Search Results (342)

Accurate diagnosis of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases typically requires invasive procedures or imaging studies that pose the risk of various post-procedural complications or involve radiation exposure. Bowel sounds (BSs), though typically described during a GI-focused physical exam, are highly inaccurate and variable, with low clinical value in diagnosis. Interpretation of the acoustic characteristics of BSs, i.e., using a phonoenterogram (PEG), may aid in diagnosing various GI conditions non-invasively. Use of artificial intelligence (AI) and improvements in computational analysis can enhance the use of PEGs in different GI diseases and lead to a non-invasive, cost-effective diagnostic modality that has not been explored before. The purpose of this work was to develop an automated AI model, You Only Listen Once (YOLO), to detect prominent bowel sounds that can enable real-time analysis for future GI disease detection and diagnosis. A total of 110 2-minute PEGs sampled at 44.1 kHz were recorded using the Eko DUO^® stethoscope from eight healthy volunteers at two locations, namely, left upper quadrant (LUQ) and right lower quadrant (RLQ) after IRB approval. The datasets were annotated by trained physicians, categorizing BSs as prominent or obscure using version 1.7 of Label Studio Software^®. Each BS recording was split up into 375 ms segments with 200 ms overlap for real-time BS detection. Each segment was binned based on whether it contained a prominent BS, resulting in a dataset of 36,149 non-prominent segments and 6435 prominent segments. Our dataset was divided into training, validation, and test sets (60/20/20% split). A 1D-CNN augmented transformer was trained to classify these segments via the input of Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients. The developed AI model achieved area under the receiver operating curve (ROC) of 0.92, accuracy of 86.6%, precision of 86.85%, and recall of 86.08%. This shows that the 1D-CNN augmented transformer with Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients achieved creditable performance metrics, signifying the YOLO model’s capability to classify prominent bowel sounds that can be further analyzed for various GI diseases. This proof-of-concept study in healthy volunteers demonstrates that automated BS detection can pave the way for developing more intuitive and efficient AI-PEG devices that can be trained and utilized to diagnose various GI conditions. To ensure the robustness and generalizability of these findings, further investigations encompassing a broader cohort, inclusive of both healthy and disease states are needed. Full article

Background/Objectives: We examined maternal perceptions of infant cries as a mediator between maternal tobacco/cannabis use, psychological distress (depression/anger/hostility) and reported cravings for cigarettes and/or cannabis across two time points. Methods: A total of 96 substance-using mothers (35 tobacco-only and 61 tobacco/cannabis) were recruited in pregnancy. Maternal substance use and psychological distress were measured when their children were school age (5–6 years, T1). At the middle childhood assessment (9–12 years, T2), mothers listened to a standardized set of newborn cries and, afterwards, rated their aversiveness, impact on negative affect, and their tobacco/cannabis cravings. Results: Higher levels of maternal depressive symptoms at T1 were associated with perceptions of cries as being more aversive at T2, which, in turn, were associated with increased cannabis cravings at T2. At T1, higher depressive symptoms predicted increased tobacco cravings and higher maternal anger/hostility predicted increased cannabis cravings. Conclusions: Results highlight the role that infant cries and psychological distress play in cravings among tobacco/cannabis-using mothers. Full article

Plastic debris is a pervasive and persistent threat to marine ecosystems. Microplastics (plastics < 5 mm) are increasing in a variety of marine habitats, including open water systems, shorelines, and benthic sediments. It remains unclear how microplastics distribute and accumulate in marine systems and the extent to which this pollutant is accessible to marine taxa. We examined subtidal benthic sediments and beach sediments in critical nearshore habitats for forage fish species—Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes personatus), Pacific herring (Clupea pallasi), and surf smelt (Hypomesus pretiosus)—to quantify microplastic concentrations in the spawning and deep-water habitats of these fish and better understand how microplastics accumulate and distribute in nearshore systems. In the San Juan Islands, we examined an offshore subtidal bedform in a high-flow channel and beach sites of protected and exposed shorelines. We also examined 12 beach sites proximate to urban areas in Puget Sound. Microplastics were found in all samples and at all sample sites. Microfibers were the most abundant, and flakes were present proximate to major shipyards and marinas. Microplastics were significantly elevated in Puget Sound compared to the San Juan Archipelago. Protected beaches had elevated concentrations relative to exposed beaches and subtidal sediments. Microplastics were in higher concentrations in sand and fine-grain sediments, poorly sorted sediments, and artificial sediments. Microplastics were also elevated at sites confirmed as spawning habitats for forage fish. The model results indicate that both current speed and proximate urban populations influence nearshore microplastic concentrations. Our research provides new insights into how microplastics are distributed, deposited, and retained in marine sediments and shorelines, as well as insight into potential exposure in benthic, demersal, and shoreline habitats. Further analyses are required to examine the relative influence of urban populations and shipping lanes and the effects of physical processes such as wave exposure, tidal currents, and shoreline geometry. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cochlear implants (CIs) and hearing aids (HAs) have enhanced auditory rehabilitation in elderly individuals, yet limitations in musical perception and psychosocial integration persist. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of music therapy (MT) on the quality of life (QoL), self-esteem, auditory perception, and cognition in older CI and HA users. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed was conducted up to March 2022 following PRISMA guidelines. Studies involving participants aged ≥ 60 years with CIs and/or HAs were included. Ten studies (n = 21,632) met eligibility criteria. Data were extracted and assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Results: MT led to improved sound quality, with HISQUI19 scores rising from 60.0 ± 21.8 to 74.2 ± 27.5. Early MT exposure was associated with significantly better MUMU outcomes (p = 0.02). Bilateral CI users showed enhanced stereo detection (52% to 86%), and CI + HA users achieved CNC scores exceeding 95%. Postlingual CI users outperformed prelingual peers in musical discrimination (9.81 vs. 3.48; p < 0.001). Long-term HA use was linked to better a QoL and reduced loneliness. Conclusions: While music therapy appears to support auditory and psychosocial functioning in hearing-impaired older adults, the absence of randomized controlled trials limits causal inference regarding its effects. These results support its integration into hearing rehabilitation strategies for older adults. Full article

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often experience sensory hyperreactivities that interfere with daily life activities. White noise, characterized by its uniformity and its ability to mask environmental sounds, may serve as a tool to improve sensory and emotional regulation in children with ASD. The primary objective was to evaluate the response to white noise in improving self-regulation in minors with ASD. As a secondary objective, the study assessed whether there were differences in the response to white noise between patients with ASD and those with ASD and Intellectual Disability (ID). This study was conducted in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology Department of Hospital Clínic of Barcelona. A total of 54 patients, aged between 7 and 17 years, were included. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 consisted of patients diagnosed with ASD (n = 21), and Group 2 included patients diagnosed with ASD and ID (n = 33). White noise was offered to the patients, and their response was evaluated before and after the exposure using the Conners Teacher Rating Scale. Overall, the response to white noise in the sample was positive, with a significant difference in scores on the Conners Teacher Rating Scale (p < 0.001). When dividing the sample into the ASD group and the ASD + ID group, it was observed that the ASD + ID group tolerated white noise better and had a longer exposure time, although both groups showed improved scores on the Conners Teacher Rating Scale. White noise may be a valuable tool to enhance well-being in individuals with ASD, reduce motor restlessness, and increase attention span and emotional stability. However, its effectiveness varies across individuals. It is recommended to tailor its use to individual needs and to extend future research by incorporating physiological measures and larger sample sizes. Full article

Cockpit noise, as a critical environmental factor affecting flight safety, may impair pilots’ cognitive functions, leading to a decreased operational performance and decision-making errors, thereby posing potential threats to aviation safety. In order to reveal the relationship between the cockpit noise sound pressure level and pilot physiological indicators, and provide a scientific basis for cockpit noise airworthiness standards, this experiment takes pilot trainees as the research subject. Based on the principle of multimodal data synchronization, a sound field reconstruction system is used to reconstruct the cockpit sound field. Electroencephalogram (EEG), electrocardiogram (ECG), and electrodermal activity (EDA) measurements are carried out in different sound pressure level noise operating environments. The results show that with the increase in the sound pressure level, the significant suppression of α-wave activity in the occipital and parietal regions suggests that the cortical resting state is lifted and visual attention is enhanced; the enhancement of the β-wave in the frontal regions reflects the enhancement of alertness and prefrontal executive control, and the suppression of θ-wave activity in the frontal and temporal regions may indicate that cognitive tuning is suppressed, which reflects the brain’s rapid adaptive response to external noise stimuli in a high-noise environment; noise exposure triggers sustained sympathetic nerve hyperactivity, which is manifested by a significant acceleration of the heart rate and a significant increase in the mean value of skin conductance when the noise sound pressure level exceeds 70 dB(A). The correlation analysis between physiological indicators shows that cockpit noise has a multi-system synergistic effect on human physiological indicators. The experimental results indicate that noise has a significant impact on EEG, ECG, and EDA indicators. Full article

With the increasing accumulation of plastic residues in agricultural ecosystems, microplastics (MPs) have emerged as a novel and pervasive environmental risk factor threatening sustainable agriculture. Compared to aquatic systems, our understanding of MP dynamics in agricultural soils—particularly their transport mechanisms, bioavailability, plant uptake pathways, and ecological impacts—remains limited. These knowledge gaps impede accurate risk assessment and hinder the development of effective mitigation strategies. This review critically synthesises current knowledge in the study of MPs within soil–plant systems. It examines how MPs influence soil physicochemical properties, plant physiological processes, toxicological responses, and rhizosphere interactions. It further explores the transport dynamics of MPs in soil–plant systems and recent advances in analytical techniques for their detection and quantification. The role of plant functional traits in mediating species-specific responses to MP exposure is also discussed. In addition, the review evaluates the ecological relevance of laboratory-based findings under realistic agricultural conditions, highlighting the methodological limitations imposed by pollution heterogeneity, complex exposure scenarios, and detection technologies. It also examines existing policy responses at both regional and global levels aimed at addressing MP pollution in agriculture. To address these challenges, we propose future research directions that include the integration of multi-method detection protocols, long-term and multi-site field experiments, the development of advanced risk modelling frameworks, and the establishment of threshold values for MP residues in edible crops. Additionally, we highlight the need for future policies to regulate the full life cycle of agricultural plastics, monitor soil MP residues, and integrate MP risks into food safety assessments. This review provides both theoretical insights and practical strategies for understanding and mitigating MP pollution in agroecosystems, supporting the transition toward more sustainable, resilient, and environmentally sound agricultural practices. Full article

In 2019, an unusual mortality event (UME) affected bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Mississippi Sound (MSS) following an extended dual opening of the Bonnet Carré Spillway (BCS), which prevents flooding in New Orleans. This resulted in low salinity, skin lesions, and electrolyte imbalances in dolphins. Additionally, the influx likely altered the MSS’s environmental chemical composition, including levels of heavy metals and metalloids; thus, we quantified heavy metals, metalloids, and essential elements in the tissues of dolphins that stranded in the MSS before and after the 2019 UME. We hypothesized that levels of heavy metals and metalloids (such as mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd)) would not show significant changes post-UME. Indeed, we found no major changes associated with the UME in most metals; sodium (Na) and magnesium (Mg) levels were lower in several tissues after 2019, which correlated with the average yearly salinity measured from the MSS. Toxic metals and metalloids were detectable with some changes over time; however, the selenium (Se):Hg molar ratio increased in some tissues post-2019. Additionally, we confirmed that Hg can bioaccumulate, with positive correlations between Hg levels and dolphin size as assessed by straight length. Overall, our findings indicate that freshwater incursions into the MSS can alter dolphin exposure to essential and toxic elements. Full article

Motorcycle horns are a dominant source of urban noise in many Southeast Asian cities, driven by high two-wheeler density and limited public transport infrastructure. Although automobiles have been in use for over a century, regulations governing horn design and volume control remain inadequate. This study investigates horn use behavior in Vietnamese urban traffic, identifying distinct acoustic patterns categorized as “attention” and “warning” signals. Measurements conducted in an anechoic chamber reveal that these patterns can increase sound pressure levels by up to 17 dB compared to standard horn use, with notable differences in frequency components. These levels often exceed the daytime noise thresholds recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), indicating potential risks for adverse health outcomes, such as elevated stress, hearing damage, sleep disturbance, and cardiovascular effects. The findings are contextualized within broader efforts to manage traffic noise in rapidly developing urban areas. Drawing parallels with studies on aircraft noise exposure in Japan, this study suggests that long-term exposure, rather than peak noise levels alone, plays a critical role in shaping community sensitivity. The study results support the need for updated noise regulations that address both the acoustic and perceptual dimensions of road traffic noise. Full article

Objective: The development of a normal sleep–wake rhythm in the first weeks of life depends on the physiological sensory needs of the newborn as well as the environment surrounding them. This includes, for example, avoiding pain, exposure to bright light at night and high noise levels. In high-risk newborns, this process can be influenced by immaturity of the central and peripheral nervous systems, therapeutic strategies and the work organization of an intensive care unit. Methods: This study used a narrative review to examine the literature on the interrelationship of sensory modalities on sleep–wake behavior in the context of neonatal intensive care. The current Cochrane reviews on cycled lighting’s effect on premature infants’ circadian rhythm development and noise or sound management in the neonatal intensive care unit, as well as the World Health Organization (WHO) global position paper on kangaroo mother care, were included. Results: An extensive body of literature relates to fetal and neonatal development of the five sensory modalities: touch, taste, smell, hearing and sight. In contrast, there is a lack of evidence regarding the choice of optimal lighting and suitable measures for noise reduction. Since 2023, the WHO has recommended that, from the moment of birth, every “small and sick” newborn should remain in skin-to-skin contact (SSC) with their mother. Developmental support pursues a multimodal approach with the goal of fostering early parent–child bonding, including the child’s needs and environmental conditions. Discussion: The implementation of early SSC and attention to the sleep–wake cycle require systemic changes in both the obstetric and neonatal settings to ensure seamless perinatal management and subsequent neonatal intensive care. Since there is a lack of evidence on the optimal sensory environment, well-designed, well-conducted and fully reported randomized controlled trials are needed that analyze short-term effects and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. Full article

Reliable assessment of protection in venom immunotherapy (VIT) patients remains a clinical challenge, especially due to the limitations of conventional sting challenge tests (SCTs), which require complex insect handling and may compromise test accuracy. This study introduces StingReady, a novel, user-friendly device designed to streamline the SCT process by enabling safe, efficient, and minimally manipulative exposure to hymenopteran stings. For the first time, StingReady was applied to conduct SCTs with Vespa velutina, an invasive hornet species of increasing clinical relevance. The device was tested in a real-world setting at Belvís Park in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, where hornets were successfully captured and transported to the hospital without anesthesia or limb removal. The design features adjustable mesh sizes, allowing compatibility with various hymenopteran taxa. Using StingReady, nine patients underwent SCTs with no need for direct insect handling during the hospital procedure. The process improved patient safety and comfort while preserving the insect’s natural stinging behavior, thereby enhancing test reliability. This study demonstrates that StingReady significantly improves SCT methodology, offering a practical, reproducible, and ethically sound alternative for evaluating VIT efficacy across diverse hymenopteran species. Full article

Despite the growing emphasis on cognitive health, evidence regarding individual and environmental factors influencing cognitive functioning remains limited. We aimed to examine the association of personal and environmental factors, specifically perceived acoustic environment exposure and nonrestorative sleep, with cognitive functioning among Chinese adults. Between July and August 2022, we recruited 970 Chinese adults from all districts in Hong Kong for our cross-sectional study. Univariable and structured multiphase linear regression analyses were conducted to identify the contributory factors. Among 970 Chinese adults, the structured multiphase linear regression model revealed that being in their 30s (β = 0.160; 95% CI: 0.004, 0.315) and 40s (β = 0.186; 95% CI: 0.029, 0.343), being female (β = 0.095; 95% CI: 0.018, 0.173), being former smokers, and having medical consultations, medical histories (eczema, hearing problems, and insomnia), perceived acoustic environment exposure (traffic and mechanical sounds (β = 0.011; 95% CI: 0.008, 0.013), nature and music sounds (β = 0.004; 95% CI: 0.001, 0.007), and human sounds (β = 0.002; 95% CI: 0.0004, 0.005)), and psychological symptoms (perceived stress, depressive, and anxiety symptoms) were associated with worse cognitive functioning. Moreover, more nonrestorative sleep (β = −0.015; 95% CI: −0.022, −0.007) was also associated with worse cognitive functioning. This study revealed that increased perceived acoustic environment exposure and a higher degree of nonrestorative sleep were associated with poorer cognitive functioning among Chinese adults. This underscores the need for public health strategies and policies aimed at fostering a healthy acoustic environment and promoting sleep hygiene education in the community. Full article

Background: Sounds that cause disturbances and perturbations to the vestibular (inner ear organ responses) and visual (acute oculomotor responses) systems can impact postural stability. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of different types of sounds and noises on both static and dynamic PS. Methods: A total of 20 participants (12 females and 8 males; age: 21.35 ± 1.79 years; height: 170.7 ± 9.3 cm; mass: 66.725 ± 14.1 kg) were tested using the limits of stability (LOS) test on the BTrackS™ balance plate and a Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, when exposed to four different sounds and occupational noises [construction noise (CN), white noise (WN), sirens (SRs), and nature sounds (NAs)] in a randomized order with a no sounds (NSs) control performed initially (intensity range of 70–80 dB). The center of pressure (COP) total sway area (cm²) from the LOS and the time to completion of the TUG (seconds) were analyzed using a one-way repeated measures of analysis of variance at an alpha level of 0.05. Results: The observations demonstrated significant differences between the sounds and noises for the TUG (p < 0.001) but not for the LOS test (p = 0.406). Pairwise comparisons for the significant main effect for the TUG revealed that NSs demonstrated significantly slower time to completion compared to CN, WN, and SRs but not NAs. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the different sounds and noises did not impact static PS during the LOS test, which involved the voluntary excursion of the COP while maintaining the same base of support (BOS). However, during dynamic PS with a changing BOS while walking in the TUG, exposure to CN, SRs, and WN demonstrated a faster completion time than NSs or NAs. This finding may be attributed to the anxiety induced by the noise immersion and perception of sounds, compared to calm NAs and no sounds. The findings can aid in better understanding the impact of different occupational noises on PS and emphasize the need for better noise protection and reduction in loud work environments. Full article

It is well known that a listener’s native phonological background has an impact on how speech sounds are perceived. Native speakers can distinguish sounds that serve a contrastive function in their language better than sounds that are not contrastive. However, the role of allophony in speech perception is understudied, especially among heritage speakers. This paper highlights a study that directly tests the influence of the allophonic/phonemic distinction on perception by Spanish heritage speakers, comparing their results to those of late bilingual and monolingual speakers of Spanish and English in the US. Building on an earlier study, the unique contribution of this paper is a study of the perceptual pattern shown by heritage speakers of Spanish and a comparison of bilingual and monolingual speakers of English and Spanish. The participants completed a similarity rating task with stimuli containing VCV sequences with the intervocalic consonants [d], [ð], and [ɾ]. The heritage speakers, who are early sequential bilinguals of Spanish and English, showed a perceptual pattern that is more like monolingual Spanish listeners than monolingual English listeners, but still intermediate between the two monolingual groups. Specifically, they perceived [d]/[ɾ] like the L1 Spanish participants, treating them as very different sounds. They perceived the pair [d]/[ð], which is contrastive in English but allophonic in Spanish, like the L1 Spanish participants, as fairly similar sounds. Finally, heritage speakers perceived [ɾ]/[ð], contrastive in both languages, as very different sounds, identical to all other participant groups. The results underscore both the importance of surface oppositions, suggesting the need to reconsider the traditional definition of contrast, as well as the importance of considering level and age of exposure to the second language when studying the perception of sounds by bilingual speakers. Full article

Noise levels in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) significantly impact neonatal health, influencing stress levels, sleep cycles, and overall development. One critical factor in managing noise is reverberation time (T), which affects sound persistence and acoustic comfort. This study, conducted at the Universidad de Las Américas in Quito, Ecuador, examines T in two NICU room types—open unit and private room. Measurements were taken in simulated environments to assess acoustic differences between these two designs. Results indicate that T is significantly lower in private rooms compared to open units, suggesting that private rooms provide a more controlled and acoustically favorable environment for neonates. Lower T reduces excessive noise exposure, improving sleep quality and minimizing stress responses in preterm infants. Furthermore, the findings align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), by advocating for hospital designs that enhance patient health and promote sustainable infrastructure. These results highlight the importance of integrating acoustically optimized spaces in NICUs to improve neonatal outcomes and contribute to a more sustainable healthcare system. Future research should further explore architectural solutions for noise reduction to refine NICU design standards. Full article