Repeated Measures Design Research Articles

Exploring the Relationship between Masseter and Cervical Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potentials in Young Adults with Hearing Thresholds Less Than or Equal to 15 dB HL.

Cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs) and masseter vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (mVEMPs) are considered to have a common saccular origin. While a few studies have examined both vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) in individuals with brainstem disorders as part of a test battery, the relation between these two potentials has rarely been the subject of discussion. The present study explored the relation between mVEMPs and cVEMPs using electromyography (EMG)-scaled parameters in normal-hearing young adults. Within-subject study design. Twenty young adults between 18 and 39 years of age (11 males, 9 females) participated in the study. cVEMP and mVEMP were performed on all the participants at 95 dBnHL with 500 Hz tone burst stimuli. Various VEMP parameters were evaluated including P13 and N23 peak latencies, the amplitude of the P13-N23 complex, and the Interaural Amplitude Asymmetry Ratio in EMG-scaled and unscaled conditions. All participants exhibited a 100% response rate for cVEMP and mVEMP responses. There were no significant ears and gender effect for both cVEMP and mVEMP. No correlation was found between cVEMP and mVEMP. There was no significant difference found between P1 and N1 latency values of cVEMP and mVEMP; however, a significant variation was observed for peak-to-peak amplitude both in EMG-scaled and unscaled conditions between cVEMP and mVEMP. Minimal to no association between any parameters of cVEMPs and mVEMPs suggests no significant relationship between these two VEMPs.

Changes in Exercise Performance in Patients During a 6-Week Inpatient Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program and Associated Effects on Depressive Symptoms

Background/Objectives: The impact of exercise on affective disorders has been demonstrated in various studies. However, almost no data are available on performance effects. Therefore, this study investigated exercise performance related to the severity of depression symptoms in a pre–post within-subjects design in a 6-week standard inpatient psychiatric rehabilitation program. Methods: A total of 53 individuals (20 female; mean age, 40.98 ± 11.33) with a primary diagnosis of depression performed a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPX) to obtain maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), maximal power output (Pmax), and the first and second ventilatory threshold (VT1, VT2) at the start and the end of the rehabilitation. Degree of depression was assessed by Becks Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Brief Symptom Inventory test (BSI). Overall activity was measured by accelerometer step-counts. Results: Mean total step-count per day during rehabilitation was high (12,586 ± 2819 steps/day). Patients’ BDI and BSI at entry were 21.6 ± 8.83 and 65.1 ± 6.8, respectively, and decreased significantly (p < 0.001) following rehabilitation, to 10.1 ± 9.5 and 54.5 ± 11.3, respectively. Pmax and VO2max increased significantly (p < 0.001) from entry values (182.6 ± 58.7 W, 29.74 ± 5.92 mL·kg−1·min−1) following rehabilitation: by 11.91 ± 12.09 W and 1.35 ± 2.78 mL·kg−1·min−1, respectively. VT1 and VT2 showed a similar behavior. An increase in physical performance could predict improvement in BDI (R2 = 0.104, F(1,48) = 5.582, p = 0.022) but not in BSI. Conclusions: The program was associated with improved mental health status in all patients and increased performance in the majority of patients, although increases were small. Since improvements in exercise performance may be positively related to depression symptoms and comorbidities, it is recommended to individualize and tailor exercise programs, which could yield larger effects.

The Effectiveness of the Moyamoya Healthy Youth Application for the Salutogenesis of Adolescents With Moyamoya Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACTAdolescents with moyamoya disease can experience unexpected transient ischemic attacks, significantly impacting their daily lives. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of the Moyamoya Healthy Youth application for adolescents with moyamoya disease. The research employed a parallel, two‐group randomized controlled trial with a repeated measures design. A total of 64 adolescents with moyamoya disease were participated. The intervention group applied the application, whereas the wait‐list group received their usual care from an outpatient clinic. The outcome variables were assessed three times during the study, from July 2021 to March 2022. Repeated measures ANOVA and Friedman test were used to analyze results. The intervention group exhibited significant improvements in stress and health behavior. No statistically significant improvement was observed in moyamoya disease knowledge, social support, sense of coherence, depression, cortisol, and symptoms. This mobile‐based strategy empowered adolescents to monitor their health behaviors and cope with stress. This intervention is a promising strategy for health care providers to enhance self‐management skills and achieve better quality of life in such adolescents.Trial Registration: Korea Clinical Trial Registry KCT0006451. https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do/21925

Dose-dependent effect of spent coffee grounds on intake, apparent digestibility, fermentation pattern, methane emissions, microbial protein supply and antioxidant status in Latxa sheep

Abstract Spent coffee grounds (SCG), a by-product rich in polyphenols, can form part of enteric CH4 mitigation strategies while promoting the circular economy. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 3 levels of SCG inclusion in the concentrate on enteric CH4 production, feed intake, apparent digestibility, ruminal fermentation pattern, microbial protein supply and gene expression of immune and antioxidant markers in peripheral blood of dry dairy ewes. In a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design, 8 non-productive Latxa ewes were assigned to a concentrate that differed in the level of SCG: Control (0 g/kg DM), SCG100 (100 g/kg DM), SCG150 (150 g/kg DM) and SCG200 (200 g/kg DM). In each period, 14 days of adaptation were allowed, followed by 7 days in individual metabolic cages, and 3 days in respiratory chambers. To avoid a carry-over effect a minimum of 7 days were allotted between periods in which ewes consumed control concentrate and grass hay. Total organic matter intake (OMI) and CH4 emissions (g/d) presented a quadratic response (P=0.008 and P<0.001, respectively) to increasing levels of SCG in the feed. However, when CH4 emissions were corrected for OMI, a linear decrease was observed with increasing levels of SCG in the concentrate (P=0.009). This reduction in CH4 emissions (g/kg OMI) could be explained by the linear decrease (P=0.034) observed in apparent digestibility of organic matter (OM), particularly in crude protein (CP) and starch (P=0.002 and P=0.003, respectively), with increasing levels of SCG in the concentrate. No significant response was found on CH4 emissions corrected for digestible OM and on ruminal fermentation pattern. Regarding microbial protein supply, a linear increase in microbial protein supply efficiency (P=0.008) was observed with increasing levels of SCG in the concentrate. Moreover, SCG inclusion linearly reduced interleukin 10 (P=0.031), nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (P=0.007), nuclear factor kappa β (P=0.014), superoxide dismutase 1 (P=0.015) gene expression and tended to linearly reduce those of tumor necrosis factor-α (P=0.074) and glutathione peroxidase 1 (P=0.082). In conclusion, inclusion of SCG up to 200 g/kg in the concentrate did not modify ruminal fermentation pattern, but linearly reduced CH4 emissions per kg of OMI, due to a linear decrease in apparent digestibility of CP and starch. Moreover, linearly increased the efficiency of microbial supply and improved sheep’s blood antioxidant-immune status.

Older Amphibian Larvae Are More Sensitive to Ultraviolet Radiation and Experience More Sublethal Carryover Effects Post‐Metamorphosis

ABSTRACTElevated ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is postulated as one of multiple, interrelated environmental stressors driving amphibian population declines globally. However, key knowledge gaps remain in elucidating the link between elevated UVR and amphibian declines in a changing climate, including whether timing and irradiance of UVR exposure in early life dictates the onset of detrimental carryover effects post‐metamorphosis. In this study, striped marsh frog larvae (Limnodynastes peronii) were exposed to UVR at one of two different irradiances for up to 7 days, either as hatchlings (Gosner stage 23) or as older larvae (Gosner stage 25−28). These animals were then reared to metamorphosis in the absence of UVR to examine independent and interactive carryover effects throughout development. Older larvae were more sensitive to UVR than hatchlings, with 53.1% and 15.6% mortality in larvae exposed to high and low irradiance respectively, compared with no mortality of hatchlings in either irradiance treatment. Irradiance and timing of UVR exposure had interactive effects on larval body length, causing stunted growth patterns and a lack of compensatory growth following UVR exposure, particularly in animals exposed to high irradiance UVR later in development. Timing of UVR exposure also determined the severity of carryover effects into metamorphosis, including delayed metamorphosis and the first published account (to our knowledge) of latent UVR‐induced depigmentation in an amphibian. These findings highlight how acute changes to the larval UVR exposure regime can impact on amphibian health later in life, with implications for our understanding of the effects of climate change on UVR‐related amphibian declines.

Hemispheric asymmetry for global-local processing: Effects of stimulus category and ageing.

Hemispheric asymmetry has been reported for global-local processing in young and older adults, with global processing specialised in the right hemisphere (RH-global specialisation) and local processing specialised in the left hemisphere (LH-local specialisation). Questions persist regarding the extent to which hemispheric asymmetry is influenced by stimulus category (verbal stimuli processed in the left hemisphere; visuospatial stimuli processed in the right hemisphere). Some evidence suggests stimulus category does not influence hemispheric asymmetry (stimulus-independent account) while other evidence suggests it does (stimulus-dependent account). In older adults, there is evidence of a local-processing advantage, believed to result from slower and less accurate performance in right-hemisphere compared to left-hemisphere functioning-the right-hemisphere ageing hypothesis. We examined hemispheric asymmetry for global-local processing in young and older participants with three hierarchical figures (letters, verbalisable objects, and nonverbalisable shapes), in a within-subjects design using a divided-attention paradigm and unilateral presentation. Our findings for letters and verbalisable objects support the stimulus-independent account-young and older participants demonstrated RH-global specialisation and LH-local specialisation regardless of stimulus category. In older participants, we also found a local-processing advantage for all three stimulus categories-an advantage best explained as faster and more accurate performance in local processing regardless of the visual field of stimulus presentation. Overall, we found hemispheric asymmetry for global-local processing in both young and older adults, and differences in global processing between young and older adults. Future investigation is suggested for the hemispheric asymmetry found in global-local processing of nonverbalisable shapes, and the mechanisms underlying age-related changes in global processing.

Effect duration of a self-applied talocrural joint mobilization on restricted dorsiflexion: a repeated measures design

ABSTRACT Objectives We aimed to determine the effect duration of a talocrural mobilization on individuals with restricted dorsiflexion during a static weight bearing lunge test (WBLT) and dynamic 3D motion capture-based peak ankle dorsiflexion during a forward step down (FSD) task. Secondarily, we aimed to correlate any immediate changes in ankle mobility with concurrent changes in proximal joint kinematics during the FSD post-mobilization. Methods Seventy-six individuals were screened for dorsiflexion restriction, of which 26 (15 females, 22.3 ± 2.2 years old, body mass index 25.2 ± 2.9 kg/m2) qualified with a WBLT of ≤ 35° on at least one limb. A baseline WBLT measure and 3D motion capture of 5 consecutive FSD repetitions on a 6-inch box were obtained. Participants then viewed an instructional video of a talocrural joint self-mobilization using a resistance band. WBLT and FSD were collected again immediately post-mobilization and at 5-min intervals for 60 min or until the WBLT returned to baseline for 2 consecutive measures. Results WBLT dorsiflexion showed a mean increase of 6.5 degrees (p < 0.001) post-mobilization. The effect faded over time and no longer differed from baseline 25 min post-mobilization (p = 0.964). Dynamic peak ankle dorsiflexion did not change post-mobilization at any time point (p ≥ 0.546). No 3D kinematic time-course changes were observed at the hip or knee. However, immediate raw alterations in dorsiflexion correlated with alterations for hip and knee flexion. Discussion/Conclusion A talocrural joint mobilization increased static dorsiflexion per the WBLT for a 20–25-min period with regression to baseline. However, increased dynamic ankle dorsiflexion was not observed during the FSD task. Improved mobility alone does not appear to change movement patterns. Clinicians should be aware of both effect duration and the potential need for task-specific training to better facilitate dynamic utilization of increased mobility.

Exploring the relationship between cardiac awareness and balance

SummaryPostural balance requires the interplay between several physiological signals. Indirect evidence suggests that the perception of signals arising from the autonomic nervous system might play a role (e.g. cardiac awareness). Here, we tested this hypothesis by investigating the relationship between postural control and cardiac awareness (i.e. interoception) in a sample of N = 70 healthy individuals. Postural control was measured using a medical robotic device, while cardiac awareness was evaluated using the heartbeat counting task. A within-subject design included two platform configurations (static, unstable) and two visual feedback conditions (eyes open, eyes closed). For each condition, we measured the sway area and the range of oscillation of the platform, as well as the range of oscillation and the quantity of movement of participants’ trunk. In the “platform unstable, eyes closed” condition, participants with higher cardiac awareness demonstrated a significantly smaller sway area and reduced oscillations of both the platform and their trunk. These findings hint at a potential link between interoception and postural control, suggesting that the perception of internal body signals might sustain balance.

Saliva-based point-of-care assay to measure the concentration of pyrazinamide using a mobile UV spectrophotometer.

Pyrazinamide, one of the first-line antituberculosis drugs, displays variability in drug exposure that is associated with treatment response. A simple, low-cost assay may be helpful to optimize treatment. This study aimed to develop and validate a point-of-care assay to quantify the concentration of pyrazinamide in saliva. All measurements were conducted using the nano-volume drop function on the mobile ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometer (NP80, Implen, Germany). Assay development involved applying second derivative spectroscopy in combination with the Savitzky-Golay filter between wavelengths of 200-300 nm to increase spectral resolution. Assay validation included assessing selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, carry-over and matrix effects. Specificity was also analysed by evaluating the impact of co-administered medications on pyrazinamide results. Sample stability was measured at various temperatures up to 40°C. The calibration curve (7.5-200 mg/L) was linear (R2 = 0.9991). The overall accuracy (bias%) and precision (CV%) ranged from -0.66% to 5.15%, and 0.56% to 4.95%, respectively. Carry-over and matrix effects were both acceptable with a bias% of <±4% and CV% of <7.5%. Commonly co-administered medications displayed negligible interferences. Levofloxacin displayed analytical interference (bias% = -10.21%) at pyrazinamide concentrations < 25 mg/L, but this will have little clinical implications. Pyrazinamide was considered stable in saliva after 7 days in all storage conditions with a CV% of <6.5% and bias% of <±10.5% for both low- and high-quality control concentrations. A saliva-based assay for pyrazinamide has been successfully developed and validated using the mobile UV spectrophotometer.

Methylphenidate differentially affects the social ultrasonic vocalizations of wild-type and prodromal Parkinsonian rats.

Prodromal signs of Parkinson's disease (PD), including vocal communication deficits, are poorly understood and do not respond adequately to current pharmacologic treatments. Norepinephrine dysfunction is involved early in PD; thus, drug therapies targeting norepinephrine may be useful as a treatment of prodromal signs. This study used a validated, translational rodent model of prodromal PD, the male Pink1-/- rat, which exhibits ultrasonic vocalization (USV) deficits as early as 2 months of age. The purpose of this preclinical study was to investigate a dose-dependent (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10 mg/kg) response of methylphenidate on USV parameters with the hypothesis that methylphenidate would increase vocalization output. Because methylphenidate is a psychostimulant with known adverse side effects, we also hypothesized that potential side effects including anxietylike behavior and spontaneous activity would be increased in a dose-dependent manner. To accomplish this, wild-type (WT) and Pink1-/- rats were administered a dose of a vehicle (saline) and a methylphenidate dose in a randomized within-subjects design and then assessed for USVs, anxiety behavior (open field), and limb motor (cylinder) activity. The results suggest that methylphenidate does not alter USV emissions in Pink1-/- rats; however, methylphenidate increased the total number of vocalizations and duration of frequency-modulated calls in WT rats. Methylphenidate dose dependently influenced spontaneous movements in both WT and Pink1-/- rats, as expected, while methylphenidate increased anxiety in Pink1-/- rats and not WT rats. This study demonstrates a difference in response to a psychostimulant between Pink1-/- rats and WT rats. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Carry-over effects of Bacillus thuringiensis on tolerant Aedes albopictus mosquitoes

BackgroundThe biological larvicide Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti) represents a safe and effective alternative to chemical insecticides for mosquito control. Efficient control of mosquitoes implicates continuous and extensive application of Bti. This massive use of Bti imposes strong selective pressure, but the complex mode of action of the numerous synergistic Bti endotoxins lower the risk of the emergence of resistance. Although resistance to Bti has not been identified at the population level in nature, some larvae can survive Bti exposure, suggesting tolerance mechanisms. Here we investigated whether Bti-tolerant Aedes albopictus larvae experience any fitness costs. We also studied how this tolerance affects different aspects of the phenotype of the emerging adults that could be relevant for arboviral transmission.MethodsWe exposed Ae. albopictus larvae to lethal concentration of Bti and studied the fitness and gut microbiota of tolerant larvae and their adult counterparts. We further compared the transcript abundance of nine key immunity genes in the gut of Bti-tolerant larvae and their emerging adults versus those not exposed to Bti.ResultsOur results showed that Bti exposure has multifaceted impacts on Ae. albopictus mosquitoes during both larval and adult stages. The carry-over effect of Bti exposure on tolerant larvae manifested in reduced adult emergence rate, shorter lifespan, and decreased fecundity. Bti also alters the gut microbiota of both larvae and adults. We observed higher microbial diversity in Bti-tolerant larvae and changes in the richness of core microbiota. Bti infection and the altered microbiota triggered immune responses in the larval and adult guts.ConclusionsThe observed reduction in mosquito fitness and changes in the composition of the microbiota of adults emerging from tolerant larvae could negatively influence mosquito vectorial capacity. Understanding these impacts is crucial for evaluating the broader implications of Bti-based insecticides in mosquito control programs.Graphical

Reply to: importance of accounting for repeated measure designs when evaluating treatment effects at multiple postoperative days.

Reply to: importance of accounting for repeated measure designs when evaluating treatment effects at multiple postoperative days.

Case report: A novel transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation improves dysesthesias and motor behaviors after transverse myelitis

PurposeTransverse myelitis (TM)-associated dysesthesia is diverse and frequently resistant to treatment. This study explored the comprehensive effects of a novel transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) approach tailored to an individual’s specific dysesthesia profile in a patient with TM.Patient and methodA 52-year-old woman with severe dysesthesias in the left C8 sensory area caused by TM underwent an A-B-A-B-A design intervention. The baseline (phase A) and intervention (phase B) phases were both 7 days. Tingling and allodynia were scored on an 11-point numerical rating scale pre-, post-, and 1 h post-treatment. Upper limb activities during daily living were assessed using a wrist-worn accelerometer. The intervention phase consisted of 60-min sessions of TENS two times daily. Furthermore, the intervention and carry-over effects of TENS were evaluated using Tau-U and Bayesian unknown change point models.ResultsThe effects of TENS resulted in the immediate improvement in tingling, allodynia, and upper limb activity. Long-term effects of TENS affected tingling and upper limb activity; however, no impacts on allodynia were observed.ConclusionThis novel TENS approach shows promise as an effective treatment, even in rare and treatment-resistant dysesthesia associated with TM.

Relationships Between Chemical Compounds and Sensory Properties of Virgin Olive Oil in the US and Israel: Development of a Prediction Model for Defects.

Virgin olive oil (VOO) quality is defined by both chemical and sensory parameters. While the chemical parameters are objective and measured using instrument-based methods, sensory quality evaluation is based upon human panels, which can be subjective, have less repeatability, suffer from fatigue, and require long and costly training. Tasting biases could be minimized by a trained panel, but using humans as a testing instrument is inevitably prone to various psychological biases, stimulus-related factors, and carry-over effects. The objectives of this study were to evaluate instrumental methodologies that will assist the existing human panel in assessing the sensory characteristics of VOO and to develop chemistry-based predicting models for sensory properties in the oil using VOO samples originating from the US and Israel. Our results indicated that oil rancidity highly correlated with the contents of chemical components contents; 1-penten-3-one, 3-hexen-1-ol, (E)-2-pentanal, and 1-octen-3-ol are the major volatiles associated with rancidity defects (low concentrations of these compounds). Positive sensory attributes, such as fruitiness, correlated with 1- acetoxypinoresinol and hexanal, while bitterness correlated with pinoresinol, the aldehydic form of oleuropein aglycones, and the dialdehydic form of oleuropein aglycone. The random forest model suggested that luteolin, (E)-2-hexenal, 1-penten-3-one, and C18:0 are the most useful measurements in predicting the occurrence of sensory defects in the olive oil samples included. In other words, when these compounds are below or above a certain threshold, a defect, such as rancidity, is more likely to be found by the sensory panel.

Changes in Acromiohumeral Distance With Clinician-Applied and Self-Applied Inferior Glenohumeral Joint Mobilizations Measured Using Ultrasound Imaging

OBJECTIVE: To measure the change in acromiohumeral distance during clinician-applied and self-applied manual shoulder joint mobilization. We hypothesized that the acromiohumeral distance would be significantly greater with clinician-applied manual joint mobilizations (MJM) than with self-applied joint mobilization. DESIGN: Within-subject, repeated measures design METHODS: Nineteen healthy adults (mean age: 22.9 ± 1.2 years) participated. A traction force of 15% body weight was applied during MJM and self-applied joint mobilization (SJM). Acromiohumeral distance was measured via ultrasound imaging at rest (baseline) and during the two test conditions (2 trials each) to quantify inferior accessory motion. The transducer was placed at the anterolateral border of the acromion and the subacromial space was clearly visualized for acromiohumeral distance measurements. RESULTS: The ICC for acromiohumeral distance measurements ranged from 0.876 to 0.963. Changes in acromiohumeral distance during MJM (3.90 ± 0.51mm) were significantly greater than SJM (1.68 ± 0.49mm, p&lt;0.001). AHD changes between sexes: MJM (female: 3.16 ± 0.58mm, male: 5.15 ± 0.90mm, p=0.060); SJM (female: 0.88 ± 0.51 mm, male 3.05 ± 0.90mm, p=0.029). CONCLUSIONS: Our acromiohumeral distance measurement methodology had excellent test-retest reliability. There was significantly more inferior humeral accessory motion with MJM than SJM. The acromiohumeral distance was 132% greater during MJM and was unchanged or less than resting baseline measurements in almost a third of participants during SJM.

A Heuristic Model to Guide the Study of Homeschoolers’ Academic Competence

ABSTRACT Studies exploring homeschooling typically focus on comparing homeschoolers to conventionally schooled peers on a range of academic outcomes. Largely absent from the literature are within-group studies designed to identify experiences that facilitate (or hinder) homeschoolers’ academic outcomes. The aim of this paper is to describe a heuristic model outlining ways the home environment, instructional practices, parent characteristics, child characteristics, and the broader context might relate to homeschoolers’ academic competence. The heuristic model is attentive to the possibility that these relations might vary as a function of child characteristics. In addition, the potential for transactional and mediated relations is considered.

Effect of Telerehabilitation-Based Motor Imagery Training on Pain and Related Factors in People with Multiple Sclerosis: Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

ObjectivesTo investigate the effect of telerehabilitation-based graded motor imagery (MI,GMI) training on pain and pain-related factors in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). DesignRandomized controlled, assessor-blind pilot trial with repeated measure design. SettingNeurology outpatient clinic. ParticipantsThirty-two people with MS were randomly allocated to intervention (n=16) and control (n=16) groups. InterventionsDuring 8-week GMI training period, the first 2-weeks involved implicit MI training while 6-weeks explicit MI training were conducted. Main OutcomeThe primary outcome was the general pain intensity over the past two days, assessed with Visual Analogue Scale, with a minimum clinically important difference (MCID) of 23 mm. Secondary outcomes included general pain and specific body parts' pain intensity over the past seven days, neuropathic pain intensity, MI ability, fatigue, depression, anxiety, quality of life, sleep quality, daytime sleepiness and cognitive functions scores. Assessments were conducted at baseline, at weeks 8 (post-treatment) and 12 (follow-up). ResultsThe intervention group demonstrated a significant reduction in pain intensity over the past two days compared to control group (p<0.05). Furthermore, at the 8-week assessment, the intervention group surpassed the MCID in pain intensity over the past 2 and 7 days (p<0.05), whereas no significant change was observed in the control group (p>0.05). Significant effects were observed post-treatment on general pain over the past seven days, neuropathic pain, MI ability, fatigue, depression, quality of life, processing speed, and visuospatial memory within intervention group compared to control group (p<0.05). However, the impact on anxiety, sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and verbal memory between groups were not significant (p>0.05). ConclusionTelerehabilitation-based GMI training stands out as viable for management of chronic pain and pain-related psychosocial symptoms for people with MS.

Moderating Role of Self-Regulation Difficulties in the Momentary Associations Between Depressive Symptoms and Participation Poststroke.

Because depressive symptoms are momentarily associated with lower levels of participation poststroke, it is crucial to investigate what moderates such associations to identify a potential intervention target to reduce the momentary links between depressive symptoms and participation poststroke. Self-regulation seems to be a potential moderator of such associations. To investigate the extent to which difficulties in self-regulation moderate the momentary associations between depressive symptoms and participation poststroke. This study uses a real-time, repeated-measures design using smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment surveys five times a day for 10 days. We performed multilevel modeling to uncover the momentary associations among the study variables. Community. 39 people with stroke. We obtained real-time data for difficulties in self-regulation (total, cognitive, behavioral, and emotion regulation), depressive symptoms, and participation in daily activities (performance in daily activities and satisfaction with performing daily activities). We included 1,612 survey responses in the analysis. Higher depressive symptoms were momentarily associated with lower levels of performance (β = -0.05 to -0.07, p < .001) and satisfaction (β = -0.04 to -0.06, p < .05), regardless of adjusting for self-regulation variables and other covariates. Difficulties in total self-regulation (β = -0.01, p < .001) and emotion regulation (β = -0.02, p < .001) magnified the negative associations between depressive symptoms and satisfaction with performing daily activities. Using self-regulation and emotion regulation strategies may be a target for just-in-time intervention for reducing the momentary associations between depressive symptoms and satisfaction with performing daily activities poststroke. Plain-Language Summary: Depressive symptoms have immediate and real-time associations with lower levels of participation in daily activities in people with stroke. Self-regulation, including cognitive regulation (e.g., goal setting, planning strategies), behavioral regulation (e.g., controlling impulsive behaviors), and emotion regulation (e.g., managing negative feelings), may be an intervention target for reducing the immediate associations between depressive symptoms and lower levels of participation poststroke. Thus, we investigated whether difficulties in self-regulation variables magnify the negative real-time associations between depressive symptoms and participation poststroke. To obtain real-time data on difficulties in self-regulation variables, depressive symptoms, and participation (i.e., performance and satisfaction), we asked 39 community-dwelling people with stroke to answer smartphone surveys. The results showed that difficulties in total self-regulation and emotion regulation magnified the negative associations between depressive symptoms and satisfaction with performing daily activities. Our findings suggest that self-regulation and emotion regulation strategies may be a target for real-time intervention for reducing the momentary associations between depressive symptoms and satisfaction with performing daily activities poststroke.

Pharmacokinetic study of iptacopan and its two acyl glucuronide metabolites in monkey plasma by liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

In this study, a simple and sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometric method was developed and validated for the determination of iptacopan and two acyl glucuronidation metabolites in monkey plasma. The plasma sample was precipitated with acetonitrile and then separated on an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.7 μm) using 0.1% formic acid and 5 mM ammonium acetate in water and acetonitrile as the mobile phase. The mass spectrometry (MS) detection was performed in positive multiple reactions monitoring (MRM) mode with precursor-to-production transitions. The developed assay was validated over the range of 1-2000 ng/mL for three analytes with correlation coefficient (r) more than 0.99. The validation parameters including accuracy, precision, carryover effect, matrix effect, recovery, and stability were all within the acceptable limits. The validated method has been applied to investigate the pharmacokinetics of iptacopan and its two acyl glucuronidation metabolites in monkey plasma. After intravenous administration, iptacopan showed low clearance (2.75 mL/min/kg) in monkey plasma. After oral administration, the bioavailability was 55.43%. The exposure (AUC0-t) of direct acyl glucuronide (AG) of iptacopan accounts for 9.73% of the iptacopan plasma exposure. The AUC0-t of AG of dealkylated metabolite of iptacopan was present at a lower level, accounting for 0.5% of the iptacopan plasma exposure.

Font and background color combinations influence recognition efficiency: A novel method via primary color Euclidean distance and response surface analysis

The readability of human–computer interfaces impacts the users’ visual performance while using electronic devices, which gains inadequate attention. This situation is critical during high-stress conditions such as firefighting, where accurate and fast information processing is critical. This study addresses how font and background color combinations on Liquid Crystal displays (LCDs) affect recognition efficiency. A novel concept, primary color Euclidean distance (PCED), is introduced and testified under a repeated-measures experiment. Three factors were investigated: background color (black, white), font color (red, green, blue), and PCEDs. A total of 24 participants were recruited. Results demonstrate that color combinations with specific PCED values can substantially impact recognition efficiency. By using RSA, this study modelled the response time in a generalized mathematical model, which is response surface analysis. Results showed that blue font colors under a black background showed the longest response time. This study also explored the influence of physical stress on recognition efficiency, revealing a latency of about 100 ms across all color combinations. The findings offer a methodological advancement in understanding the effects of color combinations in digital displays, setting the stage for future research in diverse demographic and technological contexts, including mixed reality.