Eighth Week Research Articles

English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teaching practicum: Problems and suggestions for solutions

Although studies on the teaching practicum experiences of pre-service English teachers have tried to identify some problems and offer solutions, research addressing the issue from the perspectives of all stakeholders by examining both the expectations of pre-service teachers and the potential problems they face in this process is rather limited. In this regard, as part of a larger project, this session aims to uncover prospective English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers’ expectations and problems during the practicum process based on the opinions of various stakeholders. 160 pre-service teachers studying in the final year of an English language teacher education program, 22 teacher educators, and 39 English teachers supervising those teacher candidates during the practicum process participated in the study. Data came from two sources: reflective reports requested from all participants of the study in the fourth and eighth weeks of the 12-week practicum process and the focus group interviews conducted with five pre-service teachers, five university supervisors, and five cooperating teachers. The analyses documented problems related to pre-service teachers, their teaching skills, classroom management, pupils, teaching procedures, and school context. Maximizing practice opportunities in quantity and quality and higher levels of communication and interaction among the stakeholders were the main suggestions as solutions to problems. These recommendations and some suggestions for future research will potentially increase the quality and effectiveness of the practicum process.

Effectiveness of Online Mindfulness Platform in Improving Anxiety, Depression, and Stress in Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Randomized Control Trial.

COVID-19 epidemic bring a great threat to human physical and mental health. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of an online mindfulness platform in improving mental status. Patients from a regional hospital were randomly divided into the experimental and control groups. The experimental group received online mindfulness interventions, and control group received general health education. There were no significant differences in the stress or depression scores between the two groups (P > 0.05). Intervention group had significantly lower anxiety scores than control group at fourth and eighth weeks (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the emotion change over time in control group (P > 0.05). The anxiety in the intervention group was significantly improved at the 4th and 8th weeks (P<0.05). Moreover, the stress and depression in the intervention group were significantly improved at the 8th week (P<0.05). Online mindfulness intervention can effectively improve emotional status.

The effect of laughter therapy on self-efficacy and psychological well-being in nursing students

BackgroundAcademic self-efficacy and psychological well-being play a crucial role in the mental health of nursing students and influence whether they decide to remain in the nursing profession. AimsThis study aimed to determine the effect of laughter therapy on self-efficacy and psychological well-being in nursing students. MethodsIn this randomized controlled study, 208 nursing students were randomly assigned to an experimental (n = 102) and a control (n = 106) group. The experimental group received laughter therapy face-to-face once a week for eight weeks. No intervention was applied to the control group. In both groups, data were collected at the beginning of the study and the end of the eighth week using a Sociodemographic Questionnaire Form, the Academic Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Psychological Well-Being Scale. ResultsIn the post-study group comparisons, there was a statistically significant difference in the scores for the total Academic Self-Efficacy Scale, the external emotion management and collegiality subscales, and the total Psychological Well-Being Scale (p > 0.05). With regard to all the scale scores, no statistically significant difference was found in the groups in the pre- and post-comparisons (p > 0.05). ConclusionsIt was determined that laughter therapy increased the mean psychological well-being score in the experimental group. It was also found that after the laughter therapy, distraction and loss of interest in lectures decreased, stress and anxiety levels decreased, eating and sleeping habits were regulated, and social media use decreased. Laughter therapy can be used to increase self-efficacy and psychological well-being.

The predictive value of ultrasound markers for pregnancy outcomes in recurrent pregnancy loss: a retrospective study

Establishing prediction models of pregnancy outcomes for recurrent pregnancy loss women at specific gestational weeks will provide patients and physicians with more precise information, ultimately leading to time and cost savings associated with unnecessary revisits. Therefore, our aim was to develop a prediction model for first trimester pregnancy loss in RPL patients. We used ultrasound indices during the first trimester of pregnancy in combination with demographic characteristics and commonly used serum markers. The independent risk factors for each week were as follows: age and P in the fifth week; age, mGSD and CRL in the sixth week; age, hCG and CRL in the seventh week; CRL in the eighth week; mGSD and CRL in ninth week. The corresponding AUC was 0.671, 0.796, 0.872, 0.871, 0.813, respectively. There is a linear relationship between age and first trimester pregnancy loss. hCG < 69,636.6 mIU/ml was associated with a higher risk of pregnancy loss in the seventh gestation week. An mGSD < 18.3 mm, adjusted for age, BMI, and previous pregnancy loss in the sixth week, was linked to an increased risk of first trimester pregnancy loss. A small CRL measurement (less than 2.4 mm, 9.9 mm, 16.9 mm, and 18.6 mm) in the sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth week was closely correlated with higher risk of first trimester pregnancy loss. Furthermore, an mGSD < 33.3 mm and > 48.3 mm in ninth gestational week was associated with a higher risk of pregnancy loss. These models and thresholds may help physicians and patients make more informed decisions together. Further studies are needed to confirm the results.

Interaction between orange juice and < 1 kDa leaf peptides: effect on the antioxidant and antidiabetic related enzyme inhibitory activities

Designing a good vehicle for functional ingredients is the major focus of this study. Small molecular weight peptides (< 1 kDa) extracted from amaranth leaf protein (ALP), eggplant leaf protein (ELP) and fluted pumpkin leaf protein (FLP) were incorporated into freshly prepared orange juice at an effective and inhibitory concentrations of the peptides. The rate of degradation of ascorbic acid was more in the control juice (140.06 to 18.43 mg/mL) when compared with juice containing peptides at both storage conditions (140.08 to 32.32 mg/mL). However, the rate of ascorbic acid reduction during storage (refrigerated and ambient) was least in the juice containing peptide, isolated from ELP when compared with the juice samples that contained peptides isolated from ALP and FLP. After the eighth week of storage, juice that contained FLP peptide had greater amounts of residual total phenolic content (370.53 & 432.33 µg GAE/100 mL), juice that contained ALP peptide retained better ability to scavenge DPPH radicals (52.32 & 66.84%) while juice sample that contained ELP retained more metal chelating activities (44.82 and 51.03%). The results of antidiabetic property showed that juice containing peptide isolated from ALP contained greater amounts of α-amylase inhibitory activity (41.50 and 46.89%) while greater amounts of α-glucosidase inhibitory activities were retained in juice that contained peptide isolated from FLP. The results concluded that orange juice may be considered a veritable vehicle for functional ingredients for improved health.Graphical

Hepatoprotective effect of Holothuria leucospilota methanolic extract on dimethyl nitrosamine-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Complementary medicine is an interesting field for extracting bioactive compounds from various plant and animal sources. The hepatoprotective effect of the methanolic extract of a species of sea cucumber called Holothuria leucospilota in an animal model of liver cancer caused by dimethyl nitrosamine (DMN) was studied. Wistar female rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 12): control (intact), positive control (received 1% DMN [10 mg/kg/week, intraperitoneally] for 12 weeks), and three treatment groups (received 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day H. leucospilota extract orally for 12 weeks along with intraperitoneal administration of 1% DMN [10 mg/kg/week]). In all groups, ultrasound was performed on the liver every week to check its density. Blood sampling and liver isolation were performed on three occasions, at 4, 8, and 12 weeks, to check liver enzymes and the histopathological condition of the liver tissue (every week, four animals from each group were randomly selected). Liver density changes were evident from the eighth week onward in the positive control group. Histopathological results indicated pathologic changes in the positive control group after 4 weeks. The increase in liver enzymes in the positive control group was significantly different from that in the treatment and control groups. We demonstrated the hepatoprotective effect of H. leucospilota on DMN-induced liver damage in rats using biochemical and histological parameters and ultrasonography. More additional research (in silico or invitro) is needed to find the exact mechanism and the main biological compound in H. leucospilota.

Effect of refugia plant (Zinnia sp.) population on the presence of stem borer (Scirpophaga innotata Walker) and natural enemies in rice

Abstract. Olsiviana, Yassi A, Melina. 2024. Effect of refugia plant (Zinnia sp.) population on the presence of stem borer (Scirpophaga innotata Walker) and natural enemies in rice. Biodiversitas 25: 2652-2660. This study supports biological control by preserving natural enemies in rice cultivation through habitat modification. The research aimed to analyze the effects of different population levels of refugia (Zinnia sp.) on pest attack rates, the presence and diversity of natural enemies of rice stem borer (Scirpophaga innotata Walker 1863), and rice (Oryza sativa L.) production. The study was designed using a Randomized Group Design (RGD) with four population treatment levels: control (no Zinnia sp.), sparse population (32 polybags of Zinnia sp.), medium population (96 polybags of Zinnia sp.), and dense population (160 polybags of Zinnia sp.). The results showed that the dense population (160 polybags of Zinnia sp.) produced the lowest stem borer infestation rate in the eighth week of observation (1.67%). Pests in all treatments belonged to four orders: Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, Coleoptera, and Diptera, with Hemiptera being the most prevalent. Natural enemies of rice pests belonged to three orders: Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, and Orthoptera. The dense population treatment (160 polybags of Zinnia sp.) yielded the highest values for diversity index (H') at 2.1785, species richness index (R) at 2.1837, and evenness index (E) at 0.9915. This treatment also achieved the highest average rice production at 8.64 tons/ha. Meanwhile, the highest dominance value (C) of 0.2489 was found in the control treatment. Thus, this study supports the idea that increasing the population of Zinnia sp. as a refugia plant can increase the diversity of natural enemies, reduce rice stem borer infestation, and increase rice plant production.

Assessment of Serum Levels of Phosphate and Corticosterone as Possible Biomarkers for Early Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease in Rats with 6-OHDA-Induced Parkinson

Background: Early diagnosis of Parkinson›s disease can play an important role in improving its prognosis. Due to controversies about the serum level of corticosterone and phosphate in parkinsonian rats, this study was designed to measure and evaluate the levels of corticosterone and phosphate as possible biomarkers of early diagnosis in rats with 6-OHDA-induced parkinsonism. Methods: Forty rats were divided into three groups: control (n=10), sham (n=10), and 6-OHDA (n=20). The rats in the 6-OHDA and sham groups underwent stereotaxic surgery to be injected with 6-OHDA and its carrier into their medial forebrain bundle (MFB). Apomorphine-induced rotational and cylinder tests were done to examine parkinsonism progression and sensory-motor function. Corticosterone and phosphate serum levels were measured in the serum and striatum. Results: Net contralateral rotations and asymmetry scores in the fourth, sixth, and eighth weeks after surgery compared with the second week showed a gradual increase in the 6-OHDA group. The serum levels of corticosterone were 90±13 before surgery, and they declined to 88±36 and 55±9 ng/L in the second and eighth weeks after surgery, respectively. The serum levels of phosphate were 6±0.22 before surgery, and they decreased to 5.2±0.13 and 5±0.12 mg/dl in the second and eighth weeks after surgery, respectively. The serum levels of phosphate and corticosterone remained relatively unchanged in the sham and control groups. Conclusion: In conclusion, the progressive death of dopaminergic neurons is accompanied by decreased serum corticosterone and phosphate levels. Thus, the serum level of corticosterone can be used as a biomarker in diagnosing Parkinson’s disease. In contrast, serum phosphate levels were still within the normal range and cannot be used as a biomarker.

Effects of Exercise and Kinesiotaping with and without Wedge Insole on Pain and Function in Patients with Grade 3 Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease, often resulting from wear-and-tear and articular cartilage loss. This condition frequently leads to significant pain and physical limitations, affecting the quality of life, particularly in older adults. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of exercise combined with Kinesio tape (KT) and wedge insoles on pain and physical limitations in patients with grade 3 knee osteoarthritis. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted on a sample of 60 participants diagnosed with grade 3 knee OA. Participants were randomly divided into two groups of 30 each using a sealed envelope method. Group A received exercise, KT, and wedge insoles, while Group B received exercise and KT only. Both groups underwent 24 sessions over eight weeks, with three sessions per week. The interventions included electrotherapeutic modalities, strengthening exercises for the quadriceps and hamstrings, and KT application. Pain and physical function were measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) at baseline, the fourth week, and the eighth week. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with the Friedman test assessing within-group effects and the Mann-Whitney U test evaluating between-group differences. Statistical significance was set at p &lt; 0.05. Results: Group A consisted of 12 males (40%) and 18 females (60%), with a mean age of 52.33 ± 6.34 years. Group B had 10 males (33.3%) and 20 females (66.7%), with a mean age of 52.94 ± 5.75 years. Significant improvements were observed within both groups in VAS and WOMAC scores (p &lt; 0.05). Post-treatment, Group A demonstrated greater improvements in VAS (mean difference = 2.5, p = 0.000) and WOMAC (mean difference = 15.3, p = 0.000) compared to Group B. Conclusion: Both exercise combined with KT and exercise combined with KT and wedge insoles were effective in reducing pain and improving physical function in patients with grade 3 knee osteoarthritis. However, the combination of exercise and KT without wedge insoles produced superior effects. These findings suggest that KT, as an adjunct to exercise therapy, may provide additional benefits for managing knee OA. Keywords: Knee Osteoarthritis, Kinesio Tape, Wedge Insole, Pain Management, Physical Function, Randomized Clinical Trial, Non-Surgical Treatment, Electrotherapeutic Modalities, Strengthening Exercises, Visual Analogue Scale, WOMAC

The effects of thoracic mobility versus lumbopelvic stabilization exercises on lower extremity flexibility, dynamic balance and proprioception in patients with chronic ankle instability

BACKGROUND: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) presents neuromuscular control and functional performance difficulties. Although ankle-focused rehabilitation is widely practised, the relative effects of exercises targeting thoracic mobility and lumbopelvic stabilization in addressing CAI have not been thoroughly investigated. OBJECTIVE: The study aims to compare the effects of thoracic mobility and lumbopelvic stabilization exercises in patients with CAI. METHODS: The study was designed as a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial. A total of 30 participants (mean age = 31.93 ± 7.31; 21F/9M) who scored 27 points or on the Cumberland ankle instability tool voluntarily were enrolled in the study. The participants were randomly divided into two groups. In addition to the rehabilitation protocols, each participant was given a home exercise program, including ankle-strengthening exercises (3 times a week). The first group trained with thoracic mobility (TM), while the second group did lumbopelvic stabilization (LS) exercises under supervision twice a week for eight weeks. Participants’ pre and post-treatment assessments spanned an 8-week rehabilitation period, during which ankle and hip joint range of motion measurements were obtained using an electronic goniometer. Additionally, dynamic balance was assessed through the Y balance test, while ankle proprioception was evaluated using joint position sense measurements. The flexibility was assessed with an active straight leg raise test. RESULTS: Y balance, CAIT, and active straight leg raise test scores were improved in the eighth week in the thoracic mobility group (p&lt; 0.05), while only active straight leg raise test and CAIT scores were significantly different in the lumbopelvic stabilization group (p&lt; 0.05) according to intra group variables. In comparing the post-treatment scores between the groups, the thoracic mobility group had superior results in the joint position sense test for the right side of the hip and plantarflexion. (hip; TM: 70.71 ± 6.80, LS: 68.76 ± 5.50, plantarflexion; TM: 44.24 ± 7.28, LS: 38.30 ± 5.08). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that while both interventions are effective in addressing various aspects of ankle instability, the thoracic mobility exercises may offer additional benefits, particularly in enhancing joint position sense, thereby providing valuable insights for the optimization of rehabilitation protocols for individuals with chronic ankle instability.

The Effect of Intradialytic Aerobic Exercise on Dialysis Parameters and Fatigue in Hemodialysis Patients: A Non-randomized Interventional Study.

Introduction Hemodialysis is the standard treatment for end-stage renal disease. However, patients receiving hemodialysis can become less active as a result of treatment, resulting in the accumulation of waste products. Intradialytic exercise improves the clearance of urea and creatinine by opening up vascular beds. Materials and methods We conducted a non-randomized interventional study to evaluate the effect of intradialytic aerobic exercise on dialysis parameters and fatigue among 295 hemodialysis patients selected through consecutive sampling (control group, n=147; experimental group, n=148) from two tertiary care centers. Baseline data on background variables and pre-test dialysis parameters (e.g., blood urea, creatinine, potassium, and hemoglobin levels) were assessed in both groups. Following connection to the hemodialysis machine, participants in the experimental group engaged in 15 minutes of intradialytic aerobic exercise per two hours of dialysis for a total of eight weeks, besides receiving routine care, compared to those in the control group. Post-test dialysis parameters were assessed for both groups at the end of the eighth week. The collected data were analyzed and tabulated using SPSS (IRB Inc., Armonk, New York). Results Intradialytic exercise led to significant improvements in post-test blood urea, creatinine, and fatigue in the experimental group (p<0.001). However, post-test serum potassium and hemoglobin levels remained relatively unchanged. Conclusion This study demonstrates the benefits of intra-dialytic aerobic exercise as a safe complementary therapy for a large population of dialysis patients, leading to better patient outcomes.

A New Measuring Approach in Assessing Hamstring Flexibility: Reliability, Validity, and Applicability of Isolated Hamstring Flexibility Test.

This study was planned to determine the reliability, validity, and applicability of the isolated hamstring flexibility test (IHFT). A cohort study (diagnosis); level of evidence, 2. It was performed in the research and application laboratory. Seventy-five individuals aged 18 to 25 years, selected through simple probability random sampling, with a normal Beighton Horan and Joint Mobility Index scores, and who volunteered to participate, were included for evaluation. On then first and third days, participants underwent muscle strength, sit-and-reach test, active knee extension test, IHFT for validity and reliability. Stretching exercises were prescribed as a home program for 31 patients with limited knee extension, and measurements were repeated at the end of the eighth week. Sit-and-reach test, active knee extension test, IHFT. The test-retest reliability was high (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.993). Our test demonstrated validity when compared in terms of flexibility gained. A significant difference was found between pre-post stretching exercise training in all 3 tests ( P < 0.05). It was observed that the IHFT is reliable and applicable in determining hamstring flexibility. Given the absence of another test specifically measuring hamstring flexibility in isolation, its indirect validity was established through analysis with other tests using the gold standard for assessing gains in hamstring flexibility.

Lactic Acid Fermentation Ameliorates Intrinsic Toxicants in Brassica campestris L. Leaves Harvested at Different Growth Stages.

Brassica campestris (syn. Brassica rapa) is often known as mustard and is grown worldwide owing to its health-promoting characteristics associated with the presence of nutrients and phytochemicals. Along with the nutritional components, B. campestris also contains anti-nutrients (phytates, oxalates, tannins, alkaloids, saponins) that can cause adverse severe health effects to consumers, including rashes, nausea, headaches, bloating and nutritional deficiencies. In the present study, heating (blanching) and fermentation (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum) treatments were applied to reduce the load of the anti-nutrients of B. campestris leaves harvested at three different growth stages: the first stage (fourth week), the second stage (sixth week) and the third stage (eighth week). Results revealed that fermentation treatment using Lp. plantarum increases the ash (5.4 to 6%), protein (9 to 10.4%) and fiber (9.6 to 10.7%) contents, whereas moisture (0.91 to 0.82%), fat (9.9 to 9.1%) and carbohydrate (64.5 to 64.2%) contents decreased among B. campestris samples, and the trend was similar for all three stages. Blanching and fermentation lead to the reduction in phytates (46, 42%), saponins (34, 49%), tannins (1, 10%), oxalates (15, 7%) and alkaloids (10, 6%), separately as compared to raw samples of B. campestris leaves. In contrast, fermentation had no considerable effect on phytochemical contents (total phenolic and total flavonoids) and antioxidant potential (DPPH and FRAP). The action of blanching followed by fermentation caused more decline in the aforementioned toxicants load as compared to blanching or fermentation alone. Structural modifications in blanching and the biochemical conversions in fermentation lead to enhanced stability of nutrients and antioxidant potential. Taken together, these findings suggest blanching followed by fermentation treatments as a reliable, cost-effective and safer approach to curtail the anti-nutrient load without affecting the proximate composition, phytochemical attributes and antioxidant activity.

Evaluation of pre-exposure vaccine effectiveness against mpox during the 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in the Madrid region (Spain): a test-negative design

IntroductionAn appropriate vaccination approach is critical to control the current outbreak of mpox but there is little research providing information on its effectiveness, particularly under circumstances of limited vaccine availability.MethodsPre-exposure...

Effects of peptides and probiotics supplementation via diet on blood parameters and growth performance of Piaractus brachypomus during the growth-out phase.

There is no evidence of peptides-probiotics symbiosis as supplements in aquafeeds. To evaluate the effect of peptides and probiotics supplementation via diet on blood parameters and growth performance of juvenile Piaractus brachypomus, an Amazonian fish, during the growth-out phase. 120 juvenile P. brachypomus (242.77 g) were placed into twelve 200-l tanks (10 fish/tank), housed in an indoor open system with constant water renovation (flow rate:1.50 l/minute). The experiment used a completely randomized design with a 4 × 5 factorial arrangement [4 doses of supplementation (CD: commercial diet; PepD: CD+1.50% of peptides per CD weight; ProD: CD+40.00 ml of activated probiotics per kg of diet (Lactobacillus spp., Rhodopseudomonas spp., Saccharomycetes spp.); PepProD: CD+Pep+Pro); 5 sampling times (zero, second, fourth, sixth, and eighth week); n = 3]. Fish were fed twice a day at a feeding rate of 1% of body weight. At each sampling time, blood was collected and fish were measured for growth performance analysis. Data were analyzed by using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p < 0.05). The values of hematocrit (18.31%), leukocytes (1,216.67 mm3), neutrophils (81.27%), lymphocytes (18.73%), albumin (1.08 g/dl), relative growth rate (1.002%/day), and the Fulton allometric condition factor (2.03) remained constant throughout the experiment (p > 0.05). Plasma glucose decreased for all fish in the second week (59.56 mg/dl); then, that level increased in fish fed with the CD (89.00 mg/dl), while fish fed with PepD, ProD, and PepProD showed constant values (57.22 mg/dl). The plasma protein levels were constant in fish fed with the PepD and PepProD, (p > 0.05), while fish fed with the CD and ProD showed non-constant and higher values. At the end of the trial, fish fed with the PepProD showed the highest weight gain and the lowest feed conversion rate (39.66 g; 0.97). It is possible to maintain the stability of plasma glucose and plasma protein by supplementing diets with peptides, but the peptides-probiotics symbiosis administrated via diet contributes to maintaining the stability of plasma glucose and plasma protein and to improve the growth performance of juvenile P. brachypomus during the growth-out phase.

Sick leaves among healthy pregnant Croatian healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic due to loopholes in the occupational safety system.

The aim of this study was to explore occupational safety in pregnant Croatian healthcare workers (HCWs) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. To this end we composed an anonymous questionnaire that included pregnancy data, risk assessment and mitigation, and workplace intervention and distributed it to HCWs through social media of their groups and associations. The study includes a total of 173 respondents (71.1 % physicians, 19.7 % nurses, 9.2 % other HCWs) diagnosed with pregnancy in 2020 and 2021. Employers were notified about HCWs' pregnancy at the eighth (IQR 7.0-11.0) week of pregnancy, which delayed workplace risk assessment and mitigation beyond the first trimester. Only 19.6 % of the participants had the risk assessed and mitigated, mostly on their own initiative (76.5 %). After notifying employers about pregnancy, 37.0 % of participants opted for temporary work incapacity (TWI) due to "pregnancy complications" despite healthy pregnancy, 16.8 % were granted a pregnant worker's paid leave at the expense of the employer, while 5.8 % continued to work at the same workplace. Nurses used the TWI benefit more frequently than physicians (58.8 % vs 30.1 %, P=0.004). Our findings suggest that occupational safety of pregnant HCWs in Croatia lacks clear-cut and transparent strategies to protect pregnant HCWs, forcing them to misuse the healthcare system.

Consecutive Dual-Session Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Chronic Subjective Severe to Catastrophic Tinnitus with Normal Hearing.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is emerging as a promising non-invasive intervention for tinnitus by aiming to modulate abnormal brain activity. This study investigated the efficacy of dual-session tDCS for the relief of perception, distress, and loudness in patients with severe chronic subjective tinnitus and assessed the duration of tinnitus suppression effects compared to single-session and control groups over a 2-month follow-up. In a prospective, randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 30 participants with severe chronic subjective tinnitus underwent bifrontal tDCS. The control group (n = 9), single-session group (n = 10), and dual-session group (n = 11) received 2 mA stimulation for 20 min per session, twice a week for one month. The treatment response was monitored weekly using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), with additional assessments using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) at the fourth and eighth weeks. The single- and dual-session groups showed statistically significant improvements in VAS, THI, and BDI scores compared to the control group. THI and BDI scores showed a significant difference between the single- and dual-session groups. The dual-session group demonstrated a more sustained tinnitus suppression effect than the single-session group. tDCS has been validated as an effective intervention for the suppression of tinnitus, with the dual-session protocol showing longer-term benefits. These findings support the potential of tDCS as a treatment for tinnitus, particularly in dual-session applications.

Evaluation of a digitally enhanced cardiac auscultation learning method in Cameroon: results of a controlled study

SummaryBackgroundCardiac auscultation is an efficient and effective diagnostic tool, especially in low-income countries where access to modern diagnostic methods remains difficult. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a digitally enhanced cardiac auscultation learning method on medical students’ performance and satisfaction.MethodsWe conducted a double-arm parallel controlled trial, including newly admitted 4th -year medical students enrolled in two medical schools in Yaoundé, Cameroon and allocated into two groups: the intervention group (benefiting from theoretical lessons, clinical internship and the listening sessions of audio recordings of heart sounds) and the control group (benefiting from theoretical lessons and clinical internship). All the participants were subjected to a pretest before the beginning of the training, evaluating theoretical knowledge and recognition of cardiac sounds, and a post-test at the eighth week of clinical training associated with the evaluation of satisfaction. The endpoints were the progression of knowledge score, skills score, total (knowledge and skills) score and participant satisfaction.ResultsForty-nine participants (27 in the intervention group and 22 in the control group) completed the study. The knowledge progression (+ 26.7 versus + 7.5; p ˂0.01) and the total progression (+ 22.5 versus + 14.6; p ˂ 0.01) were higher in the intervention group with a statistically significant difference compared to the control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding skills progression (+ 25 versus + 17.5; p = 0.27). Satisfaction was higher in general in the intervention group (p ˂ 0.01), which recommended this method compared to the control group.ConclusionThe learning method of cardiac auscultation reinforced by the listening sessions of audio recordings of heart sounds improves medical students’ performances (knowledge and global – knowledge and skills) who find it satisfactory and recommendable.Trial RegistrationThis trial has been registered the 29/11/2019 in the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (http://www.pactr.org) under unique identification number PACTR202001504666847 and the protocol has been published in BMC Medical Education.

Effect of l-arginine compared to placebo on sexual function in women with major depressive disorder: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundWhile some evidence suggests that l-arginine may improve sexual function and alleviate depression, it has not been investigated in women with depression to assess both its effects on the depression and sexual function concurrently.MethodsPatients who had received a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, as determined by predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, were enrolled in this triple-blind clinical trial. Patients were divided into two groups: group A, received L-arginine 1 gram twice daily, and group B, received a placebo for four weeks. They were evaluated at baseline, after four and eight weeks with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), and Rosen’s questionnaire or Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).ResultsA decrease in the severity of depression was observed in all patients, which was determined due to Hamilton’s questionnaire (P-value < 0.001). During the time in group A, FSFI increased. Based on the FSFI questionnaire, they had improvement in some domains, including the lubrication index and orgasm index, which significantly changed in the eighth week compared to the baseline (P-value < 0.05). However, these two indicators did not change statistically significantly compared to the placebo group.ConclusionL-arginine supplementation can improve sexual function, particularly lubrication and orgasm, and mood in women with depression, with minimal side effects observed. Additional research is necessary to validate these results by examining the effects of higher dosages, extended durations, and larger populations of depressed patients.Trial registrationIranian Registry of Clinical Trial: IRCT20100127003210N26.

Improving dietary patterns in obese mice: Effects on body weight, adiposity, anhedonia-like behavior, pro-BDNF expression and 5-HT system

IntroductionThe excessive fat accumulation in obesity, resulting from an unbalanced diet, can lead to metabolic and neurological disorders and increase the risk of developing anxiety and depression. AimAssess the impact of dietary intervention (DI) on the serotonergic system, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and behaviors of obese mice. MethodsMale C57BL/6 mice, 5 weeks old, received a high-fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks for the induction of obesity. After this period, for 8 weeks, half of these animals received a control diet (CD), group obese (OB) + control diet (OB + CD, n = 10), and another half continued being fed HFD, group obese + HFD (OB + HFD, n = 10). At the end of the eighth week of intervention, behavioral tests were performed (sucrose preference test, open field, novel object recognition, elevated plus maze and tail suspension). Body weight and food intake were assessed weekly. Visceral adiposity, the hippocampal and hypothalamic protein expression of BDNF, 5-HT1A (5-HT1A serotonin receptor) and TPH2 (key enzyme in serotonin synthesis), were evaluated after euthanasia. ResultsThe dietary intervention involved changing from a HFD to a CD over an 8-week period, effectively reduced body weight gain, adiposity, and anhedonia-like behavior. In the OB + HFD group, we saw a lower sucrose preference and shorter traveled distance in the open field, along with increased pro-BDNF expression in the hypothalamus compared to the OB + CD mice. However, the levels of TPH2 and 5-HT1A remained unchanged. ConclusionThe HFD model induced both obesity and anhedonia, but the dietary intervention successfully improved these conditions.