Search Results (4,968)

This on-farm study explored the effects of diverse pasture systems and seaweed-based bio-stimulants (AgriSea NZ Seaweed Products, Paeroa, New Zealand) on sheep performance, metabolic health, milk composition, and carcass characteristics. A 3 × 2 factorial design was used to compare three pasture systems; ryegrass-white clover (RW), a 23-species diverse mix (DI), and functionally diverse strip swards (ST), with (SW) or without (CO) a seaweed-based bio-stimulant. Ninety pregnant ewes were stratified by live weight and allocated across six treatment groups (15 ewes per treatment). Lambing occurred on treatment paddocks. At weaning, 90 lambs (15 per treatment) were selected based on body weight and sex balance to continue through to finishing. Pasture chemical composition differed among treatments: ST had lower fibre (neutral detergent fibre, NDF; acid detergent fibre, ADF) than RW and DI, while SW increased dry matter digestibility (DMD) and metabolisable energy (ME), and reduced NDF and ADF (p < 0.05). Strip pastures improved lamb average daily gain (ADG) by 17% from lambing to weaning compared to DI, and by 14% from weaning to finishing compared to RW (p < 0.05). Seaweed-based bio-stimulant treatment enhanced lamb ADG by up to 12% and improved carcass traits, including loin and shoulder yields (p < 0.05). Ewes and lambs on seaweed-treated pastures exhibited lower serum non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations (p < 0.05), indicating better energy balance. Milk from ST and/or SW treated ewes had elevated omega-6 fatty acids and essential amino acids, suggesting enhanced nutritional value. These findings demonstrate that combining botanical diversity with natural bio-stimulants can improve animal growth, metabolic health, and product quality, offering a promising strategy for sustainable and welfare-oriented sheep production systems. Full article

Background: Load carriage is an activity of daily living, can be an occupational risk, and is a popular method of resistance training. Type of carry could be related to vascular and blood pressure (BP) responses and may be related to cardiovascular risk. As physical activity is recommended by clinicians and exercise physiologists, understanding the vascular responses in relation to type of carry is important to consider in terms of risk. The purpose of this study was to compare the vascular health and BP responses to the farmer’s handle (load at the side of the body) and zercher (load in front of the body) carry and to examine sex differences in the responses. Methods: A total of 38 adults (22 females and 16 males) completed farmer’s handle and zercher load carriage with pre- and post-vascular measurements using pulse wave analysis. Results: We found that load carriage with weight in front of the body (zercher) elicits a larger increase in arterial stiffness (AIx@75), and load carriage with the load on the side of the body (farmer’s handle) elicits a larger increase in peripheral systolic BP. There were no sex differences in the responses to carry. Females exercise (3.1 vs. 4.8) and weight train (1.5 vs. 2.6) fewer times per week and had a lower resting systolic BP (121.5 ± 10.3 vs. 131.3 ± 8.3 mmHg) (p < 0.05). Both types of load carriage increased peripheral systolic BP, central systolic BP, and vascular stiffness (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Location of load carriage is important to consider based on potential cardiac risk of patients. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study examines the effectiveness of equine-assisted intervention (EAI) in improving adaptive behaviour and motor skills in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods: To that effect, a self-controlled experimental analytical study has been designed, which is longitudinal and prospective in nature, with pre- and post-intervention measures, using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale II (VABS-II) as the assessment instrument. The sample consists of 19 children who participated in weekly therapeutic sessions involving horses for eight months; these sessions included horseback riding, groundwork, hygiene, and preparation of the horse. Results: The results show significant improvements both in the overall score of the VABS-II test ($\overline{\mathrm{x}}$pre: 65.84 ± 10.38–$\overline{\mathrm{x}}$post: 72.47 ± 16.21, p = 0.003) and in the areas of communication ($\overline{\mathrm{x}}$pre: 64.84 ± 15.50 ~ $\overline{\mathrm{x}}$post: 72.26 ± 21.93, p = 0.010), social skills ($\overline{\mathrm{x}}$pre: 61.26 ± 8.99 ~ $\overline{\mathrm{x}}$post: 66.53 ± 13.79, p = 0.008) and daily living skills (DLS) ($\overline{\mathrm{x}}$pre: 66.21 ± 11.15 ~ $\overline{\mathrm{x}}$post: 69.95 ± 12.32, p = 0.0004), as well as a non-significant slight improvement in motor skills ($\overline{\mathrm{x}}$pre: 72.50 ± 8.83 ~ $\overline{\mathrm{x}}$post: 75.17 ± 7.88, p = 0.363). In addition, these gains were greater in those children attending standard classroom settings and receiving early stimulation. Conclusions: This study suggests equine-assisted intervention (EAI) may contribute to improvements in adaptive behaviour, including communication, social skills, and daily living skills, in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Benefits were notably enhanced in children receiving early stimulation within standard classroom settings. Full article

Low fertility limits reproductive efficiency in cattle. This study was conducted with multiparous Brangus cows receiving dietary supplementation with or without L-citrulline [Cit; an immediate precursor of L-arginine (Arg)]. During the entire experimental period, cows grazed green pasture and had free access to drinking water and mineral blocks. One hundred and seven (107) cows were assigned randomly to one of three treatment groups: dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) without Cit supplement (n = 36); DDGS top-dressed with rumen-protected Cit product (RPAA; n = 36); or unprotected Cit product (RUAA; n = 35). After 2 months of lactation, all cows were synchronized to estrus and were bred once via artificial insemination. From Day 1 to Day 60 of gestation, cows were individually fed once daily 0.84 kg of a supplement (DDGS; control), 0.56 kg of DDGS plus 0.28 kg of RUAA (containing 0.07 kg of unencapsulated Cit), or 0.56 kg of DDGS plus 0.28 kg of RPAA (containing 0.07 kg of rumen-protected Cit). The supplemental dose of Cit was equivalent to 0.5% of the estimated daily intake of 14 kg dry matter from pasture. On Days 40 and 60 of gestation, ultrasound was used to determine pregnancy rates. Each pregnant cow had a single conceptus. On Day 60 of gestation, blood samples were obtained from the jugular vein. All cows grazed normally and appeared healthy. Birth rates for live-born calves were 22% and 35% in cows receiving DDGS alone and Cit supplementation, respectively (p < 0.05). The beneficial effect of Cit was associated with increases in concentrations of Cit (+19%), Arg (+20%), ornithine (+19%), proline (+17%), and insulin (+82%) but decreases in concentrations of ammonia (–14%) in maternal plasma (p < 0.05). Thus, dietary supplementation with Cit is a simple, novel, and cost-effective nutritional method to increase the reproductive efficiency of lactating beef cows. Full article

Neurodevelopmental disorders are one of the most prevalent conditions today, and among the limitations in activity and restrictions in the participation of children and their families, we find intervention in activities of daily living; therefore, research focused on outcome measurement is one of the most active lines, and after COVID-19, telerehabilitation has garnered special interest. Background/Objectives: The study objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile health (mHealth) application in improving the performance of activities of daily living in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Methods: The study employed a quasi-experimental design with a control group, using a fully remote mHealth-based intervention. The instruments used were a sociodemographic ad hoc, Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory Computer, Family Outcomes Survey, Family Confidence Scale, and System Usability Scale. The final sample consisted of 13 participants. Results: The mHealth intervention showed significant improvements in occupational performance in the experimental group, especially in the global score and in the Responsibility dimension of the PEDI-CAT. No relevant differences were observed in the CON-FAN and FOS scales between groups, although the latter showed improvements over time. The usability of the app was rated positively (SUS = 69.75). Conclusions: The developed application presents good usability for families of children with neurodevelopmental disorders, but to obtain better outcome measures, the intervention should combine face-to-face sessions and the use of mHealth, as well as employing the family-centered model. Full article

This study aimed to describe the risk factors for locomotive syndrome (LS) in Brazilian oldest old individuals. Study subjects were older adults aged ≥80 years who were cognitively healthy, independent for activities of daily living and had been followed since 2011 by a Brazilian cohort study entitled the Longevos Project. A nested case–control study evaluating demographic and clinical characteristics was conducted. Physical tests including the 5 times sit-to-stand, hand-grip strength, 4-m gait speed and two-step test were performed. The World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire short form (WHOQOL-BREF) and Numerical Rating Scale plus Verbal Rating Scale were applied to assess quality of life (QOL) and chronic pain (CP), respectively. LS was diagnosed using the Brazilian version of the 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS-25-p), and sarcopenia by the SARC-F screening tool. The study sample included 52 participants, had a mean age of 89.3 years (±3.9 years) and was predominantly female (76.9%). Of this sample, 24 were diagnosed with LS and 28 were not. The prevalence of osteoporosis (20%), osteoarthritis (22%), depression (13%) and use of a walking device (14%) was higher in the LS group. Participants with LS had worse performance in physical tests. A multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the main risk factors for LS as osteoporosis (OR 10.80, 95%CI 1.08–108.48) and presence of moderate-to-severe chronic musculoskeletal pain (OR 8.92, 95%CI 1.25–63.89). Full article

Background: Orofacial dysfunctions are a source of discontent and impair daily living activities. Patients with hearing impairments exhibit an elevated risk of stomatognathic system changes. Hence, this pilot study aims to evaluate changes in stomatognathic system functions in patients with hearing impairments and cochlear implants. Methods: During the examination, the Nordic Orofacial Test-Screening was used to assess orofacial functions. The range of motion within the temporomandibular joints was measured using a vernier caliper. A socio-medical study was conducted to collect data regarding the patients, the cochlear implant sides, and the methods of communication. Results: The statistical analysis showed a significant difference in the total NOT-S scores (p < 0.001) and examination scores (p < 0.001) between patients with hearing impairments and the control group. These significant differences of the total NOT-S score and examination score have large effect sizes (r > 0.5). In particular, significant differences were observed in the results of maximum mouth opening (p = 0.006) and right laterotrusion (p = 0.020). Differences were also observed in the answers regarding the method of communication and the examination score of the NOT-S questionnaire (p = 0.040). The 6A of the NOT-S significantly affected the examination score (p = 0.015) and the total NOT-S score (p = 0.037), while the result of section 6B only significantly affected the NOT-S examination score (p = 0.032). Conclusions: Patients with hearing impairments presented orofacial dysfunctions significantly more often than the control group. The side of cochlear implant implantation is important for stomatognathic system changes. Full article

We describe the first use of phage therapy in Canada for the treatment of a life-threatening periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), with successful outcome. PJI is a devastating complication of joint replacement surgery, with high morbidity and mortality. Our patient presented with early sepsis from a chronic recalcitrant multidrug-resistant (MDR) Staphylococcus epidermidis hip PJI which had repeatedly failed standard therapy. She had previously undergone 10 operations of the right hip, and only three weeks after completing a prolonged course of daptomycin following her most recent hip revision, she developed a draining sinus tract. Given the high burden of disease, inability to achieve surgical source control, and lack of antibiotic treatment options for long-term suppressive therapy, bacteriophage (phage) therapy was pursued. The patient underwent irrigation and debridement with complex flap reconstruction: intraoperative tissue cultures again yielded MDR S. epidermidis. We developed a novel phage therapy protocol for this patient, with twice daily, intra-articular and intravenous (7 × 10⁹ PFU/dose) phage delivery over a planned 14-day course. Complete healing of the wound with cessation of drainage occurred within one month after treatment. A marked improvement in right hip pain and mobility occurred within three months after treatment. Twelve months following phage treatment, there is normalization of serum inflammatory markers with diminished pain, increased mobility, and no recurrent surgery. Our patient continues to improve and is currently living independently at home, with sustained clinical control of infection. Full article

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been shown to improve motor activities and daily living. Prior studies indicated extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a role in cellular communication. Here, we evaluated transcriptomic profiles of tibialis muscle, brain, and plasma-derived EVs following NMES in wild type (WT) and Klotho heterozygous (Kl^HET) mice. Muscle RNA-seq data demonstrated that, in both genotypes, the most upregulated functional categories were related to glucose metabolism and response to insulin, with pathways uniquely affected in each genotype. There was a similarity of the non-coding RNA transcriptome of plasma EVs, with functional patterns suggesting response to oxygen and insulin and long-term synaptic potentiation. The brain transcriptome showed little functional overlap between WT and Kl^HET mice. In WT, brain upregulation of genes was related to blood flow and cell adhesion processes, while Kl^HET showed upregulation of immune function. The results indicate that similar metabolic function is impacted in the location of stimulation, but the distal impact of stimulation on the brain is associated with Klotho deficiency. Full article

Students and educators spend considerable time in indoor learning spaces on university campuses, where indoor air quality (IAQ), of which particulate matter (PM) is an important component, is a critical concern that architecture students must address. However, IAQ is seldom monitored and very rarely, if at all, reported in these spaces. We used a novel living lab approach to provide third-year students of building services with a hands-on learning activity. During a two-week monitoring period, students designed, assembled, and operated low-cost PM sensors using Arduino platforms. The data analysis showed hotspots where the IAQ was consistently compromised and showed repetitive patterns in time. Workshop and laboratory areas repeatedly recorded the highest PM levels in 15 min sampling events distributed over daily two-hour segments, averaging 43.3 and 47.9 μg/m³ PM₁₀, respectively, with maxima of 118.6 and 119.9 μg/m³ PM₁₀. These measurements would have qualified as ‘moderate’ IAQ if sustained over a full day. A distinct weekly pattern was discovered, with Mondays being worse. The results demonstrated a new practical approach to monitoring the building’s IAQ at minimal cost while obtaining reproducible data. This tool provided educators with a valuable teaching tool that provided students with a deeper understanding of indoor air pollution. Full article

The rapid expansion of device connectivity and the increasing demand for data traffic have become pivotal aspects of our daily lives, especially within the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem. Consequently, operators are striving to identify the most innovative and robust solutions capable of accommodating these escalating requirements. The emergence of the sliced fifth-generation mobile network (sliced 5G) offers a promising architecture that leverages a novel Radio Access Technology known as New Radio (NR), promising significantly enhanced data rate experiences. By integrating the network slicing (NS) architecture, greater flexibility and isolation are introduced into the preexisting infrastructure. The isolation effect of NS is particularly advantageous in mitigating interference between slices, as it empowers each slice to function independently. This paper addresses the user association challenge within a sliced 5G (NR)-IoT network. To this end, we present an Unconstrained-Markov Decision Process (U-MDP) model formulation of the problem. Subsequently, we propose the U-MDP association algorithm, which aims to determine the optimal user-to-slice associations. Unlike existing approaches that typically rely on static user association or separate optimization strategies, our U-MDP algorithm dynamically optimizes user-to-slice associations within a sliced 5G-IoT architecture, thereby enhancing adaptability to varying network conditions and improving overall system performance. Our numerical simulations validate the theoretical model and demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed solution in enhancing overall system performance, all while upholding the quality of service requirements for all devices. Full article

The growing proportion of older adults in the population necessitates improved methods for assessing functional recovery. Objective, continuous monitoring using wearable sensors offers a promising alternative to traditional, often subjective assessments. This study aimed to investigate the utility of inertial measurement unit (IMU)-based data, combined with deep learning, to predict postoperative mobility, activities of daily living, and discharge destination in older adults following surgery. Data from the SURGE-Ahead project was analyzed, involving 39 patients (mean age 79.05 years) wearing lumbar IMU sensors for up to five postoperative days. Deep learning models (TabPFN) were applied and validated using leave-one-out cross-validation to predict the Charité Mobility Index (CHARMI), the Barthel Index, and discharge destination. The TabPFN model achieved R² values of 0.65 and 0.70 for predicting CHARMI and Barthel Index scores, respectively, with moderate to strong agreement with human assessments (weighted kappa ≥ 0.80). Discharge destination was predicted with an accuracy of 82%. The z-channel IMU data and parameters related to walking bouts were most predictive of outcomes. IMU-based data, combined with deep learning, demonstrates potential for automated functional assessment and discharge decision support in older adults following surgery. Full article

Background: Malnutrition contributes to frailty dementia, intensifying adverse health outcomes including mortality risk. Objectives: We aim to investigate the impact of malnutrition risk in those with frailty and functional decline on short-term mortality among older adults with dementia and/or cognitive impairment. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving 2677 hospitalized patients aged ≥65 years with a diagnosis of dementia or cognitive impairment discharged between March 2022 and December 2023. Information was obtained from electronic medical records. Frailty was assessed using the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) and Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS), functional status using premorbid activity of daily living (ADL) scores, and malnutritional risk using the 3-Minute Nutrition Screening (3-Min NS) tool. Associations with 30- and 90-day mortality were examined using Kaplan–Meier analysis and multivariate logistic regression models. Results: A total of 29.2% were at risk of malnutrition, highest in the old-old (37.1%). Thirty-day mortality was significantly associated with CFS (aOR = 1.498, 95% CI: 1.349–1.664, p < 0.001), HFRS (aOR = 1.020, 95% CI: 1.001–1.040, p = 0.038), and ADL (aOR = 0.819, 95% CI: 0.753–0.890, p < 0.001). Malnutrition risk demonstrated the strongest association across all models (ADL: aOR = 2.573, 95% CI: 1.922–3.443, p < 0.001; CFS: aOR = 2.348, 95% CI: 1.738–3.156, p < 0.001; HFRS: aOR = 2.944, 95% CI: 2.210–3.922, p < 0.001). Associations between 90-day mortality and malnutrition risk remained significant across all models, including those adjusted for CFS and ADL. Notably, interactions between malnutrition and CFS further amplified mortality risk among the old-old (30-day: aOR = 1.435, 95% CI: 1.082–1.902, p = 0.012; 90-day: aOR = 1.263, 95% CI: 1.005–1.588, p = 0.045). Conclusions: Risk of malnutrition independently predicted short-term mortality in older adults with dementia or cognitive impairment, particularly among those with frailty, functional decline, and of advanced age. Full article

The use of long-acting cabotegravir and rilpivirine (LA CAB/RPV) is a novel approach to manage human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This injectable regimen offers benefits such as an improved quality of life, reduced stigma and enhanced treatment satisfaction by minimising the need for daily medication adherence. This review summarises the findings of clinical trials and real-world studies on the safety, tolerability and metabolic effects of LA CAB/RPV, which are areas that have received less extensive coverage in previous reviews. Clinical trial data suggest that LA CAB/RPV is generally safe and well tolerated. The most common side effects were injection site reactions, affecting 70–97% of participants. However, these were typically mild and short lived, rarely leading to treatment discontinuation in fewer than 2–3% of cases. Systemic side effects were minimal and comparable to those observed with traditional oral antiretroviral therapy. Real-world studies corroborated these findings, reporting low discontinuation rates due to adverse events. Regarding metabolic impact, clinical trials showed minimal weight gain (an average increase of 1–2 kg over 48–96 weeks) with no significant differences or impact on lipid and glucose levels. Although real-world data are still emerging, they suggest similar trends, including a possible improvement in lipid profiles. Overall, LA CAB/RPV appears to be a safe, well-tolerated and effective treatment option, although longer-term follow-up is needed. Full article

Background/Objectives: School-age children with food allergies (FAs) face substantial psychosocial challenges. Herein, we aimed to synthesize the experiences of such children. Methods: A systematic review of qualitative studies was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022359854). A systematic search was conducted of eight databases. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The data were synthesized through meta-aggregation, and the confidence in the findings was assessed using the ConQual approach. Results: Seventy-three unequivocal findings were extracted and synthesized into three integrated findings. (1) Children with FAs live with daily fear, social restrictions, and emotional stress. To ensure their safety and foster self-management skills, the trusted adults in their lives must be well-informed about allergy management. (2) Children with FAs experience isolation, teasing, and exclusion from peers, whereas peer communication can foster understanding and acceptance. To address this, schools must promote peer empathy, provide allergy education, and build inclusive environments that empower children to express their needs safely. (3) Motivated by curiosity and personal goals, some children engage in oral immunotherapy or allergen reintroduction, leading to meaningful outcomes, such as increased food choices, social inclusion, and reduced anxiety. At the same time, they face emotional and physical burdens, highlighting the need for safety-focused, informed, supported care that considers both the benefits and burdens. Conclusions: This review highlights the need for child-centered, emotionally supportive, and inclusive care involving families, schools, and healthcare providers. However, the moderate ConQual score of the synthesized findings indicates that the recommendations should be considered with caution. Full article