Live Performance Research Articles

Protocol for a pilot study: Feasibility of a web-based platform to improve nutrition, mindfulness, and physical function in people living with Post COVID-19 condition (BLEND)

Individuals with Post COVID-19 condition (PCC), or long COVID, experience symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders that persist after recovery from COVID-19. These ongoing symptoms significantly compromise quality of life and diminish functional capacity and independence. Multimodal digital interventions targeting behavioural factors such as nutrition and mindfulness have shown promise in improving health outcomes of people with chronic health conditions and may be beneficial for those with PCC. The BLEND study (weB-based pLatform to improve nutrition, mindfulnEss, and physical function, in patients with loNg COVID) study is an 8-week pilot randomized controlled trial evaluating the feasibility of a digital wellness platform compared to usual care among individuals with PCC. The web-based wellness platform employed in this study, My Viva Plan (MVP)®, integrates a holistic, multicomponent approach to promote wellness. The intervention group receives access to the digital health platform for 8 weeks with encouragement for frequent interactions to improve dietary intake and mindfulness. The control group receives general content focusing on improvements in dietary intake and mindfulness. Assessments are conducted at baseline and week 8. The primary outcome is the feasibility of platform use. Secondary and exploratory outcomes include a between-group comparison of changes in body composition, nutritional status, quality of life, mindfulness, physical activity, and physical performance after 8 weeks. Findings of this study will inform the development of effective web-based wellness programs tailored for individuals with PCC to promote sustainable behavioural changes and improved health outcomes.

Multimodal corneal imaging before refractive cataract surgery.

To prospectively review the advances in diagnostics for refractive cataract surgery, focusing on multimodal corneal analysis. The article explores the considerations related to planning refractive cataract surgery, emphasizing its potential to enhance patients' vision performance and quality of life. This review explores preoperative analysis in cataract surgery, focusing on assessing the cornea and ocular surface using multimodal diagnostics, including Placido disk-based corneal topography, Scheimpflug tomography OCT (optical coherence tomography), and biomechanical assessment. Wavefront technology, gene therapy, and artificial intelligence are also relevant in enhancing surgical precision and outcomes. It highlights the importance of preoperative thorough evaluations and technological advancements in ophthalmology. The rapid evolution and advancement of technology enable excellent refractive outcomes in most cases following cataract surgery. Consideration of appropriate preoperative factors is essential for achieving the desired postoperative outcome.

Effect of hip abductors training on pelvic drop and knee valgus in runners with medial tibial stress syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundMedial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) is a prevalent running-related injury that could impact athletic performance and quality of life. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of functional hip abductor strength training on reducing contralateral pelvic drop angle (hip frontal plane projection angle), and dynamic knee valgus (knee frontal plane projection angle) in runners with medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS).MethodsForty male and female recreational runners were diagnosed with MTSS for at least one month. The age ranged from 25 to 35 years old, and the body mass index (BMI) ranged between (18.5 and 25 kg/m2) participated in this study. This was a single-blind, randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomized into two groups: a control group (Group A, n = 20) received a selected physical therapy exercise program, and an experimental group (Group B, n = 20) received the same program plus functional hip abductor strength training. Dynamic knee valgus (frontal plane projection angle) and contralateral pelvic drop angle were measured using 2D video and analyzed by Kinovea software at baseline and after 8 weeks. Mixed-effect multifactor analysis of variance (MANOVA) was conducted to compare within and between groups effects on FPPA and pelvic drop angle.ResultsAfter 8 weeks, Group B exhibited a significantly decreased frontal plane projection and pelvic drop angles compared to Group A (p < 0.05). Group A also demonstrated a reduced pelvic drop angle, but to a lesser extent, and their frontal plane projection angle increased.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that 8 weeks of functional hip abductor strength training, combined with traditional physical therapy, effectively improves lower extremity kinematics in runners with MTSS by reducing dynamic knee valgus and contralateral pelvic drop. This targeted approach likely addresses underlying muscle weakness and movement dysfunction, offering hope for potentially reducing MTSS recurrence.Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov. NO: NCT05637476. Date: December 1, 2022.

Mental Health Arts Festival as a tool for mental health promotion

Abstract Background of the problem 1 in 4 people experience mental health problems each year, and that number is only growing. Stigma and discrimination of mental health are widespread and affect the quality of life at the individual and societal level. The WHO identifies mental health arts festivals as an effective way to reduce stigma and improve mental health. Description of the problem We are not comfortable talking about mental health difficulties and the care we need. Consequently, individuals often withhold personal experiences to shield themselves from potential bias and harsh judgement. Methodology The Mental Health Arts Festival (MHAF) Bonds https://www.rysiaifest.lt/, https://www.facebook.com/Rysiaifest) seeks to contribute to the human rights based mental health knowledge creation across the partner organisations, involved communities and audiences, as well as contribute to local creation of artworks on the topic of mental health in open, accessible, safe space where every voice matters. The biannual MHAF brings together recognised artists, arts institutions, scientists, policy makers and communities of people with mental health issues (over 80 events, attracting about 4,500 spectators) for group exhibition, films, contemporary dance and live performances, literary readings, open microphones, followed by discussions and workshops. Qualitative study methodology is applied to assess the potential impacts of the MHAF. Lessons • Visual identity that seeks to challenge existing stigmatising views. • The festival has become the production or premier place of new artworks on the topics of mental health, spanning addiction, war-related trauma, transgenerational trauma, neurodiversity. Key messages • Mental health arts festivals promote mental health literacy and reduce negative attitudes towards health-seeking behaviour. • Art festivals should be an integral part of national programs to address stigma and promote mental health and well-being.

Aqueous Supercapacitor with Wide-Temperature Operability and over 100,000 Cycles Enabled by Water-in-Salt Electrolyte.

Supercapacitors are crucial in renewable energy integration, satellite power systems, and rapid power delivery applications for mitigating voltage fluctuations and storing excess energy. Aqueous electrolytes offer a promising solution for low-cost and safe supercapacitors. However, they still face limitations in cycle life and wide-temperature range performance. Here, we present a symmetric supercapacitor utilizing activated carbon electrodes and a "water-in-salt" electrolyte (WiSE) based on lithium perchlorate. The WiSE electrolyte exhibits an expanded electrochemical stability window, endowing the aqueous supercapacitor with remarkable stability and long cycle life of over 100,000 cycles at 500 mA g-1 with more than 91% capacity retention. Moreover, the supercapacitor demonstrates good rate capability and wide temperature operability ranging from -20 to 80 °C. The use of high concentrations of salt in the aqueous electrolyte contributes not only to the enhancement of supercapacitor performance and cycle life but also to the temperature stability range, enabling all-season operability.

Predicting the long-term course: Shunt surgery results in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus-a comprehensive study.

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus is a neurological disorder primarily affecting the elderly. Shunt surgery is the gold standard treatment, yet long-term outcome remains poorly investigated, especially concerning neuropsychological performance, motor skills and quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of shunting in iNPH patients up to three years post-surgery. A cohort of 30 patients with iNPH who underwent shunt placement between January 2020 and February 2021 was followed up for three years. A standardized test battery assessed neuropsychological performance, quality of life, and motor skills. The patients were tested before and one, two and three years after surgery. Motor skills, particularly lower body function, significantly improved post-surgery and remained improved even after three years. Upper body motor skills exhibited mixed results, with improvement in manual dexterity but not in finger tapping tests. Neuropsychological assessments revealed sustained improvement in certain aspects up to three years post-surgery, while a various degree of deterioration was observed in others. Quality of life, as measured by the Rankin Scale as well as Stein and Langfitt Grading, showed initial improvement post-surgery but declined over time. iNPH patients demonstrate sustained improvements in motor skills, neuropsychological function and quality of life after shunt surgery. In long-term, motor skill and certain neuropsychological aspects remained improved, quality of life and some other neurocognitive aspects declined progressively over the follow up period.These findings underscore the importance of long-term follow-up and highlight the need for further research to better understand iNPH.

Synergistic Interaction of Strongly Polar Zinc Selenide and Highly Conductive Carbon Nanoframeworks Accelerates Redox Kinetics of Polysulfides.

Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) have become strong competitors in secondary battery systems because of their superior theoretical capacity and energy density. However, due to the serious shuttle effect of soluble long-chain lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and the slow solid-solid reaction kinetics, LSBs face some specific challenges, such as a short cycle life and low rate performance. The introduction of selenide/carbon composites derived from zeolite imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) into separator coatings is a direct and effective solution to the aforementioned problems. Here, a zinc selenide/carbon catalyst material (ZnSe@C) was constructed and employed to modify commercial polypropylene (PP) separators to accelerate the conversion of intermediates. The highly polar ZnSe effectively fixes the active material on the cathode side by transferring electrons between elements with LiPSs and improves the utilization rate of sulfur. Concurrently, the highly conductive carbon nanoskeleton generated following the pyrolysis of ZIF-8 ensures the rapid transfer of charges during the catalytic reaction. The prepared ZnSe@C has a large specific surface area (250.07 m2 g-1) and mesoporous ratio (78.03%), which not only enhances adsorption and catalysis but also promotes the penetration of the electrolyte and the transport of Li+. Based on this, ZnSe@C/PP separator cells exhibit a low average capacity decay rate of 0.051% per cycle after 500 cycles at 1 C.

Effects of Dietary Protein Levels, Net Energy Levels, and Essential Amino Acid-to-True Protein Ratios on Broiler Performance

Supplementing essential amino acids (EAAs) without considering non-EAA (NEAA) and energy contents in reduced-crude protein (CP) diets may alter EAA-to-true protein (E:T) and energy-to-protein ratios, potentially compromising growth. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of CP, E:T, and net energy (NE) on broiler performance. The treatments were as follows: T1—reduced CP (16%, RP), low NE (9.9 MJ/kg, LNE), low E:T (0.56, LE:T); T2—RP, LNE, high E:T (0.60, HE:T), with imbalanced EAA (excess Met and deficient Thr); T3—RP, high NE (10.4 MJ/kg, HNE), LE:T; T4—RP, HNE, HE:T; T5—normal CP (18%, NP), LNE, LE:T; T6—NP, LNE, HE:T; T7—NP, HNE, LE:T; and T8—NP, HNE, HE:T. The study employed as-hatched Cobb 500 broilers in two experiments. Exp.1 studied the broiler performance from d19 to 35, with eight replicates per treatment and 16 birds per replicate (n = 1024). Birds were randomly assigned to different treatments, and at the end of their lives, all were dissected to determine their sex and account for any gender-related effects. Exp.2 measured NE values in respiration chambers from d25 to 28, with six replicates per treatment, and two birds (a male and a female) per replicate (n = 96). The bird gender was determined through high-resolution melting curve analysis of feather DNA. The measured NE values were used to calculate NE intake (NEi) in Exp.1. The results showed that T4 improved (p &lt; 0.001) weight gain (WG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and NEi relative to T1, T2, and T3, and protein efficiency (WG/CP intake) relative to all treatments. The live performance (feed intake, WG, FCR) and NEi of birds fed T4 reached a level equal to those of birds fed NP diets (T5 to T8). These results suggest that a dietary E:T ratio of 0.60 is necessary to maximize nutrient utilization and to restore growth rate in broilers fed RP diets.

Hapstick-Figure: Investigating the Design of a Haptic Representation of Human Gestures from Theater Performances for Blind and Visually-Impaired People

Theaters serve as platforms that transport audiences into diverse worlds, offering a collective enjoyment of live performances and a shared cultural experience. However, theater performances have strong visual components, such as physical props and actors’ movements and gestures, which are inaccessible to visually impaired and blind audience members and thus can exclude them from such shared social experiences. We conducted formative interviews with eight blind and visually impaired people about their experiences with barriers to theater performance gestures. We then present Hapstick-Figure, a prototype design to represent and communicate human gestures via a 3D-printed tactile surface. Next, we used Hapstick-Figure as a technology probe in a qualitative evaluation with six of our BVI participants to explore non-visual interpretation and engagement with this prototype. We outline insights into the haptic representation of theater performance gestures and reflections on designing for accessibility in this context.

Cognitive performance, mental health, and quality of life in β-thalassemia individuals: a comprehensive analysis

IntroductionBeta-thalassemia is a prevalent autosomal recessive haemolytic disorder, particularly in the Middle East. Patients with beta-thalassemia major (βTM) require iron chelation therapy and regular blood transfusions, while those with beta-thalassemia intermedia (βTI) exhibit milder symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate cognitive function, behavioural problems, quality of life, and related aspects in individuals with βTM and βTI.MethodsThe cross-sectional study included 20 βTM participants, 20 βTI participants, and 19 healthy controls. Participants underwent psychiatric interviews, the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-III), Symptom Checklist-90 Revised (SCL-90R), and Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Clinical data and laboratory investigations were also collected.ResultsβTM participants exhibited lower vocabulary and picture completion scores on the WAIS-III compared to other groups. βTI participants had significantly higher scores on SCL-90R subscales for somatization, depression, anxiety, paranoid ideation, and psychoticism. Both patient groups reported poorer quality of life across all SF-36 domains compared with controls. Longer disease duration correlated with lower levels of somatization, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, and paranoid ideation. Less frequent blood transfusions were associated with better physical and mental health summary scores but also higher somatization. Elevated serum iron levels corresponded with increased anxiety, hostility, and psychoticism symptoms, while higher serum ferritin related to more obsessive–compulsive behaviours but less somatization and psychoticism.ConclusionsIndividuals with thalassemia exhibit cognitive deficits, psychological disturbances, and diminished quality of life, with distinct patterns depending on disease severity. Regular monitoring and appropriate interventions are crucial for optimizing their overall well-being and functioning.

Expert System For Diagnosis of Mental Health Disorders in Students Using Case-Based Reasoning Method With a Web-Based Positive Psychology Approach

Mental health issues among students have become a significant concern affecting their quality of life and academic performance. An effective expert system is needed to diagnose and provide appropriate interventions. This research develops a web-based expert system that utilizes the Case-Based Reasoning (CBR) method combined with a positive psychology approach to diagnose mental health disorders in students. The CBR method identifies similarities between new and previous cases, while the positive psychology approach focuses on individual strengths and potential for growth. The system integrates a database of student mental health cases and CBR algorithms to produce relevant diagnoses. This study investigates four types of mental health disorders: panic, anxiety, stress, and depression. The method used for data analysis is Case-Based Reasoning. The diagnosis results are based on calculations from symptom choices within the system, where each symptom has a weight. The highest similarity calculation obtained from past cases is used as a solution to address the problem. System testing, based on expert knowledge with 15 test data samples categorized by mental health disorders and 38 symptoms, achieved an accuracy rate of 85%.

Review of An Evening of Film at Siobhan Davies Studios, London 19/10/2023

A review of three films by Siobhan Davies, All This Can Happen (2012), The Running Tongue (2015) and Transparent (2022), and discussion of her shift from live performance to working with the still image and film. Davies’s work is described as a kind of archaeological practice with long-form choreographic projects which are underpinned by a ‘poetics of responsibility’. Offering a reservoir of images and relations and allowing for innumerable different viewing experiences, they invite audiences to see for themselves and to grasp what embodied liveness is within each instant.

Effects of automatic auditory scene classification on speech perception in noise and real-world functional communication in children using cochlear implants

Objectives To investigate the effects of automatic scene classification (SCAN) on speech perception in noise and real-world functional performance in children using cochlear implants (CIs). Methods We used a within-subjects repeated measures design in two studies. The first study assessed speech perception in noise with or without SCAN enabled in 25 school-aged children. The second study evaluated functional auditory performance in real life. Parents of 18 children provided ratings using the Parents’ Evaluation of Aural/oral Performance of Children (PEACH) questionnaire; and children provided ratings using the Self Evaluation of Listening Function (SELF) questionnaire. Analyses of variance with repeated measures were used to examine the effect of SCAN. Results On average, speech perception in noise was significantly better with SCAN enabled (mean SRT: −4.1 dB; SD: 4.0), compared to SCAN disabled (mean SRT: 0.5 dB; SD: 3.5). Children’s functional performance in real life was similar between the two device settings. Conclusion Automatic auditory scene classification provides significant benefits for speech perception in noise (4.6 dB improvement). On average, there were no perceived detrimental or beneficial effects in real life. These findings support the use of SCAN in CIs for young children.

State-of-the-Art on the Impact of Bimodal Acoustic Stimulation on Speech Perception in Noise in Adults: A Systematic Review.

Bimodal stimulation (BS), which combines the use of a cochlear implant (CI) in one ear and a hearing aid (HA) in the opposite ear, is an established strategy to treat hearing loss by exploiting the unique capabilities of each device. CIs stimulate the auditory nerve by bypassing damaged hair cells, while HAs amplify sounds by requiring a functional hearing residual. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of BS such as speech perception in noise. We examined clinical studies published from October 2020 to July 2024, following the PRISMA guidelines, focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of BS on speech perception in noise in adulthood. BS in adult patients significantly improves speech perception in quiet and noisy environments, especially for those with increased residual hearing. Unilateral CIs and BS perform similarly in quiet conditions, but BS significantly improves speech discrimination in noisy environments if loudness between the two devices is appropriately balanced. Directional microphones and programming software are new technologies that succeed in reducing environmental noise and improving verbal perception outcomes, although their features in the literature are controversial. In addition, the individuals using BS may face temporal mismatches mainly due to differing device latencies, affecting sound localization. Compensating for these mismatches can enhance localization accuracy. However, modulated noise remains a significant obstacle to verbal perception in noise. Valuable assessment tools such as music tests provide further information on hearing performance and quality of life. More research is needed to define certain selection criteria.

The Impact of Consumption Habits on the Development of Cultural Industries: Based on Live Performances

With the rapid rise of cultural and creative industries worldwide, research on these sectors has become increasingly important. Existing studies have predominantly focused on the impact of emerging technologies on the development of creative industries or the influence of these industries on consumers and other sectors. However, there is a notable research gap concerning the impact of consumer behavior on industry development, particularly regarding the mechanisms by which market consumption habits influence this process. This paper addresses this gap by examining the live performance industry to explore the formation and characteristics of cultural consumption habits and their effects on the development of the cultural industry. Utilizing literature review and qualitative analysis methods, this study finds that cultural consumption habits are crucial drivers of the development of cultural industries, particularly the live performance sector. These habits not only enhance the market’s resilience to risk but also support industry innovation. The cultivation and enhancement of consumption habits play an irreplaceable role in the long-term, healthy development of the cultural industry. Additionally, this paper proposes two strategic directions for strengthening these consumption habits, offering valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners in the cultural sector.

Chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment and its long-term development in patients with breast cancer: results from the observational CICARO study.

Chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (CICI) is a well-recognized side effect of breast cancer treatment. However, prospective long-term evaluations of CICI using standardized neuropsychological tests are scarce. This prospective longitudinal cohort study investigated cognitive dysfunction and its impact on quality of life and everyday functioning in patients with breast cancer receiving first-line chemotherapy compared to patients with breast cancer without chemotherapy. Assessment occurred prior to chemotherapy, postchemotherapy (median 6 months), and 2-3 years later. We used standardized neuropsychological tests, questionnaires, and scales to assess patients' quality of life and functioning. Additionally, serum analysis for neurodegenerative markers and autoantibodies was conducted. We included n = 53 patients. Overall cognitive function declined statistically significantly (P = .046) postchemotherapy compared to control patients, mostly driven by a reduced figural memory (P = .011). Patients who received chemotherapy showed a greater reduction in quality of life (increased fatigue symptoms, P = .023; reduced Karnofsky index, P<.001); however, without a statistically significant effect on cognitive decline. The neurodegenerative markers Neurofilament light chain (NfL) and phosphorylated Neurofilament heavy chain (pNfH) increased statistically significantly (P<.001) postchemotherapy and pNfH correlated with overall cognitive function. After 2-3 years, both cognitive performance and quality of life were comparable between chemotherapy-treated and control patients. Our findings suggest that chemotherapy statistically significantly contributes to overall cognitive dysfunction in patients with breast cancer, which disappears after 2-3 years, indicating a recovery in both objectively measurable cognitive function and subjective quality of life. Future research should examine larger sample sizes and explore screening indicators, particularly pNfH.

Numerical characterizations of the thermomechanical response of power modules with ceramic substrates and lead-free bonds

PurposeThe present paper aims to study the influence of the substrate system on the thermomechanical response of various lead-free die attach materials used in power electronics using nonlinear finite element simulations.Design/methodology/approachParticularly, three ceramic substrate systems, including direct copper bonded (DCB) and aluminum nitride (AlN) – as well as silicon nitride (Si3N4) –based insulated metal substrate (IMS) configurations are examined in this study. Additionally, three die attach systems, namely, silver-tin transient liquid phase (TLP), sintered silver (Ag) and sintered copper (Cu) are included in the analysis. ANSYS software is employed to build the finite element models of the power modules and to conduct the nonlinear thermomechanical investigations.FindingsThe simulation results revealed that the IMS, Si3N4 and DCB-based power modules end up with significantly lower interconnect inelastic strains and inelastic strain energies suggesting better fatigue life performance. Additionally, the bonding layer stresses and expected failure mechanism are not influenced by the substrate configuration rather than the bond material. For instance, the silver-tin TLP joints develop high stresses and hence brittle failures are expected. Nonetheless, the sintered Ag and sintered Cu have significantly lower stresses which could lead to fatigue-induced failures.Originality/valuePower electronics use various ceramic-based substrate systems because of their improved thermal conductivity, electrical insulation and heat resistance properties. The proper selection of the substrate structure could highly enhance the thermal fatigue of the power modules. Markedly, the findings of this research are useful for designing highly reliable and effective power modules continuously subjected to thermomechanical loadings.

Sexual Function and Quality of Life in Iranian Women With Human Papillomavirus Infection.

Considering the prevalence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the lack of HPV vaccination program in Iran among young women and the importance of quality of life and sexual performance in women, we decided to conduct a study to examine the relationship between HPV infection and sexual dysfunction and quality of life in Iranian women. In this cohort study, 250 married women who infected with HPV were recruited via convinence sampling from colposcopy clinic of Arash women hospital (Tehran, Iran) from April 2020 to May 2022.They were evaluated concerning their sexual function in the domains of desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain with the female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaire (the total FSFI score is calculated by the sum of the nineteen items). Sexual quality of life-female (SQOL-F) items (Likert-type scale with a cut-off of 65 points) were organized into four sub-scales: psychosexual feelings, sexual and relationship satisfaction, self-worthlessness, and sexual repression. All patients filled out the female sexual function index (FSFI) and sexual quality of life (SQOL) questionnaires. Variables were analysed via correlation coefficient and linear regression tests. Mean age and mean marriage duration were 38.5±4.5 and 12.2±7.2, respectively. There was a weak correlation between FSFI and SQOL (r=0.15, p=0.001).Time of marriage and genital warts were the predictors on the FSFI and SQOL. The findings suggest that HPV infection can impair sexual function and quality of life. This research contributes valuable insights, especially considering the prevalence of HPV.

Complex therapy of mineral metabolism in service dogs

The high physical and functional load of service dogs causes changes not only in body systems, but also in metabolism as a whole. An integrated approach to the study of this problem and the search for a pharmacotherapeutic solution will allow us to correct biochemical changes in the body of dogs and improve the performance and quality of life of animals. The purpose of the study was to study the therapeutic effectiveness of a complex of metabolic stimulants for the correction of mineral metabolism. For the study, 16 service dogs were selected in the area of application of the general search profile, belonging to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in the Altai Territory. Blood was drawn at the beginning and end of the study to analyze red blood cell counts, hemoglobin, hematocrit, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, iron, magnesium, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, and chloride. According to the results of the study, it was established that a violation of homeostasis in service dogs was accompanied by changes in some indicators of red blood, as well as pathology of mineral metabolism. After a course of pharmacotherapy, an increase in red blood cells (up to 7.9±0.22*×1012 cells/l) and hemoglobin (up to 141.66±7.32 g/l) was observed in dogs. Carbohydrate metabolism in both groups was characterized by hypoglycemia (3.34±0.21–3.43±0.28 mmol/l). By the end of the study, the glucose level in the experimental group significantly increased by 31.4% relative to the animals in the control group. By the end of the study, cholesterol levels in dogs in the experimental group decreased more rapidly compared to the control group. The study of the dynamics of mineral metabolism indicators revealed a significant increase in iron levels in the experimental group of animals (up to 25.3±1.9 µmol/l), which was 22.8% higher than the control value. Changes in other indicators of mineral metabolism did not differ significantly between the groups, although dogs receiving stimulating therapy showed positive dynamics of changes in mineral metabolism indicators. The use of a complex of metabolic stimulants “Suiferrovita”, “Strolitin”, “Amber Acid” stabilized red blood counts and contributed to the development of a tendency towards the restoration of mineral metabolism.

Telehealth Lifestyle Pilot Study for Improving Occupational Performance in Older Adults.

Occupation-centered lifestyle interventions improve health and delay age-related declines in older adults; however, little is known about the impact of a brief telehealth lifestyle program delivered individually. This pilot investigated the Holistic Occupational Performance Empowerment (HOPE) program on occupational performance and health-related quality of life. Twelve community-dwelling older adults completed six weekly lifestyle sessions to enhance behavior change toward individualized health goals. Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) and the Short Form 20-Item Survey (SF-20) were administered preintervention and postintervention to measure program outcomes. Among 36 health-related goals, 69.4% achieved or exceeded the expected level of attainment. A paired samples t-test revealed statistically higher posttest GAS scores compared with pretest scores, indicating significant improvements in occupational performance. SF-20 mental health scores increased postintervention, although not significantly. Preliminary findings suggest that HOPE could positively impact occupational performance in community-dwelling older adults warranting a future large-scale randomized controlled trial.