Short-term Effects of Transcranial Near-Infrared Photobiomodulation on Motor Performance in Healthy Human Subjects: An Experimental Single-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction: Transcranial near-infrared photobiomodulation (NIR-PBM) is a new noninvasive procedure which transcranially applies a near-infrared wavelength to the scalp with a laser or a light-emitting diode (LED) source. Improvement in the neurological or psychological symptoms has been reported following light irradiation. However, to our knowledge, there is no study to investigate the effects of transcranial NIR-PBM on motor performance directly. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the short-term effects of transcranial NIR-PBM on motor performance in healthy human subjects.Methods: In this experimental single-blind randomized clinical trial study, 56 right-handed healthy participants, whose ages ranged from 18 to 30, were randomly assigned to (1) Real transcranial NIR-PBMC3 group (n=14), (2) Sham transcranial NIR-PBMC3 group (n=14), (3) Real transcranial NIR-PBMC4 group (n=14), and (4) Sham transcranial NIR-PBMC4 group (n=14). We applied the 808 nm laser with irradiation energy density of 60 J/cm2 and power density of 200 mw/cm2 to the C3 or C4 points of the scalp. The number of finger taps as an indicator of motor performance was assessed by the finger-tapping test (FTT) before and after irradiation of transcranial NIR-PBM on the corresponding points of the scalp for 5 minutes.Results: The results showed that the number of finger taps in both right and left hands following the use of transcranial NIR-PBM in the real transcranial NIR-PBMC3 group significantly increased (P < 0.05).Conclusion: We concluded that using transcranial NIR-PBM with a laser source on C3 point of the motor cortex in right-handed healthy people can increase the number of finger taps in both hands as an indicator of motor performance improvement

The differential mediating roles of resilience in the relationship between meaningful living and stress among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic

The current literature, mostly Euro-American based, indicates that the presence of meaning in life (MIL) improves resilience and lowers stress. However, the differential mediating roles of resilience in the relationship between the search for and presence of MIL, and stress have not been explored. This study aimed to investigate the differential mediating roles of resilience in the relationship between the presence of and search for MIL, and stress among Omani college students amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study consisted of the Brief Resilience Scale, Perceived Stress Scale 4, and Meaning in Life Questionnaire, as well as socio-demographic questions. A path analysis model was used to examine the hypothesis. A total of 970 Omani college students responded to the questionnaire. Findings indicate that searching for MIL was significantly associated with a high level of stress directly (β = 0.023; p < 0.001) and indirectly, through a negative effect on resilience (β =  0.006; p < 0.001). Conversely, the presence of MIL was significantly associated with a decreased level of stress directly (β = − 0.045; p < 0.001) and indirectly via a positive effect on resilience (β = − 0.151; p < 0.001). In keeping with the proposed hypothesis, this study contributes to the current knowledge, by extrapolating the effect of searching for MIL on resilience and stress, and culturally re-contextualizing MIL research. University counseling centers could adopt meaning-based strategies to mitigate stress by promoting meaningful living and resilience

Multifunctional composite with hybrid carbon fiber and carbonaceous coconut particle reinforcement

The utilization of multifunctional composite materials presents significant advantages in terms of system efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and miniaturization, making them highly valuable for a wide range of industrial applications. One approach to harness the multifunctionality of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) is to integrate it with a secondary material to form a hybrid composite. In our previous research, we explored the use of carbonaceous material derived from coconut shells as a sustainable alternative to inorganic fillers, aiming to enhance the out-of-plane mechanical performance of CFRP. In this study, our focus is to investigate the influence of carbonized coconut shell particles on the non-structural properties of CFRP, specifically electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, thermal stability, and water absorption resistance. The carbonized material was prepared by thermal processing at 400 °C. Varying proportions of carbonized material, ranging from 1% to 5% by weight, were thoroughly mixed with epoxy resin to form the matrix used for impregnating woven carbon fabric with a volume fraction of 29%. Through measurements of scattering parameters, we found that the hybrid composites with particle loadings up to 3% exhibited EMI shielding effectiveness suitable for industrial applications. Also, incorporating low concentrations of carbonized particle to CFRP enhances the thermal stability of hybrid CFRP composites. However, the inclusion of carbonized particle to CFRP has a complex effect on the glass transition temperature. Even so, the hybrid composite with 2% particle loading exhibits the highest glass transition temperature and lowest damping factor among the tested variations. Furthermore, when subjected to a 7-day water immersion test, hybrid composites with 3% or less amount of carbonized particle showed the least water absorption. The favorable outcome can be attributed to good interfacial bonding at the matrix/fiber interface. Conversely, at higher particle concentrations, aggregation of particles and formation of interfacial and internal pores was observed, ultimately resulting in deteriorated measured properties. The improved non-structural functionalities observed in these biocomposites suggest the potential for a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to their inorganic-based counterparts. This advancement in multifunctional composites could pave the way for enhanced applications of biocomposites in various industries

Targeting specific checkpoints in the management of SARS-CoV-2 induced cytokine storm

COVID-19-infected patients require an intact immune system to suppress viral replication and prevent complications. However, the complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection that led to death were linked to the overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines known as cytokine storm syndrome. This article reported the various checkpoints targeted to manage the SARS-CoV-2-induced cytokine storm. The literature search was carried out using PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases. Journal articles that discussed SARS-CoV-2 infection and cytokine storm were retrieved and appraised. Specific checkpoints identified in managing SARS-CoV-2 induced cytokine storm include a decrease in the level of Nod-Like Receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome where drugs such as quercetin and anakinra were effective. Janus kinase-2 and signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 (JAK2/STAT1) signaling pathways were blocked by medicines such as tocilizumab, baricitinib, and quercetin. In addition, inhibition of interleukin (IL)-6 with dexamethasone, tocilizumab, and sarilumab effectively treats cytokine storm and significantly reduces mortality caused by COVID-19. Blockade of IL-1 with drugs such as canakinumab and anakinra, and inhibition of Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) with zanubrutinib and ibrutinib was also beneficial. These agents' overall mechanisms of action involve a decrease in circulating proinflammatory chemokines and cytokines and or blockade of their receptors. Consequently, the actions of these drugs significantly improve respiration and raise lymphocyte count and PaO2/FiO2 ratio. Targeting cytokine storms' pathogenesis genetic and molecular apparatus will substantially enhance lung function and reduce mortality due to the COVID-19 pandemic.https://www.mdpi.com/journal/lifeam2023Pharmacolog

Health worker and patient views on implementation of smoking cessation in routine tuberculosis care

Böckmann M, Warsi S, Noor M, et al. Health worker and patient views on implementation of smoking cessation in routine tuberculosis care. NPJ primary care respiratory medicine. 2019;29(1): 34.Smoking worsens tuberculosis (TB) outcomes. Persons with TB who smoke can benefit from smoking cessation. We report findings of a multi-country qualitative process evaluation assessing barriers and facilitators to implementation of smoking cessation behaviour support in TB clinics in Bangladesh and Pakistan. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews at five case study clinics with 35 patients and 8 health workers over a period of 11 months (2017-2018) at different time points during the intervention implementation phase. Interviews were conducted by trained researchers in the native languages, audio-recorded, transcribed into English and analysed using a combined deductive-inductive approach guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and Theoretical Domains Framework. All patients report willingness to quit smoking and recent quit attempts. Individuals' main motivations to quit are their health and the need to financially provide for a family. Behavioural regulation such as avoiding exposure to cigarettes and social influences from friends, family and colleagues are main themes of the interviews. Most male patients do not feel shy admitting to smoking, for the sole female patient interviewee stigma was an issue. Health workers report structural characteristics such as high workload and limited time per patient as primary barriers to offering behavioural support. Self-efficacy to discuss tobacco use with women varies by health worker. Systemic barriers to implementation such as staff workload and socio-cultural barriers to cessation like gender relations, stigma or social influences should be dealt with creatively to optimize the behaviour support for sustainability and scale-up

Graphene-Metal Organic Framework Composites and Their Potential Applications

Ph.DDOCTOR OF PHILOSOPH

Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi Fen Fakültesi Yard Recognition and Recreation and its Role on Residents&apos; Satisfaction in High-Rise Housing Sets

Abstract. Increase in home order and necessity of responding rate to it have caused to ignoring the qualitative dimensions of building such as proper lodgement of individual in the physical environment with peace and connection with open spaces which in longer time lead to residents&apos; dissatisfaction. Considering the problems caused by yard elimination from residential housing, it seems open space and yard recreation leads to the reattachment of the human and natural environment and provide calm and satisfaction of residents by connection with open spaces to the large extent. This study aims to recognize the yard role and its importance in high-rise buildings after recognition of yard&apos;s concept and status in residential architecture and its role in providing satisfaction and vitality of residents. The correlation method and library sources and available documents are used to measure the possibility of yard recreation in high-rise housing and final strategies are provided on the basis of three components of perception, behavior and quality with the aim of promotion of residents&apos; satisfaction

لکنت و رسش مغزی

مقدمه: تاکنون یافته‌های متعددی دال بر وجود نقایص متعدد در جنبه‌های زبانی، پردازش شنیداری و حرکتی گفتار در افراد مبتلا به لکنت گزارش شده است. تنوع این آسیب‌ها امکان گزینش فرضیه مطلوب جهت توجیه لکنت را با دشواری مواجه می‌سازد، اما به نظر می‌رسد که با مطرح شدن فرضیه رسش مغزی که به تازگی بر اساس یافته‌های الکتروآنسفالوگرافیک پیشنهاد شده است، بتوان تنوع موجود در نشانه‌های مشاهده شده را توجیه کرد. مواد و روش‌ها: این مقاله مروری نقلی بوده و تلاشی جهت توجیه یافته‌های متعدد مرتبط با لکنت در قالب فرضیه کندی رسش مغزی است. جهت نگارش این مقاله، از منابع دست اول و دست دوم با توجه به واژگان کلیدی "نوروفیزیولوژی لکنت" و "نظریه رسش مغزی" استفاده شد. جستجو در پایگاه‌های اطلاعاتی  Pubmed، Science direct، Proquest، موتور جستجوگر scholar Google و بازه زمانی سال 1990 تا 2012 و منابع کتابخانه‌ای صورت گرفت. نتایج: پس از جستجو، مقالات مربوط به لکنت نوروژنیک، سایکوژنیک و موارد مشابه از مطالعه خارج شدند. در نهایت تعداد 32 مقاله و 3 کتاب انتخاب گردید. انتخاب بر اساس ارتباط موضوعی (لکنت رشدی) و حداقل 10 برای مقالات منتشر شده از سال 1990 تا 1999 و حداقل 2 ارجاع برای مقالات منتشر شده در بازه زمانی 2010 تا 2012 صورت گرفت. 3 مورد از مقالات به صورت چکیده استفاده شد. یافته‌ها: در این مقاله ضمن تأکید بر الگوی بهبودی خودبخودی در لکنت، شواهد ناهمگرا در حمایت از فرضیه رسش مغزی مورد تحلیل قرار گرفتند. یافته‌ها حاکی از نقص در پردازش‌های زبانی، شنیداری و حرکتی در این اختلال می‌باشد. بهبودی خودبخودی به عنوان شاخصی از رسش مغزی مورد بحث قرار گرفت. نتیجه‌گیری: تنوع آسیب‌ها در لکنت می‌تواند ناشی از کندی رسش سیستم زبانی- حرکتی باشد. به نظر می‌رسد این کندی رسش مغزی سبب آشفتگی در برتری طرفی پردازش‌های زبانی- حرکتی در افراد مبتلا به لکنت می‌گردد. بررسی این فرضیه با روش‌هایی که می‌توانند رسش عصبی را چه به طور کلی و چه انتخابی افزایش دهند، مورد محک قرار بگیرد. کلید واژه‌ها: نوروفیزیولوژی لکنت، بهبودی لکنت، رسش مغز

Word and nonword repetition in patients with Schizophrenia

Introduction: The assessment of the verbal repetition is important in the study of acquired language disorders and neuropsychology. It is helpful in differential diagnosis of aphasia subtypes, auditory breakdowns, and working memory (WM) performance. Though different linguistic disorders have been identified in patients with schizophrenia, very little is known about their verbal repetition ability. Methods: The present study was conducted in the inpatient ward of Razi Psychiatric Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran, during the year 2013. Participants were: 30 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia during the maintenance phase of treatment and 30 healthy people as control group. They were asked to repeat 15 words and 15 nonwords immediately. The stimuli were 1, 2, and 3 syllabic in Turkish language. Any incorrect repetition scored 1 and correct repetitions scored 0. Lexicalization errors were compared between groups too. Results: Both groups repeated words better than nonwords. Patients showed lower ability to repeat nonwords than controls, especially in 3 syllabics. There was no significant difference in the repetition of words between groups though it was better in controls. Patients with schizophrenia made more errors in both words and nonwords and lexicalization errors were twice more. Conclusion: Lower ability to repeat nonwords (than words) in patients with schizophrenia may show the involvement of phonological loop of WM. More lexicalization errors may take place because of dis-inhibition