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26 pages, 2875 KiB  
Article
Sustainable THz SWIPT via RIS-Enabled Sensing and Adaptive Power Focusing: Toward Green 6G IoT
by Sunday Enahoro, Sunday Cookey Ekpo, Mfonobong Uko, Fanuel Elias, Rahul Unnikrishnan, Stephen Alabi and Nurudeen Kolawole Olasunkanmi
Sensors 2025, 25(15), 4549; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25154549 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 326
Abstract
Terahertz (THz) communications and simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) hold the potential to energize battery-less Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices while enabling multi-gigabit data transmission. However, severe path loss, blockages, and rectifier nonlinearity significantly hinder both throughput and harvested energy. Additionally, high-power THz [...] Read more.
Terahertz (THz) communications and simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) hold the potential to energize battery-less Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices while enabling multi-gigabit data transmission. However, severe path loss, blockages, and rectifier nonlinearity significantly hinder both throughput and harvested energy. Additionally, high-power THz beams pose safety concerns by potentially exceeding specific absorption rate (SAR) limits. We propose a sensing-adaptive power-focusing (APF) framework in which a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) embeds low-rate THz sensors. Real-time backscatter measurements construct a spatial map used for the joint optimisation of (i) RIS phase configurations, (ii) multi-tone SWIPT waveforms, and (iii) nonlinear power-splitting ratios. A weighted MMSE inner loop maximizes the data rate, while an outer alternating optimisation applies semidefinite relaxation to enforce passive-element constraints and SAR compliance. Full-stack simulations at 0.3 THz with 20 GHz bandwidth and up to 256 RIS elements show that APF (i) improves the rate–energy Pareto frontier by 30–75% over recent adaptive baselines; (ii) achieves a 150% gain in harvested energy and a 440 Mbps peak per-user rate; (iii) reduces energy-efficiency variance by half while maintaining a Jain fairness index of 0.999;; and (iv) caps SAR at 1.6 W/kg, which is 20% below the IEEE C95.1 safety threshold. The algorithm converges in seven iterations and executes within <3 ms on a Cortex-A78 processor, ensuring compliance with real-time 6G control budgets. The proposed architecture supports sustainable THz-powered networks for smart factories, digital-twin logistics, wire-free extended reality (XR), and low-maintenance structural health monitors, combining high-capacity communication, safe wireless power transfer, and carbon-aware operation for future 6G cyber–physical systems. Full article
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17 pages, 421 KiB  
Article
Asthma and COPD Beyond the Airways: Exploring Neurocognitive Links Through NF-κB Subunits c-Rel and p65
by Magdalena Figat, Aleksandra Wisniewska, Jacek Plichta, Joanna Milkowska-Dymanowska, Sebastian Majewski, Michal S. Karbownik, Piotr Kuna and Michal G. Panek
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(11), 5217; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26115217 - 29 May 2025
Viewed by 530
Abstract
The evolving understanding of asthma and COPD pathomechanisms led to this study examining chronic obstructive lung diseases’ impact on cognitive decline—a growing concern in aging populations. We explored whether subunits of key inflammatory regulators NF-κB, c-Rel (neuroprotective), and p65 (neurodegenerative), are linked to [...] Read more.
The evolving understanding of asthma and COPD pathomechanisms led to this study examining chronic obstructive lung diseases’ impact on cognitive decline—a growing concern in aging populations. We explored whether subunits of key inflammatory regulators NF-κB, c-Rel (neuroprotective), and p65 (neurodegenerative), are linked to cognitive impairment. A pilot study with an explorative design across three groups (asthma, COPD, and control) included 78 patients. Participants underwent assessments via 16 questionnaires (covering demographics, quality of life, disease control, and cognitive and psychiatric evaluations), spirometry, and blood sampling to measure c-Rel and p65 mRNA expression. While both c-Rel and p65 are NF-κB subunits, their expression levels differ independently. Median c-Rel expression was highest, and p65 lowest, in the group with the best cognitive function (control). The most notable correlations for both markers with PKA, CREB, MMSE, and HAM-D were in COPD. The significant association between p65 and the Clock-Drawing Test, without a corresponding link to MMSE, may indicate that a future correlation between p65 and cognitive decline, as assessed by CDT, is likely to emerge. Full article
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18 pages, 893 KiB  
Article
The Greek Version of the Mild Behavioral Impairment Checklist (MBI-C): Psychometric Properties in Mild Cognitive Impairment Due to Alzheimer’s Disease
by Efthalia Angelopoulou, Evangelia Stanitsa, Maria Hatzopoulou, Akylina Despoti, Niki Tsinia, Vasiliki Kamtsadeli, Marina Papadogiani, Vasilis Kyriakidis, Sokratis Papageorgiou and John D. Papatriantafyllou
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(5), 462; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15050462 - 27 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1543
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Mild behavioral impairment (MBI) is an early marker of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases, often preceding cognitive decline. The MBI Checklist (MBI-C) is a 34-item tool designed to detect MBI. This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Mild behavioral impairment (MBI) is an early marker of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases, often preceding cognitive decline. The MBI Checklist (MBI-C) is a 34-item tool designed to detect MBI. This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Greek version of the MBI-C and its ability to differentiate patients with mild cognitive impairment due to AD (MCI-AD) from cognitively unimpaired older adults (healthy participants, HPs). Methods: A total of 181 participants (104 MCI-AD, 77 HPs) were recruited from the Third Age Day Care Center IASIS (2019–2023), accompanied by a close informant. Participants underwent neuropsychological assessment [Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R)], and informants completed the MBI-C. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s α and known-group validity was assessed via comparing MBI-C between the MCI-AD and HPs groups. Diagnostic accuracy was determined via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results: The Greek MBI-C showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.899). Among its domains, impulse dyscontrol demonstrated the highest reliability (α = 0.901), whereas decreased motivation (α = 0.564) and abnormal perception/thought content (α = 0.617) exhibited lower reliability. MBI-C total and domain scores were significantly higher in patients with MCI-AD than HPs (p < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.871 (optimal cutoff = 9.5), indicating excellent diagnostic performance. Conclusions: Overall, the Greek MBI-C has strong psychometric properties for MCI-AD. Sociocultural factors might influence symptom identification and reporting, particularly in the domains of decreased motivation and abnormal perception/thought content. Future research should investigate its predictive value for dementia conversion and its applicability to other populations, including individuals with subjective cognitive decline and non-AD causes of MCI. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging-Related Changes in Memory and Cognition)
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18 pages, 2464 KiB  
Article
Reduction in Brain Parenchymal Volume Correlates with Depression and Cognitive Decline in HIV-Positive Males
by Radmila Perić, Duško Kozić, Snežana Brkić, Dajana Lendak, Jelena Ostojić, Vojislava Bugarski Ignjatović and Jasmina Boban
Medicina 2025, 61(4), 632; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61040632 - 30 Mar 2025
Viewed by 600
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has a profound impact on the central nervous system (CNS), contributing to cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms even in individuals receiving combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). This study aimed to investigate the associations between brain parenchymal [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has a profound impact on the central nervous system (CNS), contributing to cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms even in individuals receiving combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). This study aimed to investigate the associations between brain parenchymal volumes and neuropsychological outcomes, specifically focusing on cognitive function and depressive symptoms in HIV-positive males. Materials and Methods: A total of 48 male participants underwent cognitive assessment using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), while depressive symptoms were evaluated in 35 participants using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Volumetric brain analysis was conducted through automated imaging software, volBrain (Version 1.0, published on 23 November 2021), ensuring high consistency and accuracy. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation to identify relationships between brain volumes and neuropsychological outcomes, emphasizing key regions like the basal forebrain and cingulate gyrus. Results: Significant trends were observed between basal forebrain volume and MMSE scores, emphasizing the role of this region in cognitive regulation. Additional correlations were found with the anterior and middle cingulate gyri, which are crucial for executive functioning and attentional control. Notably, smaller right basal forebrain volumes were associated with greater depressive symptom severity, suggesting the region’s specific involvement in mood regulation. These findings highlight the dual impact of HIV on cognitive and emotional health, with structural vulnerabilities in key brain regions playing a central role. Conclusions: This study underscores the selective vulnerability of certain brain regions, such as the basal forebrain and cingulate gyrus, to HIV-associated neurodegeneration. The results highlight the importance of integrating neuroimaging and neuropsychological assessments in routine clinical care for HIV-positive individuals. The study emphasizes the importance of early detection and targeted interventions to address neuropsychological challenges in this population, with a call for further research in larger and more diverse cohorts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Neurology)
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14 pages, 283 KiB  
Article
Effects of Mental Imagery on Quality of Life, Cognitive, and Emotional Status in Older Adults with Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Anna Christakou, Christina Bouzineki, Marousa Pavlou, George Stranjalis and Vasiliki Sakellari
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(12), 1260; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14121260 - 16 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1639
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Dementia is a syndrome which involves cognitive and motor problems such as memory and motor control that impacts the individuals’ quality of life. In mental imagery (MI) technique, motor acts are mentally rehearsed without any overt body movements. The aim of this [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Dementia is a syndrome which involves cognitive and motor problems such as memory and motor control that impacts the individuals’ quality of life. In mental imagery (MI) technique, motor acts are mentally rehearsed without any overt body movements. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of MI on the quality of life, cognitive, and emotional status of older adults with an early stage of dementia. Methods: The present randomized controlled trial consisted of 160 participants. The sample from an Athens Day Care Center of the Alzheimer Association was randomized to (a) the MI and exercise group (intervention group, n = 55), (b) the only exercise group (1st control group, n = 52), and (c) the neither MI nor exercise group (2nd control group, n = 53). Participants engaged in a total of 24 physiotherapy sessions, each lasting approximately 45 min, scheduled twice weekly over a 12-week period. They performed three assessments: (a) one week prior to the program, (b) one and a half months, and (c) after the program. The intervention group performed a 30 min MI with exercise program content immediately following every physiotherapy exercise session. Walking While Talking Test (WWITT), the Euro-Qol 5-Dimensions 5-Level of severity scale (Euro-Qol 5D-5L scale), the Short-Form of Geriatric Depression Scale (SF-GDS), and the Short Anxiety Screening Test (SAST) were used to assess cognitive status, emotional status, and quality of life. Results: A total of 160 participants (43 men, 117 women, with MMSE M = 23.20 SD = 0.15) took part in this study in which most reported holding a university degree (n = 77), were married (n = 101), and had loss of memory as the 1st symptom of dementia (n= 117). The Friedman test revealed statistically significant differences across the three groups on (a) the WWITTmistakes (X2 = 14.95, df = 2, p = 0.001) and WWITTtime (X2 = 13.35, df = 2, p = 0.01), (b) the total Euro-Qol 5D-5L scale (X2 = 11.87.62, df = 2, p = 0.003) and quality of life on the measuring day (X2 = 25.59, df = 2, p = 0.00), (c) the SF-GDS (X2 = 6.54, df = 2, p = 0.038), and (d) the SAST (X2 = 39.907.62, df = 2, p = 0.00). The Friedman test with post hoc Wilcoxon analysis revealed that the mean scores for the intervention group and the 1st control were significantly better than the 2nd control group in many dependent variables. Conclusions: The results indicate that incorporating MI can positively influence cognitive status, emotional status, and the quality of life in older adults diagnosed with early-stage dementia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging-Related Changes in Memory and Cognition)
13 pages, 274 KiB  
Article
Clinical and Psychological Factors Associated with Frailty in Patients with Heart Failure
by Bernadetta Żółkowska, Christopher S. Lee, Quin E. Denfeld, Maria Jędrzejczyk, Dorota Diakowska, Magdalena Lisiak, Marta Wleklik, Michał Czapla and Izabella Uchmanowicz
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(23), 7345; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13237345 - 2 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1430
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Heart failure (HF) is a significant public health issue with high morbidity and mortality rates. This study aims to investigate the interrelationships between frailty, cognitive impairment, and depression in older adults with HF, specifically focusing on how the physical and neuropsychiatric [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Heart failure (HF) is a significant public health issue with high morbidity and mortality rates. This study aims to investigate the interrelationships between frailty, cognitive impairment, and depression in older adults with HF, specifically focusing on how the physical and neuropsychiatric dimensions of frailty contribute to cognitive decline. Methods: This study included 250 patients aged 60 years or older, diagnosed with HF and hospitalized for acute decompensated HF. The patients were assessed using standardized protocols for frailty, cognitive function, and depression. The frailty was evaluated using Fried’s phenotype criteria, cognitive function with MMSE and MoCA, and depression and anxiety with HADS and PHQ-9. Statistical analyses included univariable and multivariable linear regression to identify the predictors of frailty. Results: Of the 250 patients, 151 (60.4%) were identified as frail. The frail patients were older (mean age 73.58 ± 6.80 years) compared to the non-frail patients (mean age 70.39 ± 6.16 years, p = 0.0002). Significant differences were observed in the NYHA class, length of the hospital stay, and prevalence of diabetes mellitus. The frail patients had worse cognitive (MMSE: 27.39 ± 2.12 vs. 28.13 ± 1.72, p = 0.004; MoCA: 24.68 ± 3.65 vs. 25.64 ± 3.98, p = 0.050) and psychological outcomes (higher prevalence of marked depression based on HADS categories: 8.61% vs. 1.01%, p = 0.021; and PHQ-9 categories: severe depression: 2.65% vs. 1.01%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Age, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and anxiety were identified as independent predictors of frailty in the patients with heart failure. Depression, cognitive dysfunction, and the length of the hospital stay showed significant differences between the frail and non-frail patients in the group comparisons but were not independent predictors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Cardiovascular Diseases: The Cutting Edge)
13 pages, 274 KiB  
Article
The Effectiveness of Motor Imagery in Balance and Functional Status of Older People with Early-Stage Dementia
by Anna Christakou, Christina Bouzineki, Marousa Pavlou, George Stranjalis and Vasiliki Sakellari
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(11), 1151; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14111151 - 17 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1709
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Dementia involves the loss of cognitive abilities and impairs functional abilities in daily life. In motor imagery (MI) techniques, motor acts are mentally rehearsed without any overt body movements. The purpose of the randomized controlled trial was to examine the effects of [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Dementia involves the loss of cognitive abilities and impairs functional abilities in daily life. In motor imagery (MI) techniques, motor acts are mentally rehearsed without any overt body movements. The purpose of the randomized controlled trial was to examine the effects of MI on the motor function of older adults with dementia. Methods: Overall, 160 participants (43 men, 117 women, MMSE M = 23.20, SD = 0.15) from an Athens Day Care Center of the Alzheimer Association were randomized to (a) the MI and exercise group (experimental group) (n = 55), (b) the only exercise group (1st control group) (n = 52) and (c) the neither MI nor exercise group (2nd control group) (n = 53). The exercise session comprised 24 physiotherapy exercise sessions, lasting 45 min each, twice a week for 12 weeks. The exercises were selected from the Otago Exercise Program. Three assessments were performed: (a) one week prior to the program, (b) at one and a half months and (c) after the program. The experimental group performed a 30-minute MI with exercise program content after the end of every physiotherapy exercise session. The Multidirectional Reach Test, Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) were used to assess participants’ balance and functional status. Results: In the intention to treat analysis (18 participants dropped out), the 3 × 3 repeated measures ANOVA indicated statistically significant results between the three groups on (a) the TUG (F = 3.06, df (2), p = 0.04), (b) the FTSST (F = 3.00, df (2), p = 0.05), (c) the forward direction test (F = 4.14 df (2), p = 0.02), the lateral right and the lateral left direction tests (F = 3.90, df (2), p = 0.02 and F = 7.87, df (2), p = 0.00, respectively), and (d) the FGA (F = 4.35, df (2), p = 0.01). The Friedman test showed significant statistical significant differences among the three groups for BBS (X2 = 7.62, df = 2, p = 0.22), and an effect size of partial η2 coefficient for F-tests was found. Post hoc comparisons using a Bonferroni test for ANOVA and Wilcoxon test for Friedman indicated that the mean scores for the experimental group and the 1st control were significantly better than the 2rd control group in many dependent variables. Conclusions: The study showed a positive effect of MI on balance and the functional status of older adults with early stages of dementia with possible beneficial effects on maintaining independence and reducing physical decline. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation in Neuromuscular Diseases)
11 pages, 288 KiB  
Article
Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Tests and Electroencephalogram Results Among Cirrhotic Patients
by Alaa Aboud Mohamed, Mostafa M. Elkholy, Ola O. Mangoud, Ahmed R. N. Ibrahim, Marwa O. Elgendy and Ali M. Abdel Fattah
Medicina 2024, 60(11), 1861; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60111861 - 14 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1569
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Patients with cirrhosis who seem normal during physical examinations may still have abnormalities in their electroencephalogram (EEG) or show pathological results in neuropsychological tests. This study aimed to investigate the progression of minimal hepatic encephalopathy, its effects on quality [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Patients with cirrhosis who seem normal during physical examinations may still have abnormalities in their electroencephalogram (EEG) or show pathological results in neuropsychological tests. This study aimed to investigate the progression of minimal hepatic encephalopathy, its effects on quality of life, its prognostic value, and its significance for daily functioning. Materials and Methods: This study involved 50 patients with confirmed cirrhosis (28 Child A, 12 Child B, 10 Child C) who were assessed for psychological symptoms and underwent several tests: the Minimal Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Letter Cancellation Test, the Digit Symbol Coding Test, and EEG. Results: showed that 40% of patients exhibited neuropsychiatric symptoms, with somatization being the most common at 96%. The MMSE revealed cognitive impairment in 48% of patients. In the Letter Cancellation Test (LCT) (total error), 80% of patients had organic disorders, and 24% showed affections with (LCT) (completion time). The Digit Symbol Coding Test results showed affection in 28% of patients. Significant EEG changes were observed in patients with Child C cirrhosis. Patients with portal hypertension (including varices and variceal bleeding), liver cell failure symptoms (such as ascites, lower limb edema, and bleeding tendency), as well as those who smoke, or obese, or have hyperlipidemia, all displayed notable EEG and psychological test abnormalities, making them more likely to develop hepatic encephalopathy. Conclusions: psychological testing and EEG changes are effective in detecting minimal hepatic encephalopathy, with a higher incidence in Child C patients compared to those in Child A and B. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novelties in Chronic Liver Diseases)
13 pages, 1047 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Medication Regimen Adjustment Ratio on Adherence and Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Mild Cognitive Impairment
by Xiaoqing Song, Jingwei Wu, Yan Yang, Weijie Xu, Xiaoli Shi, Kun Dong, Mengni Li, Xi Chen, Yuping Wang, Xuna Bian, Lianlian Gao, Xuefeng Yu, Delin Ma and Jing Tao
Biomedicines 2024, 12(9), 2110; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12092110 - 16 Sep 2024
Viewed by 2091
Abstract
Background: An antidiabetic medication regimen is crucial for maintaining glycemic control. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cognitive dysfunction have a bidirectional relationship. This study aims to explore the impact that adjusting antidiabetic medication regimens has on medication adherence, glycemic control, and cognitive [...] Read more.
Background: An antidiabetic medication regimen is crucial for maintaining glycemic control. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cognitive dysfunction have a bidirectional relationship. This study aims to explore the impact that adjusting antidiabetic medication regimens has on medication adherence, glycemic control, and cognitive function in patients with T2DM and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: This is an observational cross-sectional analysis that includes 364 consecutive inpatients with T2DM. Clinical data were collected, medication adherence was assessed using the Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS-5), and cognitive status was evaluated using the Chinese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE). These data were obtained both during hospitalization and at a three-month follow-up. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to determine the association between changes in medication regimens and medication adherence, glycemic control, and cognitive function. Results: Baseline medication adherence was high across all three different cognitive status groups, with no significant difference in MARS-5 scores. At the 3-month follow-up, the group with a high adjustment ratio of antidiabetic medication regimens showed an increase in their hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level compared to the baseline, while the group with a low adjustment ratio showed a decrease in this level. In addition, the MoCA, MMSE, and MARS-5 scores of the high-adjustment group were significantly lower than those of the low-adjustment group. Conclusions: A high ratio of medication adjustment was significantly associated with worse medication adherence and glycemic control in T2DM patients with MCI. Patients with a low ratio of medication adjustment had good adherence and better glycemic control. Clinicians should take cognitive status into account when adjusting antidiabetic regimens for T2DM patients and may need to provide additional guidance to patients with cognitive impairment to improve adherence and glycemic outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Endocrinology and Metabolism Research)
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20 pages, 2376 KiB  
Article
Exploratory Tau PET/CT with [11C]PBB3 in Patients with Suspected Alzheimer’s Disease and Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration: A Pilot Study on Correlation with PET Imaging and Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers
by Joachim Strobel, Elham Yousefzadeh-Nowshahr, Katharina Deininger, Karl Peter Bohn, Christine A. F. von Arnim, Markus Otto, Christoph Solbach, Sarah Anderl-Straub, Dörte Polivka, Patrick Fissler, Gerhard Glatting, Matthias W. Riepe, Makoto Higuchi, Ambros J. Beer, Albert Ludolph and Gordon Winter
Biomedicines 2024, 12(7), 1460; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12071460 - 1 Jul 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2216
Abstract
Accurately diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is challenging due to overlapping symptoms and limitations of current imaging methods. This study investigates the use of [11C]PBB3 PET/CT imaging to visualize tau pathology and improve diagnostic accuracy. Given diagnostic challenges with [...] Read more.
Accurately diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is challenging due to overlapping symptoms and limitations of current imaging methods. This study investigates the use of [11C]PBB3 PET/CT imaging to visualize tau pathology and improve diagnostic accuracy. Given diagnostic challenges with symptoms and conventional imaging, [11C]PBB3 PET/CT’s potential to enhance accuracy was investigated by correlating tau pathology with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers, positron emission tomography (PET), computed tomography (CT), amyloid-beta, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). We conducted [11C]PBB3 PET/CT imaging on 24 patients with suspected AD or FTLD, alongside [11C]PiB PET/CT (13 patients) and [18F]FDG PET/CT (15 patients). Visual and quantitative assessments of [11C]PBB3 uptake using standardized uptake value ratios (SUV-Rs) and correlation analyses with clinical assessments were performed. The scans revealed distinct tau accumulation patterns; 13 patients had no or faint uptake (PBB3-negative) and 11 had moderate to pronounced uptake (PBB3-positive). Significant inverse correlations were found between [11C]PBB3 SUV-Rs and MMSE scores, but not with CSF-tau or CSF-amyloid-beta levels. Here, we show that [11C]PBB3 PET/CT imaging can reveal distinct tau accumulation patterns and correlate these with cognitive impairment in neurodegenerative diseases. Our study demonstrates the potential of [11C]PBB3-PET imaging for visualizing tau pathology and assessing disease severity, offering a promising tool for enhancing diagnostic accuracy in AD and FTLD. Further research is essential to validate these findings and refine the use of tau-specific PET imaging in clinical practice, ultimately improving patient care and treatment outcomes. Full article
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36 pages, 7223 KiB  
Review
Ginkgo biloba: A Leaf of Hope in the Fight against Alzheimer’s Dementia: Clinical Trial Systematic Review
by Guilherme Lopes de Oliveira Pagotto, Livia Maria Oliveira dos Santos, Najwa Osman, Caroline Barbalho Lamas, Lucas Fornari Laurindo, Karina Torres Pomini, Leila M. Guissoni, Enzo Pereira de Lima, Ricardo de Alvares Goulart, Virginia M. C. Strozze Catharin, Rosa Direito, Masaru Tanaka and Sandra Maria Barbalho
Antioxidants 2024, 13(6), 651; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13060651 - 27 May 2024
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 17375
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a stealthy and progressive neurological disorder that is a leading cause of dementia in the global elderly population, imposing a significant burden on both the elderly and society. Currently, the condition is treated with medications that alleviate symptoms. Nonetheless, [...] Read more.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a stealthy and progressive neurological disorder that is a leading cause of dementia in the global elderly population, imposing a significant burden on both the elderly and society. Currently, the condition is treated with medications that alleviate symptoms. Nonetheless, these drugs may not consistently produce the desired results and can cause serious side effects. Hence, there is a vigorous pursuit of alternative options to enhance the quality of life for patients. Ginkgo biloba (GB), an herb with historical use in traditional medicine, contains bioactive compounds such as terpenoids (Ginkgolides A, B, and C), polyphenols, organic acids, and flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin). These compounds are associated with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties, making them valuable for cognitive health. A systematic search across three databases using specific keywords—GB in AD and dementia—yielded 1702 documents, leading to the selection of 15 clinical trials for synthesis. In eleven studies, GB extract/EGb 761® was shown to improve cognitive function, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and functional abilities in both dementia types. In four studies, however, there were no significant differences between the GB-treated and placebo groups. Significant improvements were observed in scores obtained from the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Short Cognitive Performance Test (SKT), and Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). While the majority of synthesized clinical trials show that Ginkgo biloba has promising potential for the treatment of these conditions, more research is needed to determine optimal dosages, effective delivery methods, and appropriate pharmaceutical formulations. Furthermore, a thorough assessment of adverse effects, exploration of long-term use implications, and investigation into potential drug interactions are critical aspects that must be carefully evaluated in future studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant and Biological Properties of Plant Extracts—3rd Edition)
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19 pages, 768 KiB  
Article
Unlocking Cognitive Potential: Association of Sarcopenia and Mediterranean Diet on Cognitive Function in Community-Dwelling Elderly of the Dalmatian Region
by Julija Jelaska, Marijana Vučković, Ivana Gugić Ordulj, Ela Kolak, Lucija Šolić Šegvić, Zdravka Đapić Kolak, Irena Keser and Josipa Radić
Nutrients 2024, 16(7), 991; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16070991 - 28 Mar 2024
Viewed by 2056
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the association between muscle strength, adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MeDi) and cognitive function in community-dwelling elderly. General data, data of body composition and anthropometric parameters, clinical and laboratory findings, cognitive test questionnaires (Mini-Mental State [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to determine the association between muscle strength, adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MeDi) and cognitive function in community-dwelling elderly. General data, data of body composition and anthropometric parameters, clinical and laboratory findings, cognitive test questionnaires (Mini-Mental State Examination—MMSE, Trail Making Test—TMT, Symbol Digit Modalities Test—SDMT), and nutritional assessments (Mini Nutritional Assessment—MNA, Mediterranean Diet Serving Score—MDSS) were obtained for each study participant. Handgrip strength (HS) was used as one of the key parameters for defining probable sarcopenia, among the Short Physical Performance Battery test (SPPB) (for defining physical activity) and the strength, assistance with walking, rising from a chair, climbing stairs, and falls questionnaire (SARC-F). Our cross-sectional study involved 114 participants aged ≥ 60 years, and two-thirds of the participants were female (76.3% vs. 23.7%). Probable sarcopenia was found in 34.7% of them. Using bivariate regression analysis, cognitive deficit among the sarcopenic population was associated with the following groups of collected data: (a) sociodemographic-associated factors—advanced age (OR: 1.07; p = 0.004), single marital status (OR: 3.25; p = 0.03), and low level of education (OR: 0.22; p < 0.003); (b) behavioral-associated factors—duration of institutionalization (OR: 1.05; p = 0.007), performance of heavy physical work (OR: 6.26; p = 0.001), low physical activity (OR: 0.08; p = 0.002), and risk of malnutrition (OR: 3.87; p = 0.005); (c) disease-related factors—loss of appetite (OR: 2.24; p = 0.04), information processing speed (OR: 0.88; p < 0.001), blood pressure systolic/diastolic variables (OR: 0.96/0.96; p = 0.002/0.02), medications (OR: 1.19; p = 0.005), predictive sarcopenia score ≥ 4 (OR: 3.1; p = 0.003), and low muscle strength (OR: 0.92; p = 0.002). Cognitive preservation among the sarcopenic population was associated with married status (OR: 0.23; p = 0.20), a high level of education (OR: 0.18; p = 0.002), smoking (OR: 0.33; p = 0.02), high physical activity (OR: 0.07; p < 0.001), and dietary habits using poultry (OR: 0.12; p = 0.004). The results suggest a significant association between sarcopenia and cognitive function in community-dwelling elderly, highlighting the need for regular nutritional interventions in this special population. Full article
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11 pages, 229 KiB  
Article
A Comparative Study of Three Dementia Screening Instruments (CSI-D, CMMSE, and ECAQ) in a Multi-Ethnic Asian Population
by Narayanaswamy Venketasubramanian
Healthcare 2024, 12(3), 410; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12030410 - 5 Feb 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1917
Abstract
Background—There is no validated dementia screening tool for multi-ethnic Asian populations comprising Chinese, Malays, and Indians. This study aimed to establish the psychometric properties of the Community Screening Instrument for Dementia (CSI-D), Chinese Mini Mental State Examination (CMMSE), and Elderly Cognitive Assessment Questionnaire [...] Read more.
Background—There is no validated dementia screening tool for multi-ethnic Asian populations comprising Chinese, Malays, and Indians. This study aimed to establish the psychometric properties of the Community Screening Instrument for Dementia (CSI-D), Chinese Mini Mental State Examination (CMMSE), and Elderly Cognitive Assessment Questionnaire (ECAQ) in multi-ethnic Singapore. Methods—Participants were randomly drawn from a community-based neurological diseases study of older adults conducted in Singapore, with oversampling to allow similar subject numbers from the three major ethnicities: Chinese, Malay, and Indian. The CSI-D, CMMSE, and ECAQ were administered by trained research nurses using a standardised translated questionnaire in a language the participant was most conversant in. Participants were independently diagnosed as a case/non-case of dementia using the DSM-IV. Results—There were 259 participants (85 Chinese, 85 Malays, and 89 Indians, mean age 70.15 years, 65.4% female, 58.8% had no/minimal formal education); 22.8% (n = 59) had dementia. Correlations between the measures were substantial. All the measures had acceptable overall discriminative abilities. Diagnostic accuracies of the instruments did not differ across the ethnic groups. Effects of education were present in the cognitive screening measures. Conclusions—The CSI-D, CMMSE, and ECAQ are valid dementia instruments in this multi-ethnic Asian setting. Full article
14 pages, 2092 KiB  
Article
Glucose Metabolism and Cognitive Decline in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Syndrome: A Preliminary Study
by Natalia Madetko-Alster, Dagmara Otto-Ślusarczyk, Marta Struga, Michał Kutyłowski, Agnieszka Drzewińska, Karolina Duszyńska-Wąs, Bartosz Migda and Piotr Alster
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(2), 465; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13020465 - 14 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2324
Abstract
Multiple studies have analyzed the possible correlations between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Less is known about the context of cognitive deterioration among patients with atypical Parkinsonian syndromes and glucose metabolism impairment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the [...] Read more.
Multiple studies have analyzed the possible correlations between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Less is known about the context of cognitive deterioration among patients with atypical Parkinsonian syndromes and glucose metabolism impairment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the impaired glucose metabolism and cognitive decline among patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal syndrome (CBS). The study included 22 patients with PSP and CBS with disease durations varying from 3 to 6 years. The levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), fasting blood glucose, fasting C-peptide and the presence of microalbuminuria were evaluated, and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) were performed. Based on the OGTT results, the glycemic variability, mean glycemia, glycemia standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (%CV) were calculated. All patients underwent a three-Tesla brain magnetic resonance (MRI) examination and neuropsychological cognitive assessment with the use of standardized scales: Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB). A statistical analysis revealed that poor control of glycemia with high glycemic variability and increased atrophy of the medial temporal lobe among patients with PSP and CBS correlated with worse cognitive performance independent of age or sex, even among patients who did not fulfill the criteria for diabetes. The study results indicate the importance of glucose metabolism control and optimal treatment in the context of cognition maintenance among patients with PSP and CBS. Due to the relatively small number of analyzed patients, the issue requires further assessment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study discussing the role of glycemic variability in atypical Parkinsonian syndromes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Neurology)
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14 pages, 3508 KiB  
Article
Curve Similarity Analysis for Reducing the Temperature Uncertainty of Optical Sensor for Oil-Tank Ground Settlement Monitoring
by Tao Liu, Gang Liu, Tao Jiang, Hong Li and Changsen Sun
Sensors 2023, 23(19), 8287; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23198287 - 7 Oct 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1249
Abstract
A nonuniform temperature field can deteriorate the performance of sensors, especially those working in the field, such as an optical sensor for oil-tank ground settlement (GS) monitoring. In this case, the GS monitoring employs hydraulic-level-based sensors (HLBS), which are uniformly installed along with [...] Read more.
A nonuniform temperature field can deteriorate the performance of sensors, especially those working in the field, such as an optical sensor for oil-tank ground settlement (GS) monitoring. In this case, the GS monitoring employs hydraulic-level-based sensors (HLBS), which are uniformly installed along with the oil-tank basement perimeter and are all connected by hydraulic tubes. Then, the cylinder structure of the oil tank itself can create a strong temperature difference between the sensors installed in the sunlit front and those in the shadow. Practically, this sunlight-dependent difference can be over 30 °C, by which the thermal expansion of the measuring liquid inside the connecting hydraulic tubes keeps on driving a movement and, thereby, leads to fluctuations in the final result of the oil-tank GS monitoring system. Now, this system can work well at night when the temperature difference becomes negligible. However, temperature uncertainty is generated in the GS sensors due to the large temperature difference between the sensors in the daytime. In this paper, we measured the temperature where the sensor was located. Then, we compared the results of the GS sensors with their corresponding temperatures and fitted them with two separate curves, respectively. After observing the similarity in the tendency of the two curves, we found that there was a qualitative correlative relationship between the change in temperature and the uncertainty in the sensor results. Then, a curve similarity analysis (CSA) principle based on the minimum mean square error (MMSE) criteria was employed to establish an algorithm, by which the temperature uncertainty in the GS sensors was reduced. A practical test proved that the standard deviation was improved by 73.4% by the algorithm. This work could be an example for reducing the temperature uncertainty from in-field sensors through the CSA method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Optical Sensors)
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