Search Results (205)

The Constrained Disorder Principle (CDP) characterizes systems by their inherent variability, which is regulated within dynamic boundaries to ensure optimal function and adaptability. In biological systems, this variability, or “noise”, is crucial for resilience and flexibility at various scales, ranging from genes and cells to more complex organ systems. Disruption of the boundaries that control this noise—whether through amplification or suppression—can lead to malfunctions and result in pathological conditions. White noise (WN), defined by equal intensity across all audible frequencies, is an exemplary clinical application of the CDP. It has been shown to stabilize disrupted processes and restore functional states by utilizing its stochastic properties within the auditory system. This paper explores WN-based therapies, specifically for the masking, habituation, and alleviation of tinnitus, a subjective perception of sound. It describes the potential to improve WN-based therapies’ effectiveness by applying the CDP and CDP-based second-generation artificial intelligence systems. Understanding the characteristics and limitations of these approaches is essential for their effective implementation across various fields. 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

Antibiotic resistance presents a global threat, making the swift development of alternative treatments essential. Phage therapy, which employs bacterial viruses that specifically target bacteria, shows promise. Although this method has been utilized for over a century, primarily in Eastern Europe, its use in the US remains limited. This study aimed to assess the awareness and willingness of US healthcare providers to adopt phage therapy in response to the growing issue of antibiotic resistance. A survey of 196 healthcare providers, primarily MDs and DOs, found that while 99% were aware of antimicrobial resistance, only 49% were knowledgeable about phage therapy as a treatment for resistant bacterial infections. Nonetheless, 56% were open to considering phage therapy, and this willingness was associated with prior knowledge, concerns about antibiotic resistance, previous training, and confidence in recommending it (p < 0.05). Our study of U.S. healthcare providers revealed key findings about their views on phage therapy as a potential alternative for treating bacterial infections. Credible information is essential to promoting phage therapy use among U.S. providers via educational initiatives, clinical guidance, and research dissemination to promote phage therapy use among U.S. providers. Evidence-based education and clinical guidance help providers make sound decisions on the appropriate and safe use of phage therapy. Full article

Circulating cell-free nucleic acids (NAs), in particular plasma-derived cell-free DNA, have evolved into promising clinical analytes for prenatal diagnostics, cancer analysis, and cancer surveillance and therapy monitoring. Nevertheless, salivary extracellular and extracellular vesicle (EV)-derived DNA and microRNA have recently gained attention as potential non-invasive biomarkers for a variety of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular, autoimmune, and infectious diseases. Our goal in this study was therefore to evaluate and optimize commercially available approaches for cell-free nucleic acid isolation, focusing specifically on DNA and miRNA present in cell-free saliva or saliva-derived EVs. Along these lines, we investigated various commercially available kits, which enable parallel isolation of cell-free DNA and RNA in separate fractions from cell-free saliva and salivary EVs, respectively, and compared them to single analyte extraction kits. The efficiency of all tested nucleic acid extraction methods was determined by comparing DNA and RNA fluorescence spectroscopy measurements and quantitative PCR values obtained from a selection of different DNA- and microRNA targets. We found the Norgen Plasma/Serum RNA/DNA Purification Mini kit in combination with the miRCURY exosome isolation kit to work best in our hands and to provide the highest yields of EV-derived nucleic acids. Having tested and identified effective protocols for isolating salivary extracellular nucleic acids, we present with this comparison study, among others, a sound basis for future circulating small nucleic acid and epigenetic biomarker research aiming for early disease diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction from cell-free saliva, representing an easy-to-collect and readily available diagnostic fluid. Full article

In recent years, physical anti-cancer strategies using radiation, light, sound, electricity, and magnetism have shown great potential in cancer treatment. Photodynamic therapy, radiation therapy, photothermal therapy, and other treatments have different advantages. As a critical transcriptional coactivator in the Hippo signaling pathway, Yes-Associated Protein (YAP) is closely related to tumor proliferation, radiation resistance, and immunosuppression. YAP has been a target in immunotherapy, and YAP inhibitors are used in clinical practice. Combining immunotherapy and physical anti-cancer strategies is an anti-cancer program with clinical potential to enhance the therapeutic effect. This review summarizes the role of photodynamic therapy, radiotherapy, and other physical anti-cancer strategies combined with YAP-targeted therapy in cancer treatment. YAP inhibitors and these physical anti-cancer strategies provide new directions and ideas for cancer treatment. Full article

Background/Objectives:Tinnitus, the perception of sound without an external source, is a prevalent and often distressing condition with complex neurobiological and psychological underpinnings. A growing body of literature suggests a frequent co-occurrence between tinnitus and psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. However, the extent to which these conditions are associated, and whether treatments targeting one domain impact the other, remains unclear. This scoping review aimed to (1) identify associations between tinnitus and mental health comorbidities, (2) evaluate whether tinnitus treatments affect psychiatric outcomes, and (3) explore whether psychiatric treatments influence tinnitus symptoms. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Google Scholar was conducted for articles published between January 2014 and May 2025. Eligible studies were written in English, French, or Spanish, focused primarily on tinnitus, included at least one co-occurring psychiatric condition, and described how tinnitus was evaluated. A total of 30 studies were included. Data were extracted and synthesized thematically. Study quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and relevant Joanna Briggs Institute checklists. Results: Most studies reported significant associations between tinnitus and psychiatric symptoms, particularly anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, and, in some cases, psychosis. Treatments aimed at tinnitus, such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing and cognitive behavioral therapy, were sometimes associated with secondary improvements in mental health. Conversely, limited evidence suggested that psychiatric treatment, including antipsychotic medication and psychotherapy, may reduce tinnitus severity in selected cases. Conclusions: Tinnitus and psychiatric comorbidities frequently co-occur, and early evidence suggests that addressing one may benefit the other. Given the specific inclusion criteria, this review presents a selected subset of the broader literature, focusing only on studies that evaluated tinnitus alongside clinically measured psychiatric symptoms. Future research should prioritize integrated, longitudinal interventions to better understand these complex interactions. Full article

Despite advances by major companies, existing technologies often misinterpret speech from individuals with speech delays. To address this challenge, a portable machine learning (ML) speech-to-text assistive device was developed for speech-delayed children. The device is composed of a Raspberry Pi 4 and Google Web Speech API and enables the accurate transcription of challenging speech sounds of children aged 6 to 14 years old. The device performs noise reduction and digital transcription. Its performance was validated by speech language pathologists (SLPs). The device achieved 94% word accuracy, 92% sentence accuracy, and a word error rate (WER) of 0 to 14%. The ML-based device is a significant improvement on existing speech therapy tools, offering an accessible solution for speech-delayed children. Full article

Background/Objectives: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly influencing oncological research by enabling precision medicine in ovarian cancer through enhanced prediction of therapy response and patient stratification. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the performance of AI-driven models across three key domains: genomics and molecular profiling, radiomics-based imaging analysis, and prediction of immunotherapy response. Methods: Relevant studies were identified through a systematic search across multiple databases (2020–2025), adhering to PRISMA guidelines. Results: Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria, involving over 10,000 ovarian cancer patients and encompassing diverse AI models such as machine learning classifiers and deep learning architectures. Pooled AUCs indicated strong predictive performance for genomics-based (0.78), radiomics-based (0.88), and immunotherapy-based (0.77) models. Notably, radiogenomics-based AI integrating imaging and molecular data yielded the highest accuracy (AUC = 0.975), highlighting the potential of multi-modal approaches. Heterogeneity and risk of bias were assessed, and evidence certainty was graded. Conclusions: Overall, AI demonstrated promise in predicting therapeutic outcomes in ovarian cancer, with radiomics and integrated radiogenomics emerging as leading strategies. Future efforts should prioritize explainability, prospective multi-center validation, and integration of immune and spatial transcriptomic data to support clinical implementation and individualized treatment strategies. Unlike earlier reviews, this study synthesizes a broader range of AI applications in ovarian cancer and provides pooled performance metrics across diverse models. It examines the methodological soundness of the selected studies and highlights current gaps and opportunities for clinical translation, offering a comprehensive and forward-looking perspective in the field. Full article

The inner ear is a relatively isolated organ, protected by the blood-labyrinth barrier (BLB). This barrier creates a unique lymphatic fluid environment within the inner ear, maintaining a stable physiological state essential for the mechano-electrical transduction process in the inner ear hair cells while simultaneously restricting most drugs from entering the lymphatic fluid. Under pathological conditions, dysfunction of the stria vascularis and disruption in barrier structure can lead to temporary or permanent hearing impairment. This review describes the structure and function of the BLB, along with recent advancements in modeling and protective studies related to the BLB. The review emphasizes some newly developed non-invasive inner ear drug delivery strategies, including ultrasound therapy assisted by microbubbles, inner ear-targeting peptides, sound therapy, and the route of administration of the cerebrospinal fluid conduit. We argue that some intrinsic properties of the BLB can be strategically utilized for effective inner ear drug delivery. Full article

Background: To examine the changes in perceived tinnitus sound qualities following internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) for tinnitus. Method: This study was embedded within several clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of ICBT and used a quasi-experimental design (N = 152). Participants completed a series of online questionnaires, including measures of tinnitus sound qualities (Tinnitus Qualities and Impact Questionnaire; TQIQ), tinnitus severity (Tinnitus Functional Index; TFI), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7; GAD-7), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9; PHQ-9), insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index; ISI), and health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L Visual Analog Scale; VAS). Data were analyzed using a range of parametric and non-parametric statistics, and Cohen’s d effect sizes were reported. Results: There were no significant differences between the intervention and control groups in sociodemographic and clinical variables at baseline except for anxiety and depression symptoms, which were higher in the intervention group. A statistically significant reduction in tinnitus severity, anxiety, depression, and insomnia was noted post-intervention, with small-to-moderate effect sizes. Statistically significant improvements were also noted for the TQIQ (overall and all subscales) following ICBT compared to the no-intervention group (p ≤ 0.028), all with small-to-large effect sizes, except for the loud sounds subscale and for participants with a TQIQ < 38 at baseline, or “mild” perceived qualities of tinnitus (p ≥ 0.136). A significantly greater proportion of participants in the intervention group had minimum clinically important differences (38%) on the TQIQ compared to the no-intervention group (9%). Conclusions: ICBT can lead to changes in the perceived qualities of tinnitus sound in addition to reducing tinnitus severity and other aspects, such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. While these findings are preliminary, they highlight that tinnitus distress and perception may be related. However, the study has several limitations including a lack of audiological variables and objective measures. For this reason, the study results must be viewed with caution and must be treated as preliminary. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of three sound therapies—enriched acoustic environment with random noise (EAERR), enriched acoustic environment with gamma tones (EAEGT), and white noise (WN)—in alleviating tinnitus distress and enhancing emotional well-being. Methods: A total of 125 individuals with tinnitus were recruited, with 92 completing the four-month intervention. Following counseling, participants selected a therapy and listened daily for one hour for four-months at the mixing point intensity. Tinnitus severity and emotional state were assessed at the baseline and post-treatment using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: All therapies significantly reduced tinnitus distress and improved emotional well-being, with 80.4% of participants reporting benefits. Conclusions: These findings suggest that sound therapies are effective for tinnitus management, though further research with larger and more homogeneous samples is needed to refine their application and optimize treatment for diverse tinnitus profiles. Full article

Sensory integration theory (SIT), which posits that the neurological process of integrating sensory information from the environment and one’s body influences learning and behaviour, and the sensory processing measure (SPM), a psychometric tool with versions for individuals aged 4 months to 87 years, are fundamental to understanding and assessing sensory processing. This study examined the existing evidence on the SPM and SIT using scientometric and narrative methods. A search of Scopus and Web of Science Core Collection from 1983 to 2024 yielded 238 unique records after deduplication. Scientometric analysis, conducted with CiteSpace (Version 6.4.R1) and VOSviewer (Version 1.6.19) explored publication trends, keyword co-occurrences, and citation bursts. A narrative method, based on a purposive sample of studies selected by title relevance from the 238 records, provided qualitative insights into key themes and concepts. Scientometric analysis revealed 11 key clusters, including ‘sensory processing behaviour’, ‘classroom context’, and ‘using electroencephalogram (EEG) technology’, reflecting diverse research areas and a growing publication trend, particularly after 2011. A narrative analysis, guided by these clusters, explored sensory processing differences in children with developmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to typically developing children, the relationship between sensory processing and other functional areas, the impact of classroom contexts on sensory processing, the use of EEG in sensory processing disorder (SPD) diagnosis, and the effectiveness of interventions like sound-based therapy and sensory integration therapy. The combined approach highlighted the wide application of the SPM and SIT, informing future research directions, such as longitudinal studies, comparative effectiveness research, and cultural adaptations of assessments and interventions. Full article

Biopolymers, such as polysaccharides, polyphenols, alkaloids, and terpenoids, found in marine algae exhibit antiviral and anticancer properties. These compounds can inhibit viral replication, induce apoptosis in cancer cells, and enhance the immune response. Their diverse bioactive properties make marine algae a promising source for the development of sustainable antiviral and anticancer therapies. A major advantage of marine algae is that they do not require freshwater or arable land and can be cultivated in seawater, thus making them sustainable substitutes for conventional resources. Additionally, their ability to sequester carbon and recycle nutrients enhances their environmental sustainability. Despite their promising biomedical potential, challenges, such as compound extraction, large-scale production, and clinical validation, must be addressed for effective drug development. The vast biological diversity of marine algae across different ocean ecosystems is a largely unexplored source of distinct chemical structures, which may be the basis for new therapeutic schemes. Despite their therapeutic potential, the translation of marine algae-derived compounds into clinical applications faces significant hurdles, including challenges in large-scale extraction, bioavailability enhancement, and regulatory approval. The need to extract particular compounds to make them available for large-scale production and to overcome issues such as bioavailability and regulatory policies are formidable challenges. Marine algae represent innovative advances in antiviral and anticancer drug development, but only when combined with ecologically sound cultivation methods, interdisciplinary approaches, and understanding. The integration of advanced biotechnological approaches, innovative gene editing techniques, and environmentally sustainable aquaculture practices is pivotal for harnessing the full potential of marine algae for the development of next-generation antiviral and anticancer therapeutics. Full article

Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) is an intervention approach used to remediate orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs). OMDs are abnormal patterns involving the oral and orofacial musculature that can subsequently interfere with the normal growth, development, or function of orofacial structures, including speech production. Historically, articulation therapy is used to remediate speech sound disorders (SSDs). Currently, there is a dearth of literature on the use of OMT to treat non-developmental (organic) SSDs in children. The aim of this systematic review is to examine the effectiveness of OMT in treating organic SSDs in children and adolescents between 4 and 18 years of age. A search of five electronic databases (ProQuest, Scopus, Ovid, CINAHL, and Embase) was conducted, including backward (identifying and reviewing references from earlier studies from sources) and forward searching (reviewing newer studies that have cited a source). Only primary research including OMT with post-treatment outcome measures for speech production were included. Thirteen studies were reviewed, including a total of 397 participants between 4 and 17 years of age. A range of study designs, diagnoses, and intervention approaches were discussed. Studies yielded mixed results on the effectiveness of OMT to treat organic SSDs. OMT alone, and in combination with articulation therapy, was not found to be more effective than articulation therapy alone. The methodological quality of the studies ranged from limited to strong. Findings from high quality studies showed no improvement to speech that could be directly attributed to OMT, and lower quality studies yielded mixed results. This review found no conclusive evidence supporting the use of OMT as a standalone treatment for the effective remediation of SSDs. This is attributed to significant variability in speech outcomes, small sample sizes, limited comparison groups, diverse participant diagnoses, and inconsistent methodologies and treatment protocols, yielding mixed results. In addition, while the term OMT was used in the papers to designate treatment methodology, an analysis of the exercise descriptions revealed that some reported OMT exercises were non-speech oral motor exercises (NSOMEs) and oral motor therapies. Overall, many of the techniques utilized across studies did not provide speech-like movements in their therapeutic interventions based on their description. Finally, traditional articulation therapy, including speech drills to work on articulation disorders, was not included in many of the included studies. SLPs using OMT as a modality would typically combine this with articulation practice to treat the SSD. This study highlights the need for robust future studies including prospective cohort studies to compare OMT, combined OMT and articulation therapy, and articulation therapy alone to provide clearer guidance for future clinical practice. Full article

Background/Objectives: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a major cause of cancer-related deaths globally. The study focuses on understanding the interplay between genetic mutations, cancer stem cells (CSCs), and the tumor microenvironment (TME) in driving NSCLC progression, resistance to therapies, and relapse. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus databases to identify significant and valuable studies relevant to NSCLC, focusing on genetic mutations, CSCs, and the TME. Articles were selected based on their relevance, methodological severity, date of publication, and scientific soundness related to NSCLC biology and therapeutic strategies. This review synthesized findings from these sources to highlight key mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions. Results: Mutations in critical genes in KRAS, EGFR, TP53, and other key genes interfere with stem cell regulation, promoting CSC-like behavior, resistance to therapy, and immune evasion. The tumor microenvironment (TME), including immune cells, fibroblasts, and extracellular matrix components, further supports tumor growth and reduction in treatment efficacy. Promising strategies, including CSC targeting, TME modulation, and the development of novel biomarkers, have shown potential in preclinical and clinical studies. Conclusions: The association between genetic alterations, CSCs, the TME, and other cellular pathways—including cell metabolism and immune evasion—plays a crucial role in therapy resistance, highlighting the need for comprehensive treatment strategies. The combination of genomic profiling with TME-targeting therapies could lead to personalized treatment approaches, offering hope for better clinical outcomes and reduced mortality in NSCLC patients. Full article