Functional Performance Research Articles

Exploring the Efficacy of a Remote Strategy-Based Intervention for People With Multiple Sclerosis With Everyday Memory Impairments: A Pilot Study.

This pilot study evaluates a remote strategy-based intervention for individuals with multiple sclerosis who experience everyday memory impairments. The intervention can potentially inform cognitive rehabilitation for this population. To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of an intervention (TELE-Self-GEN) to determine whether it can alleviate everyday memory impairments of individuals with multiple sclerosis. Pretest-posttest. Community. Ten adults with multiple sclerosis. Six synchronous treatment sessions were delivered online via Zoom. The treatment protocol embedded a memory strategy (self-generated learning) within a metacognitive framework, including self-awareness and self-management strategies. The treatment emphasizes when and how self-generation should be used. Measurements assessed feasibility and participants' satisfaction with the intervention and its delivery method, as well as memory, everyday memory, and functional performance. Participants expressed high satisfaction with the virtual treatment, highlighting its convenience as a key factor. Treatment resulted in improvements in memory performance, perceived memory ability in daily life, and functional performance. Results provide initial proof of concept in the utilization of a remotely delivered, strategy-based treatment approach to improve memory performance and functional abilities. The pilot data support a larger randomized clinical trial of the TELE-self-GEN. Plain-Language Summary: The results of this pilot study highlight the promising potential of TELE-self-GEN for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), who face memory challenges every day. This remotely delivered, strategy-based occupational therapy treatment approach, TELE-self-GEN, has the potential to significantly improve functional memory. The study participants reported improvements in their memory performance, perceived memory ability in daily life, and functional performance. These encouraging results serve as a foundation for more extensive clinical trials using TELE-self-GEN for people with MS.

The Cognitive Function and Taekwondo-Specific Kick Performance of Taekwondo Athletes at Different Hydration Statuses.

Successful participation in taekwondo (TKD) requires athletes to possess quick decision-making abilities and demonstrate technical proficiency during competition. Dehydration, occurring during both training and competition, is widely recognized to have various negative effects. This study investigated the impact of different levels of dehydration on cognitive function, as measured by the Vienna Test System, and the specific performance of kicking techniques among TKD athletes. Using a randomized crossover design, 12 participants were involved in the study. Before and after 1 hour of training at 80% of maximal heart rate, participants were weighed and provided urine samples. All participants were randomly assigned to 3 different hydration conditions: the euhydrated (EUH) group had unrestricted access to fluid consumption, while the hypohydrated (HYP) and severelyHYP (S-HYP) groups experienced reductions of 2.0% and 4.0% of their initial body weight, respectively. The EUH group exhibited better reaction speed in reaction-time test-form S1 than the HYP and S-HYP groups. Notably, the EUH group demonstrated a significantly higher success rate in the front-side kick (EUH 98%, HYP 90%, S-HYP 88%; P < .05). However, the success rates of back roundhouse kick and free head kick were similar among the 3 statuses. Furthermore, postexercise heart rates were found to be significantly higher in the HYP and S-HYP groups compared with the EUH group. This study provides insight into the negative effects of dehydration on cognitive function and TKD-specific performance. It is recommended that TKD athletes maintain optimal hydration levels during training and competition to ensure optimal performance.

Prestroke Cognitive Impairment: Frequency and Association With Premorbid Neuropsychiatric, Functional, and Neuroimaging Features.

Some patients with stroke have prestroke cognitive impairment (pre-SCI), but its etiology is not clear. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the frequency of pre-SCI and its association with premorbid neuropsychiatric, functional, and neuroimaging features. Patients hospitalized in stroke unit with an informant who could complete IQCODE (Informant Questionnaire for Cognitive Decline in the Elderly) were included. Pre-SCI was diagnosed if the IQCODE score was >3.3. Prestroke assessment also included NPI-Q (Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire), the basic Activities of Daily Living and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scales, and the Clinical Dementia Rating scale. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association of pre-SCI with age, sex, education, arterial hypertension, atrial fibrillation, white matter lesions, cerebral microbleeds, and pathological medial temporal lobe atrophy. IQCODE was available in 474 of 520 patients (91.2%; 45% women; mean age 75.5±13.3 years). Pre-SCI had a prevalence of 32.5% and was associated with prestroke NPI-Q (pre-SCI absent versus present, 1.7±2.3 versus 5.5±4.9; P<0.001), Activities of Daily Living scale (0.3±0.8 versus 1.8±1.9; P<0.001), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale (0.6±1.3 versus 3.8±4.0; P<0.001), and Clinical Dementia Rating scale score (0.7±1.7 versus 7.2±6.2; P<0.001). In the 271 patients with a magnetic resonance imaging available, the multivariate logistic regression showed that age (odds ratio [OR], 1.05 [95% CI, 1.62-9.73]), white matter lesions (OR, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.003-1.58]), and a pathological medial temporal lobe atrophy score (OR, 3.97 [95% CI, 1.62-9.73]) were independently associated with pre-SCI. In the 218 patients with ischemic stroke, white matter lesions (OR, 1.34 [95% CI, 1.04-1.72]) and medial temporal lobe atrophy (OR, 3.56 [95% CI, 1.38-9.19]), but not age, were associated with pre-SCI. One-third of patients admitted to a stroke unit have pre-SCI that is associated with preexisting neuropsychiatric symptoms and functional performance. White matter lesions and medial temporal lobe atrophy are associated with pre-SCI, suggesting that both small vessel disease and neurodegeneration might be involved in its etiology.

The effects of physical activity tele-counseling intervention on physical activity, functional performance, and quality of life in post-COVID-19 conditions: a randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Background This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of tele-counseling to promote physical activity in COVID-19 survivors at the persistent phase. Methods Twenty-eight participants who suffered from COVID-19 were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. Physical activity counseling was applied according to the transtheoretical model to the intervention group during 20 sessions. Second assessments were performed 6 weeks after the intervention. The physical activity, functional performance (4-meter gait speed; 4-MGS and 5-repetition Sit-To-Stand; STS test), exercise behavioral change and processes, quality of life, fatigue, mental health, severity of symptoms, and dyspnea were evaluated in groups. Results The baseline demographic and clinical outcomes were similar (p > 0.05) except for physical role limitations and general health perceptions in groups. Five-repetition STS, 4-MGS, activity dyspnea, step counts, sitting time, physical role limitations, Exercise Processes of Change Scale (EPCS) total, and behavioral processes scores except for self-liberation significantly improved in the counseling group. Five-repetition STS, 4-MGS improved while dramatic relief, self reevaluation, self-liberation, and EPCS total scores deteriorated in the control group. Conclusions The tele-counseling intervention contributes to improving physical activity, functional performance, behavioral change, quality of life, and decreasing common problems related to COVID-19. The results of the tele-counseling intervention are promising in post-COVID-19 conditions. Trial registration (ClinicalTrials.gov) Registration ID: NCT04853966.

Metamaterial terahertz device with temperature regulation function that can achieve perfect absorption and complete reflection conversion of ultrawideband

The field of terahertz devices is important in terahertz technology. However, most of the current devices have limited functionality and poor performance. To improve device performance and achieve multifunctionality, we designed a terahertz device based on a combination of VO2 and metamaterials. This device can be tuned using the phase-transition characteristics of VO2, which is included in the triple-layer structure of the device, along with SiO2 and Au. The terahertz device exhibits various advantageous features, including broadband coverage, high absorption capability, dynamic tunability, simple structural design, polarization insensitivity, and incident-angle insensitivity. The simulation results showed that by controlling the temperature, the terahertz device achieved a thermal modulation range of spectral absorption from 0 to 0.99. At 313 K, the device exhibited complete reflection of terahertz waves. As the temperature increased, the absorption rate also increased. When the temperature reached 353 K, the device absorption rate exceeded 97.7% in the range of 5–8.55 THz. This study used the effective medium theory to elucidate the correlation between conductivity and temperature during the phase transition of VO2. Simultaneously, the variation in device performance was further elucidated by analyzing and depicting the intensity distribution of the electric field on the device surface at different temperatures. Furthermore, the impact of various structural parameters on device performance was examined, offering valuable insights and suggestions for selecting suitable parameter values in real-world applications. These characteristics render the device highly promising for applications in stealth technology, energy harvesting, modulation, and other related fields, thus showcasing its significant potential.

Generative invertible quantum neural networks

Invertible Neural Networks (INN) have become established tools for the simulation and generation of highly complex data. We propose a quantum-gate algorithm for a Quantum Invertible Neural Network (QINN) and apply it to the LHC data of jet-associated production of a Z-boson that decays into leptons, a standard candle process for particle collider precision measurements. We compare the QINN’s performance for different loss functions and training scenarios. For this task, we find that a hybrid QINN matches the performance of a significantly larger purely classical INN in learning and generating complex data.

Functional clinical motor performance tests to assess potential fall risks in patients with haemophilia: A case-control study.

Patients with haemophilia (PwH) are at increased risk of falls due to haemophilic arthropathy. Yet, studies on clinical tests associated with the risk of falling are scarce in PwH. (1) To evaluate the feasibility of different clinical motor performance tests associated with the risk of falling in PwH; (2) to evaluate PwH's performance of these tests compared to a control group; (3) to identify possible influencing factors that affect performance. Twenty-nine severe and moderate PwH (57.0 years, IQR: 48.0-61.5) and 29 healthy age- and BMI-matched control participants (CG) performed 13 different clinical tests (SPPB, timed up and go, push and release, functional reach, single-leg stance, knee and grip strength). Haemophilia joint health score (HJHS), kinesiophobia (TSK-11), subjective physical performance (HEP-Test-Q), falls efficiency (FES-I) and falls were assessed. No adverse events occurred. PwH showed impaired performance in all clinical tests, a lower falls efficiency and a higher HJHS than CG. PwH with higher HJHS, lower HEP-Test-Q and higher TSK-11 scores showed higher deficits. Largest discrepancies were observed in the single-leg stance with eyes open and knee extensor strength, where orthopaedically majorly affected PwH showed worse performance compared to minorly affected PwH and the CG, respectively. The prevalence of ≥1 fall in the last year was 27.6% (PwH) and 10.3% (CG). These clinical tests are feasible in PwH. Impaired joint status, a high kinesiophobia and low physical performance impair performance. These tests can be used by clinicians for gaining specific information on functional motor abilities of patients.

Moderate expression of CD39 in GPC3-CAR-T cells shows high efficacy against hepatocellular carcinoma.

CD39 serves as a crucial biomarker for neoantigen-specific CD8+ T cells and is associated with antitumor activity and exhaustion. However, the relationship between CD39 expression levels and the function of chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the role of CD39 in the functional performance of CAR-T cells against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and explore the therapeutic potential of CD39 modulators, such as mitochondrial division inhibitor-1 (mdivi-1), or knockdown CD39 through short hairpin RNA. Our findings demonstrated that glypican-3-CAR-T cells with moderate CD39 expression exhibited a strong antitumor activity, while high and low levels of CD39 led to an impaired cellular function. Methods modulating the proportion of CD39 intermediate (CD39int)-phenotype CAR-T cells such as mdivi-1 and CD39 knockdown enhanced and impaired T cell function, respectively. The combination of mdivi-1 and CD39 knockdown in CAR-T cells yielded the highest proportion of infiltrated CD39int CAR-T cells and demonstrated a robust antitumor activity in vivo. In conclusion, this study revealed the crucial role of CD39 in CAR-T cell function, demonstrated the potential therapeutic efficacy of combining mdivi-1 with CD39 knockdown in HCC, and provided a novel treatment strategy for HCC patients in the field of cellular immunotherapy.

Effect of open vs. closed kinetic chain exercises in ACL rehabilitation on knee joint pain, laxity, extensor muscles strength, and function: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

PROSPERO [CRD42023475230].

Colour pervious concrete pavements applied to bikeway track: mechanical, hydraulic and functional performances

ABSTRACT Pervious concrete pavement test sections employing coloured permeable concrete were constructed as an experimental bicycle lane. For two of the sections, coloured concrete was used with pigment addition consisting of Fe2O3 (red) and Cr2O2 (green). The impacts on the resistance and stiffness of the concretes when using these pigments were analysed in relation to the reference concrete (grey). Alterations in plasticiser dosage during mixing were readily observed with the red concrete. The flexural strength increased substantially in the case of the red coloured concrete, as well as the modulus of elasticity of the material. Initial infiltration rates decreased with the use of coloured pigments, especially for red concrete, with expressive drops in permeability. Simultaneously, the resistance to friction given by the British Pendulum Number was reduced due to the use of red or green pigments. The consequences of using red pigment with a very high grains specific surface are discussed, since they are advantageous in the case of mechanical responses eventually inferior in terms of hydraulic and functional aspects.

Achilles tendon debridement, calcaneoplasty and double-row tendon footprint reconstruction improve ankle function and athletic performance in patients with insertional Achilles tendinopathy

BackgroundInsertional Achilles tendinopathy is a frequent condition among physically active individuals. Extensive intratendinous pathologies may require partial tendon detachment, debridement and reconstruction of the tendon footprint. Positive functional outcomes are reported after the procedure, but literature on postoperative sport function is limited. MethodsPre- and postoperative sports capability and ankle function were assessed in 25 patients undergoing Achilles tendon debridement and double-row footprint reconstruction. ResultsThe mean VAS score for pain during sport decreased significantly from 7.4 (SD, 2.5) to 1.2 (SD, 2.0) postoperatively (p < 0.001). Sports ability and subjective fitness levels increased significantly from 3.6 (SD 3.0) and 3.5 (2.2) to 8.8 (2.4) and 8.8 (2.2), respectively (p < 0.001). A trend from high-impact sports to low-impact sports was observed postoperatively. The subjective surgical outcome was good or excellent in 96 %. ConclusionOur study shows improvement in postoperative sports ability and high patient satisfaction after insertional Achilles tendon debridement, and double-row tendon footprint reconstruction. Level of EvidenceLevel IV – retrospective case series.

Neurologic and Neuropsychological Outcomes for Treatment of Unruptured Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms: Standard Pterional Versus Minipterional Approach in a Retrospective Single-Center Analysis

BackgroundIn accordance with technique advancement and minimal invasiveness surgical approaches, the mini-pterional has progressively replaced the standard pterional approach for the treatment of unruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms. Multimodal intraoperative resources, including microdoppler and micro-flow probes, indocyanine green video-angiography, and neurophysiological monitoring nowadays constitute a fundamental prerequisite for increasing the safeness of the clipping procedure. ObjectiveOur study aims investigate and compare in a single-center experience the effect of the evolution of minimally invasive and multimodal approach in unruptured MCA aneurysms surgery by measuring post-operative complications rate, recovery time, long-term neuropsychological and functional outcomes. Materials and MethodsOne hundred thirty-one patients who underwent surgical treatment for unruptured MCA aneurysms at our Institution were retrospective evaluated. Patients’ clinical, radiological and surgical reports were collected. Cognitive evaluation and quality-of-life were assessed through validated test through telephone interviews. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were divided into two groups: the “PT (pterional) group” and the “MPT (mini-pterional) group”. ResultsNinety-two patients were included in the present analysis. A significant reduction of postoperative complication rate and of new onset postoperative seizures was recorded in the MPT group (p-value 0.006). Severe cognitive deficits were lower in the MPT group although without a clear statistical correlation. ConclusionDecreasing in complication rates, faster recovery time, and trend towards better cognitive and functional performances were documented for the MPT group of patients. In our experience, the mini-pterional approach with multimodality-assisted microsurgery reduced neurological complications and recovery time, and improved long-term cognitive outcome and quality of life.

Durability of Fe-SMA/steel single-lap joints exposed to hygrothermal environments

Due to the adverse impact of hygrothermal environments and fatigue load, the performance degradation of existing steel structures necessitates repairs to extend their service life. Structures retrofitted by bonding iron-based shape memory alloy (Fe-SMA) have been demonstrated as an active non-destructive repair method. Nevertheless, the deterioration of the adhesives triggered by hygrothermal environments is a crucial challenge in its practical reinforcement applications. In this study, 54 Fe-SMA/steel single-lap joints (SLJs) are aged in 55°C and 98 % relative humidity environments for 30, 60 and 110 days, and tested under shear loads. The long-term performance, failure patterns, load-displacement responses and shear-resistance capacity of the SLJs are investigated, considering the essential parameters of aging time, overlap length and adhesive types. The experimental results exhibit that the failure patterns of aged Fe-SMA/steel SLJs depend highly on the adhesive types. The shear-resistance capacity of Fe-SMA/steel SLJs decreases dramatically with the prolongation of aging time. After 110 days of aging, the shear-resistance capacity of type-C, type-S and type-P SLJs decreases by about 14 %, 39 % and 49 %, respectively. When the overlap length increases from 50 mm to 150 mm, the shear-resistance capacity of type-C, type-S and type-P Fe-SMA/steel SLJs improves by 21 %, 39 % and 22 %, respectively, increasing the overlap length can safeguard the optimal functionality and long-term performance of the retrofitted steel structures. While the environments are relatively aggressive, it is recommended to use type-C adhesive to obtain the satisfactory serviceability of the retrofitted steel structures. The experimental achievements are significant for repairing deteriorated steel infrastructures by bonding Fe-SMA, guaranteeing the long-term performance and normal-use safety of structural reinforcement design, and reducing carbon emissions due to the avoidance of reconstruction.

Enhancing Precision and Efficiency in Fabricating Complete Arch Screw-Retained Implant Prosthesis: A Clinical Case Report Utilizing the Nexus iOS Scan Gauge System.

Achieving an accurate fit in a complete arch screw-retained implant prosthesis is paramount, regardless of whether analog or digital impressions are employed. In the context of complete arch implant prostheses, using intraoral scanners has sparked significant debate. However, recent advancements in scanner technology, specialized scan gauges meticulously calibrated for precise recording, and the implementation of appropriate scanning techniques have substantially improved the precision and accuracy of digital records. The Nexus iOS scan gauge system represents a pioneering approach, seamlessly integrating these optimization strategies into a purely digital workflow to fabricate complete arch screw-retained implant prostheses in edentulous patients. This case report elucidates the fabrication process of a complete arch screw-retained implant prosthesis that exhibited remarkable fitting accuracy and streamlined the treatment process to a mere 3 appointments. The patient reported high satisfaction with the efficient timeline, aesthetic appeal, and functional performance of the prosthesis. A distinctive advantage of this technique is the notable reduction in treatment steps compared to traditional procedures.

The Association Between Lumbar Lordosis and Functional Performance in Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Purpose: The aims of this study were to compare the lumbar lordosis measured with flexible ruler between healthy peers and children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and to investigate the relationship between lumbar lordosis and functional performance in children with DMD. Material and Methods: This study included 20 children with DMD (median age: 8.29 years) and 10 healthy peers (median age: 7.96 years). Lumbar lordosis and postural alignment were assessed with flexible ruler and New York Posture Rating (NYPR), succesively. Functional performance was evaluated with Motor Function Measure and timed performance tests. Results: Demographic characteristics of children with DMD and healthy peers were similar (p&gt;0.05). Children with DMD (median angle: 46.58 degrees) had a higher degree of lumbar lordosis than their healthy peers (median angle: 36.10 degrees) (p

Diagnosis and Treatment of Varus Posteromedial Rotational Instability of the Elbow Joint in Children: Re-Understanding of the Injury Mechanism Associated With Coronoid Process Fractures.

To investigate the injury mechanism, diagnosis, and treatment of varus-posteromedial rotational instability of the elbow joint in children. According to the diagnostic criteria of varus posteromedial rotational instability of elbow joint, 16 children with coronoid process fractures treated in our department from July 2013 to July 2017 were re-evaluated. There were 14 males and 2 females, aged 7 to 14 years, with an average age of 11.6 years. Eight cases on left and 8 cases on right side. An associated elbow dislocation occurred in 8 of 16 cases. Nine patients were treated with a lateral soft tissue repair only. In 7 other patients in addition to the lateral soft tissue repair, the coronoid process fractures were treated with open reduction and fixation. At the last clinical follow-up, each elbow joint range of motion was recorded, radiographs were obtained, and functional performance was evaluated by the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS). The average follow-up time was 81.9 months for the 9 patients treated with lateral elbow soft tissue repair. At the last follow-up, 2 of the patients had MEPS scores as excellent, 1 was good, and 6 were rated as moderate or poor. Four patients had a cubitus varus deformity. The average follow-up time was 30.3 months for the 7 patients treated with both soft tissue repair and coronoid fracture stabilization. The elbow joint MEPS scores for each of these 7 patients was excellent at the last follow-up, and no complications such as cubitus varus occurred. The results of the study suggest that children could also develop elbow varus-posterior medial rotational instability injuries under the same mechanism. Although the morbidity rate is low, due to insufficient understanding of the injury mechanism, it is prone to missed diagnosis, misdiagnosis, and delayed treatment, resulting in severe complications such as elbow instability, dislocation, traumatic arthritis, and elbow stiffness. On the contrary, according to the treatment principle of the posterior medial rotational instability of the elbow joint in adult, while the lateral repair is carried out, strong and effective reduction and fixation of the coronoid process fractures are adopted, it is expected that such children with rare elbow injuries can obtain excellent treatment outcomes.

AI Open research Plagiarism Dupli Checker, Scribbr Plagiarism Checker, Quetext, Small SEO Tools Plagiarism Checker Web Technology: comparative study

Purpose This paper mainly aims to explore the AI Open research Plagiarism Dupli Checker, Scribbr Plagiarism Checker, Quetext and Small SEO Tools Plagiarism Checker and provides a comparative study about the features and benefits. Design/methodology/approach This study provides a check list for AI Open research Plagiarism Dupli Checker, Scribbr Plagiarism Checker, Quetext and Small SEO Tools Plagiarism Checker according to the features and limitations. Findings After the analysis, it is found that DupliChecker scans up to 1,000 words per check; Scribbr, authorized partner of Turnitin, scans up to paid bases; Quetext offers free 500-word plagiarism and Small SEO Tools scans up to 1,000 words per check. The limitations noted are as follows: Dupli Checker provides limited checks per month, Quetext offers limited free scan and Small SEO Tools have limited features compared to other options. Research limitations/implications This study shows the comparative study of AI Plagiarism online tools and is very useful for researchers and learners. The value of this study is to improve the user’s experience and performance of AI plagiarism. Originality/value This study shows the comparative study of AI Plagiarism online tools and is very useful for researchers and learners. This study finds out the user experience and awareness accessibility about the performance of open AI plagiarism feature and function.

Terahertz Polarization Isolator Using Two-Dimensional Square Lattice Tellurium Rod Array.

A novel terahertz polarization isolator using a two-dimensional square lattice tellurium rod array is numerically investigated at the interesting band of 0.22 THz in this short paper. The isolator is designed by inserting six hexagonal tellurium rods into a fully polarized photonic crystals waveguide with high efficiency of -0.34 dB. The TE and TM photonic band gaps of the 7 × 16 tellurium photonic crystals are computed based on the plane wave expansion method, which happen to coincide at the normalized frequency domain from 0.3859(a/λ) to 0.4033(a/λ), corresponding to the frequency domain from 0.2152 to 0.2249 THz. The operating bandwidth of the tellurium photonic crystals waveguide covers 0.2146 to 0.2247 THz, calculated by the finite element method. The six hexagonal tellurium rods with smaller circumradii of 0.16a serve to isolate transverse electric waves and turn a blind eye to transverse magnetic waves. The polarization isolation function and external characteristic curves of the envisaged structure are numerically simulated, which achieves the highest isolation of -33.49 dB at the central frequency of 0.2104 THz and the maximum reflection efficiency of 98.95 percent at the frequency of 0.2141 THz. The designed isolator with a unique function and high performance provides a promising approach for implementing fully polarized THz devices for future 6G communication systems.

The association between six-minute walk test and one minute sit to stand test in patients with acute exacerbations of COPD

ABSTRACT Aim: Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) are a major complication of COPD and a leading cause of hospitalization, detrimentally affecting functional exercise capacity. The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is a reliable measure of exercise capacity in chronic lung diseases. Conversely, the 1-minute sit-to-stand test (1STST) offers a simpler assessment of physical function. The aim was to demonstrate the association of functional exercise capacity assessed by 1STST and 6MWT in COPD patients with acute exacerbation. Materials and Methods: In this study, 37 hospitalized patients with acute exacerbation COPD (mean age:66 years) underwent assessments including pulmonary function testing, 6MWT, 1STST and modified Medical Research Council (MMRC). Parameters such as heart rate, oxygen saturation, and perceived dyspnea (via the modified Borg scale) were monitored during tests. Results: The results showed a significant correlation between 6MWT and 1STST performance (r=0.656, p&amp;lt;0.001). Notably, end-tidal oxygen saturation differed between tests, with the 6MWT showing higher end-tidal dyspnea scores. During recovery, 1STST induced increased heart rate and decreased oxygen saturation. Both 6MWT and 1STST were negatively associated with age and MMRC. Positive correlations were observed between 6MWT and FEV1(L) and PEF(L). Conclusions: Similar to the 6MWT, the 1STS test may be used to evaluate how well patients with AECOPD perform during functional exercise. We propose that the 1STST is a suitable alternative to the 6MWT for the assessment of functional exercise performance during hospitalization in AECOPD patients.

Alkaline-Responsive, Self-Healable, and Conductive Copolymer Composites with Enhanced Mechanical Properties Tailored for Wearable Tech.

Despite significant advancements, current self-healing materials often suffer from a compromise between mechanical robustness and functional performance, particularly in terms of conductivity and responsiveness to environmental stimuli. Addressing this issue, the research introduces a self-healable and conductive copolymer, poly(ionic liquid-co-acrylic acid) (PIL-co-PAA), synthesized through free radical polymerization, and further optimized by incorporating thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). This combination leverages the unique properties of each component, especially ion-dipole interactions and hydrogen bonds, resulting in a material that exhibits exceptional self-healing abilities and demonstrates enhanced mechanical properties and electrical conductivity. Moreover, the PIL-co-PAA/TPU films showcase alkaline-responsive behavior, a feature that broadens their applicability in dynamic environments. Through systematic characterization, including thermogravimetric analysis, tensile testing, and electrical properties measurements, the mechanisms behind the improved performance and functionality of these films are elucidated. The conductivities and ultimate tensile strength (σuts) of the PIL-co-PAA/TPU films regain 80% under 8h healing process. To extend the applications for wearable devices, the self-healing properties of commercial cotton fabrics coated with the self-healable PIL-co-PAA are also investigated, demonstrating both self-healing and electrical properties. This study advances the understanding of self-healable conductive polymers and opens new avenues for their application in wearable technology.