Hearing impairment (HI) disrupts social interaction by hindering the ability to follow conversations in noisy environments. While hearing aids (HAs) with noise reduction (NR) partially address this, the "cocktailparty problem" persists, where individuals struggle to attend to specific voices amidst background noise. This study investigated how NR and an advanced signal processing method for compensating for nonlinearities in EEG signals can improve neural speech processing in HI listeners. Participants wore hearing aids with NR, either activated or deactivated, while focusing on target speech amidst competing masker speech and background noise. Analysis focused on temporal response functions to assess neural tracking of relevant target and masker speech. Results revealed enhanced neural responses (N1 and P2) to target speech, particularly in frontal and central scalp regions, when NR was activated. Additionally, a novel method compensated for nonlinearities in EEG data, leading to improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and potentially revealing more precise neural tracking of relevant speech. This effect was most prominent in the left-frontal scalp region. Importantly, NR activation significantly improved the effectiveness of this method, leading to stronger responses and reduced variance in EEG data and potentially revealing more precise neural tracking of relevant speech. This study provides valuable insights into the neural mechanisms underlying NR benefits and introduces a promising EEG analysis approach sensitive to NR effects, paving the way for potential improvements in HAs.Significance Statement Understanding how hearing aids (HAs) with noise reduction (NR) improve selective auditory attention in noisy environments is crucial for future advancements. This study investigated the neural effects of NR in hearing-impaired listeners using EEG. We observed significantly enhanced neural responses (N1 and P2 peaks) to target speech with NR activated, suggesting improved speech tracking in frontal and central scalp regions. The advanced signal processing method also compensated for nonlinearities in EEG data, improving the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and revealing more precise neural tracking, particularly in the left-frontal scalp region. This study sheds light on the neural mechanisms behind NR benefits and introduces a promising EEG analysis method sensitive to NR effects, paving the way for optimizing future HAs.
This chapter presents Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND), the proposal that, below a certain acceleration scale $a_0$, dynamics departs from the Newtonian expectation. In that context, the determining factor for the emergence of apparent missing matter in galactic systems is predicted to be the acceleration, and not the mass or size of the system. MOND enables, for example, the prediction of rotation curves from only the baryonic distribution of galaxies. The simple rule is that the acceleration observed in the low-acceleration regime is the square root of the Newtonian expectation times $a_0$. Immediately, the flatness of rotation curves follows, as well as the proportionality of the fourth power of the asymptotic circular speed to only the baryonic mass of the galaxy. While the asymptotic circular speed is predicted not to depend on the baryonic surface density of galaxies of fixed baryonic mass, the inner shape of rotation curves is predicted to strongly depend on it. More generally, MOND implies an algebraic relation between the acceleration expected from Newtonian gravity and the total observed acceleration, at any radius in a galaxy. This is known, observationally, as the Radial Acceleration Relation. For galaxy clusters, it is commonly accepted that MOND fails, needing a stronger gravitational force (or more baryonic mass than observed) to account for the thermodynamic state of galaxy clusters, their lensing and kinematics. MOND, however, is not a complete theory, but a phenomenological non-relativistic paradigm in the limit of low accelerations, in need of embedding in a more fundamental theory. While various non-relativistic field theories of MOND exist, the search for a relativistic theory that recovers general relativity for high accelerations and MOND for low accelerations in the quasi-static limit, as well as a cosmology compatible with observations, is still on-going.
Background: Blunt traumatic aortic injury (BTAI) is the second most common cause of death following blunt trauma, and it can affect people of all ages. The aim of this study was to evaluate age-related differences in outcomes among patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for BTAI. Methods: All patients treated with TEVAR for BTAI at a tertiary care center in Europe between 2005 and 2023 were included in this study. All clinical and imaging data were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Results: A total of 70 patients with a median age of 43 years were included, and 89% were male. Older patients had significantly higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification scores (p < 0.001) compared to younger patients. All age groups (<18, 18–40, 41–65, and >65) exhibited low to borderline low initial hemoglobin levels with a further decline over time (p = 0.063, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.018, respectively). Age groups were comparable regarding injury mechanism, Injury Severity Score (ISS), concomitant injuries and postoperative complications. The age-independent ISS showed a moderate to strong correlation to the length of intensive care unit stay (r = 0.594, p < 0.001). Total in-hospital mortality was 6% and none was from aortic-related complications. There was a generally high rate of loss of follow-up (59%). Conclusions: Although older patients presented worse ASA scores in comparison to younger patients, no significant differences regarding postoperative morbidity/mortality were noted. These findings imply that patient age and preinjury physical status might not substantially influence outcomes when treating BTAI with TEVAR.
Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness and safety of lysozyme-based spray in the treatment of oral mucositis in patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy. Methods: A prospective, open-label study was conducted on patients with ulcerative inflammation of the oral cavity and pharynx mucous membranes clinically assessed for oral mucositis according to the World Health Organization (WHO) Oral Toxicity Scale. Patients were randomly divided into a lysozyme group (using a spray containing lysozyme + cetylpyridinium + lidocaine) and a control group (using a compounded preparation containing gentamicin + dexamethasone + lidocaine). The efficacy and safety of therapy were evaluated on the baseline and three follow-up visits (7, 14, and 21 days after the baseline visit). Results: The total number of participants was 56, of which 26 were in lysozyme and 30 in the control group. The efficacy parameters were similar between the groups and there was no deterioration of symptoms during the follow-up period of 21 days. A significantly lower pain intensity when eating solid food was observed after 21 days in lysozyme compared to the control group. No adverse reactions were observed. Conclusions: This study showed the efficacy and safety of lysozyme-based spray for treating radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis. The availability of new treatment options based on lysozyme, a natural enzybiotic present in the saliva of healthy subjects, could bring added value to the treatment of oral mucositis and the prevention of its complications. However, a larger randomized, blinded study is needed to confirm our results [the study was registered at the Agency for Medicinal Products and Medical Devices of Bosnia and Herzegovina (https://klinicka.almbih.gov.ba/pages/klinicka-registar-javni) under the protocol number LCS-OM-01].
The aim of this umbrella review was to investigate the frequency of physical activity-related injuries (PARI) among adolescents. Our secondary objective was to describe the available reviews of injuries in three settings: organized sports, leisure time physical activity (PA), and school physical education (PE).We conducted an overview of reviews consistent with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement guidelines on the frequency of physical activity related injuries in adolescents.We identified 19 systematic reviews with at least moderate quality to include in the review. We were not able to pool data from reviews and conduct meta-analysis due to heterogeneity of injury definitions, exposure times, and sample demographics. All reviews included studies of injuries sustained in organized sports, and injury incidence was higher during matches than training. No systematic reviews were found focusing on leisure time or school-based PA injuries.High-quality research is essential to understand the frequency of various types of physical activity related injuries among adolescents in organized sports, PE, and leisure time activities to develop more effective prevention strategies.
N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) acetamide or paracetamol is an acylated aromatic amide used as analgesic and antipyretic to relieve pain and reduce body temperature. In medicinal chemistry, there is a growing interest in the development of drugs based on metal complexes, which are of great importance in therapeutic and diagnostic possibilities. Selected metals, magnesium and copper are elements that are extremely important for the human body. In this research, complexes of Mg(II) and Cu(II)-ions with N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) acetamide were synthesized and confirmed with FTIR, UV and MS spectroscopy. The results of the analysis of the synthesized complexes spectra indicate interactions between N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) acetamide and metal Mg(II)-ions and Cu (II)-ions via O-donor and N-donor atoms.
Environmental noise management is a critical aspect of public health policy, particularly within the European Union, which established Directive 2002/49/EC to standardize noise assessment and mitigation efforts across member states. Serbia has integrated the Directive's provisions through its Law on Environmental Noise Protection and accompanying by-laws. This paper presents the strategic noise mapping process for Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport, Serbia's largest international airport, marking a significant milestone as it is the first time a strategic noise map is being developed for a major airport in Serbia. The legal framework, methodology, and results of this mapping process are discussed in detail. Utilizing the CNOSSOS-EU:2015 method and the Aviation Environmental Design Tool (AEDT) for acoustic calculations, the study defines the affected areas, noise indicators, and population exposure based on 2023 air traffic data. The results indicate that the Lden noise levels exceeding 55 dB impacted 24,223 residents, while the Lnight noise levels exceeding 50 dB affected 7,493 residents. The analysis also includes the estimated number of dwellings, schools, hospitals, and people affected by different noise levels, providing necessary data for developing action plans aimed at mitigating noise pollution. Additionally, the study examines the potential health impacts, including population annoyance and sleep disturbance, using dose-effect relationships as defined by the European Commission. The results underline the importance of ongoing noise monitoring and the need for timely revisions of strategic noise maps and action plans to ensure compliance with both national and EU regulations. This research contributes to the broader effort of environmental noise management, offering insights into the methodologies and challenges of strategic noise mapping for airports in Serbia.
In the face of pressing socio-economic and environmental challenges, such as climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality, entrepreneurs are increasingly compelled to embrace innovative strategies that harmonize profitability with social and environmental stewardship. Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds promise in facilitating such solutions but requires careful examination to ensure its effective and ethical deployment in pursuit of sustainability objectives. The primary goal of this study was to ascertain whether AI significantly influences the sustainable entrepreneurial process. This comprehensive research framework integrates concepts from entrepreneurship, stakeholder theory, and digital technology, offering a multifaceted perspective. We employed the multiple regression analysis to examine data gathered from 40 entrepreneurs operating within the Bosnia and Herzegovina settings. The study's outcomes revealed that AI positively and significantly impacts the sustainable entrepreneurial process and its five sub-dimensions: “idea generation, opportunity recognition, opportunity development, venture launch, and positive impact”. This study enriches the literature on AI and sustainable entrepreneurship by offering empirical support for the impact of AI on the sustainable entrepreneurial process while also introducing and validating measurement tools for the sustainable entrepreneurial process. Additionally, entrepreneurs can utilize the findings of this research to strategically incorporate AI into their business processes and product/service innovation, improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, mitigate risks, enhance decision-making, foster collaboration across stakeholders, and capitalize on opportunities effectively.
The aim of this paper is to present a case of infective endocarditis (IE) caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), focusing on diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The paper highlights the importance of 2D transesophageal echocardiography (TOE) and discusses the capabilities and advances of appliance of the 3D TOE in patient evaluation, better understanding of the diagnosis, and timely treatment. The use of this advance echocardiographic modality allows clear visualization of complex and destructive tissue lesions, such as the perforation observed and presented in this case.
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