Deep statistical modelling of nanopore sequencing translocation times reveals latent non-B DNA structures.

MOTIVATION: Non-canonical (or non-B) DNA are genomic regions whose three-dimensional conformation deviates from the canonical double helix. Non-B DNA play an important role in basic cellular processes and are associated with genomic instability, gene regulation, and oncogenesis. Experimental methods are low-throughput and can detect only a limited set of non-B DNA structures, while computational methods rely on non-B DNA base motifs, which are necessary but not sufficient indicators of non-B structures. Oxford Nanopore sequencing is an efficient and low-cost platform, but it is currently unknown whether nanopore reads can be used for identifying non-B structures. RESULTS: We build the first computational pipeline to predict non-B DNA structures from nanopore sequencing. We formalize non-B detection as a novelty detection problem and develop the GoFAE-DND, an autoencoder that uses goodness-of-fit (GoF) tests as a regularizer. A discriminative loss encourages non-B DNA to be poorly reconstructed and optimizing Gaussian GoF tests allows for the computation of P-values that indicate non-B structures. Based on whole genome nanopore sequencing of NA12878, we show that there exist significant differences between the timing of DNA translocation for non-B DNA bases compared with B-DNA. We demonstrate the efficacy of our approach through comparisons with novelty detection methods using experimental data and data synthesized from a new translocation time simulator. Experimental validations suggest that reliable detection of non-B DNA from nanopore sequencing is achievable. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: Source code is available at https://github.com/bayesomicslab/ONT-nonb-GoFAE-DND.

Targeting Caveolin-1 and Claudin-5 with AY9944, Improve Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability; Computational Simulation and Experimental Study.

The current study aimed to determine the protective effect of AY9944 related to Caveolin-1 and Claudin-5 role in lipid raft, which can rescue the blood-brain barrier from enhanced permeability. Therefore, in vivo analyses were performed following ischemia in normal, ischemic, and AY9944-treated animal groups. The results revealed that AY9944 reduced the infarct size, edema, and brain water content. The extravasation of Alb-Alexa 594 and biocytin-TMR was minimum in the AY9944-treated animals. The results showed a significant decrease in the expression level of Caveolin-1 over 8 h and 48 h and a remarkable increase in the level of Claudin-5 over 48 h following ischemia in AY9944-treated animals. Molecular docking simulation demonstrated that AY9944 exerts a possible protective role via attenuating the interaction of the Caveolin-1 and cholesterol in lipid raft. These findings point out that AY9944 plays a protective role in stroke by means of blood-brain barrier preservation. Proper neural function essentially needs a constant homeostatic brain environment which is provided by the blood-brain barrier. Rescuing blood-brain barrier from enhanced permeability via inducing the protective effect of AY9944 related to caveolin-1 and claudin-5 role in lipid raft was the aim of the current study.

Melatonin alleviates drought impact on growth and essential oil yield of lemon verbena by enhancing antioxidant responses, mineral balance, and abscisic acid content.

Melatonin has recently emerged as a multifunctional biomolecule with promising aspects in plant stress tolerance. The present study examined the effects of foliar-sprayed melatonin (0, 100, and 200 µM) on growth and essential oil yield attributes of lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora) under water-shortage (mild, moderate and severe). Results revealed that melatonin minimized drought effects on lemon verbena, resulting in improved growth and essential oils yield. Drought impositions gradually and significantly reduced several growth parameters, such as plant height and biomass, whereas melatonin application revived the growth performance of lemon verbena. Melatonin protected the photosynthetic pigments and helped maintain the mineral balance at all levels of drought. Melatonin stimulated the accumulation of proline, soluble sugars and abscisic acid, which were positively correlated with a better preservation of leaf water status in drought-stressed plants. Melatonin also prevented oxidative damages by enhancing the superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase and catalase activities. Furthermore, increased levels of total phenolic compounds, chicoric acid, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid, as well as ascorbate and total antioxidant capacity in melatonin-sprayed drought-stressed plants indicated that melatonin helped verbena plants to sustain antioxidant and medicinal properties during drought. Finally, melatonin treatments upheld the concentrations and yield of essential oils in the leaves of lemon verbena regardless of drought severities. These results provided new insights into melatonin-mediated drought tolerance in lemon verbena, and this strategy could be implemented for the successful cultivation of lemon verbena, and perhaps other medicinal plants, in drought-prone areas worldwide.

Exogenous melatonin mitigates salinity-induced damage in olive seedlings by modulating ion homeostasis, antioxidant defense, and phytohormone balance.

Melatonin (MEL) is a ubiquitous molecule with pleiotropic roles in plant adaption to stress. In this study, we investigated the effects of foliar spray of 100 and 200 µM MEL on the biochemical and physiological traits linked with the growth performance of olive seedlings exposed to moderate (45 mM NaCl) and severe (90 mM NaCl) salinity. Both salt stress conditions caused a considerable reduction in leaf relative water content and the contents of photosynthetic pigments (carotenoids, chlorophylls a and b, and total chlorophylls), K+ and Ca+2 , while the contents of Na+ and the activities of antioxidant enzymes increased. In addition, salt-stressed olive seedlings showed high accumulations of hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ), malondialdehyde (MDA), and electrolyte leakage (EL), indicating that olive seedlings suffered from salinity-induced oxidative damage. In contrast, MEL application revived the growth of olive seedlings, including shoot height, root length and biomass under salt stress conditions. MEL protected the photosynthetic pigments and decreased the Na+ /K+ ratio under both moderate and severe salt stresses. Furthermore, MEL induced the accumulations of proline, total soluble sugars, glycine betaine, abscisic acid, and indole acetic acid in salt-stressed olive seedlings, which showed a positive correlation with improved leaf water status and biomass. MEL application also increased the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and peroxidase in salt-stressed seedlings, resulting in lower levels of H2 O2 , MDA, and EL in these plants. Taken together, MEL mitigates salinity through its roles in various biochemical and physiological processes, thereby representing a promising agent for application in crop protection.

Mitigation of the effect of drought on growth and yield of pomegranates by foliar spraying of different sizes of selenium nanoparticles.

BACKGROUND: Drought is a very important environmental stressor, which has negative effects on the growth of trees, decreasing their yield. The role of different-sized selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) in the mitigation of environmental stresses such as drought in crops has not yet been investigated. RESULTS: Trees treated with Se-NPs displayed higher levels of photosynthetic pigments, a better nutrient status, better physical parameters (especially fruit cracking) and chemical parameters, a higher phenolic content, and higher concentrations of osmolytes, antioxidant enzymes, and abscisic acid than untreated trees under drought stress. Foliar spraying of 10 and 50 nm Se-NPs alleviated many of the deleterious effects of drought in pomegranate leaves and fruits and this was achieved by reducing stress-induced lipid peroxidation and H2 O2 content by enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, the 10 nm Se-NPs treatment produced more noticeable effects than the treatment with 50 nm Se-NPs. CONCLUSION: Results confirm the positive effects of nanoparticle spraying, especially the role of 10 nm Se-NPs in the management of negative effects of drought not only for pomegranates but potentially also for other crops. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Netrin-1 protects the SH-SY5Y cells against amyloid beta neurotoxicity through NF-κB/Nrf2 dependent mechanism.

Many evidence confirms that amyloid beta 1-42 fragment (Aß1-42) causes neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and cell death, which are related to progressive memory loss, cognitive impairments and mental disorders that will lead to Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression. Netrin-1, as a member of the laminins, has been proved to inhibit apoptosis and inflammation outside of nervous system, in addition to having a vital role in morphogenesis and neurogenesis of neural system. This study was designed to assess the protective effects of netrin-1 in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line exposed to Aß1-42 and to explore some mechanisms that underlie netrin-1 effects. Cultured SH-SY5Y neuroblast-like cells were treated with netrin-1 prior to Aß1-42 exposure and the effects were assessed by MTT and ELISA assay kits. Netrin- 1 pretreatment of Aß1-42-exposed SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells attenuated Aß1-42 induced toxic effects, increased cell viability and partially restored levels of 3 inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers including: nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (Nrf2), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and nuclear factor kappa-light chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). Based on the findings of this study, netrin-1 represents a promising therapeutic bio agent to abrogate cellular inflammation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) activation induced by Aß1-42 in the SH-SY5Y cell model of AD.

Huperzine A ameliorates cognitive dysfunction and neuroinflammation in kainic acid-induced epileptic rats by antioxidant activity and NLRP3/caspase-1 pathway inhibition.

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is one of the most prevalent types of epilepsy in human. Huperzine A (Hup-A) has been reported to possess antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties; however, its role in TLE induced by kainic acid has not been determined. The current study investigated the protective effects of Hup-A (0.1 mg/kg) in kainic acid-induced model of TLE in the rat. In the current study, it was found that Hup-A significantly prevented the seizure intensity and learning and memory deterioration which was assessed by Morris water maze (MWM) and novel object recognition task (NOR). Additionally, Hup-A inhibited oxidative stress, inflammation, and acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE). In addition, catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities increased after Hup-A treatment, while malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrite levels significantly reduced. Regarding inflammation, this drug decreased kainic acid-induced NLRP3 expression in microglial cells and caspase-1 activity in hippocampal tissue, possibly through diminishing oxidative stress. Taken together, our data showed that Hup-A could be a potential protective substance to ameliorate seizure severity and some memory deficits related to epilepsy via attenuating neuroinflammation and protection of neurons.

Predictive Value of Kanagawa Cancer Center Scoring System for Lymph Node Metastasis and Need for Lymphadenectomy in Patients With Endometrial Cancer: A Validation Study.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine the predictive value of Kanagawa Cancer Center (KCC) scoring system for lymph node metastasis and need for lymphadenectomy in patients with endometrial cancer. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted during a 2-year period in a gynecologic oncology referral center in Southern Iran. We included a total number of 94 patients with endometrial cancer. Preoperative assessment included tumor volume, myometrium invasion, histology, and CA125. The KCC was calculated for all the patients. All the patients underwent total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy along with dissection of pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes. The histopathology of the dissected lymph nodes was considered as criterion standard, and the predictive value of KCC was evaluated accordingly. RESULTS: The mean ± SD age of the patients was 56.8 ± 10.2 years. Overall, 26 patients (27.7%) tested positive for lymph node involvement. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of KCC for lymph node involvement was found to be 35.3%, 100%, 100%, and 64.7%, respectively. Overall, the predictive value according to the area under the curve measured by receiver operating characteristic curve was found to be 0.890 (0.823-0.956) indicative of moderate accuracy. Lymph node involvement was associated with higher Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage (P < 0.001), higher tumor volume (P = 0.003), higher histological subtype (P < 0.001), positive CA125 (P < 0.001), and higher KCC score (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The KCC scoring system has a moderate accuracy for predicting the lymph node involvement in patients with endometrial cancer.

Dietary Immunogen® modulated digestive enzyme activity and immune gene expression in Litopenaeus vannamei post larvae.

Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931) is an important economical shrimp species worldwide, especially in the Middle East region, and farming activities of this species have been largely affected by diseases, mostly viral and bacterial diseases. Scientists have started to use prebiotics for bolstering the immune status of the animal. This study aimed to investigate the influence of Immunogen® on growth, digestive enzyme activity and immune related gene expression of Litopenaeus vannamei post-larvae. All post-larvae were acclimated to the laboratory condition for 14 days. Upon acclimation, shrimps were fed on different levels of Immunogen® (0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 g kg-1) for 60 days. No significant differences were detected in weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR) and food conversion ratio (FCR) in shrimp post-larvae in which fed with different levels of Immunogen® and control diet. The results showed that digestive enzymes activity including protease and lipase increased with different amounts of Immunogen® in the shrimp diet. Protease activity increased with 1.5 g kg-1 Immunogen® after 60 days and lipase activity increased with 1 and 1.5 g kg-1 Immunogen® after 30 and 60 days of the trial respectively (P < 0.05), while amylase activity did not change in response to different levels of Immunogen® (P > 0.05). The expression of immune related genes including, prophenoloxidase, crustin and g-type lysozyme increased with diet 1.5 g kg-1 Immunogen® (P < 0.05) while expression of penaeidin gene increased only with experimental diet 1 g kg-1 of Immunogen®. These results indicated that increase in digestive enzymes activity and expression of immune related genes could modulate the Immunogen® in the innate immune system in L. vannamei in this study.

A Bayesian maximum entropy-based methodology for optimal spatiotemporal design of groundwater monitoring networks.

This paper presents a new methodology for analyzing the spatiotemporal variability of water table levels and redesigning a groundwater level monitoring network (GLMN) using the Bayesian Maximum Entropy (BME) technique and a multi-criteria decision-making approach based on ordered weighted averaging (OWA). The spatial sampling is determined using a hexagonal gridding pattern and a new method, which is proposed to assign a removal priority number to each pre-existing station. To design temporal sampling, a new approach is also applied to consider uncertainty caused by lack of information. In this approach, different time lag values are tested by regarding another source of information, which is simulation result of a numerical groundwater flow model. Furthermore, to incorporate the existing uncertainties in available monitoring data, the flexibility of the BME interpolation technique is taken into account in applying soft data and improving the accuracy of the calculations. To examine the methodology, it is applied to the Dehgolan plain in northwestern Iran. Based on the results, a configuration of 33 monitoring stations for a regular hexagonal grid of side length 3600 m is proposed, in which the time lag between samples is equal to 5 weeks. Since the variance estimation errors of the BME method are almost identical for redesigned and existing networks, the redesigned monitoring network is more cost-effective and efficient than the existing monitoring network with 52 stations and monthly sampling frequency.

Dietary Lactobacillus acidophilus modulated skin mucus protein profile, immune and appetite genes expression in gold fish (Carassius auratus gibelio).

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of dietary Lactobacillus acidophilus on skin mucus protein pattern, immune and appetite related genes expression as well as growth performance in gold fish (Carassius auratus gibelio). Three hundred healthy gold fish (2.5 ± 0.05) juveniles were randomly distributed in 12 glass aquariums (400-L; 25 fish per aquaria) and fed experimental diets contain different levels of L. acidophilus (0, 1.5 × 108, 3 × 108 and 6 × 108) for 8 weeks. SDS-PAGE analysis of skin mucus protein profile at the end of the feeding trial revealed differences in protein profile of probiotic fed fish and control group; even three new bands were observed in L. acidophilus treated groups. Furthermore, fish fed 6 × 108 CFU g-1 supplemented diet showed up-regulation of both TNF-1α and TNF-2α gene expression (P < 0.05). Evaluation of appetite related gene expression showed down-regulation of ghrelin in probiotic fed fish compared those of control treatment (P < 0.05). However, administration of different levels of L. acidophilus had no significant effects on growth performance (P > 0.05). These results demonstrated that while no beneficial effects on growth performance, dietary L. acidophilus affects immune and appetite related genes expression as well as skin mucus protein profile.

Implementation of digital health technologies for older adults: a scoping review.

The critical importance of technological innovation in home care for older adults is indisputable. Less well understood is the question of how to measure its performance and impact on the delivery of healthcare to older adults who are living with chronic illness and disability. Knowing how well digital technologies, such as smartphones, tablets, wearable devices, and Ambient Assisted Living Technologies (AAL) systems "work" should certainly include assessing their impact on older adults' health and ability to function in daily living but that will not guarantee that it will necessarily be adopted by the user or implemented by a healthcare facility or the healthcare system. Technology implementation is a process of planned and guided activities to launch, introduce and support technologies in a certain context to innovate or improve healthcare, which delivers the evidence for adoption and upscaling a technology in healthcare practices. Factors in addition to user acceptance and clinical effectiveness require investigation. Failure to appreciate these factors can result in increased likelihood of technology rejection or protracted procurement decision at the "adoption decision" stage or delayed or incomplete implementation or discontinuance (following initial adoption) during implementation. The aim of our research to analyze research studies on the effectiveness of digital health technologies for older adults to answer the question, "How well do these studies address factors that affect the implementation of technology?" We found common problems with the conceptualization, design, and methodology in studies of digital technology that have contributed to the slow pace of implementation in home care and long-term care. We recommend a framework for improving the quality of research in this critical area. Systematic Review Registration: https://archive.org/details/osf-registrations-f56rb-v1, identifier osf-registrations-f56rb-v1.

Acceptance of physical activity virtual reality games by residents of long-term care facilities: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the experience and the social and contextual factors influencing the acceptance of virtual reality (VR) physical activity games among long-term care (LTC) residents. Our study aims to address this research gap by investigating the unique experience of older adults with VR games. The findings will provide valuable insights into the factors influencing VR acceptance among LTC residents and help design inclusive VR technology that meets their needs and improves physical activity (PA) and well-being. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to: (1) investigate how participants experience VR exergames and the meaning they associate with their participation; and (2) examine the factors that influence the participant's experience in VR exergames and explore how these factors affect the overall experience. METHODS: We used a qualitative approach that follows the principles of the Interpretive Description methodology. Selective Optimization and Compensation (SOC) theory, Socioemotional Selectivity theory (SST) and technology acceptance models underpinned the theoretical foundations of this study. We conducted semi-structured interviews with participants. 19 Participants of a LTC were interviewed: five residents and ten tenants, aged 65 to 93 years (8 female and 7 male) and four staff members. Interviews ranged from 15 to 30 minutes and were transcribed verbatim and were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: We identified four themes based on older adults' responses that reflected their unique VR gaming experience, including (1) enjoyment, excitement, and the novel environment; (2) PA and motivation to exercise; (3) social connection and support; and (4) individual preferences and challenges. Three themes were developed based on the staff members' data to capture their perspective on the factors that influence the acceptance of VR among LTC resident including (1) relevance and personalization of the games; (2) training and guidance; and (3) organizational and individual barriers. CONCLUSIONS: VR gaming experiences are enjoyable exciting, and novel for LTC residents and tenants and can provide physical, cognitive, social, and motivational benefits for them. Proper guidance and personalized programs can increase understanding and familiarity with VR, leading to a higher level of acceptance and engagement. Our findings emphasize the significance of social connection and support in promoting acceptance and enjoyment of VR gaming among older adults. Incorporating social theories of aging helps to gain a better understanding of how aging-related changes influence technology acceptance among older adults. This approach can inform the development of technology that better meets their needs and preferences.

Optimal redesign of coastal groundwater quality monitoring networks under uncertainty: application of the theory of belief functions.

This paper presents a new methodology for the optimal redesign of water quality monitoring networks in coastal aquifers. The GALDIT index is used to evaluate the extent and magnitude of seawater intrusion (SWI) in coastal aquifers. The weights of the GALDIT parameters are optimized using the genetic algorithm (GA). A SEAWAT-based simulation model, a spatiotemporal Kriging interpolation technique, and an artificial neural network surrogate model are then implemented to simulate total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration in coastal aquifers. To obtain more precise estimations, an ensemble meta-model is developed using the Dempster-Shafer's belief function theory (D-ST) to combine the results obtained from the three individual simulation models. The combined meta-model is then used for calculating more precise TDS concentration. Some plausible scenarios are defined for variation of water elevation and water salinity at the coastline to incorporate uncertainty through the concept of value of information (VOI). Finally, the potential wells with the highest values of information are taken into consideration to redesign coastal groundwater quality monitoring network under uncertainty. The performance of the proposed methodology is evaluated by applying it to the Qom-Kahak aquifer, north-central Iran, which is threatened by SWI. At first, the individual and ensemble simulation models are developed and validated. Then, several scenarios are defined regarding the plausible changes in TDS concentration and water level at the coastline. In the next step, the scenarios, the GALDIT-GA vulnerability map, and the VOI concept are used for redesigning the existing monitoring network. The results illustrate that the revised groundwater quality monitoring network containing 10 new sampling locations outperforms the existing one based on the VOI criterion.

Relational Care, Dementia, and Communication Challenges in Long-Term Care: A Meta-Ethnography.

Few studies examine care as a relational process in long-term care, and still fewer describe the participation of residents with dementia. In this article, our objective was to understand the development of knowledge in this area by means of a meta-ethnography. Our search and selection process resulted in six eligible articles. Each documents a qualitative study of resident-staff interactions during care activities in a residential care setting, and includes participants with dementia. Tronto's 4 Phases of Care were used to guide the identification of relational care practices within the articles selected. We identified five translatable concepts across the six studies: (1) doing with versus doing for, (2) staff responsiveness, (3) resident agency, (4) inclusive communication, and (5) time. In our new configuration of relational care, we combine these concepts to delineate an "interactive space" in which the agency of residents and initiative of staff are equally visible.

Assessing virtual reality acceptance in long-term care facilities: a quantitative study with older adults.

PURPOSE: Our study aimed to investigate the factors associated with the acceptance of virtual reality (VR) games among older adults living in LTC, with a particular emphasis on identifying social and individual factors that have been overlooked in existing technology acceptance models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted VR gaming sessions, followed by a composite questionnaire to explore the factors associated with the acceptance of VR games among residents of LTC with a focus on technology acceptance models (TAM) and social factors derived from Selective Optimization with Compensation (SOC) theory and Socioemotional Selectivity Theory (SST). RESULTS: We studied 20 older adults aged 65 and older. Participants were moderately sedentary, with the majority of them having prior gaming experience. Participants with prior gaming experience had higher mean scores in most SOC theory and SST subscales, except for elective selection. Participants perceived the technology as useful and easy to use, with no heightened gaming-related anxiety. Significant correlations were found between perceived ease of use and selection strategies, and between attitudes towards gaming and elective selection strategies. No significant score differences were observed between male and female participants. CONCLUSIONS: The positive correlation between VR acceptance and using SOC strategies suggests a positive response to straightforward experiences. Our study highlights VR exergaming's potential benefits for encouraging LTC residents' engagement in valued activities and pursuing goals. Moreover, social theories of aging can inform technology acceptance and guide the design and marketing of VR exergames to better suit older adults' needs and preferences in LTC.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe findings of this study have important implications for rehabilitation programs aimed at enhancing physical activity (PA) and engagement among older adults living in long-term care (LTC) facilities. The use of virtual reality (VR) games can be an important tool to promote PA and improve the overall well-being of LTC residents. Based on the results, the following implications can be drawn:Integrating VR exergaming in rehabilitation:The positive perception of VR technology's usefulness and ease of use among older adults in LTC suggests that VR exergaming can be effectively integrated into rehabilitation programs. Healthcare professionals and rehabilitation specialists in LTC facilities can consider incorporating VR-based exercise routines and gaming sessions to motivate and engage residents in physical activities. By doing so, they can create enjoyable and interactive rehabilitation experiences that may lead to improved adherence to exercise regimens.Addressing social factors for VR acceptance:Our study highlights the significance of social factors derived from theories of aging, such as Selective Optimization with Compensation (SOC) and Socioemotional Selectivity Theory (SST), in influencing VR acceptance among LTC residents. Rehabilitation programs should take into account these social aspects and create a supportive and encouraging environment for older adults to engage with VR exergames. Encouraging social interactions and providing opportunities for residents to share their experiences with VR gaming may enhance acceptance and overall engagement.Tailoring VR exergames for older adults:The correlation between VR acceptance and the use of SOC strategies indicates that customized experiences may be well-received by LTC residents. Game developers and rehabilitation specialists should consider designing VR exergames that align with the specific preferences and needs of older adults. This could involve providing choices and options for users to optimize their gaming experiences based on their individual abilities and interests.Recognizing gaming experience:Our study highlights that prior gaming experience positively influenced participants' attitudes towards VR gaming. Rehabilitation professionals should acknowledge and leverage this prior experience when introducing VR exergaming to older adults in LTC. By incorporating elements familiar to older adults or providing guidance for those new to gaming, rehabilitation programs can foster a more seamless and enjoyable transition to VR exergames.Promoting goal pursuit and valued activities:Our study suggests that VR exergaming has the potential to encourage LTC residents' engagement in valued activities and goal pursuit. Rehabilitation programs can utilize VR exergaming as a means to help residents achieve specific rehabilitation goals and engage in activities that are meaningful to them. This approach can contribute to a sense of purpose and satisfaction in the rehabilitation process.Overall, the integration of VR exergaming in rehabilitation for older adults in LTC facilities has promising implications for improving physical activity levels, enhancing engagement, and addressing the holistic well-being of residents. By considering the social factors influencing VR acceptance and tailoring experiences to individual preferences, rehabilitation professionals can optimize the potential benefits of VR technology in LTC settings.

Acceptance of physical activity virtual reality games by residents of long-term care facilities: a scoping review.

PURPOSE: This scoping review aims to identify evidence on older adults' acceptance of PA VR games in LTC facilities, describe research designs used, define key acceptance concepts, and identify knowledge gaps for future research. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following Arksey and O'Malley's framework, data from published and unpublished articles (Jan 2000-May 2023) were collected. Twelve databases and additional sources were searched for studies on LTC residents (≥65 years), PA video games (including VR and console games), acceptance, and attitudes. Data extraction included article details, design, population, intervention, outcomes, and limitations. RESULTS: Five studies met inclusion criteria from 1628 initial titles. They assessed acceptance of PA VR games among older adults in LTC facilities, showing varying levels of acceptance. Most studies used analytical designs, including RCTs. Key concepts of VR acceptance were poorly defined, with only one study using a validated TAM questionnaire. Knowledge gaps highlight the need for further research to understand PA VR acceptance among older adults in LTC facilities. CONCLUSION: Validated acceptance questionnaires are needed in study of VR acceptance by older adults. Use of qualitative and quantitative methods can enhance understanding of technology acceptance, alongside exploration of individual, environmental, and age-related factors. Detailed reporting of VR interventions is recommended to comprehend acceptance factors.

Enhancing engagement: We suggest that physical activity (PA) virtual reality (VR) games can improve engagement among long-term care (LTC) residents. By providing a novel approach to rehabilitation, PA VR games have the potential to increase motivation and participation, leading to improved outcomes.Promoting physical and cognitive stimulation: VR games offer opportunities for both physical and cognitive stimulation. By integrating these games into rehabilitation programs, we can provide a more engaging and interactive experience for individuals undergoing rehabilitation. This can contribute to motor skills development, balance training, cognitive function, and overall well-being.Addressing barriers to rehabilitation: Traditional rehabilitation approaches may face various barriers, such as lack of interest, adherence issues, or limited resources. The use of VR games can help overcome some of these barriers by offering a more enjoyable and accessible rehabilitation experience. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility limitations or those residing in LTC facilities.In summary, our study highlights the potential of incorporating VR games into rehabilitation settings. By implementing these findings, we can improve the acceptance and efficiency of rehabilitation practices, leading to better rehabilitation outcomes for individuals.

Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Commercial Strawberry Cultivars under Optimal and Drought Stress Conditions.

Improving the extent of adaptation and the choice of the most tolerant cultivar is the first step to mitigating the adverse effects of limited water, especially in susceptible plants such as strawberries. To address this issue, two commercial strawberry cultivars (Camarosa and Gaviota) were compared when irrigated to match 100, 75, 50, and 25% field capacity (FC) to simulate the control, slight, moderate, and severe drought stress conditions, respectively. Drought stress induced the reduction of total chlorophyll, carotenoid, relative water content, and phenolic content significantly, whereas the activity of antioxidant enzymes, electrolyte leakage, osmolyte accumulation, and oxidative markers upsurged progressively in drought severity-dependent behavior. Gaviota produced more proline, hydrogen peroxide as a marker of membrane lipid peroxidation and disposed of by higher electrolyte leakage, significantly. On the other hand, Camarosa having higher soluble carbohydrates as well as enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants could be considered a drought-tolerant cultivar. Genotypic variation between these cultivars could be used in breeding projects to promote drought-tolerant strawberries in the future.

Chitosan-based Schiff base-metal (Fe, Cu, and Zn) complexes mitigate the negative consequences of drought stress on pomegranate fruits.

Drought is one of the major environmental stresses that impairs fruit productivity and quality. The proper management of minerals can, however, assist plant to maintain their growth even under drought incidents, and is considered one of the encouraging approaches to refine the drought tolerance of plants. The beneficial effects of chitosan (CH)-based Schiff base-metal complexes (e.g., CH-Fe, CH-Cu and CH-Zn) in reducing the harmful impacts of different levels of drought stress on the growth and productivity of 'Malase Saveh' pomegranate cultivar were examined. All CH-metal complexes displayed favorable effects on the yield- and growth-related attributes of pomegranate trees cultivated under well-watered and different drought situations, with the best effects were observed with CH-Fe application. Specifically, leaves of CH-Fe-treated pomegranate plants showed higher concentrations of photosynthetic pigments [chlorophyll a (Chl a), Chl b, Chl a+b, and carotenoids by 28.0, 29.5, 28.6 and 85.7%, respectively] and microelements (Fe by 27.3%), along with increased levels of superoxide dismutase (by 35.3%) and ascorbate peroxidase (by 56.0%) enzymatic activities relative to those of CH-Fe-non-treated pomegranate plants under intense drought stress. CH-Fe-treated drought-stressed pomegranate leaves showed high increment of abscisic acid (by 25.1%) and indole-3-acetic acid (by 40.5%) relative to CH-Fe-non-treated pomegranates. The increased contents of total phenolics, ascorbic acid, total anthocyanins, and titratable acidity (by 24.3, 25.8, 9.3 and 30.9%, respectively) in the fruits of CH-Fe-treated drought-stressed pomegranates indicated the advantageousness of CH-Fe on the enhancement of fruit nutritional qualities. Collectively, our results prove the explicit functions of these complexes, particularly CH-Fe, in the control of drought-induced negative effects on pomegranate trees grown in semi-arid and dry areas.