Quality Of Life In Individuals Research Articles

Oral Health and Quality of Life in People with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

This article delves into the intricate relationship between oral health, quality of life, and behavioral characteristics in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Background/Objectives: Autism has been associated with various challenges, and this study seeks to elucidate the impact of ASD on oral health outcomes and overall well-being. The research focuses on assessing overall oral health by evaluating various parameters, such as the condition of lips, tongue, gums and tissues, natural teeth, dentures, oral hygiene, and dental pain in individuals with ASD. Additionally, the study explores the influence of age, sex, and certain variables, like basic daily living skills on oral health practices, aiming to identify potential correlations between these factors and oral health outcomes. Methods: We employed standardized instruments to quantitatively measure and analyze the impact of oral health status on the overall quality of life experienced by individuals with ASD. Results: The study found a statistically significant positive association between oral health, measured by the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT), and quality of life, as indicated by EuroQol 5-Dimensions Youth version (EQ-5D-Y) total scores (β = 0.13045, p = 0.00271). This suggests that better oral health is linked to higher quality of life. When adjusting for age and sex in a multiple linear regression model, the association remained significant but with a slightly reduced effect size (β = 0.10536, p = 0.0167). Age also showed a marginally significant positive association with quality-of-life scores. ANOVA results indicated that participants with advanced oral health status reported significantly higher quality-of-life scores than those with poorer oral health (p = 0.00246). The study also found that intelligence quotient (IQ) does not substantially influence dental health status, while the "Autonomy" subscale of the EQ-5D-Y is positively related to the OHAT. Conclusions: Unhealthy oral conditions significantly impact the overall quality of life in individuals with ASD. Therefore, it is crucial to include regular dental assessments and treatments in therapeutic protocols for patients with ASD.

Neural Cyber Augmentation (NCA): A Future Frontier in Public Health

Neural Cyber Augmentation (NCA) is a groundbreaking interdisciplinary field that integrates neuroscience, cybernetics, and biotechnology to enhance human cognitive and physical capabilities. This technology holds transformative potential for public health, enabling advancements in cognitive enhancement, disease management, and human-machine interaction. Early research in brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) demonstrated the feasibility of using neural signals to control external devices, laying the foundation for more complex applications such as advanced prosthetics and cognitive training. Subsequent developments in cybernetic implants have significantly improved the quality of life for individuals with sensory and motor impairments by providing enhanced capabilities beyond natural limits. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with neural interfaces has further propelled the field, enabling personalized cognitive training and adaptive therapies. Despite these advancements, the ethical and social implications of NCA, such as privacy concerns, informed consent, and equitable access, must be addressed. Future research should focus on improving neural interfaces, integrating AI for personalized interventions, establishing comprehensive ethical guidelines, conducting longitudinal studies on long-term effects, and developing strategies to ensure accessibility for all. By addressing these challenges, NCA has the potential to revolutionize public health and usher in a new era of human enhancement and well-being.

Optimizing Physical Activity for Glycemic Control in Type 1 Diabetes: Strategies and Risks

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, necessitating lifelong insulin therapy. This study explores the impact of physical activity on glycemic control and overall health in individuals with T1DM. Despite its proven benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, lower HbA1c levels, and reduced insulin requirements, over 60% of T1DM patients do not engage in regular exercise. Different types of physical activities—such as aerobic, anaerobic, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT)—affect metabolic responses differently. Aerobic exercises and HIIT have shown significant improvements in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and reduced incidence of severe complications, such as diabetic ketoacidosis. However, exercise-induced hypoglycemia remains a significant risk, especially if exercise follows recent severe hypoglycemic episodes. Proper management strategies include adjusting insulin doses, monitoring glucose levels, and carbohydrate intake. The study highlights the importance of tailored exercise plans and preventive measures to mitigate risks such as nocturnal hypoglycemia and elevated ketones. Ultimately, effective integration of physical activity into diabetes management can lead to enhanced overall health and quality of life for individuals with T1DM.

Alpha transcranial alternating current stimulation as add-on to neglect training: a randomized trial

Abstract Visuospatial neglect is a common and debilitating condition following unilateral stroke, significantly impacting cognitive functioning and daily life. There is an urgent need for effective treatments that can provide clinically relevant and sustained benefits. In addition to traditional stroke treatment, non-invasive brain stimulation, such as transcranial alternating current stimulation, shows promise as a complementary approach to enhance stroke recovery. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the additive effects of multi-session transcranial alternating current stimulation at alpha frequency when combined with visual scanning training in chronic stroke patients with visuospatial neglect. In this double-blind randomized controlled trial, we compared the effects of active transcranial alternating current stimulation at alpha frequency to sham (placebo) transcranial alternating current stimulation, both combined with visual scanning training. Both groups received eighteen 40-minute training sessions over a 6-week period. A total of 22 chronic visuospatial neglect patients participated in the study (active group n = 12, sham group n = 10). The median age was 61.0 years, with a median time since stroke of 36.1 months. We assessed the patients at six time-points: at baseline, after the first, ninth and eighteenth training sessions, as well as 1 week and 3 months following the completion of the combined neuromodulation intervention. The primary outcome measure was the change in performance on a visual search task, specifically the star cancellation task. Secondary outcomes included performance on a visual detection task, two line bisection tasks and three tasks evaluating visuospatial neglect in daily living. We found significantly improved visual search (primary outcome) and visual detection performance in the neglected side in the active transcranial alternating current stimulation group, compared to the sham transcranial alternating current stimulation group. We did not observe stimulation effects on line bisection performance nor in daily living. Time effects were observed on all but one outcome measures. Multi-session transcranial alternating current stimulation combined with visual scanning training may be a more effective treatment for chronic visuospatial neglect than visual scanning training alone. These findings provide valuable insights into novel strategies for stroke recovery, even long after the injury, with the aim of enhancing cognitive rehabilitation outcomes and improving the overall quality of life for individuals affected by this condition. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov; registration number: NCT05466487; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05466487

Sensor placement determination for a wearable device in dual-arm manipulation tasks

To enhance the quality of life for individuals in various sectors, such as industry, healthcare, and everyday activities, the development of a highly efficient and cost-effective wearable device is essential. This paper presents a feasibility study for a general estimation methodology for human activity assessment using a single sensor placed on the back. The methodology considers the minimal variability in human body movements when carrying different weights. Our approach involves optimizing the sensor's position through a simple pre-processing technique. This technique utilizes virtual sensor position and orientation data derived from a virtual mannequin based on real inertial measurement unit (IMU) measurements obtained during two-arm manipulation tasks in a warehouse setting. The primary contribution is the optimization of a single, non-invasive sensor placement on the back to accurately assess activities involving two-hand manipulation with low variability in movement. We identified 54 different activity classes with an accuracy of 91.77% using a hybrid two-dimensional Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) combined with a Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) network (2D CNN-BiLSTM) model. This model does not require additional sensors that measure other physical quantities, such as electromyography activity. Identifying repetitive tasks involving significant bending, stretching, and twisting, which pose risks of musculoskeletal disorders and back pain, offers a solution for designing wearable devices. The portability and autonomy of these devices are crucial, and current sensor technology meets these needs with low size, cost, and consumption. Wearable medical devices can thus be effectively used for self-monitoring health, preventive medicine, and rehabilitation.

Predictors of health-related quality of Life for COVID-19 survivors living in Dhaka, Bangladesh: A repeated Follow-Up after 18 months of their recovery.

The study aimed to explore the key determinants that impact the quality of life (QoL) transformation of those who have recuperated from COVID-19 in the Dhaka metropolis, particularly 18 months post-recovery. RT-PCR confirmed that 1,587 COVID-19 patients from Dhaka were included in the study. The baseline was June - November 2020, subsequently recovered and interviewed 18 months after their initial recovery. The follow-up included 1587 individuals using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. After excluding 18 deaths, 53 refusals, 294 inaccessible participants, and 05 incomplete data entries, we analysed the data of the 1217 respondents. The average physical domain score decreased significantly from baseline to follow-up, whereas a significant increase in average scores has been observed in other domains at the follow-up (p<0.05). GEE equation shows after adjusting for other factors, older age, female gender, higher education, higher family income, hospital admission during COVID-19, and the number of comorbidities were significantly associated with changing individuals' QoL scores. Monthly family income >60000 BDT, being married and having no previous vaccination history are significant in reducing people's QoL scores in the psychological domain. On the other hand, age, employment status, monthly family income, marital status, smoking history, and COVID-19 reinfection were significantly associated with altering an individual's QoL scores in the social domain. The overall QoL of COVID-19 recovered people improved in all domains after 18 months, except the physical realm. Participants' age, employment status, family income, marital status, smoking history, comorbidities, COVID-19 vaccination, and COVID-19 reinfection were responsible for altering people's QoL index.

Cutaneous Neurofibromas and Quality of Life in Adults With Neurofibromatosis Type 1

There is a burgeoning interest in therapeutic development for cutaneous neurofibromas (cNFs), a major cause of morbidity in persons with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). To determine meaningful clinical trial outcomes, deeper understanding is needed regarding how cNFs are associated with quality of life (QoL). However, this understanding has been hampered by challenges in recruiting participants with this rare genetic disease. To develop a large, crowdsourced validated registry of persons with NF1 and determine the association of specific cNF features with QoL, pain, and itch. From May 2021 to December 2023, a decentralized platform was developed and recruited persons 40 years or older with NF1 and at least 1 cNF from 49 states and 12 countries, who provided clinical survey data, detailed photographs, and genetic sequencing data. Photographs from 583 participants were scored on 12 features of cNFs, including general severity, number, size, facial severity, color, and subtypes. cNF features derived from participant-supplied photographs. Total Skindex scores and subdomain scores (symptoms, emotion, function, pain, and itch). Of 583 participants, 384 (65.9%) were female, and the mean (range) age was 51.7 (40.0-83.0) years. Female sex, general severity, number, size, and facial severity of cNFs were negatively associated with QoL, as demonstrated by increased total Skindex scores. QoL had the largest association with the number of cNFs and presence of facial cNFs. Increasing number of cNFs was associated with worse QoL, and even individuals with a low cNF burden (<10 total cNFs) experienced a decrease in QoL. The results of this study suggest that reducing cNF number, particularly on the face, may be associated with improved QoL in individuals with NF1. In addition, early intervention before the development of numerous tumors may lead to the highest benefit in QoL. These data potentially provide insight into which individuals and cNF tumors may benefit most from therapy and highlights the utility of a completely decentralized, photograph-validated and age-controlled study for rare genetic disease. This cohort will allow analysis of disease and tumor heterogeneity after full phenotypic expression is achieved in NF1 and potentially serves as an example in its design for other rare diseases that struggle from poor recruitment.

Quality of life in individuals with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus undergoing hemodialysis

Quality of life in individuals with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus undergoing hemodialysis

Unmodulated 40 Hz Stimulation as a Therapeutic Strategy for Aging: Improvements in Metabolism, Frailty, and Cognitive Function in Senescence-Accelerated Prone 10 Mice.

With aging populations in many countries, including Japan, efforts to mitigate the aging-related decline in physical function have gained importance not only for improving individual quality of life but also for mitigating the effects of this loss of function on society. Impaired glucose tolerance, muscle weakness, and cognitive decline are well-known effects of aging. These interrelated factors can create a vicious cycle because impaired glucose tolerance can accelerate muscle weakness and cognitive decline. Unmodulated 40 Hz (u40Hz) stimulation is imperceptible to the human ear and has been reported to improve cognitive function in humans and mice. However, research on the effects of u40Hz stimulation is still limited. This study aimed to report the effects of u40Hz stimulation on glucose tolerance and muscle strength in senescence-accelerated prone (SAMP)-10 mice, a model of accelerated aging. SAMP-10 mice underwent five weeks of u40Hz stimulation followed by glucose-tolerance tests, cognitive and behavioral assessments, and frailty evaluations. In comparison with the control group, the u40Hz-stimulation group showed mitigation of age-related decline in glucose tolerance, a better frailty index (FI), and notably preserved muscle strength. Microarray analysis of stimulated muscle tissue revealed significant upregulation of β-oxidation genes and genes functioning downstream of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, and significant downregulation of clock genes. These findings indicate the beneficial effects of u40Hz stimulation on glucose tolerance, muscle strength, and cognitive function, warranting further research in this area.

Impact of Spa Therapy on Symptoms and Quality of Life in Post-COVID-19 Patients with Chronic Conditions.

Background: With limited pharmacological interventions, post-COVID-19 condition is a clinical challenge, and supplementary therapies are essential for symptom relief and enhancing quality of life (QoL). In our prospective observational study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of Salus per aquam (Spa) therapy on post-COVID-19 symptoms and QoL in individuals who suffer from chronic joint, musculoskeletal, skin, and/or respiratory conditions. Methods: A total of 159 individuals undergoing Spa therapy were enrolled, and 78 of them had post-COVID-19 symptoms, assessed using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and modified British Medical Research Council Questionnaire (mMRC-DS scales), as well as the Short Form 36 Health Status Survey (SF-36) questionnaire for QoL. Results: Spa therapy significantly reduced most post-COVID-19 symptoms, especially chronic fatigue, pain, brain fog, and persistent cough (all p < 0.05), as well as physical (+72%) and emotional (+66%) limitations. When stratified by sex, males showed a greater improvement from baseline, while females consistently displayed a higher amelioration in all QoL dimensions. Moreover, full vaccination with 3-4 doses significantly protected against SARS-CoV-2 re-infections and post-COVID-19 development (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Spa therapy demonstrated effectiveness in mitigating post-COVID-19 symptoms and enhancing QoL in patients suffering from chronic diseases.

Health-related quality of life of people with type 1 diabetes: An IMI2 SOPHIA post hoc analysis of FUTURE and ADJUNCT-ONE.

To characterize and stratify health-related quality of life in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using body mass index (BMI) and clustering analysis. Baseline data on individuals with T1D were pooled from two studies. A post hoc analysis of health-related quality of life, measured using the 36-item Short-Form questionnaire, was performed, referenced to the 2010 US general population. Descriptive statistics were presented for the pooled cohort and per BMI category. K-means clustering was performed. One-way analysis of variance was conducted to examine differences in clinical characteristics between clusters. The pooled cohort consisted of 2256 individuals with T1D (age: 45.4 ± 15.0 years, BMI: 26.2 ± 4.6 kg/m2, diabetes duration: 22.7 ± 13.5 years). All quality-of-life domains were slightly lower than 50(the general population's mean), except for vitality. Individuals with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2 reported lower scores for bodily pain, physical functioning, general health, and vitality. A first cluster with a high and a second cluster with a low quality of life were identified, with significant differences in the mental (Cluster 1: 53.8 ± 6.8 vs. Cluster 2: 39.5 ± 10.7; p < 0.001) and physical component summary scores (Cluster 1: 49.6 ± 6.3 vs. Cluster 2: 35.2 ± 12.0; p < 0.001), which exceeded differences found between BMI categories. In our population of people living with T1D, higher BMI may have adversely impacted physical domains of quality of life, but larger differences between the high- and low-quality-of-life cluster indicate that more factors play a role.

PECULIARITIES OF BODY IMAGE INFLUENCE ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN INDIVIDUALS WITH HIGH AND LOW LEVELS OF PHYSICAL

The article discusses the peculiarities of the influence of body image on the quality of life in individuals with high and low levels of physical perfectionism. The analysis of scientific literature shows that today, satisfaction with one’s appearance and a healthy body image are among the key aspects of the psychological and physical health of a modern person. In our study, we define the concept of “body image” as a person’s perception of his or her body, not only in terms of appearance and the degree of its attractiveness. It is also a set of ideas about one’s physical abilities, health, body endurance, etc. By the term “physical perfectionism” we mean a system of personal beliefs and attitudes related to a person’s appearance: increased concern and dissatisfaction with one’s appearance, the desire to meet high body standards, to achieve the best results in the struggle for an ideal figure, as well as a painful attitude to any critical remarks about one’s appearance. To test the theoretical construct of those psychological features that determine the specifics of the impact of body image on the quality of life in individuals with high and low levels of physical perfectionism, we used diagnostic tools, namely: Physical perfectionism scale (A. B. Kholmogorova, A. O. Dadeko, adaptation on the Ukrainian sample by M. I. Babchuk); The Situational Body Image Dissatisfaction Inventory (SIBID) (T. Cash); Body Image Influence on Quality of Life (BIQLI) (T. Cash). The next step was a differential psychological analysis of the results obtained, which consisted of: first, grouping the subjects by qualitative and quantitative combination of indicators of physical perfectionism, and second, studying the personality traits inherent in the representatives of the selected groups. Subsequently, on the basis of the constructed profiles, the psychological characteristics of individuals from the selected groups with high and low levels of physical perfectionism were compiled and described.

Impact of VR-Based Cognitive Training on Working Memory and Inhibitory Control in IDD Young Adults.

Young people with intellectual developmental disabilities have a persistent delay in the development of executive functions. Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly being used as a cognitive intervention tool, with significant effectiveness demonstrated in different types of populations. This pilot study aims to investigate the impact of a cognitive training program utilizing VR on young adults diagnosed with intellectual developmental disabilities (IDDs). The participants (N = 15) served as their own control group and were assessed three times: weeks 0, 8, and 16, with a rest period (0-8 weeks) and an intervention period (8-16 weeks). The assessments included measures of cognitive function provided by E-Prime® (Version 3). Overall, an improvement in working memory and inhibitory control was found after the intervention, but not in sustained attention. These findings suggest that VR-based cognitive training holds promise as an effective intervention for enhancing cognitive abilities in young adults with intellectual developmental disabilities. This study provides a foundation for future investigations into VR's role in cognitive rehabilitation and its potential to support daily living skills and overall quality of life for individuals with IDDs. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects and broader applicability of VR interventions.

Physical therapy for the management of global function, fatigue and quality of life in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: systematic review and meta-analyses.

To critically evaluate the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions in improving global function, quality of life and fatigue in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Systematic review and meta-analyses. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) were searched through 31 January 2023. We included randomised clinical trials (RCTs) that compared physical therapy interventions that act on global function, fatigue and quality of life in individuals with ALS with any other non-physiotherapeutic methods and techniques, placebo or non-intervention. The primary outcome measure was the evaluation of global function. Secondary outcomes were quality of life, fatigue and adverse events. Two independent authors used a researcher-developed extraction form and the Rayyan software to search, screen and code included studies. The risk of bias was assessed using the PEDro scale. Meta-analyses were conducted employing random effects. Outcomes were succinctly presented in Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation evidence profiles. Our searches identified 39 415 references. After study selection, three studies were included in the review. Such studies involved 62 participants with a mean age of 54.6 years. In the evaluated trials, 40 were male, while 22 participants were female. Regarding the type of onset of the disease, 58 participants had spinal onset of ALS, and four had bulbar. Physical therapy intervention may improve the global function of individuals with ALS in the short term; however, clinically, it was inconclusive. In terms of quality of life and fatigue, physical therapy intervention is not more effective than control in the short term. Adverse events are not increased by physical therapy intervention in the short term. Due to significant methodological flaws, small sample sizes, wide CIs and clinical interpretation, our confidence in the effect estimate is limited. CRD42021251350.

MAFT-SO: A novel multi-atlas fusion template based on spatial overlap for ASD diagnosis

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurological condition. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for enhancing the life quality of individuals with ASD. However, most existing studies either focus solely on the brain networks of subjects within a single atlas or merely employ simple matrix concatenation to represent the fusion of multi-atlas. These approaches neglected the natural spatial overlap that exists between brain regions across multi-atlas and did not fully capture the comprehensive information of brain regions under different atlases. To tackle this weakness, in this paper, we propose a novel multi-atlas fusion template based on spatial overlap degree of brain regions, which aims to obtain a comprehensive representation of brain networks. Specifically, we formally define a measurement of the spatial overlap among brain regions across different atlases, named spatial overlap degree. Then, we fuse the multi-atlas to obtain brain networks of each subject based on spatial overlap. Finally, the GCN is used to perform the final classification. The experimental results on Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE) demonstrate that our proposed method achieved an accuracy of 0.757. Overall, our method outperforms SOTA methods in ASD/TC classification.

Botulinum toxin treatment for hemifacial spasm: harmonising neurological and aesthetic outcomes.

Hemifacial spasm (HFS) represents a challenging cranial movement disorder primarily affecting the facial nerve innervated muscles, with significant prevalence among Asians. Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT/A) injections, established as a primary therapeutic intervention since FDA approval, offer considerable effectiveness in alleviating spasms, albeit accompanied by challenges such as temporary effects and potential adverse events including facial asymmetry. This comprehensive review underscores the crucial need for harmonising neurological benefits and aesthetic outcomes in HFS management. The discussion delves into the interplay between facial aesthetics and neurological objectives in BoNT/A injections, emphasising precise techniques, dosages, and site considerations. Distinct aspects in neurological and aesthetic domains are also examined, including detailing the targeted muscles and injection methodologies for optimal therapeutic and aesthetic results. Importantly, evidence regarding various BoNT/A formulations, recommendations, and reconstitution guidelines in both neurology and aesthetics contexts are provided, along with a schematic approach outlining the stepwise process for BoNT/A injection in HFS treatment, addressing critical areas such as orbicularis oculi muscle sites, eyebrow correction strategies, mid- and lower-face considerations, contralateral injection sites, and post-injection follow-up and complication management. By highlighting the culmination of neurological efficacy and facial esthetics in BoNT/A treatment for HFS patients, this review proposes a holistic paradigm to achieve balanced symptomatic relief and natural aesthetic expression, ultimately enhancing quality of life for individuals grappling with HFS.

Redefining Management in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: The Role and Challenges of Exercise Rehabilitation.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a common genetic heart condition, is characterized by thickening of the left ventricle, which can result in a range of health issues, such as arrhythmias, heart failure, and sudden death. Despite traditional cautions against exercise in HCM patients due to potential exacerbation of symptoms and risk of sudden death, recent evidence suggests a paradigm shift toward the benefits of structured exercise rehabilitation. The pathogenesis of HCM, the physical and psychological effects of the illness on patients, and changing views on exercise as a therapeutic intervention are all covered in this review. Recent research shows that modest physical activity can considerably enhance functional ability, psychological health, and overall quality of life in individuals with heart failure without increasing the risk of unfavorable cardiac events, challenging earlier recommendations. Moreover, exercise rehabilitation has been shown to induce favorable myocardial remodeling and enhance cardiovascular fitness, suggesting a revaluation of exercise prescriptions tailored to individual patient profiles. Despite the promising role of exercise in managing HCM, this review also acknowledges the complexities of implementing rehabilitation programs, including the need for comprehensive patient assessment, personalized exercise regimens, and monitoring for potential complications. Future research should focus on optimizing exercise recommendations, understanding long-term outcomes, and integrating exercise rehabilitation into standard care protocols for HCM to foster a more holistic approach to patient management. Underscoring the necessity of a multidisciplinary strategy that balances the benefits of physical activity with the unique risks associated with HCM with the aim of improving patient outcomes through evidence-based, patient-centered care.

EEG-Based Seizure Prediction Using Hybrid DenseNet-ViT Network with Attention Fusion.

Epilepsy seizure prediction is vital for enhancing the quality of life for individuals with epilepsy. In this study, we introduce a novel hybrid deep learning architecture, merging DenseNet and Vision Transformer (ViT) with an attention fusion layer for seizure prediction. DenseNet captures hierarchical features and ensures efficient parameter usage, while ViT offers self-attention mechanisms and global feature representation. The attention fusion layer effectively amalgamates features from both networks, guaranteeing the most relevant information is harnessed for seizure prediction. The raw EEG signals were preprocessed using the short-time Fourier transform (STFT) to implement time-frequency analysis and convert EEG signals into time-frequency matrices. Then, they were fed into the proposed hybrid DenseNet-ViT network model to achieve end-to-end seizure prediction. The CHB-MIT dataset, including data from 24 patients, was used for evaluation and the leave-one-out cross-validation method was utilized to evaluate the performance of the proposed model. Our results demonstrate superior performance in seizure prediction, exhibiting high accuracy and low redundancy, which suggests that combining DenseNet, ViT, and the attention mechanism can significantly enhance prediction capabilities and facilitate more precise therapeutic interventions.

Echoes of dysfunction: a thematic exploration of toxic leadership in higher education

PurposeNumerous studies have examined effective or positive leadership styles and their effects on employees and organizational outcomes. In recent years, toxic leadership has drawn the attention of several organizations, and toxic managers undoubtedly harm an organization’s social, economic and individual quality of life. This study aims to examine academicians’ perceptions of toxic leadership behavior exhibited by their immediate leaders in the higher education sector.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative interpretive phenomenological research design was used, and data was analyzed using Clarke & Braun’s thematic analysis method. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews with 26 teachers from the technical education sector within higher education who had five years or more of experience in the higher education sector.FindingsFive themes emerged from the teacher's narratives based on the research questions that were framed with the help of expert opinions and a thorough literature review (“frequency of occurrences,” “outward behavior,” “repercussions,” “coping strategies” and “support mechanisms”). Using the NVIVO 14.0 software, auto-coded themes were generated and corroborated with the findings. The triangulation of outcomes reveals toxic behaviors exhibited by the leaders in universities and colleges, which conforms with the toxic leadership literature.Originality/valueThis study advances the understanding of the harmful or toxic side of leadership, specifically in the higher education sector. This work advances earlier studies in the field by examining teachers’ perceptions of toxic leadership behavior exhibited by their leaders in the higher education sector. The study continues by highlighting areas of toxic leadership research that are yet to be explored in academic literature and are still to be studied.

Primary cardiac synovial sarcoma originating from the atrial septum and associated pulmonary infarction: a case report

BackgroundPrimary cardiac synovial sarcoma is a rare condition with limited treatment options for advanced stages. Surgery and chemotherapy are currently the mainstay treatments; however, survival rates remain low.Case presentationA 64-year-old woman presenting with symptoms of chest tightness and shortness of breath was found to have an obstructive right atrial mass, along with pulmonary infarction and metastasis. She was ultimately diagnosed with advanced primary cardiac synovial sarcoma. Following surgery, the patient’s symptoms improved, and she underwent chemotherapy and anti-angiogenic therapy, but unfortunately, her survival time was only 8 months. Conclusion This case report aims to enhance clinicians' understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of primary cardiac synovial sarcoma. Enhancing both survival outcomes and quality of life in individuals with primary cardiac synovial sarcoma continues to present a significant challenge.