Digital Pen Research Articles

Top Dyslexia-Oriented Transcription & Study Methods

Dyslexia is a prevalent learning disorder characterized by difficulties in reading, spelling, and writing, affecting academic performance and self-esteem. This review paper explores top dyslexia-oriented transcription and study methods, emphasizing the need for specialized strategies tailored to dyslexic learners' unique needs. The paper delves into the challenges faced by dyslexic students, including slow reading ability, difficulties in decoding words, and associated anxiety. It discusses various assistive technologies such as speech-to-text software, text-to-speech applications, and digital scanning pens that aid in transcription and study. Additionally, it highlights the benefits and limitations of these tools. The review also examines effective study methods, including reading assistance techniques, word processing and writing tools, and multisensory learning approaches, which enhance comprehension and retention. Practical recommendations for educators, parents, and policymakers are provided to ensure successful implementation and integration of these methods. The paper concludes with insights into future directions, emphasizing the importance of emerging technologies and ongoing research in developing more targeted interventions. By adopting these methods, dyslexic students can achieve improved academic outcomes and greater self-confidence.

PH Determination of Acetic Acid-Sodium Acetate Buffer: An Application of Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation at Room Temperature

In article, we have reported the applying of Henderson-Hasselbalch equation in determination of pH of acetic acid and sodium acetate buffer solutions at about 298 Kelvin as room temperature. In preparation of these buffer solutions, we have taken 1.5 ml of glacial acetic acid into 100 ml of standard flask for making up 0.2M of acetic acid solution, and 0.64 gm of sodium acetate were dissolved into 100 ml distilled water. Now, we taken 36.2 ml prepared solution of sodium acetate into 100 ml of standard flask and added 14.8 ml of prepared acetic acid to make its volume 100 ml by using of distilled water, it is a buffer. In measuring of pH of prepared buffer solutions, we have been using a calibrated digital pen pH meter for accurate and quick reading. In observation, the pH of buffer solutions a quite fluctuation was appeared. But, it has gradually raised by adding small amount of basic 5N NaOH solution into buffer sample, and, an adjusted pH was being to 4.7 as well.

A pH Measurement of Acetic Acid-Sodium Acetate Buffer Solutions Using a pH Meter at Ambient Temperature

In article, we have reported the preparation of acetic acid-sodium acetate buffer solutions and determined its pH by using pH meter at about 25˚ C, as room temperature. In preparation of buffer solutions, firstly, we have taken 1.5 ml of glacial acetic acid into 100 ml of standard flask for making up 0.2M of acetic acid solution, and 0.64 gm of sodium acetate were dissolved into 100 ml distilled water. Then, taken 36.2 ml prepared solution of sodium acetate into 100 ml of standard flask and added 14.8 ml of prepared acetic acid to make its volume 100 ml by using distilled water, it is a buffer. In measuring the pH of prepared buffer solutions, we have been using a calibrated digital pen pH meter for quick resolution of reading with accuracy. The pH of acetic acid-acetate buffer solutions have gradually raised by adding small quantity of 5N NaOH solution into buffer sample, and adjusted pH was being to 4.7.

Language Learning with Media and Technology in (Early) Childhood

Nowadays, from early on, children are exposed to technology and media, and six-month-olds are even expected to use some. There is a wide range of products for babies and toddlers. This article reviews the current state of the art, examining the robustness of word knowledge learned using technologies such as e-books, computer games, digital pens, and social robots, and how individual differences among children impact language learning with technology. It aligns with interactive learning theories, positing that learners need to engage in an interaction in order to construct new knowledge.

B - 120 Participant Satisfaction with Tele-Neuropsychology: the Framingham Heart Study

Abstract Objective Tele-neuropsychological assessments (tele-np) have grown in importance since the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing for ongoing surveillance of underserved remote participant populations when traditional in-person evaluations are not practical, convenient, or possible. However, literature addressing satisfaction and acceptance with tele-np is scarce. This study examines participants’ satisfaction with a unique tele-np protocol in a cohort-based epidemiological study, the Framingham Heart Study (FHS). Methods FHS participants who have completed a tele-np evaluation via HIPAA-compliant Zoom since 2021 were included. Tele-np participants completed the same protocol as in-person evaluations. Record forms and a digital pen to capture drawing tasks and Boston Process Approach variables are mailed with a return label to participants. Participants provided feedback on their experience on four, five-point Likert scale questions (1 = strongly negative, 5 = strongly positive). Results Sixty-three largely college-educated (87.30%) participants, with average age of 74.28 years (SD = 7.82), 47.62% female, representing 21 US states completed a tele-np visit. Average completion time was 78.74 minutes (SD = 10.78). 94.83% reported a positive overall experience (M = 4.47, SD = 0.71) with tele-np protocol. Participants reported positive experiences with the use of video conferencing (M = 4.33, SD = 0.73), shipping and test-related materials (M = 4.52, SD = 0.60), and clarity of instructions (M = 4.53, SD = 0.54). Conclusions Older adults positively relate to a tele-np protocol that allows for robust remote assessment of cognition. Tele-np is a feasible and acceptable mode for large scale neuropsychological data collection in older adults and can minimize attrition due to travel limitations. Continued study of participant feedback is imperative as tele-np is expanded to improve accessibility for underserved and diverse populations.

B - 121 Feasibility of a Remote Neuropsychological Protocol in a Cohort Based Epidemiological Study: the Framingham Heart Study

Abstract Objective Research demonstrates adequate consistency between in-person and tele-np assessments with the latter typically omitting visually based measures and limiting capture of process-oriented scores. This study presents a novel tele-np protocol designed at the Framingham Heart Study (FHS) allowing for capture of visual and Boston Process Approach (BPA) data. Methods Beginning in 2021, FHS participants completed a tele-np protocol via HIPAA-compliant Zoom that includes tests similar to those administered in-person assessing all cognitive domains including visual memory and visuospatial functioning. Records forms, digital pen for BPA capture, and a label for return of materials, were mailed to participants. Regression models were used to compare in-person and tele-np results. Results The tele-np protocol consisting of 15 tests was administered to 169 participants across 30 states and three countries. Participants were 71.8 years on average (SD = 9.98), well-educated (84.6% ≥ college-educated), Caucasian (86.4%), and 53% male. Mean completion time of the tele-np protocol is 77.7 minutes (SD = 13.2). 76% of participants were deemed to be cognitively intact and 24% cognitively impaired based on their tele-np and previous in-person data. With the exception of a test of processing speed (β = −5.24 [−7.58,-2.89], p < 0.001), raw scores across most tests did not significantly differ based on mode of administration (tele-np vs. in-person) after adjusting for age, sex, education, and years between in-person and tele-np evaluations. Conclusion Preliminary findings indicate that the current tele-np protocol yields reliable results. Tele-np offers a cost-effective approach to improve accessibility and retention of participants, especially those out of state who may have otherwise been excluded from data collection.

Digital Technologies in the Classroom

Digital revolution across the world has influenced every aspect of our lives. Like any other field, technology has brought radical changes in the lives of teachers and students. Nowadays, it is impossible for a teacher to stay away from the impact of digitalization of education. In fact, a teacher can empower himself and his students with the use of digital technologies in the classroom. In this digital climate, technology has taken the main seat, and students have access to the best sources in the world on a single click. Digital technologies like projectors and cameras are commonly used along with virtual screen, smart devices, and digital pens in twenty first-century classrooms. This module has been designed to attain the following learning outcomes.

A Study of Assisted Screening for Alzheimer's Disease Based on Handwriting and Gait Analysis.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is not easily detected in the early stage. Handwriting and walking have been shown to be potential indicators of cognitive decline and are often affected by AD. This study proposes an assisted screening framework for AD based on multimodal analysis of handwriting and gait and explores whether using a combination of multiple modalities can improve the accuracy of single modality classification. We recruited 90 participants (38 AD patients and 52 healthy controls). The handwriting data was collected under four handwriting tasks using dot-matrix digital pens, and the gait data was collected using an electronic trail. The two kinds of features were fused as inputs for several different machine learning models (Logistic Regression, SVM, XGBoost, Adaboost, LightGBM), and the model performance was compared. The accuracy of each model ranged from 71.95% to 96.17%. Among them, the model constructed by LightGBM had the best performance, with an accuracy of 96.17%, sensitivity of 95.32%, specificity of 96.78%, PPV of 95.94%, NPV of 96.74%, and AUC of 0.991. However, the highest accuracy of a single modality was 93.53%, which was achieved by XGBoost in gait features. The research results show that the combination of handwriting features and gait features can achieve better classification results than a single modality. In addition, the assisted screening model proposed in this study can achieve effective classification of AD, which has development and application prospects.

“TIPS” and Technical Nuances for Digital Illustration in Neurointerventional Surgery

Medical illustrations represent a precious resource for learning surgical anatomy and surgical techniques, allowing preoperative and postoperative reviews. As traditional hand-drawn illustrations are difficult to use and expressing the area of neurointerventional surgery is time-consuming, we proposed methods for neurointerventional surgeons to create digital illustrations (DIs) for neurointerventional surgery using the iPad-exclusive Procreate application (Savage Interactive, Hobart, Australia). Dedicated "digital pens" were created and used for each endovascular device, creating straightforward representations of neurointerventional procedures and changes over time. DIs in neurointervention easily depict changes to highlighted surgical scenes for various devices with complex configurations and structures. DIs are also versatile, allowing easy intrainstitutional and interinstitutional sharing and discussion of technical tips on the manipulation of medical devices (coils, catheters, stents, etc.) among neurointerventional surgeons worldwide. DIs can be applied as educational tools not only in neurointerventional surgery, but also in craniotomy surgery and for surgical records from other specialties.

Thinking. Speaking. Producing. Maps: linking cartographic concepts and cartography-specific language use

Maps are spatial representations of environments and are thus inherently geographical. As such, attaining map skills necessitates fostering students’ cartographic- and language-related abilities when using maps, which represent a characteristic role in geography education. However, to our knowledge, there is no empirical research on the cartographic- and language-related abilities required when using maps in geography education classrooms. To gain more profound insights into the linkages between cartographic concept knowledge and language skills regarding maps, a qualitative study among students is conducted. Upper secondary students drew a sketch map using a digital pen of a familiar route in the school area, while simultaneously being recorded thinking aloud. Students’ representations of the cartographic concept in their sketch maps and their cartography-specific/-unspecific language use in think-aloud protocols were analyzed qualitatively. Despite the high heterogeneity within the sample, results show linkages between the cartographic concept representation and cartography-specific language use among the participants. In addition, students who use cartography-specific language at a medium or high level paraphrased less and represented cartographic concepts more appropriately.

Emotion Recognition Based on Handwriting Using Generative Adversarial Networks and Deep Learning

The quality of people’s lives is closely related to their emotional state. Positive emotions can boost confidence and help overcome difficulties, while negative emotions can harm both physical and mental health. Research has shown that people’s handwriting is associated with their emotions. In this study, audio-visual media were used to induce emotions, and a dot-matrix digital pen was used to collect neutral text data written by participants in three emotional states: calm, happy, and sad. To address the challenge of limited samples, a novel conditional table generative adversarial network called conditional tabular-generative adversarial network (CTAB-GAN) was used to increase the number of task samples, and the recognition accuracy of task samples improved by 4.18%. The TabNet (a neural network designed for tabular data) with SimAM (a simple, parameter-free attention module) was employed and compared with the original TabNet and traditional machine learning models; the incorporation of the SimAm attention mechanism led to a 1.35% improvement in classification accuracy. Experimental results revealed significant differences between negative (sad) and nonnegative (calm and happy) emotions, with a recognition accuracy of 80.67%. Overall, this study demonstrated the feasibility of emotion recognition based on handwriting with the assistance of CTAB-GAN and SimAm-TabNet. It provides guidance for further research on emotion recognition or other handwriting-based applications.

Developmental organization of the graphic gesture with a pre-scruptural task to assess handwriting

IntroductionThe literature mainly focused on spatio-temporal and kinematics parameters of tracing letters or words using digitizing tablets, no recent research has previously studied the developmental prerequisites of the organization of handwriting.ObjectivesWe aimed to aimed to investigate and validate the developmental organization of the graphic gesture with a pre-scruptural task.Methods122 typically developing right-handed elementary school children (grades 1st to 5th) aged from 6 to 11;3 years old were recruited. The axe postural and arm gestural features were video-recorded with analysis in 2D reconstruction. Spatial (length, size, regularity, slope of the line…), temporal (drawing time, pause time) and kinematic measures (velocity, peak velocity) were collected with a digital pen independent connected to an analysis software tool. External validity was studied in relation with the standardized handwriting scale BHK. The child has to draw a line of cycloid loops (from left to right drawn in an anti-clockwise direction) across the width of an A4 size unlined half sheet of white paper (containing non-visible watermarks to provide the location of the pen) free to move on the table, after observing the dynamic model on the iPad placed in front of him.ResultsFive main patterns of inter-segmental displacement gestures were found for the production of the line of loops with a significant developmental progress from grades 1st to 5th. Findings showed significant economic rotation movement with forearm rotation around the elbow in 4th and 5th grade, with the elbow tending significantly to be static on the table (p = 2.43e-16), wrist on the table and (p =0.02) and in half-supine position (p =0·001), tri-digital grasp of the pen (p =3.81e-08). Moreover, the mean pressure applied on the pen decrease at 4 and 5th grades and it is correlated to deleterious spatial-temporal and kinematic parameters.ConclusionsThe results of our study provide the first developmental grade and age-related normative data in the developmental genesis of the graphomotor gesture and with the spatio-temporal /kinematic measures. The more mature the gesture, the more there is a decrease in degrees of freedom of movement and stabilization of the joints that is fixed, as well as the presence of a distal flexion movement extending fingers in synergy with the rotation of the arm around the elbow. Furthermore, the task of copying of loops in ecological settings appears to be a good predictor for legibility and writing speed. Those data can account for the mechanisms of motor programming necessary to the automatization of the future gesture of handwriting.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Handwriting but not typewriting leads to widespread brain connectivity: a high-density EEG study with implications for the classroom.

As traditional handwriting is progressively being replaced by digital devices, it is essential to investigate the implications for the human brain. Brain electrical activity was recorded in 36 university students as they were handwriting visually presented words using a digital pen and typewriting the words on a keyboard. Connectivity analyses were performed on EEG data recorded with a 256-channel sensor array. When writing by hand, brain connectivity patterns were far more elaborate than when typewriting on a keyboard, as shown by widespread theta/alpha connectivity coherence patterns between network hubs and nodes in parietal and central brain regions. Existing literature indicates that connectivity patterns in these brain areas and at such frequencies are crucial for memory formation and for encoding new information and, therefore, are beneficial for learning. Our findings suggest that the spatiotemporal pattern from visual and proprioceptive information obtained through the precisely controlled hand movements when using a pen, contribute extensively to the brain's connectivity patterns that promote learning. We urge that children, from an early age, must be exposed to handwriting activities in school to establish the neuronal connectivity patterns that provide the brain with optimal conditions for learning. Although it is vital to maintain handwriting practice at school, it is also important to keep up with continuously developing technological advances. Therefore, both teachers and students should be aware of which practice has the best learning effect in what context, for example when taking lecture notes or when writing an essay.

Data Testing in Digital Transmission: Tamil Literature

The developing area of Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is digital handwriting recognition. Manual writing is replaced by a digital writing pad. The font and shape of the letters vary while writing digitally. The writer’s digital pen pressure and position on the digital pad cause covert text file problems during OCR recognition. When converting OCR to text, an error occurs because of the variations in letter shapes. In languages like Tamil, Chinese, Arabic, and Telugu, where the alphabet is made up of bends, curves, and rings, the aforementioned issue occurs. Tamil has more word mistakes in OCR-to-text conversion because the alphabet comprises curves and angles that must be correctly transcribed. The ResNet (Residual Neural Network) Two-Stage Bottleneck Architecture (RTSBA) is suggested in this paper. In order to recognize text written in Tamil on a digital writing pad, this article suggests using ResNet (Residual Neural Network) Two-Stage Bottleneck Architecture (RTSBA). The suggested RTSBA reduces the complexity of the Tamil alphabet recognition problem by using two distinct phases of neural networks. There are fewer inputs and variables in the early stages. Time and computational complexity are minimized in the last phase. A two-channel and two-stream transformer, long short-term memory, Inception-v3, recurrent neural networks, convolutional neural networks, and other conventional algorithms have been compared to the suggested algorithm. The digital writing pad-handwritten and HP lab datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed methods like RTSBA, which yield accuracy rates of 98.7% and 97.1%, respectively.

A Review Paper on Air Canvas Application and Text-to-Speech System using Deep Learning

Air Handwriting is one of the growing technologies in day by day life. Air handwriting enables user to write in air by using finger movements. The web camera detects the finger movements and converts it into readable format. This will be the natural way of communication with computer system. This will remove the need of physical input devices like keyboard, touchscreen and digital pen. This paper aims to provide an effective platform for both communication and practicing. The existing system has some disadvantages that are overcome in this paper. The existing system requires multiple fingers for writing. But using multiple fingers for different tasks like writing, changing color and erasing is complicated thing to remember. A strong, robust and efficient algorithm is proposed that will extract all the air writing trajectories or curves that are collected using a single web camera. The algorithm avoids restrictions on user’s writing without using a delimiter and an imaginary box. The deep learning CNN algorithms are also used for converting hand written text into user readable text. Additionally, Optimizing algorithms for efficiency can help ensure smooth and responsive performance

Preliminary evaluation of the digital maze test in relation to neuropsychological tests and AD biomarkers

AbstractBackgroundDigital cognitive tools may provide unique opportunities to detect subtle changes in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here, a maze test using a digital pen was evaluated in relation to AD pathological changes measured by amyloid‐β and tau burden.Method172 participants (CN = 161, MCI = 6, dementia = 5) completed the digital maze test, which included multiple “no‐choice” (NC; i.e., no decisions required to complete maze) or “choice” (CH) conditions (i.e., problem‐solving required to complete maze). Maze composite scores were calculated using the total test duration, total number of strokes, and total pen‐off‐page time for the NC and CH conditions separately. Global amyloid‐β PET was quantified with [11C]Pittsburgh‐Compound‐B (PiB) in available participants (n = 171). Entorhinal and inferior temporal tau were quantified with [18F]Flortaucipir (FTP) in available participants (n = 135). Participants completed a battery of traditional neuropsychological tests, with domain factor scores calculated for Executive Functioning (EF), Processing Speed (PS), and Memory (Mem). The associations between maze composite scores, global amyloid‐β, entorhinal tau, and inferior temporal tau were evaluated in separate linear regression models for both the total sample and CN only, correcting for age and education.ResultIn the total sample, CH‐ and NC‐composites were moderately correlated with PS and EF factor scores (r’s = .41‐.46) and less so with Mem factor scores (r’s = 0.2‐0.35). In the total sample, higher PiB was significantly associated with worse performance in NC‐composite (β = 0.543, SE = 0.249, p <.05), but not for CH‐composite (β = 0.467, SE = 0.259, p = .07). Similar results were observed in the CN only sample (NC‐composite: β = 0.468, SE = 0.237, p <.05; CH‐composite: β = 0.469, SE = 0.278, p = .09). PiB was not associated with EF or PS factor scores in the total sample or CN only. Entorhinal and inferior temporal tau were not significantly associated with any maze composites.ConclusionIn a largely cognitively normal sample, performance on the digital maze test was associated with global amyloid‐β burden, particularly in the no‐choice condition, but not with tau. Digitally captured, nuanced performance in EF and PS may be related to early amyloid‐β pathology, but less so with downstream effects of tau.

Digital is the New Blood: Enabling the Present and the Future

AbstractBackgroundDigital is the new blood, where collection, use, and storage of raw digital data streams enabled by technology‐embedded sensors are replacing analog methods. Analyses of digital data extend beyond current applications, analogous to previously stored blood currently be used for omics/biomarker research. Today digital technologies are used to measure Alzheimer’s disease (AD)‐related clinical symptoms (e.g., cognition, function, and behavior), but future possibilities remain to be determined. Importantly, digital data collection can go beyond current intermittent sampling by employing internet‐connected applications and devices that allow real‐time monitoring and accurate detection of changes, even within a widely heterogeneous spectrum.MethodBeginning in 2005, the Framingham Heart Study (FHS) began digitally recording participants’ spoken responses to neuropsychological (NP) test questions, and in 2011 extended to a digital pen to record written responses. The emergence of wearable devices and smartphone applications has led to an expanded use of digital technologies beyond recordings during NP assessments. The Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (BU ADRC) leverages digital sensors in multiple internet‐connected devices that longitudinally collect digital data, in both in‐person and remote settings.ResultThe first publication involving FHS digital data was in 2016; the remaining (n> 17) have been from 2020‐current. Digital data measuring cognition, function and behavior are being collected through the BU ADRC, where results to date indicate nearly 100% and 75% uptake of active and passive engagement applications, respectively, and 95% uptake for wearable devices (n = 60). Longitudinal assessments include > 3 months for ∼50 participants; > 1 year for n∼21 participants.ConclusionOpportunities for improved trial outcome measurement are evident in the broad range of outcomes digital sensors capture beyond traditional research methodologies. Digital tools are being deployed for rapid screening for clinical trial inclusion, but more transformative opportunities are still to come. Replacing the sporadic and highly heterogeneous measures of cognition and related behaviors with more accurate measures that track treatment impact in real‐time at the individual level will shift the concept of clinically meaningful outcomes from group indicators to personalized ones. Digital is central to the realization of virtual clinical trial monitoring for precision treatment effects.

48 Psychometric properties of DCTclock™ with commonly used neuropsychological tests and their combined ability to predict Beta-Amyloid Positron Emission Tomography Status

Objective:Sensitive and non-invasive methods of screening for early-stage Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are urgently needed. The digital clock drawing test (DCTclockTM) is an established and well-researched neuropsychological tool that can aid in early detection of dementia. Other simple, yet sensitive, neuropsychological measures able to detect early stages of AD include Trail Making Tests (TMT). We investigated the psychometric properties of DCTclockTM with TMT-A and TMT-B. We then sought to understand the degree to which neuropsychological tools (i.e., DCTclockTM, TMT-A, and B) versus the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) predict beta-amyloid (Aß) positron emission tomography (PET) status (positive or negative) in cognitively normal individuals.Participants and Methods:Participants included a sample of cognitively normal older adults (n= 59, M age = 69.2, F = 64%) recruited from the Butler Memory and Aging Program. The Linus Health DCTclockTM uses a digital pen to capture traditional clock drawing test performance and advanced analytics to evaluate the drawing process for indicators of cognitive difficulty. DCTclockTM may have overlapping cognitive properties with TMT measures, like efficiency, processing speed, and spatial reasoning. We compared latency measures (i.e., process efficiency, clock face speed, average latency, and processing speed) and spatial reasoning of the DCTclockTM to z-scores of TMT-A and TMT-B to detect any overlapping psychometric properties. Verbal fluency was included for discriminant validity. We then ran logistic regressions on a subset of the sample to compare neuropsychological tests (DCTclockTM total score [score that captures overall performance], TMT-A/B, and verbal fluency) to the MoCA, a commonly used cognitive screening tool, in determining PET status.Results:Highly correlated (r > .7) DCTclockTM variables were excluded. We found statistically significant correlations between some DCTclockTM measures and TMT-A/B, like DCTclockTM drawing process efficiency and TMT-A and TMT-B (r= .45, p< .001, r=.29, p< .026, respectively), and DCTclockTM average latency and TMT-A and TMT-B (r=.3, p< .024, r= .26, p< .044, respectively). No statistically significant associations were found between any DCTclockTM measures and verbal fluency, or between DCTclockTM spatial reasoning and TMT-A/B. We then investigated the effect of these neuropsychological tests (DCTclockTM total score, TMT-A/B, verbal fluency) and age on the likelihood of PET positivity (subset of sample, total PET, n=31). The model was statistically significant (x2 (5) = 15.35, p< .01). The model explained 53% (Nagelkerke R2) of the variance in PET status and correctly classified 74.2% of cases. DCTclockTM was the only significant predictor (p< .02), after controlling for TMT-A, TMT-B, verbal fluency, and age. Comparatively, there was no effect of MoCA and age (total PET, n= 29) on the likelihood of PET positivity.Conclusions:Overall, these results suggest psychometric convergence on elements of DCTclockTM and TMT-A/B, while there was no association in spatial operations between DCTclockTM and TMT measures. Further, when compared to the MoCA, DCTclockTM and these commonly used neuropsychological tests (verbal fluency and TMT-A/B) were better predictors of PET status, primarily driven by the DCTclockTM. Digitized neuropsychological tools may provide additional metrics not captured by pen-and-paper tests that can detect AD-associated pathology.

Formulation Containing Phytosomes of Crocin-Rich Extract from Nyctanthes arbor-tristis and Petroselinic Acid from Coriandrum sativum seeds Exhibits Sunscreen and Moisturizing Effects

Background: Orange coloured tubular calyx of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis can be utilized as a substitute for saffron due to the presence of crocin, an apocarotenoid, which can act as a sun-screen agent. Petroselinic acid is reported to have a moisturizing effect on the skin. Objective: To utilize the tubular calyx of Nyctanthes arbor- tristis as an economical source of crocin and Coriandrum sativum seed oil as a source of petroselinic acid for the development of a stable phytosomal gel formulation and to evaluate its sunscreen and moisturizing activities. Methodology: Phytosomes of standardized crocin-rich extract and petroselinic acid were prepared separately by lipid film hydration technique. The phytosomes were then incorporated into a gel base prepared from dehydroxanthan gum, and it was evaluated for in-vitro sunscreen activity by using Mansur’s equation. Moisturizing effect of the phytosomal gel was evaluated on 10 healthy female volunteers with their informed consent, and the water content of the stratum corneum was measured by using a Digital Moisture detector pen before and 5 hours later the application of the gel. Results: Mean initial moisture content of the skin was found to be 30.08 %, which was signifi-cantly (P < 0.05) raised to 45.59% at the end of 5 hours. Sun Protection Factor was found to be 15.09 and with a Boot Star rating of 2. Conclusion: Entrapping the phytoconstituents in vesicles increased stability, and the formulation was found to have moderate protection and a good moisturizing effect on the skin.

Applying the Rome Proposal on Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Does Comorbid Chronic Heart Failure Matter?

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a common comorbidity among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Both exacerbations of COPD (ECOPDs) and exacerbations of CHF (ECHFs) display worsening of breathlessness at rest (BaR) and breathlessness at physical activity (BaPA). Comorbid CHF may have an impact on the vital signs assessed, when the Rome proposal (adopted by GOLD 2023) is applied on ECOPDs. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of comorbid CHF on ECOPDs severity, particularly focusing on the influence of comorbid CHF on BaR and BaPA. We analysed data on COPD symptoms collected from the telehealth study The eHealth Diary. Patients with COPD (n = 43) and patients with CHF (n = 41) were asked to daily monitor BaR and BaPA, employing a digital pen and scales for BaR and BaPA (from 0 to 10). Twenty-eight patients of the COPD patients presented with comorbid CHF. Totally, 125 exacerbations were analysed. Exacerbations in the group with COPD patients and comorbid CHF were compared to the group with COPD patients without comorbid CHF and the group with CHF patients. Compared with GOLD 2022, the GOLD 2023 (the Rome proposal) significantly downgraded the ECOPD severity. Comorbid CHF did not interfere significantly on the observed difference. Comorbid CHF did not worsen BaR scores, assessed at inclusion and at the symptom peak of the exacerbations. In the present study, we find no evidence that comorbid CHF would interfere significantly with the parameters included in the Rome proposal (GOLD 2023). We conclude that the Rome proposal can be safely applied even on COPD patients with very advanced comorbid CHF.