The optimal measurement method considering reliability and validity in the anterior knee laxity of anterior cruciate ligament tears.

INTRODUCTION: To seek an optimal measurement method with high reliability and high validity for evaluation of the anterior knee laxity on stress radiographs and comparing the translation values to those of KT-2000 arthrometer. METHODS: Anterior knee laxity in 77 patients was measured preoperatively using the TelosTM and the KT-2000 arthrometer. Side-to-side difference measurements were taken using three conventional measuring methods and one proposed method (Modified Lateral). The knee position on the stress radiograph was evaluated and scored based on the stress radiograph qualifying criteria depending on stress film correctiveness. Intraclass correlation coefficients were analyzed to evaluate the reliability of the measurement methods and were compared between high (Group H) and low (Group L) radiograph quality score groups for each method. Validity was assessed by comparing the KT-2000 and the TelosTM using Pearson correlation (r value). RESULTS: The Modified Lateral method showed the best Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs), followed by Center to Center, and Medial to Medial and Lateral to Lateral methods without considering the quality of Telos. In the comparison between groups based on Telos quality for intra-rater reliability, the Medial to Medial (MM) method demonstrated the best reliability in both groups (MM: ICCs, Group H = 0.942, Group L = 0.917, P = 0.693). As for inter-rater reliability, the Modified Lateral (ML) method exhibited the best reliability in both groups (ML: ICCs, Group H = 0.923, Group L = 0.882, P = 0.547). The value measured using the ML method in Telos showed the highest correlation coefficient with the KT-2000 measured value in both groups H and L. There were no statistically significant differences among the correlation coefficient values. CONCLUSION: The Modified Lateral method is recommended for its high reliability, taking into account the differences in bilateral knee positions and anatomical discriminability on stress radiographs when evaluating anterior knee translation with Telos. It also best reflected the KT-2000 arthrometer. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case Series, Level IV.

Comparative life cycle assessment of natural and recycled aggregate concrete: A review.

Recycled aggregate concrete (RAC), mainly made from recycled materials such as construction and demolition waste (CDW), has emerged as a sustainable alternative to natural aggregate concrete (NAC). While RAC offers potential benefits in waste reduction and resource conservation, a comprehensive understanding of its environmental impact and sustainability compared to NAC has been lacking. This study addresses this gap by conducting a thorough review and analysis of comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies between RAC and NAC. This paper synthesizes current literature to evaluate the environmental impact of both materials throughout their life cycles, from raw material extraction to disposal. It examines key factors such as energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and resource depletion to provide a thorough comprehension of the effects on the environment of each concrete type throughout their life cycles. Challenges in using RAC as a sustainable concrete option, such as sourcing and quality control, are also discussed, along with recommendations for future research and industry practices. The findings indicate that the environmental impact of RAC compared to NAC is significantly influenced by transport distances and modes. In addition, the choice of functional units in LCAs substantially affects the comparison between RAC and NAC, with strength reliability offering a clear benefit by addressing concrete property variability and better reflecting real-world conditions.

Impact of Helicobacter pylori eradication on age-specific risk of incident dementia in patients with peptic ulcer disease: a nationwide population-based cohort study.

The impact of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication therapy on dementia risk in high H. pylori prevalence populations remains uncertain. This study investigates the relationship between PUD, H. pylori eradication, and dementia risk, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), in an elderly South Korean cohort, considering age and eradication timing. Data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service (2002-2015) for individuals aged 55-79 were analyzed. Participants were divided based on PUD and H. pylori therapy status. Propensity score matching was used to evaluate dementia incidence and hazard ratios over 5 and 10 years, alongside the timing of eradication therapy. PUD is linked to higher dementia risk at 5 and 10 years, more for overall dementia than AD, with eradication status not significantly altering the risk. Age-specific analysis showed increased AD risk in the 60s and 70s age groups. Late eradication therapy is correlated with a higher dementia risk. PUD is a risk factor for dementia in elderly South Koreans, particularly with delayed H. pylori therapy. The findings emphasize timely H. pylori management and its potential role in neurodegenerative disease prevention.

Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on cognition in MCI with Alzheimer's disease risk factors using Bayesian analysis.

Despite the growing interest in precision medicine-based therapies for Alzheimer's disease (AD), little research has been conducted on how individual AD risk factors influence changes in cognitive function following transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). This study evaluates the cognitive effects of sequential tDCS on 63 mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients, considering AD risk factors such as amyloid-beta deposition, APOE ε4, BDNF polymorphism, and sex. Using both frequentist and Bayesian methods, we assessed the interaction of tDCS with these risk factors on cognitive performance. Notably, we found that amyloid-beta deposition significantly interacted with tDCS in improving executive function, specifically Stroop Word-Color scores, with strong Bayesian support for this finding. Memory enhancements were differentially influenced by BDNF Met carrier status. However, sex and APOE ε4 status did not show significant effects. Our results highlight the importance of individual AD risk factors in modulating cognitive outcomes from tDCS, suggesting that precision medicine may offer more effective tDCS treatments tailored to individual risk profiles in early AD stages.

Glycoscience data content in the NCBI Glycans and PubChem.

Studying glycans and their functions in the body aids in the understanding of disease mechanisms and developing new treatments. This necessitates resources that provide comprehensive glycan data integrated with relevant information from other scientific fields such as genomics, genetics, proteomics, metabolomics, and chemistry. The present paper describes two resources at the U.S. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the NCBI Glycans and PubChem, which provide glycan-related information useful for the glycoscience research community. The NCBI Glycans ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/glycans/ ) is a dedicated website for glycobiology data content at NCBI and provides quick access to glycan-related information scattered across multiple NCBI databases as well as other information resources external to NCBI. Importantly, the NCBI Glycans hosts the official web page for the symbol nomenclature for glycans (SNFG), which is the standard graphical representation of glycan structures recommended for scientific publication. On the other hand, PubChem ( https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ) is a research-focused, large-scale public chemical database, containing a substantial number of glycan-containing records and is integrated with important glycoscience resources like GlyTouCan, GlyCosmos, and GlyGen. PubChem organizes glycan-related information within multiple data collections (i.e., Substance, Compound, Protein, Gene, Pathway, and Taxonomy) and provides various tools and services that allow users to access them both interactively through a web browser and programmatically through a REST-ful interface, including PUG-View. The NCBI Glycans and PubChem highlight glycan-related data and improve their accessibility, helping scientists exploit these data in their research.

A comprehensive review of sustainable solutions for reusing wind turbine blade waste materials.

By 2050, approximately 43 million tons of wind-turbine blade (WTB) waste materials will have accumulated, emphasizing the critical importance of effective waste management strategies for WTBs at the end of their life cycle to ensure sustainability. Comparing current WTB waste management methods, reuse emerges as a highly-sustainable method that can also serve as a sustainable solution to environmental challenges, including global warming and natural resource depletion associated with civil engineering activities. This paper presents a comprehensive review of sustainable solutions for reusing WTB waste materials in civil engineering applications. Repurposing WTB waste materials as structural elements in housing, urban furniture, recreational facilities, and slow-traffic infrastructure can be a viable option. WTB waste can also be utilized in powder, fiber, and aggregate forms as an eco-friendly material for construction and pavement (e.g., mortar, concrete, asphalt) to replace cement and natural resource aggregates while meeting necessary strength and performance standards. Through a detailed analysis of reusing WTB waste materials, economic and environmental challenges are also discussed. According to the findings, the properties of mortar, concrete, and asphalt can be affected by the type, shape, and content of fibers, polymers, and impurities present in the blades, as well as the cutting direction. Furthermore, while reuse is considered a sustainable end-of-life (EoL) option for WTB waste management from both economic and environmental perspectives, further research is required to fully understand the environmental consequences of this method.

A Comparative Analysis of Two Automated Quantification Methods for Regional Cerebral Amyloid Retention: PET-Only and PET-and-MRI-Based Methods.

Accurate quantification of amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) is essential for early detection of and intervention in Alzheimer's disease (AD) but there is still a lack of studies comparing the performance of various automated methods. This study compared the PET-only method and PET-and-MRI-based method with a pre-trained deep learning segmentation model. A large sample of 1180 participants in the Catholic Aging Brain Imaging (CABI) database was analyzed to calculate the regional standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) using both methods. The logistic regression models were employed to assess the discriminability of amyloid-positive and negative groups through 10-fold cross-validation and area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) metrics. The two methods showed a high correlation in calculating SUVRs but the PET-MRI method, incorporating MRI data for anatomical accuracy, demonstrated superior performance in predicting amyloid-positivity. The parietal, frontal, and cingulate importantly contributed to the prediction. The PET-MRI method with a pre-trained deep learning model approach provides an efficient and precise method for earlier diagnosis and intervention in the AD continuum.

Combined Anterolateral Ligament Reconstruction Results in Better Knee Stability and More Satisfactory Subjective Outcomes in Non-Athlete Patients Undergoing Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Background: Consensus has not yet been reached regarding combined anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ALLR) with revisional anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (RACLR). We aimed to compare the clinical outcomes between patients who underwent isolated RACLR and those who underwent RACLR combined with ALLR. Methods: Between June 2010 and June 2021, 49 patients who underwent RACLR were retrospectively reviewed over a 24-month follow-up. Patients were categorized into the isolated RACLR (n = 37, group 1) or combined ALLR group (n = 12, group 2). Clinical outcomes were evaluated with several patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) for each PROM. The side-to-side difference (SSD) of the anterior instability was measured. The pivot-shift test was performed. Results: Baseline characteristics showed no differences between the groups. PROMs showed no significant differences between the groups at the 2-year follow-up. Group 2 was superior to group 1 in the MCID achievement rate for Lysholm knee and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective scores at 24 months postoperatively. At the final follow-up, the proportion of IKDC grade A in SSD for anterior laxity was higher in group 2 than in group 1 (58.3% versus [vs.] 18.3%, p = 0.009), and the proportion of pivot-shift grade 0 was also higher in group 2 (66.7% vs. 27.0%, p = 0.013). The "near return to activity" rate was also higher in group 2 than in group 1 (83.3% vs. 45.9%, p = 0.043). Conclusions: Combining ALLR with RACLR in non-athletes results in a higher proportion of patients with less mechanical graft failure and satisfactory clinical outcomes.

Sequential Comparison of Knee Muscle Strength after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction between Hamstring Autograft and Tibialis Anterior Allograft: Propensity Score Matched Pair Analysis.

Among the graft options for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), hamstring autografts are widely regarded as the preferred choice for primary ACLR among orthopedic surgeons worldwide. However, concerns persist regarding postoperative knee flexor weakness. We aimed to compare knee extensor and flexor strengths between hamstring autograft and tibialis anterior allograft groups in ACLR patients, who were propensity score-matched based on baseline characteristics. A retrospective analysis included 58 matched pairs who underwent isokinetic strength tests at 6 and 12 months post operation. Isokinetic muscle strength tests found no significant difference in knee extensor and flexor strength at 6 months post operation between the hamstring autograft and tibial anterior allograft groups. At 12 months, the hamstring autograft group exhibited significantly greater knee flexor deficit (total work and average power) compared to the allograft group, despite no differences in extensor strength or patient-reported outcomes. This study highlights the impact of hamstring autograft harvesting on muscle strength and recovery following ACLR in short-term period.

Recording and Revealing 2.5D Nanopatterned Hidden Information on Silk Protein Bioresists.

Nanopatterning on biomaterials has attracted significant attention as it can lead to the development of biomedical devices capable of performing diagnostic and therapeutic functions while being biocompatible. Among various nanopatterning techniques, electron-beam lithography (EBL) enables precise and versatile nanopatterning in desired shapes. Various biomaterials are successfully nanopatterned as bioresists by using EBL. However, the use of high-energy electron beams (e-beams) for high-resolutive patterning has incorporated functional materials and has caused adverse effects on biomaterials. Moreover, the scattering of electrons not absorbed by the bioresist leads to proximity effects, thus deteriorating pattern quality. Herein, EBL-based nanopatterning is reported by inducing molecular degradation of amorphous silk fibroin, followed by selectively inducing secondary structures. High-resolution EBL nanopatterning is achievable, even at low-energy e-beam (5 keV) and low doses, as it minimizes the proximity effect and enables precise 2.5D nanopatterning via grayscale lithography. Additionally, integrating nanophotonic structures into fluorescent material-containing silk allows for fluorescence amplification. Furthermore, this post-exposure cross-linking way indicates that the silk bioresist can maintain nanopatterned information stored in silk molecules in the amorphous state, utilizing for the secure storage of nanopatterned information as a security patch. Based on the fabrication technique, versatile biomaterial-based nanodevices for biomedical applications can be envisioned.

Ultrathin silk nanofiber-carbon nanotube skin tattoos for wirelessly triggered and temperature feedbacked transdermal drug delivery.

Transdermal drug delivery has emerged as an alternative to conventional drug delivery systems as it enables painless and convenient drug administration. However, next-generation healthcare systems need to facilitate "on-demand" delivery operations and should be highly efficient to penetrate the physiological barriers in the skin. Here, we report an ultrathin dye-loaded epidermal tattoo (UDET) that allows wirelessly stimulated drug delivery with high efficiency. The UDET consists of an electrospun dye-loaded silk nanofiber mat and a covered carbon nanotube (CNT) layer. UDETs are conformally tattooed on pigskins and show stable operation under mechanical deformation. Biological fluorescence dyes such as vitamin B12, riboflavin, rhodamine B, and sodium fluorescein are applied as model drugs. Illuminating the UDET by a low-power light-emitting diode (< 34.5 mW/cm2) triggers transdermal drug delivery due to heat generation. The CNTs convert the absorbed light into heat, and then the dyes loaded on silk can be diffused through the epidermis. The CNT layer is electrically conductive and can detect the temperature by reading the resistance change (0.1917 Ω/°C). This indicates that the UDET can be used simultaneously to read temperature and deliver the loaded dye molecules, making it a promising on-demand drug delivery strategy for future medicine technology. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13534-024-00363-6.

Development of a prediction model for cognitive impairment of sarcopenia using multimodal neuroimaging in non-demented older adults.

INTRODUCTION: Despite prior research on the association between sarcopenia and cognitive impairment in the elderly, a comprehensive model that integrates various brain pathologies is still lacking. METHODS: We used data from 528 non-demented older adults with or without sarcopenia in the Catholic Aging Brain Imaging (CABI) database, containing magnetic resonance imaging scans, positron emission tomography scans, and clinical data. We also measured three key components of sarcopenia: skeletal muscle index (SMI), hand grip strength (HGS), and the five times sit-to-stand test (5STS). RESULTS: All components of sarcopenia were significantly correlated with global cognitive function, but cortical thickness and amyloid-beta (Aß) retention had distinctive relationships with each measure. In the path model, brain atrophy resulting in cognitive impairment was mediated by Aß retention for SMI and periventricular white matter hyperintensity for HGS, but directly affected by the 5STS. DISCUSSION: Treatments targeting each sub-domain of sarcopenia should be considered to prevent cognitive decline. HIGHLIGHTS: We identified distinct impacts of three sarcopenia measures on brain structure and Aß. Muscle mass is mainly associated with Aß and has an influence on the brain atrophy. Muscle strength linked with periventricular WMH and brain atrophy. Muscle function associated with cortical thinning in specific brain regions. Interventions on sarcopenia may be important to ease cognitive decline in the elderly.

PubChem synonym filtering process using crowdsourcing.

PubChem ( https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ) is a public chemical information resource containing more than 100 million unique chemical structures. One of the most requested tasks in PubChem and other chemical databases is to search chemicals by name (also commonly called a "chemical synonym"). PubChem performs this task by looking up chemical synonym-structure associations provided by individual depositors to PubChem. In addition, these synonyms are used for many purposes, including creating links between chemicals and PubMed articles (using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms). However, these depositor-provided name-structure associations are subject to substantial discrepancies within and between depositors, making it difficult to unambiguously map a chemical name to a specific chemical structure. The present paper describes PubChem's crowdsourcing-based synonym filtering strategy, which resolves inter- and intra-depositor discrepancies in synonym-structure associations as well as in the chemical-MeSH associations. The PubChem synonym filtering process was developed based on the analysis of four crowd-voting strategies, which differ in the consistency threshold value employed (60% vs 70%) and how to resolve intra-depositor discrepancies (a single vote vs. multiple votes per depositor) prior to inter-depositor crowd-voting. The agreement of voting was determined at six levels of chemical equivalency, which considers varying isotopic composition, stereochemistry, and connectivity of chemical structures and their primary components. While all four strategies showed comparable results, Strategy I (one vote per depositor with a 60% consistency threshold) resulted in the most synonyms assigned to a single chemical structure as well as the most synonym-structure associations disambiguated at the six chemical equivalency contexts. Based on the results of this study, Strategy I was implemented in PubChem's filtering process that cleans up synonym-structure associations as well as chemical-MeSH associations. This consistency-based filtering process is designed to look for a consensus in name-structure associations but cannot attest to their correctness. As a result, it can fail to recognize correct name-structure associations (or incorrect ones), for example, when a synonym is provided by only one depositor or when many contributors are incorrect. However, this filtering process is an important starting point for quality control in name-structure associations in large chemical databases like PubChem.

Patellofemoral joint cartilage lesions frequently develop shortly after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring tendon autograft: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the development of patellofemoral joint (PFJ) cartilage lesions following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using hamstring tendon (HT) autograft through a systematic review. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar databases to find articles published from database inception until 15 November 2023. The search terms were [('Anterior Cruciate Ligament' [mesh] OR 'anterior cruciate ligament' OR 'ACL') AND 'reconstruction' AND 'cartilage' AND ('second look arthroscopy' OR 'second-look arthroscopy' OR 'MRI' OR 'magnetic resonance imaging')]. Inclusion criteria were studies that reported on the occurrence of PFJ cartilage lesions following ACLR using HT autograft, as determined by second-look arthroscopy or follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). RESULTS: Fifteen studies (1084 patients) met the inclusion criteria, with follow-up periods ranging from 1 to 5 years. In the results of second-look arthroscopy, cartilage grade deterioration was observed, ranging from MDs of 0.1 to 2.0 in the patella and from 0 to 1.0 in the trochlea. Follow-up MRI results reported the incidence of PFJ cartilage degeneration with rates ranging from 20% to 44%. Patient-reported outcome measures often showed no significant association with PFJ cartilage lesions. The studies included in this review reported various risk factors for cartilage lesion development. CONCLUSION: Cartilage lesions in the PFJ, detected using second-look arthroscopy or follow-up MRI, frequently develop shortly after ACLR using HT autograft. At this stage, patients might not show specific symptoms; however, those with risk factors require careful observation and evaluation by clinicians during follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

RSM- and ANN-Based Multifrequency Ultrasonic Extraction of Polyphenol-Rich Sargassum horneri Extracts Exerting Antioxidative Activity via the Regulation of MAPK/Nrf2/HO-1 Machinery.

Sargassum horneri (SH) is widely consumed as a healthy seaweed food in the Asia-Pacific region. However, the bioactive components contributing to its biological activity remain unknown. Herein, we optimized multifrequency ultrasonic-assisted extraction conditions to achieve higher antioxidant activity using a response surface methodology and an artificial neural network. High-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS; negative mode) was used to tentatively identify the secondary metabolites in the optimized SH extract, which were further tested against oxidative stress in RAW264.7 cells. Additionally, the identified compounds were analyzed in silico to determine their binding energies with the Keap1 protein (4L7B). We identified 89 compounds using HRMS, among which 19 metabolites (8 polyphenolics, 2 flavonoids, 2 lignans, 2 terpenes, 2 tannins, 2 sulfolipids, and 1 phospholipid) were putatively reported for the first time in SH. The in vitro results revealed that optimized SH extract inhibited oxidative stress via the Nrf2/MAPKs/HO-1 pathway in a dose-dependent manner. This result was validated by performing in silico simulation, indicating that sargaquinoic acid and glycitein-7-O-glucuronide had the highest binding energies (-9.20 and -9.52 Kcal/mol, respectively) toward Keap1 (4L7B). This study offers a unique approach for the scientific community to identify potential bioactive compounds by optimizing the multivariant extraction processing conditions, which could be used to develop functional and nutraceutical foods.

Palsy of Both the Tibial Nerve and Common Peroneal Nerve Caused by a Ganglion Cyst in the Popliteal Area.

A ganglion cyst is a benign mass consisting of high-viscosity mucinous fluid. It can originate from the sheath of a tendon, peripheral nerve, or joint capsule. Compressive neuropathy caused by a ganglion cyst is rarely reported, with the majority of documented cases involving peroneal nerve palsy. To date, cases demonstrating both peroneal and tibial nerve palsies resulting from a ganglion cyst forming on a branch of the sciatic nerve have not been reported. In this paper, we present the case of a 74-year-old man visiting an outpatient clinic complaining of left-sided foot drop and sensory loss in the lower extremity, a lack of strength in his left leg, and a decrease in sensation in the leg for the past month without any history of trauma. Ankle dorsiflexion and great toe extension strength on the left side were Grade I. Ankle plantar flexion and great toe flexion were Grade II. We suspected peroneal and tibial nerve palsy and performed a screening ultrasound, which is inexpensive and rapid. In the operative field, several cysts were discovered, originating at the site where the sciatic nerve splits into peroneal and tibial nerves. After successful surgical decompression and a series of rehabilitation procedures, the patient's neurological symptoms improved. There was no recurrence.

Naturally Derived Luminescent Material in Engineered Silk and Its Application as a Fluorescent Dye with a Large Stokes Shift and Sensing Capability.

Silkworms have provided valuable byproducts (spanning from high-quality textiles to health supplements) to humans for millennia. Despite their importance in sericultural economy and biotechnology, manifold possibilities inherent in the myriad natural or artificially generated silk varieties have been underestimated. In this paper, we report that the Yeonnokjam silk strain, which shows light-green color, contains quercetin fluorochrome (QueF) in sericin, and QueF can be used as a fluorescence dye with a large Stokes shift and high sensitivity to environmental temperature and pH, thus functioning as an environmental sensing material. A Stokes shift exceeding 180 nm, a quantum efficiency of 1.28%, and a rapid fluorescence decay of 0.67 ns are obtained, which are influenced by solvent polarities. Moreover, QueF can be used as a UV blocker as well, and its low cytotoxicity and biocompatibility further suggest promising prospects for diverse application in cosmetics and medical materials in the future.

Green tea extract suppresses airway inflammation via oxidative stress-driven MAPKs/MMP-9 signaling in asthmatic mice and human airway epithelial cells.

Introduction: The anti-inflammatory effect of green tea extract (GTE) has been confirmed in asthmatic mice, however, the pharmacological mechanism is not fully elucidated. Methods: To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of GTE in asthma and identify specific pathways, murine model of allergic asthma was established by ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and the challenge for 4 weeks, with oral treatment using GTE and dexamethasone (DEX). Inflammatory cell counts, cytokines, OVA-specific IgE, airway hyperreactivity, and antioxidant markers in the lung were evaluated. Also, pulmonary histopathological analysis and western blotting were performed. In vitro, we established the model by stimulating the human airway epithelial cell line NCI-H292 using lipopolysaccharide, and treating with GTE and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) inhibitors. Results: The GTE100 and GTE400 groups showed a decrease in airway hyperresponsiveness and the number of inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) compared to the OVA group. GTE treatment also reduced interleukin (IL)-13, IL-5, and IL-4 levels in the BALF, and OVA-specific immunoglobulin E levels in the serum compared to those in the OVA group. GTE treatment decreased OVA-induced mucus secretion and airway inflammation. In addition, GTE suppressed the oxidative stress, and phosphorylation of MAPKs, which generally occurs after exposure to OVA. GTE administration also reduced matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity and protein levels. Conclusion: GTE effectively inhibited asthmatic respiratory inflammation and mucus hyperproduction induced by OVA inhalation. These results suggest that GTE has the potential to be used for the treatment of asthma.

Effects of Serious Games in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment.

OBJECTIVE: The rising prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has spurred interest in innovative cognitive rehabilitation approaches, including serious games. This review summarizes randomized clinical trials (RCTs) exploring the impact of serious games on MCI patients. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive data search using key terms such as "gamification," "digital therapy," "cognition," "mild cognitive impairment," and "Alzheimer's disease." We exclusively considered published RCTs, excluding animal studies and basic research. RESULTS: We identified eight RCTs. Four RCTs examined the effects of serious games using cognitive training for MCI patients. Notably, one study found that non-specific training (Nintendo Wii) significantly enhanced cognitive function and quality of life compared to cognition-specific computer training (CoTras). Among the remaining three RCTs, one specifically demonstrated that personalized serious game-based cognitive training yielded superior cognitive outcomes and reduced depressive symptoms. One RCT focused on serious games incorporating physical exercise, highlighting the effectiveness of kinetic-based exergaming in enhancing overall cognition. Three RCT focused on combined cognitive training and physical exercise. A double-blind RCT revealed that progressive resistance training or standalone physical exercise outperformed the combined approach in improving executive function and global cognition. Two additional RCTs reported positive outcomes, including improvements in cognitive function and electroencephalogram patterns associated with game-based interventions. CONCLUSION: Serious games, whether focusing on cognitive training, physical exercise, or a combination of both, have potential to improve cognitive and functional outcomes in individuals with MCI. Further research and standardization of protocols are needed to better understand the full potential of serious games in MCI.