Test Subjects Research Articles

Noise Reduction in Photoplethysmography Signals Using a Convolutional Denoising Autoencoder With Unconventional Training Scheme.

We propose an efficient approach based on a convolutional denoising autoencoder (CDA) network to reduce motion and noise artifacts (MNA) from corrupted atrial fibrillation (AF) and non-AF photoplethysmography (PPG) data segments so that an accurate PPG-signal-derived heart rate can be obtained. Our method's main innovation is the optimization of the CDA performance for both rhythms using more AF than non-AF data for training the AF-specific CDA model and vice versa for the non-AF CDA network. To evaluate this unconventional training scheme, our proposed network was trained and tested on 25-sec PPG data segments from 48 subjects from two different databases-the Pulsewatch dataset and Stanford University's publicly available PPG dataset. In total, our dataset contains 10,773 data segments: 7,001 segments for training and 3,772 independent segments from out-of-sample subjects for testing. Using real-life corrupted PPG segments, our approach significantly reduced the average heart rate root mean square error (RMSE) of the reconstructed PPG segments by 45.74% and 23% compared to the corrupted non-AF and AF data, respectively. Further, our approach exhibited lower RMSE, and higher sensitivity and PPV for detected peaks compared to the reconstructed data produced by the alternative methods. These results show the promise of our approach as a reliable denoising method, which should be used prior to AF detection algorithms for an accurate cardiac health monitoring involving wearable devices. PPG signals collected from wearables are vulnerable to MNA, which limits their use as a reliable measurement, particularly in uncontrolled real-life environments.

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Malaria Infections, and High Serum Prostate Specific Antigen Levels among Individuals at the Rivers State University, Nigeria: Findings of a Free Medical Outreach

Background: Co-morbidity of infections and non-infectious diseases is increasing in developing societies with little effort in identifying these trends. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, malaria infections, and high serum prostate-specific antigen levels among individuals and residents at Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
 Experimental Design: The study is a cross-sectional descriptive study, which consisted of 501 participants in a free medical outreach organized by the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, Rivers State University Chapter, Rivers State, Nigeria, in commemoration of the 2022 International Biomedical Day. The test subjects consisted of males and females, who were students, staff, and residents at the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The age range of the test subjects was 18-64 years.
 Methods: The cross-sectional descriptive study encompassed 501 adults (males and females) who gave consent for their blood screening during our free medical outreach. As a procedure, venous blood specimens were collected at the antecubital fossa from the attendees by venipuncture technique and were screened forH. Pylori antibody, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, malaria parasite, and prostate-specific antigen with the use of Accu-Tell rapid diagnostic test kits. Each test was read within 10 minutes. Red lines on the test zone and control zones of the test kits were read and recorded as positive cases, while a red line on the control zone and the absence of a red line on the test zone of the test kit were read, and recorded as negative case, in line with the rapid diagnostic manufacturer’s instructions.
 Results: Out of a total of 501 participants, the prevalence of H. pylori, M. tuberculosis, Plasmodium falciparum, and prostate-specific antigen were 9 (1.79 %), 3 (0.6 %), 12 (2.40 %), 6 (4.65 %%) respectively. The sex-based comparison showed that males have the same prevalence for all infectious diseases (H. pylori, M. tuberculosis, and P. falciparum) of 3 (2.32 %), and 6 (4.65 %) for a prostate-specific antigen. For the females, the prevalence of H. pylori, M. tuberculosis and P. falciparum were 6 (2.20 %), 0 (0.00 %), and 9 (2.42 %) respectively.
 Conclusion: M. tuberculosis prevalence was observed to be greater in the males than in the females of the studied population while that of H. pylori was observed to be higher in the females than the male participants. So continuous screening of the public to monitor and prepare them against the insurgence of these diseases which are of public health concern is important.

Transcriptomics Combined with Physiology and Metabolomics Reveals the Mechanism of Tolerance to Lead Toxicity in Maize Seedling.

Lead (Pb) exposure can induce molecular changes in plants, disrupt metabolites, and impact plant growth. Therefore, it is essential to comprehend the molecular mechanisms involved in Pb tolerance in plants to evaluate the long-term environmental consequences of Pb exposure. This research focused on maize as the test subject to study variations in biomass, root traits, genes, and metabolites under hydroponic conditions under Pb conditions. The findings indicate that high Pb stress significantly disrupts plant growth and development, leading to a reduction in catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD) activities by 17.12, 5.78, and 19.38%, respectively. Conversely, Pb stress led to increase malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, ultimately impacting the growth of maize. The non-targeted metabolomics analysis identified 393 metabolites categorized into 12 groups, primarily consisting of organic acids and derivatives, organ heterocyclic compounds, lipids and lipid-like molecules and benzenoids. Further analysis indicated that Pb stress induced an accumulation of 174 metabolites mainly enriched in seven metabolic pathways, for example phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and flavonoid biosynthesis. Transcriptome analysis revealed 1933 shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 1356 upregulated and 577 downregulated genes across all Pb treatments. Additionally, an integrated analysis identified several DEGs and differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs), including peroxidase, alpha-trehalose, and D-glucose 6-phosphate, which were linked to cell wall biosynthesis. These findings imply the significance of this pathway in Pb detoxification. This comprehensive investigation, employing multiple methodologies, provides a detailed molecular-level insight into maize's response to Pb stress.

HEART HISTOPATHOLOGY CHANGES OF WHITEWISTAR RATS SATISFIED WITH CHRONIC APPICAL PERIODONTITIS POST ADMINISTRATION OF GREEN MENIRAN LEAF ETHANOL EXTRACT IN CALCIUM HYDROXIDE AND 2% CHLORHEXIDIN DIGLUCONATE AS ROOT CANAL MEDICAMENT PASTE

Periodontitis is a disease that affects cats and dogs, which the herbal medicine that is used to treat periodontitis, namely meniran. Meniran is used as pain reliever and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties, and antibacterial. The aim of this research was establishing the allotmen of ethanol extract of green meniran leaves on the histopathological features of the heart of Wistar rats with chronic apical periodontitis. This research of laboratory experiment was using the control of group desgn posttest randomly that conducted in several stages. Four groups was made for the test subjects that is consisting of 12 rats each, and each group was tested and divided into 3 groups. Each rat was dissected from one heart preparation in five microscopic fields of view. The analyzed data was the rat heart that is examined histopathologically to see if there is necrosis and congestion. In addition, the analysis was actualized by concerning the effect of the ethanol extract in green meniran leaves that was gived to histopathology of the heart utilizing the non-parametric statistical test, namely Kruskal-Wallis. The Kruskal-Wallis analysis resulted that treatment using ethanol extract of green meniran leaves had an effect on relieving necrosis (p<0.05) and congestion (p<0.05) in the heart organ, which means better than control group. Based on the result, the conclusion was obtained that the distribution of ethanol extract in green meniran can improve the histopathology of the heart of Wistar rats towards normal as seen from a decrease in congestive lesions and necrosis, especially in K3 given calcium hydroxide, 2% chlorhexidine digluconate and 10% of ethanol extract of green meniran. The future research need to inspect the impact of giving a combination of calcium hydroxide, 2% chlorhexidine digiluconate and 10% of ethanol extract green meniran in the long term.

The Impact of Hearing Aids on Listening Effort and Listening-Related Fatigue - Investigations in a Virtual Realistic Listening Environment.

Participation in complex listening situations such as group conversations in noisy environments sets high demands on the auditory system and on cognitive processing. Reports of hearing-impaired people indicate that strenuous listening situations occurring throughout the day lead to feelings of fatigue at the end of the day. The aim of the present study was to develop a suitable test sequence to evoke and measure listening effort (LE) and listening-related fatigue (LRF), and, to evaluate the influence of hearing aid use on both dimensions in mild to moderately hearing-impaired participants. The chosen approach aims to reconstruct a representative acoustic day (Time Compressed Acoustic Day [TCAD]) by means of an eight-part hearing-test sequence with a total duration of approximately 2½ h. For this purpose, the hearing test sequence combined four different listening tasks with five different acoustic scenarios and was presented to the 20 test subjects using virtual acoustics in an open field measurement in aided and unaided conditions. Besides subjective ratings of LE and LRF, behavioral measures (response accuracy, reaction times), and an attention test (d2-R) were performed prior to and after the TCAD. Furthermore, stress hormones were evaluated by taking salivary samples. Subjective ratings of LRF increased throughout the test sequence. This effect was observed to be higher when testing unaided. In three of the eight listening tests, the aided condition led to significantly faster reaction times/response accuracies than in the unaided condition. In the d2-R test, an interaction in processing speed between time (pre- vs. post-TCAD) and provision (unaided vs. aided) was found suggesting an influence of hearing aid provision on LRF. A comparison of the averaged subjective ratings at the beginning and end of the TCAD shows a significant increase in LRF for both conditions. At the end of the TCAD, subjective fatigue was significantly lower when wearing hearing aids. The analysis of stress hormones did not reveal significant effects.

Design and Validation of Soft Sliding Structure with Adjustable Stiffness for Ankle Sprain Prevention.

This study presents the design and validation of a soft sliding stiffness structure with a soft-rigid layer sliding mechanism. It aims to mitigate ankle sprains and address the progression of chronic ankle instability by providing stiffness support. The soft-rigid layer sliding mechanism of the structure is designed to achieve a wide range of stiffness while maintaining a compact form factor. The structure incorporates rigid retainer pieces within each layer, which allows for sliding within a hollow cuboid structure and enables modulation of stiffness. An analytical model is presented to investigate the variations in stiffness resulting from the different sliding states. The stiffness characteristics of the structure were validated through both bench tests and human subject tests. The gradual sliding of the structure's layer resulted in an increase in stiffness, aligning with the analytical model's predictions. At the most rigid stage (0% alignment), the stiffness exhibited a significant increase of 111.1% compared to the most flexible stage (100% alignment). Additionally, the human subject testing demonstrated a stiffness increase of up to 93.8%. These results underscore the potential applicability of the soft sliding structure in ankle support applications.

Development of Flipbook with Living Value Education Program-Based as Teaching Materials to Improve Students' Religious Values

The current use of technology-based learning media is still limited to textbooks from the government and projectors that display presentation slides or videos. The current study used a flipbook as a new alternative for teaching materials with additional religious values. This study aimed to 1) generate a flipbook for social and science studies (Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam dan Sosial or IPAS) with living values education program-based feasible to improve religious values; 2) determine the responses about the IPAS flipbook as a learning material from the teachers; 3) evaluate the responses about the IPAS flipbook as a learning material from the teachers from the students in enhancing their religious characteristics. The research design used was a research-and-development with a 4D research and development model (define, design, development, and dissemination). The subjects of the validation test are material experts and media experts, while the responders to the media are teachers and 19 fourth-grade students of SD IT Samawi. The data was collected using interviews, observations, and questionnaires. The data analysis methods used are qualitative and quantitative. The results showed that the feasibility assessment of the IPAS flipbook is categorized as having "very good" criteria by material experts (average score of 4.6) and media experts (average score of 4.1). Furthermore, according to the fourth-grade teachers from SD IT Samawi, the flipbook media received an average score of 4.8, with "very good" criteria and is worthy of use. The fourth-grade students of SD IT Samawi responded well to the IPAS flipbook media, which obtained positive response results with an average prevalence of 90.7%.

Development of website-based teaching materials on the solar system for class V elementary school students

The aim of this research is to develop website-based teaching materials on the solar system for fifth grade elementary school students. This teaching material was developed as a learning resource in elementary science learning which was developed systematically and logically. The method in this research uses R&D by adapting the ADDIE development model with stages, namely: 1) Analysis, 2) Design, 3) Development, 4) Implementation, and 5) Evaluation. The location of this research was carried out at Emmaus Elementary School, Kediri Regency with a total of 25 test subjects. The data used to see the feasibility of the product that has been developed is product validity data, product practicality data, and product effectiveness data. The results of product validity tests carried out by material experts obtained an average value of 85%, while the validity results by design experts were 83%. The average product validity test result is 84% with valid criteria. The level of practicality and effectiveness of the teaching materials was carried out through extensive trials with the product practicality level obtaining an average score of 96% in the very practical category. Meanwhile, the results of the product effectiveness test can be seen from the comparison of the average value of classical student learning outcomes, namely 80 with a KKM of 75. Based on the comparison results, the average classical student learning outcomes are higher than the predetermined KKM, so the product can be declared effective for use in teaching. solar system material for fifth grade elementary school students.

Developing Student Worksheets Based on Problem Posing Approach to Improve Students' Reasoning Ability

This research aims to obtain problem-posing-based student worksheets that are valid, practical, and effective. This type of development research aims to produce products through problem posing-based student worksheets. The development of problem posing-based worksheets is carried out through Four-D steps consisting of define, design, development, and disseminate. The test subjects in this research were 8th-grade students at Muadz Bin Jabal Kendari. The instruments used in data collection consisted of a validation sheet, a response questionnaire for using problem-posing-based student worksheets, and a reasoning ability test. The results of the research show that (1) the validation results with an average score of 4.6, which means that the problem posing-based student worksheets are within the criteria of being very valid and suitable for use, (2) The results of the analysis of student responses to the use of problem posing-based student worksheets show that the average response The student's class is 88.54, which means the class response is positive and is included in the practical category. (3) Students' reasoning abilities on the circle concept have an average score of 76.0, and based on the established criteria, the average level of students' reasoning is categorized as high. This shows that the problem posing-based student worksheets meet the effective category. Thus, problem posing-based student worksheets are valid, practical, and effective for learning circle material.

"There's a little bit of mistrust": Red River Métis experiences of the H1N1 and COVID-19 pandemics.

We examined the perspectives of the Red River Métis citizens in Manitoba, Canada, during the H1N1 and COVID-19 pandemics and how they interpreted the communication of government/health authorities' risk management decisions. For Indigenous populations, pandemic response strategies play out within the context of ongoing colonial relationships with government institutions characterized by significant distrust. A crucial difference between the two pandemics was that the Métis in Manitoba were prioritized for early vaccine access during H1N1 but not for COVID-19. Data collection involved 17 focus groups with Métis citizens following the H1N1 outbreak and 17 focus groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. Métis prioritization during H1N1 was met with some apprehension and fear that Indigenous Peoples were vaccine-safety test subjects before population-wide distribution occurred. By contrast, as one of Canada's three recognized Indigenous nations, the non-prioritization of the Métis during COVID-19 was viewed as an egregious sign of disrespect and indifference. Our research demonstrates that both reactions were situated within claims that the government does not care about the Métis, referencing past and ongoing colonial motivations. Government and health institutions must anticipate this overarching colonial context when making and communicating risk management decisions with Indigenous Peoples. In this vein, government authorities must work toward a praxis of decolonization in these relationships, including, for example, working in partnership with Indigenous nations to engage in collaborative risk mitigation and communication that meets the unique needs of Indigenous populations and limits the potential for less benign-though understandable-interpretations.

The use of augmented reality to improve students' geometry concept problem-solving skills through the STEAM approach

This research develops learning media with a Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics (STEAM) approach based on Augmented Reality (AR) to improve students' mathematical problem-solving abilities on geometric concepts. This method uses design-based research (DBR). The development stages consist of needs assessment and literature review, design and development, user testing to analyze user responses and evaluation and examination of the media devices being developed. The research subjects for expert tests included media experts and education experts, practicality tests for teachers, response tests for ten high school students, and examination stage tests for 30 high schools in Indonesia. The instruments used were media expert questionnaires, education expert questionnaires, practicality questionnaires, and tests. The media developed is called Augmented Reality Mathematics (ARM). The results of this research are 1) ARM media expert test in the very good category, 2) ARM educational media expert test in the very good category, 3) ARM media practicality test in the good category, 4) responses from students who use ARM media in the very good category, and 5) ARM media can improve mathematical problem-solving abilities in the moderate category. The findings of this research are that AR media is effectively used to improve students' problem-solving abilities in medium-category geometry concepts using the STEAM approach. This research concludes that using ARM media with STEAM learning can improve problem-solving abilities in geometric concepts.

Low-Glycemic Load Diets and Thyroid Function: A Narrative Review and Future Perspectives.

Nutrition and calorie intake are associated with subtle changes of thyroid function tests in subjects with an intact Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid axis. Iodine deficiency and extreme fluctuations in calorie intake, such as those that occur during periods of starvation or overfeeding could lead to alterations in thyroid hormones. The dietary macronutrient and micronutrient composition could also influence the thyroid function. Recently, Low-Glycemic Load (LGL) diets have become very popular and are effective in the treatment and/or prevention of several medical conditions, including diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and epilepsy. In this review, we report on the available data from the literature regarding the association between LGL diets and thyroid function or dysfunction. Several studies conducted in this field to date have yielded inconsistent results.

The Development of Podcast-Based-Audio Learning in Material Introducing Ourselves at 10th Grade SMA Muhammadiyah 1 Pekanbaru

This Podcast development research aims to produce a quality Podcast with the eligibility criteria for teaching materials and to determine the feasibility of the product based on the assessment of the material validator, media validator and students. This type of research is development research with ADDIE research model. The practicality test was carried out on students of SMA Muhammadiyah 1 Pekanbaru in the first semester (I) of the 2022/2023 academic year. Practicality test subjects consisted of 32 students to test the practicality of Podcast products designed with anchor applications. The assessment results obtained from the media validator are categorized as "very good" for use with an average of 4.61. The material validator assessment are also categorized as "very good" with an average material validator of 4.65. Furthermore, the practicality of the products carried out is in the category of practical use with an average Overall 4.56 which are in the very decent category. Based on the results of the validity and practicality tests, it can be concluded that the Podcast product is ready to be developed and is practically used in the learning process in particular the process of learning English on Introducing Ourselves material.

Comparison of sEMG Onset Detection Methods for Occupational Exoskeletons on Extensive Close-to-Application Data.

The design of human-machine interfaces of occupational exoskeletons is essential for their successful application, but at the same time demanding. In terms of information gain, biosensoric methods such as surface electromyography (sEMG) can help to achieve intuitive control of the device, for example by reduction of the inherent time latencies of a conventional, non-biosensoric, control scheme. To assess the reliability of sEMG onset detection under close to real-life circumstances, shoulder sEMG of 55 healthy test subjects was recorded during seated free arm lifting movements based on assembly tasks. Known algorithms for sEMG onset detection are reviewed and evaluated regarding application demands. A constant false alarm rate (CFAR) double-threshold detection algorithm was implemented and tested with different features. Feature selection was done by evaluation of signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR), onset sensitivity and precision, as well as timing error and deviation. Results of visual signal inspection by sEMG experts and kinematic signals were used as references. Overall, a CFAR algorithm with Teager-Kaiser-Energy-Operator (TKEO) as feature showed the best results with feature SNR = 14.48 dB, 91% sensitivity, 93% precision. In average, sEMG analysis hinted towards impending movements 215 ms before measurable kinematic changes.

Potential Novel Treatments for Parkinson’s Disease

This review aims to evaluate novel developments in treatments for Parkinson’s disease that focus on slowing, stopping, and/or reversing the neurodegeneration associated with the disease. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, located in the basal ganglia of the brain. This region also contains high levels of alpha synuclein, a protein found abundantly in the brain due to its important role in neurotransmitter release. α-synuclein has been found to be misfolded and overexpressed in people with PD, which leads to fibril formation and aggregation, which directly interfere with basic cellular processes and results in neurodegeneration. In PD patients, dopaminergic neurons are most affected; therefore, an artificial supply of dopamine must be provided to them via dopamine precursors that can cross the blood-brain barrier. However, these medications fail to slow, stop, or reverse the progression of PD and merely pose as treatments for physical symptoms, such as tremors. Researchers are now focusing on 2 major avenues for new PD treatments: treatments that target α-synuclein aggregates/Lewy body assemblies and treatments that focus on replacement of lost dopaminergic neurons in the brain. The use of antibodies (immunotherapy) to target and clear αsynuclein aggregates or the upregulation of genes that encode autophagic mechanisms to destroy dysfunctional proteins were shown to reduce α-synuclein aggregation and behavioral deficits in mice. Results from clinical trials have shown a 96.5% reduction in the concentration of extracellular α-synuclein aggregates, and doses were well tolerated with no serious side effects. In order to rebuild the neurons that were lost to PD neurodegeneration, a renewable source of dopamine-producing cells that can integrate into the host brain and survive for years is required. More specifically, the reprogramming of astrocytes can be used to develop functional dopaminergic neurons. To reprogram the astrocytes and fibroblasts, the RNA binding protein PTB was suppressed; PTB suppresses numerous neuronal genes required for neuronal maturation, thus, downregulation of PTB generates functional, mature neurons. When in vivo astrocyte reprogramming was performed in a mouse model of PD, researchers found new, successful dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and increased dopamine levels. Although both avenues for treatment require further clinical trials and testing in human subjects, they both hold significant promise in the future.

Real-Time Measurement of Antiglaucoma Drugs in Porcine Eyes Using Boron-Doped Diamond Microelectrodes.

The primary treatment for glaucoma, the most common cause of intermediate vision impairment, involves administering ocular hypotensive drugs in the form of topical eye drops. Observing real-time changes in the drugs that pass through the cornea and reach the anterior chamber of the eye is crucial for improving and developing safe, reliable, and effective medical treatments. Traditional methods for measuring temporal changes in drug concentrations in the aqueous humor employ separation analyzers such as LC-MS/MS. However, this technique requires multiple measurements on the eyes of various test subjects to track changes over time with a high temporal resolution. To address this issue, we have developed a measurement method that employs boron-doped diamond (BDD) microelectrodes to monitor real-time drug concentrations in the anterior chamber of the eye. First, we confirmed the electrochemical reactivity of 13 antiglaucoma drugs in a phosphate buffer solution with a pH of 7.4. Next, we optimized the method for continuous measurement of timolol maleate (TIM), a sympathetic beta-receptor antagonist, and generated calibration curves for each BDD microelectrode using aqueous humor collected from enucleated porcine eyes. We successfully demonstrated the continuous ex vivo monitoring of TIM concentrations in the anterior chambers of these enucleated porcine eyes. The results indicate that changes in intracameral TIM concentrations can be monitored through electrochemical measurements using BDD microelectrodes. This technique holds promise for future advancements in optimizing glaucoma treatment and drug administration strategies.

Effects of Different Water Storage and Fertilizer Retention Substrates on Growth, Yield and Quality of Strawberry

To address the problems of inadequate water and fertilizer retention performance of the substrate, which results in the waste of water and fertilizer resources and then contributes to existing agricultural non-point source pollution, this study selected raw materials with different water retention performances for substrate compounding and explored their water retention performance and impact on the growth, yield and quality of strawberries. The experimental setup utilized the strawberry cultivar ‘Hongyan’ as the test subject and incorporated different proportions of vermicompost, coconut bran, biochar and humic acid into the organic fertilizer. A total of 12 treatment groups were formed across three gradients, involving different proportions of vermicompost with 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15 proportions of coconut bran/biochar and 0.05, 0.15 and 0.20 proportions of humic acid. To evaluate the water retention performance, uniform water and fertilizer regulations were applied. The results revealed that the treatment groups T4 (vermicompost:coconut bran = 0.5:0.1) and T5 (vermicompost:biochar = 0.5:0.1) exhibited higher water absorption multiplicity, lower water infiltration rates, and better water retention performances, but there was no significant difference between the two treatment groups. Among them, T4 could effectively improve the nutrient content of the substrate, and the substrate nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) increased by 5.80% compared with CK2. Also, plant total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) uptake increased by 81.18% and 4.74%, respectively, compared with CK2, which in turn promoted the growth and development of the plant and improved the fruit yield and quality to a certain extent. Meanwhile, T4 had the highest urease and catalase activities, with sucrase activity ranking second only to T1. In contrast, T5 demonstrated greater effectiveness in improving the average fruit weight and maximum fruit weight, registering increases of 22.98% and 36.22% compared to CK2, respectively, but the effect on the total yield was less pronounced. A comprehensive evaluation of strawberry growth found that the T4 treatment was superior. In conclusion, the ratio of vermicompost and coconut bran at 0.5:0.1 improved and promoted the substrate water retention performance and strawberry growth.

An Initial Assessment of the Correlation Between Virtual Reality and Paper and Pencil Line Bisection Test Results

ObjectiveTo make an initial assessment of the correlation between immersive virtual reality–based (ILBT) line bisection testing and paper-and-pencil–based line bisection (PLBT) testing in healthy subjects. DesignDiagnostic study. SettingResearch laboratory. ParticipantsTwenty healthy adults (51.5 [11.0] years old, 55% women; N=20). InterventionsParticipants underwent an ILBT and a conventional PLBT in near space (NS) and more distant space (MDS). Correlations between the ILBT and PLBT, deviation rates in the NS and MDS, horizontal gaze distribution, and presence of virtual reality sickness (VRS) were evaluated. Main Outcome MeasuresCorrelation between the deviation rates of the PLBT and ILBT. ResultsThere was no significant correlation between the ILBT and PLBT for evaluating the deviation rate of the line bisection test (LBT). There was no significant difference in the deviation rate of the LBTs between the NS and MDS, but there was a significant difference in the horizontal line-of-sight distribution. VRS was not observed as an adverse event. ConclusionsIn healthy adult subjects, our results suggested that there was no significant correlation between the deviation rates of the ILBT and PLBT. We also found that the ILBT is a useful and safe method for evaluating the horizontal line-of-sight distribution and percentage deviation of line segments from the center in the NS and MDS without inducing VRS.

Projection of future heat-related morbidity in three metropolitan prefectures of Japan based on large ensemble simulations of climate change under 2 °C global warming scenarios

Recently, global warming has become a prominent topic, including its impacts on human health. The number of heat illness cases requiring ambulance transport has been strongly linked to increasing temperature and the frequency of heat waves. Thus, a potential increase in the number of cases in the future is a concern for medical resource management. In this study, we estimated the number of heat illness cases in three prefectures of Japan under 2 °C global warming scenarios, approximately corresponding to the 2040s. Based on the population composition, a regression model was used to estimate the number of heat illness cases with an input parameter of time-dependent meteorological ambient temperature or computed thermophysiological response of test subjects in large-scale computation. We generated 504 weather patterns using 2 °C global warming scenarios. The large-scale computational results show that daily amount of sweating increased twice and the core temperature increased by maximum 0.168 °C, suggesting significant heat strain. According to the regression model, the estimated number of heat illness cases in the 2040s of the three prefectures was 1.90 (95%CI: 1.35–2.38) times higher than that in the 2010s. These computational results suggest the need to manage ambulance services and medical resource allocation, including intervention for public awareness of heat illnesses. This issue will be important in other aging societies in near future.

Homeostasis Model Assessment (Beta Cell Function) of a Type 2 Diabetes Nigerian Population

Diabetes mellitus has been described to be a metabolic disorder characterized by the presence of hyperglycemia resulting from defective insulin secretion, action or both. This study was designed to determine serum insulin level, fasting plasma glucose and % β-cell function in treated and untreated complicated and uncomplicated diabetes subjects. Ninety subjects comprising of sixty test subjects (30 uncomplicated and 30 complicated diabetes subjects) and thirty control subjects were recruited for this study. Glucose was estimated using Glucose-Oxidase Peroxidase method, while Insulin was analyzed using ELISA. The results obtained showed thatBMI, Glucose, %βCF and insulin showed no significant difference in treated uncomplicated diabetes subjects compared to control (p>0.05). Glucose and %βCF were significantly higher (p<0.05) in untreated uncomplicated diabetes subjects compared to control, while BMI and insulin showed no significant difference (p>0.05).Glucose and %βCF were significantly higher (p<0.05) in untreated uncomplicated diabetes subjects compared to treated subjects, while insulin and BMI showed no significant difference (p>0.05).BMI, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and insulin level were significantly higher (p<0.05) in treated complicated diabetes subjects compared to control, whereas Glucose and %βCF showed no significant difference (p>0.05). Glucose correlated positively with all parameters in untreated uncomplicated diabetes subjects. We conclude that insulin is increased, while % β-cell function is reduced in diabetes subjects especially in untreated complicated diabetes subjects. Insulin resistance and impaired β-cell function are important pathological basis for the deterioration of glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Therefore, early screening and intervention for T2DM might help improve islet function and delay the progression of diabetes.