Daily Movements Research Articles

Fuzzy Logic and Machine Learning Algorithms for Detection and Classification of Falls and Activities of Daily Living

This article analyses the movements of young and elderly people using data collected from an accelerometer and a gyroscope. This study proposes Type I fuzzy logic (FL) and several machine learning (ML) algorithms for the detection and classification of daily life movements and falls. The results obtained demonstrate that a fuzzy logic system can efficiently integrate data from an accelerometer and a gyroscope to classify falls and movements in daily life with 97.4% accuracy. When ML classifiers are used, the performance across several algorithms is also very high.

Daily and Peak Monitor Independent Movement Summary (MIMS) Values Associated With Metabolic Syndrome: NHANES 2011-12 and 2013-14.

The U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) physical activity monitor datasets for 2011-12 and 2013-14 were released in late 2020. To date, there has been limited interpretation of these nationally representative wrist-worn accelerometer data (summarized and reported in Monitor Independent Movement Summary [MIMS] units) and their relationships with health-related outcomes. This study examined the associations between free-living DailyMIMS (volume), Peak 1MIMS and Peak 30MIMS (intensity), and risk of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). Data from adults (N=3787; 18-80+ years) in the 2011-12 and 2013-14 NHANES cycles with health examination and accelerometry data were included. Accelerometer data were processed into Peak 1MIMS and Peak 30MIMS (MIMS/min), and DailyMIMS (MIMS/day). Design-based generalized linear and logistic regressions, and a sample-weighted decision tree, were used to examine associations between MIMS variables and MetS risk factors. Lower Peak 1MIMS, Peak 30MIMS, and DailyMIMS were observed for every one-unit increase in the number of risk factors -3.9 [95% CI: -4.3, -3.4] and -2.3 [-2.6, -2.1] MIMS/min, (-672.1 [-772.7, -571.5] MIMS/day, respectively, all p< 0.001). The Decision Tree classified individuals ≥ 46.5 years with a DailyMIMS ≥ 12 245 MIMS/day and a Peak 30MIMS < 45.1 MIMS/min as having MetS (≥ 3 risk factors). Individuals < 46.5 years with a Peak 1MIMS ≥ 62.9 MIMS/min were classified with 0 risk factors. Higher DailyMIMS and PeakMIMS were associated with an absence of MetS risk factors, with a progressive decline as the number of risk factors increased. These findings may be considered as preliminary benchmarks for DailyMIMS and PeakMIMS associated with cardiometabolic risk.

Changes in 24-h Movement Behaviors During Relationship and Parenthood Transitions: A Compositional Data Analysis.

There is scarcity of studies using device-based measures to examine how relationship and parenthood transitions modify 24-h movement behaviors. This study examined how the composition of 24-h movement behaviors changes during these life transitions. Young adults (n = 170, mean age 25.6 years, SD 0.6) from the Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project (STRIP) wore wrist-worn accelerometers for 1 week and completed questionnaire at ages 26 and 31 years. Participants were categorized by relationship status into single (16%), those transitioning from single to partnered (31%), partnered (47%), and separated (7%), and by parenthood status into non-parents (73%), new parents (19%), and parents (8%). Changes in daily movement behaviors, including sleep, sedentary behavior (SED), light physical activity (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), were examined using compositional linear mixed models. In general, LPA and MVPA decreased relative to sleep and SED (p = 0.007). Differences emerged between LPA and MVPA in relationship and parenthood groups (p for group × time interaction 0.008 and 0.001). Those transitioning to partnership decreased MVPA by 17 min/day, while partnered and separated individuals showed no notable MVPA change but decreased LPA by 14 and 43 min/day. Single individuals and non-parents decreased LPA and MVPA in similar proportions. New parents decreased MVPA by 20 min/day, while parents increased it by 19 min/day. Becoming first-time parent and starting relationship was associated with decline of MVPA. Our results suggest the importance of considering these life transitions and providing guidance for maintaining physical activity despite changes in life situations.

Mapping Rural Mobility in the Global South: Case Studies of Participatory GIS Approach for Assessments of Daily Movement Needs and Practice in Nepal and Kenya

This paper investigates rural mobility in the Global South using a participatory GIS approach to address the lack of mobility data that hampers sustainable planning to support rural development and resilience. Limited rural mobility due to poor infrastructure and financial constraints hinders social and economic activities, impeding development. The study aims to explore the socio-economic impacts of limited mobility, identify software needs for data-scarce environments, and map daily mobility patterns. Fieldwork was conducted in Kenya (2022) and Nepal (2023), collecting geographic data related to mobility. The methodology included community engagement and digital mapping using the QField app for precise data collection. The study highlights the use of participatory GIS to fill data gaps, enabling more accurate mobility assessments. Community engagement revealed gender-specific mobility patterns, with women facing particular challenges in daily activities. The study emphasizes the need for adaptable data models to reflect community-specific mobility needs and the integration of qualitative insights to propose effective and sustainable mobility solutions. This research contributes to understanding rural mobility in the Global South and demonstrates the effectiveness of participatory GIS in overcoming data scarcity and enhancing mobility analysis.

The Effect of Noise and Reverberation on Spatial Perception in Sequential Bilateral Cochlear Implant Users

Abstract Background Spatial orientation is an executive function which includes vital activities and auditory organization according to daily bodily movements, directionality, and environmental information. It is directly linked to the vision and hearing and used throughout life, building complex relationships with these systems, based on learning. Purpose Our purpose in our study is to try to see the effects of noise and reverberation on the users by comparing the localization and auditory performances of the cochlear implant (CI) user individuals in a silent, noisy environment and reverberation. Research Design All subjects were subjected to immitancemetric/audiological tests, language development test (TIFALDI, Receptive/Expressive Language Test score 7 years and above), localization determination in noise, and localization determination test in reverberation. Study sample: In our study, 18 female and 16 male bilateral CI users with profound sensorineural hearing loss were included. The age range of subjects was 8 years 4 months and 10 years 11 months. Data Collection and Analysis Data from subjects were collected prospectively. Data analysis was analyzed with SPSS 21 program. Results It was observed that the subjects did not have difficulty in determining the direction in silent condition, but they had a significant difficulty in localizing the 135-, 225-, and 315-degree angles especially when the noise was signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) –10 dB and the reverberation was 06 and 09 second (p ≤ 0.005). Subjects' performances were significantly altered in sequential implanted users both when the SNR was changed and in the presence of reverberation (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion As a result of our study, it is thought that individuals with hearing loss will experience intense difficulties, especially in noisy and reverberant environments such as schools, and using assistive listening devices in these environmental conditions will contribute positively to their academic development.

Comparative Analysis of 24-h Movement Behaviours in Non-Overweight and Overweight/Obese Children: Findings from the FAMIly Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Sleep (FAMIPASS)

Background: Childhood overweight and obesity are global health concerns associated with insufficient physical activity (PA), excessive sedentary behaviour (SB), and inadequate sleep. This study aimed to determine whether differences exist in 24 h movement behaviours between Czech non-overweight children and children with overweight/obesity aged 3–10 years, with respect to their gender, age, or family socioeconomic status (SES). Methods: A total of 381 children (49.9% girls), aged 3–10 years, participated. Their PA, SB, and sleep were continuously monitored over a regular week using wrist-worn accelerometers. Weight status was determined by BMI z-scores, according to World Health Organization standards. SES was assessed using the Family Affluence Scale. Results: Non-overweight children had averages of 414 min of PA, 472 min of SB, and 554 min of sleep per day, while children with overweight/obesity had averages of 392 min of PA, 503 min of SB, and 545 min of sleep. Non-overweight children engaged in significantly more PA (22 min per day; p = 0.014) and significantly less SB (31 min per day; p = 0.002) than children with overweight/obesity. No significant differences were found between the weight groups in gender distribution, age, family SES, or maternal and paternal obesity. Conclusions: Non-overweight children exhibited higher levels of PA and lower levels of SB compared to their counterparts with overweight/obesity, independent of gender, age, or family SES. These findings highlight an association between daily movement behaviours and weight status in young children. Further research is needed to explore the impact of modifying PA and SB on weight outcomes.

Connecting with fetus: The use of app-based fetal movement counting and experiences during pregnancy and birth

BackgroundPregnant people are often introduced to fetal movement counting to monitor the health of their fetus. This study aims to examine the impacts of app-based fetal movement counting on experiences during pregnancy and birth. MethodThis study used two types of secondary data including individual user's app use and their end of pregnancy survey data collected on the Count the Kicks (CTK) app. CTK is a free mobile app providing a virtual platform for pregnant people to conduct their daily kick counting. The study sample includes 1,147 pregnant people. Descriptive analyses were used to examine the number of kick counts using CTK and pregnant women's experiences with the app, their pregnancy, and childbirth. Bivariate analyses were used to examine the relationships between the frequency of kick counts and pregnant people's experience with their pregnancy and birth. Logistic regressions were used to model pregnant people's experiences: anxiety level related to their pregnancy and bonding with their baby. FindingsThe study found that there is inadequate compliance with daily fetal movement counting recommendations in third trimester among pregnant people. However, results showed that frequent use of fetal movement counting is associated with lower anxiety level related to their pregnancy, and more bonding with their baby. These positive pregnancy experiences are associated with healthy birth. ConclusionTo benefit from the impacts of fetal movement counting on positive pregnancy and birth experience, the app developers and public health agencies need to develop strategies to increase daily use of fetal movement counting.

An Automatic Movement Monitoring Method for Group-Housed Pigs.

Continuous movement monitoring helps quickly identify pig abnormalities, enabling immediate action to enhance pig welfare. However, continuous and precise monitoring of daily pig movement on farms remains challenging. We present an approach to automatically and precisely monitor the movement of group-housed pigs. The instance segmentation model YOLOv8m-seg was applied to detect the presence of pigs. We then applied a spatial moment algorithm to quantitatively summarize each detected pig's contour as a corresponding center point. The agglomerative clustering (AC) algorithm was subsequently used to gather the pig center points of a single frame into one point representing the group-housed pigs' position, and the movement volume was obtained by calculating the displacements of the clustered group-housed pigs' center points of consecutive frames. We employed the method to monitor the movement of group-housed pigs from April to July 2023; more than 1500 h of top-down pig videos were recorded by a surveillance camera. The F1 scores of the trained YOLOv8m-seg model during training were greater than 90% across most confidence levels, and the model achieved an mAP50-95 of 0.96. The AC algorithm performs with an average extraction time of less than 1 millisecond; this method can run efficiently on commodity hardware.

Inflation-induced motility for long-distance vertical migration.

The vertical migrations of pelagic organisms play a crucial role in shaping marine ecosystems and influencing global biogeochemical cycles. They also form the foundation of what might be the largest daily biomass movement on Earth. Surprisingly, among this diverse group of organisms, some single-cell protists can transit depths exceeding 50m without employing flagella or cilia. How these non-motile cells perform large migrations remains unknown. It has been previously proposed that this capability might rely on the cell's ability to regulate its internal density relative to seawater. Here, using the dinoflagellate algae Pyrocystis noctiluca as a model system, we discover a rapid cell inflation event post cell division, during which a single plankton cell expands its volume 6-fold in less than 10min. We demonstrate this rapid cellular inflation is the primary mechanism of density control. This self-regulated cellular inflation selectively imports fluid less dense than surrounding seawater and can thus effectively sling-shot a cell and reverse sedimentation within minutes. To accommodate its dramatic cellular expansion, Pyrocystis noctiluca possesses a unique reticulated cytoplasmic architecture that enables a rapid increase in overall cell volume without diluting its cytoplasmic content. We further present a generalized mathematical framework that unifies cell-cycle-driven density regulation, stratified ecology, and associated cell behavior in the open ocean. Our study unveils an ingenious strategy employed by a non-motile plankton to evade the gravitational sedimentation trap, highlighting how precise control of cell size and cell density can enable long-distance migration in the open ocean.

New Assessment Method for Upper Limb Function in Patients with Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: The 10 Coins Test.

Retrospective cohort study. Although there are several methods available to assess upper limb function in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy, few methods can evaluate the degree of upper limb functional impairment in activities of daily living. We devised and evaluated the utility of a new assessment method called the 10 Coins Test, which is based on daily movements. The study included 39 patients who underwent spinal surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy and who were followed up for 1 year postoperatively. The mean age was 65.2±11.5 years, with 31 (79.5%) male and 8 (20.5%) female patients. The 10 Coins Test is a simple examination that measures the time it takes to pick up and move 10 coins forward. Patient satisfaction with surgery was evaluated on a 5-point scale. We compared the 10 Coins Test results, patient satisfaction, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association Cervical Myelopathy Evaluation Questionnaire (JOACMEQ) results before and after surgery. The mean time to perform the 10 Coins Test was 27.4 seconds for the dominant hand and 24.5 seconds for the non-dominant hand preoperatively. In control group, the average time was 14.6 seconds for the dominant hand and 15.0 seconds for the non-dominant hand. The cut-off value was 16.2 seconds. There was a significant difference in the 10 Coins Test time and satisfaction for both hands at 1 week postoperatively compared with preoperatively. The JOACMEQ upper limb motor function showed a significant improvement 3 months postoperatively compared with preoperatively. The 10 Coins Test result was correlated with satisfaction and the JOACMEQ upper limb motor function. The 10 Coins Test allows for the quantitative evaluation of complex movements. It is convenient and highly useful for assessing upper limb function in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Spatial trajectories of coffee harvesting in large-scale plantations: Ecological and management drivers and implications

CONTEXTCoffee is produced under different management systems and scales of production categorized as Syndromes of Production. The “Capitalist Syndrome” is characterized by large-scale and high-density planting farms that may promote the development of plant pathogens like coffee leaf rust (CLR). Harvesting dynamics are also affected by the syndrome of production and generate spatial trajectories that could contribute to the dispersal of pathogens across and within plantations. However, these spatial trajectories have not yet been described, nor their relationship with the syndrome of production, and even less its potential ecological implications for pathogen dispersal. OBJECTIVEDescribe and analyze the daily spatial movement of coffee harvesters in two large-scale capitalist plantations, an organic and a conventional plantation, and systematize the drivers that might explain the differences in the spatial trajectories. METHODSUsing State-Space Models, we recorded and analyzed the spatial movements of harvesters. We then constructed a driver tree for harvest dynamics, which incorporated qualitative variables related to the environment, coffee biology, and management aspects reported by the harvesters or in previous studies. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThe model differentiated two kinds of movements: 1) when trees have berries, harvesters remain in the coffee rows or areas nearby (Collect state; 94–98 % of the steps); 2) when not, harvesters make longer steps within the harvesting location or move to another area (Search state; 2–6 % of the steps). In the organic plantation, the Search state had a longer-tailed step-length distribution than in the conventional plantation, resulting in a significantly larger visited area per worker (p < 0.05). This might be directly related to the lower interplant ripening percentage or smaller harvesting locations (“pantes”) per number of harvesters. The number of harvested trees might be affected by the fruit load or the coffee variety, among others. Harvesting movements that explore a larger area, either by visiting more plants or by changing locations on the same day, could create more foci of CLR infection across the plantation. SIGNIFICANCEThese results constitute an initial analysis of harvesting trajectories and highlight practices that can reduce the potential impact of human dispersal of pathogens, like shorter harvesting trajectories by working fewer hours a day or avoiding harvesting at the end of the maturation season when few trees have berries and harvesters have to travel medium to long distances. This calls for organic coffee management that could prevent diseases and guarantee just and safe conditions for workers.

Moving beyond moderate-to-vigorous physical activity: A longitudinal study on adherence to 24-hour Movement Guidelines in adolescents

ObjectivesLow adherence to 24-hour Movement Guidelines for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, screen time and sleep during adolescence is well documented, yet recommendations regarding light physical activity, vigorous physical activity and muscle and bone strengthening activities have received less attention. This study comprehensively examined adherence to seven components of the movement guidelines in adolescents and analysed disparities by age and gender. DesignLongitudinal study with two assessment time points, separated by one year. MethodsData were collected in 216 New Zealand adolescents aged 12–17 years, and at 1-year follow-up in 167 participants (77 %), using thigh-worn accelerometers and a self-reported diary. ResultsAdherence rates were 3.7 % for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, 13.0 % for screen time, 44.0 % for sleep, 14.4 % for light physical activity, 36.1 % for vigorous physical activity, 30.6 % for bone and muscle strengthening activities, and 4.6 % for consistent bedtimes. Less than 1 % of participants met all seven recommendations. Adherence was disproportionately low amongst older adolescents for light physical activity, screen time and consistent bedtimes, and amongst girls for vigorous physical activity and muscle and bone strengthening activities. Over one year, adherence declined for light physical activity (15.0 %–7.2 %) and screen time (15.6 %–6.0 %). ConclusionsNew Zealand adolescents are not adhering to recommendations for a healthy balance of time use outlined in the 24-h Movement Guidelines. These findings highlight the need for adolescents to increase their daily movement, with a particular focus on light physical activity amongst older adolescents and muscle and bone strengthening activities amongst girls.

Partial weight-bearing and range of motion limitation significantly reduce the loads at medial meniscus posterior root repair sutures in a cadaveric biomechanical model.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of medial meniscus posterior root avulsion (MMPRA) before and after surgical treatment on the biomechanics of the knee joint, including suture repair forces during daily and crutch-assisted gait movements. MMPRA were investigated in eight human cadaver knee joint specimens by a dynamic knee joint simulator with daily (normal gait, gait with additional rotational movement, standing up, sitting down) and rehabilitation-associated movements (crutch-assisted gait with limited flexion range of motion [30°] and 30% [toe-touch weight-bearing, TTWB] and 50% of body weight [partial weight-bearing, PWB]) with simulated physiologic muscle forces. Each specimen was tested in intact, torn and repaired (transtibial suture) state. The biomechanical parameters were: medial mean contact pressure and area, knee joint kinematics, medial displacement of the posterior meniscus horn and loading on the anchoring suture. Significant reduction of the contact area due to the avulsion was observed in all movements except for PWB and sitting down. MMPRA repair significantly increased the contact areas during all movements, bringing them to levels statistically indistinguishable from the initial state. MMPRA resulted in a medial displacement up to 12.8 mm (sitting down) and could be reattached with a residual displacement ranging from 0.7 mm (PWB) to 5.7 mm (standing up), all significantly (p < 0.001) reduced compared to the torn state. The mean peak anchoring suture load increased from TTWB (77 N), PWB (91 N) to normal gait (194 N), gait rotation (207 N), sitting (201 N; p < 0.01) and to standing up (232 N; p = 0.03). Surgical treatment of MMPRA allows restoration of physiological knee joint biomechanics. Crutch-assisted movements reduce the loading of the repair suture, thus likewise the risk for failure. From a biomechanical point of view, crutch-assisted movements are recommended for the early rehabilitation phase after MMPRA repair. Level V.

Postbreeding ecology of wood ducks in the Illinois River Valley

AbstractThe wood duck (Aix sponsa) consistently ranks within the top 5 harvested duck species for both Illinois and the Mississippi Flyway. While substantial research has been done on wood ducks, especially their breeding ecology, few studies have investigated the postbreeding ecology of the species. We captured and marked wood ducks with either a very high frequency (VHF) radio transmitter or a solar‐charged global system of mobile communication (GSM) transmitter during the postbreeding period from August through September 2018–2020. Capture locations were within the La Grange Pool of the Illinois River extending from near Pekin, Illinois to the La Grange Lock and Dam near Meredosia, Illinois, USA. We used conventional radio‐telemetry techniques to track wood ducks to determine cover type use, home range size, daily movement patterns, survival, and migration chronology. Home range size (95% minimum convex polygon) for wood ducks averaged 6,820 ± 572 ha (SE) and we did not find evidence for a difference by age, sex, or transmitter type. Daily movement distance in August (2,031 ± 51 m) was similar to daily movement distance in September (1,922 ± 44 m), but daily movement distances for August and September were less than daily movement distance for October (3,509 ± 53 m) and November (3,347 ± 106 m). Wood ducks primarily used wetlands with woody (45.0%) and emergent vegetation (40.4%), and the most commonly used wetland types by wood ducks were impounded wetlands (53.8%), lakes (17.6%), and ponds (10.7%). Model‐derived survival during the postbreeding period was 0.79 (95% CI = 0.74–0.84). Daily survival was positively related to increased river level and had a mean increase of 4.06 ± 0.67% for every 0.3‐m increase in the Illinois River level at low river levels (1.5–3.0 m) and a mean increase of 1.38 ± 0.32% for every 0.3‐m increase in the Illinois River level at high river levels (4.0–5.5 m). Average departure date of wood ducks leaving the Illinois River Valley was 27 October (range =13 August–15 December), and adult male wood ducks left the study area 11–16 days earlier than the other age and sex cohorts (H2 = 11.6, P = 0.01). Providing additional waterfowl sanctuaries that contain wooded wetlands, especially in years of low river levels, may increase survival for wood ducks during the postbreeding period.

Insights to ballast water: metagenomics as a pressing priority

Metagenomics represents a pivotal development in genomics, offering unprecedented insights into a diverse spectrum of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that were previously challenging or impossible to study outside natural environments. Its applications span a remarkable range, from exploring cosmic entities to the depths of our oceans, incorporating numerous analyses. Yet, its utilization in the context of ballast water analysis remains scarce. This highlights the crux of the present review, which aims to showcase the need for metagenomics in ballast water analysis. As is known, ballast water is essential for maintaining ship stability under no cargo conditions or during adverse weather, with daily global movements estimated to be between 3 to 10 billion tonnes. A single bulk cargo ship can transport up to 60,000 tonnes of ballast water for a 200,000-tonne load. It is estimated that over 7,000 species are transported globally in ships' ballast water daily, posing significant ecological risks when these organisms are discharged into new environments where they can become invasive species, disrupting local ecosystems, economies, and human health. Despite the International Maritime Organization setting D-2 standard guidelines and endorsing several ballast water management practices for its safe discharge, the issue persists. This underscores the necessity of employing metagenomics to enhance the monitoring of microbial content in ballast water. The review summarizes some research conducted worldwide to analyze ballast water by metagenomics, all exhibiting diverse microbes, including potent pathogenic bacterial and viral forms. The findings support our view, making metagenomics an invaluable tool to monitor ballast water treatment effectiveness in compliance with evolving environmental regulations. Though the challenges facing metagenomic applications—namely cost, complexity, and the need for comprehensive reference databases—are significant, they will surely be surmountable considering continual technological and methodological advancements. Embracing metagenomics offers a pathway to not only address the ecological threats posed by ballast water transfers but also to safeguard the future of global shipping industries.

Association between endothelial microparticles and objectively measured physical activity in adults with obesity

BackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD) is a serious global public health concern that often originates from endothelial dysfunction. Microparticles (MPs) can reflect alterations in tissue or cell function phenotype and responsiveness under various physiological and pathological conditions. MPs derived from endothelial cells may serve as potential biomarkers for CVD. We investigated the association between endothelial-derived MPs (EMPs) and objectively measured physical activity (PA) in adults with obesity and their potential correlation with inflammatory and cardiometabolic biomarkers. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 50 participants, whose daily movement behaviors were evaluated using activPAL™, which measures moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA), light PA (LPA), and standing time. The MP sub-populations were separated from platelet-poor plasma, incubated with multiple antibodies, and analyzed using multi-color flow cytometry. Cytokines, interleukin (IL)−1β, IL-8, E-selectin, P-selectin, and intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAMs), were measured using a customized Luminex® assay kit. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to examine associations. ResultsMVPA was associated with lower expressions of ICAM and E-selectin in EMPs, whereas standing time was associated with a higher expression of E-selectin. A positive association exists between leukocyte-derived MP percentage and P-selectin levels in EMPs and E-selectin levels in the plasma. In addition, higher plasma P-selectin level was associated with higher P- and E-selectin levels in EMPs, as was higher inflammation (IL-1β and IL-8). ConclusionThe MPs were negatively associated with MVPA and positively associated with standing time in the participants with obesity. These results underscore the importance of promoting PA interventions, especially at moderate-to-vigorous intensities. Further longitudinal and interventional studies are warranted to elucidate the dynamic interplay among PA, MPs, and endothelial function.

Effects of Defatted Rice Bran-Fortified Bread on the Gut Microbiota Composition of Healthy Adults With Low Dietary Fiber Intake: Protocol for a Crossover Randomized Controlled Trial.

Inadequate dietary fiber (DF) intake is associated with several human diseases. Bread is commonly consumed, and its DF content can be increased by incorporating defatted rice bran (DRB). This first human study on DRB-fortified bread primarily aims to assess the effect of DRB-fortified bread on the relative abundance of a composite of key microbial genera and species in fecal samples. Secondary outcomes include clinical (cardiovascular risk profile), patient-reported (daily bread consumption and bowel movement, gut comfort, general well-being, and total DF intake), biological (fecal microbiota gene abundances, and fecal and plasma metabolites), and physiome (whole-gut and regional transit time and gas fermentation profiles) outcomes in healthy adults with low DF intake. This is a 2-armed, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, crossover randomized controlled trial. The study duration is 14 weeks: 2 weeks of lead-in, 4 weeks of intervention per phase, 2 weeks of washout, and 2 weeks of follow-up. Overall, 60 healthy adults with low DF intake (<18 g [female individuals] or <22 g [male individuals] per day) were recruited in Christchurch, New Zealand, between June and December 2022. Randomly assigned participants consumed 3 (female individuals) or 4 (male individuals) slices of DRB-fortified bread per day and then placebo bread, and vice versa. The DRB-fortified bread provided 8 g (female individuals) or 10.6 g (male individuals) of total DF, whereas the placebo (a matched commercial white toast bread) provided 2.7 g (female individuals) or 3.6 g (male individuals) of total DF. Before and after each intervention phase, participants provided fecal and blood samples to assess biological responses; completed a 3-day food diary to assess usual intakes and web-based questionnaires to assess gut comfort, general and mental well-being, daily bread intake, and bowel movement via an app; underwent anthropometry and blood pressure measurements; and drank blue food dye to assess whole-gut transit time. Additionally, 25% (15/60) of the participants ingested Atmo gas-sensing capsules to assess colonic gas fermentation profile and whole-gut and regional transit time. Mean differences from baseline will be compared between the DRB and placebo groups, as well as within groups (after the intervention vs baseline). For metabolome analyses, comparisons will be made within and between groups using postintervention values. Preliminary analysis included 56 participants (n=33, 59% female; n=23, 41% male). Due to the large dataset, data analysis was planned to be fully completed by the last quarter of 2024, with full results expected to be published in peer-reviewed journals by the end of 2024. This first human study offers insights into the prospect of consuming DRB-fortified bread to effectively modulate health-promoting gut microbes, their metabolism, and DF intake in healthy adults with low DF intake. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12622000884707; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=383814. DERR1-10.2196/59227.

H-Bonds Enhanced Natural Polyphenols Bined Polysaccharide/Gelatin Composites with Controlled Photothermal Stimulation Phase Transition for Wound Care.

Severe open wounds should be closed immediately and regularly undergo re-examination and debridement. Therefore, dressings should effectively cover the wound, creating a moist environment for healing while meeting mechanical requirements for daily movement and adaptability. Herein, a low-cost and easy-to-prepare plant polysaccharide hydrogel was reported. The Mesona chinensis Benth polysaccharide strengthened the hydrogel network by hydrogen bonding and changed the phase transition temperature, but retained the thermal response characteristics of the hydrogel. By adjusting the polysaccharide concentration, MepGel(1) can be prepared to remain stable as a semisolid at body temperature and transform into a shear-thinning semifluid state when appropriately heated. The composite hydrogel could be easily shaped, effectively closing wounds of different shapes, while maintaining excellent mechanical properties. Importantly, this composite hydrogel had a near-infrared photothermal effect resulting in excellent antibacterial effect and collided with its own thermal response producing functions conducive to wound care, like accelerating the self-healing of the dressing, achieving re-adhesion, and further covering the wound. Furthermore, the hydrogel had excellent biocompatibility, enhancing immunity and promoting healing of bacterial-infected wounds. The low cost and rich functionality demonstrated by MepGel had the potential to face the enormous challenges and economic burden of clinical wound healing.

Innovative integration of lung ultrasound and wearable monitoring for predicting pulmonary complications in colorectal surgery: A prospective study.

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are common in patients who undergo colorectal surgery. Studies have focused on how to accurately diagnose and reduce the incidence of PPCs. Lung ultrasound has been proven to be useful in preoperative monitoring and postoperative care after cardiopulmonary surgery. However, lung ultrasound has not been studied in abdominal surgeries and has not been used with wearable devices to evaluate the influence of postoperative ambulation on the incidence of PPCs. To investigate the relationship between lung ultrasound scores, PPCs, and postoperative physical activity levels in patients who underwent colorectal surgery. In this prospective observational study conducted from November 1, 2019 to August 1, 2020, patients who underwent colorectal surgery underwent daily bedside ultrasonography from the day before surgery to postoperative day (POD) 5. Lung ultrasound scores and PPCs were recorded and analyzed to investigate their relationship. Pedometer bracelets measured the daily movement distance for 5 days post-surgery, and the correlation between postoperative activity levels and lung ultrasound scores was examined. Thirteen cases of PPCs was observed in the cohort of 101 patients. The mean (standard deviation) peak lung ultrasound score was 5.32 (2.52). Patients with a lung ultrasound score of ≥ 6 constituted the high-risk group. High-risk lung ultrasound scores were associated with an increased incidence of PPCs after colorectal surgery (logistic regression coefficient, 1.715; odds ratio, 5.556). Postoperative movement distance was negatively associated with the lung ultrasound scores [Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (r), -0.356, P < 0.05]. Lung ultrasound effectively evaluates pulmonary condition post-colorectal surgery. Early ambulation and respiratory exercises in the initial two PODs will reduce PPCs and optimize postoperative care in patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

Factors for the decline of ADL before and after the COVID-19 of people with dementia in Japan

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the determinants of decline in activities of daily living (ADL) among people with dementia following the onset of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed, including 37 individuals with dementia residing in group and nursing homes. The study cohort experienced a resurgence in facility admissions following COVID-19 outbreak, spanning from September to December 2022. Multivariate generalized linear mixed-effects models were employed to assess the Barthel Index at the time of readmission, which served as the dependent variable. Demographic variables before contracting COVID-19 were considered independent predictors if they were significantly associated with the Barthel Index at the time of readmission. Random intercepts were applied to account for variations among facilities in which individuals resided before contracting COVID-19. ResultsCare level, degree of independent living for disabled older adults, and the ability to perform daily ambulatory movements were significantly associated with the Barthel Index at the time of readmission. When used as independent variables, both daily ambulatory movement (beta = 0.350) and care level (beta = -0.347) showed significant associations with the Barthel Index at the time of readmission. Whereas using daily ambulatory movements and the degree of independent living for disabled older adults as independent variables, only the degree of independent living for disabled older adults (beta = -0.757) was significantly associated with the Barthel Index at the time of readmission. ConclusionThe ability to engage in daily ambulatory movement affects the decline in ADLs due to COVID-19.