Signal-in-noise detection across the lifespan in a mouse model of presbycusis.

The auditory system is constantly tasked with detecting acoustic cues in complex auditory environments. Difficulty hearing speech in noise, largely a result of energetic masking, is a major communication complaint of the elderly, which impacts a third of the global population over 65. The neural mechanisms responsible for processing sound in background noise and subsequently achieving release from energetic masking remain obscure.

Exploratory study to evaluate the acceptability of a wearable accelerometer to assess motor progression in motor neuron disease.

Motor neuron disease (MND) is a rapidly progressive condition traditionally assessed using a questionnaire to evaluate physical function, the revised amyotrophic lateral sclerosis functional rating scale (ALSFRS-R). Its use can be associated with poor sensitivity in detecting subtle changes over time and there is an urgent need for more sensitive and specific outcome measures. The ActiGraph GT9X is a wearable device containing multiple sensors that can be used to provide metrics that represent physical activity.

Integrated Virtual Care for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Qualitative Study.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that affects approximately one in 10 people in the United States (Defrees & Bailey, 2017). Despite the high prevalence of IBS, the medical community struggles to effectively understand, diagnose, and treat this disorder (Ankersen et al., 2021).

The Role of Serum NT-proBNP for Predicting Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction in Hospitalized Patients in Sri Lanka.

Background/aims: Only a few studies have addressed the role of NT-proBNP in identifying Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction (LVSD) in South Asian populations. Therefore, the current study was aimed at assessing the use of serum NT-proBNP in predicting LVSD in a hospitalized population in Sri Lanka.

Methods: A random sample of 278 individuals referred for echocardiography at a major Teaching Hospital consented for venous blood samples to be collected for serum NT-proBNP assay by sandwich ELISA.