemics.

Precision teaching in the 21st century: trends, barriers and the path forward

Purpose This paper aims to explore the current state of Precision Teaching, identifies key barriers the field must address and outlines future directions for progress. Design/methodology/approach Precision Teaching (PT) is a methodology that uses the family of Standard Celeration Charts to monitor changes in behaviour frequencies, guide instructional decisions and promote the acceleration of learning. Since its inception, PT has been widely adopted across general and special education and other settings. Research has demonstrated its effectiveness in improving skill acquisition in interventions, including reading fluency, mathematical skills and critical thinking. Findings Despite its success, barriers to broader implementation remain, including limited awareness, technological challenges and research promotion. As the field continues to evolve, interdisciplinary collaboration and technology promotion will be key to ensuring the continued growth of PT. Originality/value By addressing these barriers, the methodology can expand further, enhancing its impact across a diverse array of fields and populations.

Non-invasive in-situ monitoring of deep etching processes using terahertz metasurfaces

This study presents an in-situ and non-invasive process control and monitoring (PCM) method for deep silicon etching, leveraging terahertz metasurfaces. The technique addresses the challenges for monitoring deep and high aspect ratio etching processes, which are prevalent in semiconductor microfabrication. By incorporating metasurfaces with identical geometric shapes and sizes as crucial components of targeted devices, the method enables accurate monitoring of the etching depth in the process. Continuous shifts of terahertz reflection spectra provide information on etching depth, while abrupt change in the curves highlights the etching endpoint, preventing over-etching. For the commonly used comb-finger structure, numerical simulations demonstrate a strong linear relationship between etching depth and terahertz resonant wavelengths (nonlinearity &lt; 1%) and an abrupt resonant frequency change (&gt; 0.6 THz) at the endpoint. Experimental validations confirm the accuracy of the PCM method, with an etching depth estimation error below 2 µm. This approach enhances the precision of PCM in microfabrication, offering the potential for widespread applications in the production of micromechanical sensors, actuators, and other microelectronic devices.

Reserve Technique in Integrating Large Sustainable Energy Sources: A Case Study of the Tunisian Grid

The increasing integration of sustainable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, into the national electricity grid presents significant challenges in terms of frequency control and grid stability. Additionally, the imbalance between electricity supply and demand introduces dynamic frequency variations. However, according to the literature, the impact of high penetration of renewable energy sources on the Tunisian grid has not been extensively analyzed using power system simulator for engineering (PSS/E). This research paper explores how the primary reserve technique participates to maintain frequency within acceptable ranges in the Tunisian electrical grid. Individual generators contribute to the total power output, thereby influencing frequency deviation. The primary frequency control action by each generator is proportional to its frequency deviation and inversely proportional to its governing drop, which measures the generator’s sensitivity to frequency changes. This paper analyzes frequency stability in the Tunisian grid under scenarios with and without different rates of sustainable energy source penetration, which barely reached 3.5% in 2023. In Tunisia, the use of sustainable energy is essential not only for ensuring grid stability but for combating climate change and reducing carbon emissions, aligning with the country’s environmental goals. The transition to sustainable energy significantly reduces the carbon footprint of the power sector, offering a sustainable solution for mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. Dynamic simulations were conducted for the isolated Tunisian system, separate from the interconnected grid, focusing on the critical scenario of the loss of a large electricity production unit. This study also examined the absence of sustainable energy integration and the effects of integration of different rates of renewable energy to evaluate the impact of reserves on the continuity of the Tunisian electrical service. Simulation results, which considered a 2023 grid model, show that with an integration trial of 20% renewable energy and, in the worst-case scenario, which represents the loss of the largest production group in the grid, the primary reserve of a given group—defined by the quantity of active energy—can be rapidly deployed to restore the balance between electricity supply and demand. Thus, reserves are a crucial solution for maintaining frequency within reasonable limits and ensuring the continuity of electrical services in Tunisia with varying rates from 10% to 20% integration of different sustainable energy sources.

Advances in Single Particle Mass Analysis.

Single particle mass analysis methods allow the measurement and characterization of individual nanoparticles, viral particles, as well as biomolecules like protein aggregates and complexes. Several key benefits are associated with the ability to analyze individual particles rather than bulk samples, such as high sensitivity and low detection limits, and virtually unlimited dynamic range, as this figure of merit strictly depends on analysis time. However, data processing and interpretation of single particle data can be complex, often requiring advanced algorithms and machine learning approaches. In addition, particle ionization, transfer, and detection efficiency can be limiting factors for certain types of analytes. Ongoing developments in the field aim to address these challenges and expand the capabilities of single particle mass analysis techniques. Charge detection mass spectrometry is a single particle version of mass spectrometry in which the charge (z) is determine independently from m/z. Nano-electromechanical resonator mass analysis relies on changes in a nanoscale device's resonance frequency upon deposition of a particle to directly derive its inertial mass. Mass photometry uses interferometric video-microscopy to derive particle mass from the intensity of the scattered light. A common feature of these approaches is the acquisition of single particle data, which can be filtered and concatenated in the form of a particle mass distribution. In the present article, dedicated to our honored colleague Richard Cole, we cover the latest technological advances and applications of these single particle mass analysis approaches.

Determination of the XUV Frequency Chirp at the Free-Electron Laser FLASH via THz Streaking and Electron Beam Diagnostics

Free-electron lasers (FELs) operating in the extreme ultraviolet (XUV) and X-ray regions deliver ultrashort pulses with unprecedented intensity, enabling groundbreaking research across various scientific disciplines. A potential chirp (frequency change within the pulse) of these pulses influences their spectral properties, directly impacting the experimental outcomes and FEL performance. The accurate characterization of the chirp is, therefore, important for optimizing FEL operation and interpreting experimental results. This study presents a comprehensive comparison of two techniques determining the chirp of the XUV pulses at FLASH by directly measuring the XUV pulses with THz streaking and by detecting the chirp of the electron bunches by a Transverse Deflection Structure (PolariX TDS) to infer the XUV chirp. We conducted simultaneous measurements using both techniques at FLASH2 while tuning the FEL to produce various energy chirps on the electron bunch.

Frequency Tunable Film Bulk Acoustic Resonator Integrating PMN‐PT/FSMA Multiferroic Heterostructure for Flexible MEMS

AbstractFrequency tunable flexible piezo resonators exhibit significant potential for technological advances in wearable magnetic field sensing, futuristic wireless telecommunication devices, and flexible micro‐electromechanical systems. This study presents a multifunctional and flexible 0.67Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3−0.33PbTiO3(PMN‐PT)/Ni50Mn35In15 (Ni‐Mn‐In) multiferroic heterostructure‐based bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonator fabricated over Kapton substrate. The fundamental resonance frequency (fR = 5.31 GHz) of the resonator is tunable with magnetic and electric fields. A significant change in resonance frequency (ΔfR) of 405 MHz has been achieved with 3.37 Hz nT−1 sensitivity using a direct current (DC) magnetic field of 1200 Oe, attributed to the delta‐E effect. The resonator displays a significant magnetic field tunability of 8.83%. Additionally, a substantial ΔfR of 360 MHz, 36 Hz µV−1 sensitivity and 6.78% tunability is attained with 10 V of DC bias voltage. The impact of magnetic field and DC bias voltage on the acoustic characteristics have been studied by fitting the resonance frequency curves with an equivalent modified Butterworth‐Van Dyke model. The fabricated BAW resonator exhibits outstanding flexibility with no discernible change in fR up to 2000 bending cycles. Such PMN‐PT/Ni‐Mn‐In‐based multiferroic BAW resonators displaying magnetic and electric field tunability are propitious for next‐generation flexible electronics and magnetic field sensors.

The usefulness of an application-supported nutritional intervention on non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in people with a risk of lifestyle-related diseases.

Lifestyle-related diseases, such as diabetes, are mostly caused by poor lifestyle habits; therefore, modifying these habits is important. In Japan, a system of specific health checkups (SHC) and specific health guidance (SHG) was introduced in 2008. The challenges faced include low retention rates and difficulty in maintaining results. Digital technologies can support self-management and increase patient convenience, although evidence of the usefulness of this technology for SHG is limited. This study evaluated the usefulness of nutritional guidance using a smartphone application (app) added to conventional SHG. We recruited eligible participants for SHG in Japan from November 2018 to March 2020. We assigned them to "Intervention Group: Application-Supported Nutrition Therapy" or "Control Group: Human Nutrition Therapy" based on their desire to use the app. The primary outcome was a change in non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) levels post-intervention. The secondary outcomes were a change in lipid profile, metabolic indices, and frequency of logins to the app. We assessed 109 participants in two cohorts: 3-month (short-term) and 6-month (long-term). The short-term cohort had 23 intervention and 29 control participants, while the long-term cohort had 35 and 22, respectively. There was a significant improvement in non-HDL-C levels in the short-term intervention group compared to the control group. There was no significant difference in non-HDL-C levels in the long-term groups or at 1 year. There were significant improvements in body weight (BW) in the short-term cohort until 1 year compared within the groups. The retention rate remained high in the short-term cohort (92%) but decreased to 57.8% at 6 months in the long-term cohort. Using an app system to facilitate dietary recordings and guidance for patients at risk of lifestyle-related diseases led to improved lipid levels and BW. These benefits persisted to some extent after 1 year. This app may partially supplement conventional SHG.

Psychiatric Disorders and Their Impact on Herpes Zoster Incidence: Five Years of Data from Turkiye

Background/Objectives: This study investigates the relationship between psychiatric disorders and herpes zoster (HZ). Emergency and outpatient admissions to Kırşehir Education and Research Hospital between 2019 and 2023 were examined. Psychiatric disorders are known in the literature as one of the factors that weaken the immune system, thereby increasing the risk of infection. Methods: In our study, the past diagnoses and sociodemographic data of all individuals over the age of 18 who applied to the Kırşehir Education and Research Hospital between 2019 and 2023 were obtained from hospital system records. Patients receiving immunosuppressive treatment or those with diseases that could affect immune system function were excluded from the study. The sample was divided into two groups: those with and without psychiatric disorders diagnosed with HZ. Sociodemographic features, change of HZ frequency over the years, and differences among psychiatric diagnosis subgroups were examined between the groups. Results: Individuals with psychiatric diseases had a significantly higher frequency of HZ compared to those without psychiatric diseases (0.0040% vs. 0.0016%, p &lt; 0.001). No significant difference was found in the frequency of HZ among different types of psychiatric disorders (p = 0.60). Additionally, no statistically significant difference was found in the median age between the groups (p = 0.11). In terms of gender distribution, it was determined that women were more frequently diagnosed with HZ compared to men. Conclusions: The frequency of HZ was found to be higher in individuals with psychiatric disorders. However, further research is needed to explore the association between specific psychiatric diagnoses and HZ frequency.

Experimental Study on the Suppression of Cavity Noise in a Locking-On State by a Slanting Inner Wall

This paper presents an experimental investigation into the noise characteristics of various slanted wall configurations. The study focuses on the noise suppression effects of cavities with slanted walls on cavity coupling noise. A total of eight configurations, with different slanting angles on the front and rear walls, were analyzed by varying the inclination of the inner wall. Noise and flow field measurements were conducted in an aeroacoustic wind tunnel, utilizing microphones for near-field and far-field noise data acquisition and hot-wire probes for flow field analysis. The results indicate that larger slant angles lead to more effective noise reduction. As the slant angle increases, the acoustic resonance frequency associated with the slanted inner wall rises, which alters the self-excited oscillation modes involved in coupling with the acoustic resonance. This reduces the impact of coupling on the sound pressure levels. The change in acoustic resonance frequency also modifies the phase delay term of the dominant mode, ultimately leading to a shift in the noise frequency.