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Neural wearables can enable life-saving drowsiness and health monitoring for pilots and drivers. While existing in-cabin sensors may provide alerts, wearables can enable monitoring across more environments. Current neural wearables are promising but most require wet-electrodes and bulky electronics. This work showcases in-ear, dry-electrode earpieces used to monitor drowsiness with compact hardware. The employed system integrates additive-manufacturing for dry, user-generic earpieces, existing wireless electronics, and offline classification algorithms. Thirty-five hours of electrophysiological data were recorded across nine subjects performing drowsiness-inducing tasks. Three classifier models were trained with user-specific, leave-one-trial-out, and leave-one-user-out splits. The support-vector-machine classifier achieved an accuracy of 93.2% while evaluating users it has seen before and 93.3% when evaluating a never-before-seen user. These results demonstrate wireless, dry, user-generic earpieces used to classify drowsiness with comparable accuracies to existing state-of-the-art, wet electrode in-ear and scalp systems. Further, this work illustrates the feasibility of population-trained classification in future electrophysiological applications.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a fatal disease with progressive severity and no cure; the hearts inability to adequately pump blood leads to fluid accumulation and frequent hospital readmissions after initial treatments. Therefore, it is imperative to continuously monitor CHF patients during its early stages to slow its progression and enable timely medical interventions for optimal treatment. An increase in interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) is indicative of acute CHF exacerbation, making IFP a viable biomarker for predicting upcoming CHF if continuously monitored. In this paper, we present an inductor-capacitor (LC) sensor for subcutaneous wireless and continuous IFP monitoring. The sensor is composed of inexpensive planar copper coils defined by a simple craft cutter, which serves as both the inductor and capacitor. Because of its sensing mechanism, the sensor does not require batteries and can wirelessly transmit pressure information. The sensor has a low-profile form factor for subcutaneous implantation and can communicate with a readout device through 4 layers of skin (12.7 mm thick in total). With a soft silicone rubber as the dielectric material between the copper coils, the sensor demonstrates an average sensitivity as high as -8.03 MHz/mmHg during in vitro simulations.

Mitigating the incidence of Clostridioides difficile infections (CDIs), particularly those acquired in healthcare settings, has received increased attention because of the notable prevalence of this contagion (2,2). Although the incidence [...]

The subthalamic nucleus (STN) of the basal ganglia is key to the inhibitory control of movement. Consequently, it is a primary target for the neurosurgical treatment of movement disorders like Parkinson's disease, where modulating the STN via deep brain stimulation (DBS) can release excess inhibition of thalamocortical motor circuits. However, the STN is also anatomically connected to other thalamocortical circuits, including those underlying cognitive processes like attention. Notably, STN-DBS can also affect these processes. This suggests that the STN may also contribute to the inhibition of non-motor activity and that STN-DBS may cause changes to this inhibition. Here we tested this hypothesis in humans. We used a novel, wireless outpatient method to record intracranial local field potentials (LFP) from STN DBS implants during a visual attention task (Experiment 1, n = 12). These outpatient measurements allowed the simultaneous recording of high-density EEG, which we used to derive the steady state visual evoked potential (SSVEP), a well established neural index of visual attentional engagement. By relating STN activity to this neural marker of attention (instead of overt behaviour), we avoided possible confounds resulting from STN's motor role. We aimed to test whether the STN contributes to the momentary inhibition of the SSVEP caused by unexpected, distracting sounds. Furthermore, we causally tested this association in a second experiment, where we modulated STN via DBS across two sessions of the task, spaced at least 1 week apart (n = 21, no sample overlap with Experiment 1). The LFP recordings in Experiment 1 showed that reductions of the SSVEP after distracting sounds were preceded by sound-related γ-frequency (>60 Hz) activity in the STN. Trial-to-trial modelling further showed that this STN activity statistically mediated the sounds' suppressive effect on the SSVEP. In Experiment 2, modulating STN activity via DBS significantly reduced these sound-related SSVEP reductions. This provides causal evidence for the role of the STN in the surprise-related inhibition of attention. These findings suggest that the human STN contributes to the inhibition of attention, a non-motor process. This supports a domain-general view of the inhibitory role of the STN. Furthermore, these findings also suggest a potential mechanism underlying some of the known cognitive side effects of STN-DBS treatment, especially on attentional processes. Finally, our newly established outpatient LFP recording technique facilitates the testing of the role of subcortical nuclei in complex cognitive tasks, alongside recordings from the rest of the brain, and in much shorter time than peri-surgical recordings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Continuous vital sign monitoring via wearable technology, combined with algorithm-based notifications, has been utilized for early detection of patient deterioration. In this retrospective observational study, we summarize a large-scale implementation of a continuous monitoring system in medical–surgical units of two hospitals over the course of fifteen (15) months. Methods: An FDA-cleared wireless monitoring device (BioButton®, BioIntelliSense Inc., Golden, CO, USA), was placed on each patient upon admission. The wearable device measures heart rate and respiratory rate at rest, skin temperature, and patient activity levels. High-frequency data (up to 1440 measurements per day) are transmitted to display in exception management software (BioDashboard™, version 2.9, BioIntelliSense Inc.). Algorithmic and rules-based notifications are triggered based on clinical and statistical trending criteria. We present (i) agreement of device readings with bedside charted measurements, (ii) the frequency of notifications, (iii) the occurrence of notifications prior to clinical deterioration events, and (iv) impact on clinical management, including early data on length of stay (LOS). Results: In total, 11,977 patient encounters were monitored at two sites. Bias ±95% limits of agreement were 1.8 ± 12.5 for HR and 0.4 ± 8.0 for RR. The rates of notifications were 0.97 and 0.65 per patient-day at Sites 1 and 2, respectively. Among clinical deteriorations, 73% (66%) had at least one notification within 24 h prior at Site 1 (Site 2). At Site 1, there were 114 cases for which a notification led to a new or changed physician's order. LOS in the first unit monitored by the system exhibited a decreasing trend from 3.07 days to 2.75 days over 12 months. Conclusions: Wearable continuous vital sign monitoring with the BioIntelliSense BioButton® system enables early detection of clinical deterioration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) has garnered considerable attention for their ability to manipulate electromagnetic (EM) waves, effectively establishing virtual line-of-sight (LoS) paths to mitigate wireless signal attenuation caused by path loss and shadowing. RIS consists of low-cost, passive, controllable dielectric patches, usually referred to as unit cells. However, RIS often exhibits relatively low gains in practice, necessitating the use of a dimensionally large RIS with hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of unit cells to achieve significant performance improvements. Additionally, most of the existing RIS prototypes are designed to work optimally only at a single frequency, limiting their applicability across different bands. This letter introduces a low-loss, miniaturized, dual-band RIS unit cell design operating at 5.8 GHz and 7.3 GHz. The unit cell is equipped with an integrated radiofrequency (RF) choke to prevent unnecessary losses. Each unit cell measures 13 × 13mm2, approximately 0.25 λ of the 5.8 GHz frequency. The proposed design is capable of shifting the phase of incident EM waves by 180° at both frequencies while maintaining minimal losses. By simulations, we demonstrate the ability of the proposed RIS design to perform beamsteering across various angles in both frequency bands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiography facilities face challenges with the positioning of digital radiography detectors. This study evaluates the image quality, radiation dose, and patient comfort associated with wireless sensors in digital radiography. A systematic exploration was performed across PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and SCIELO. Nine papers met the eligibility criteria, including three observational studies with 111 patients, four in vitro experiments with 258 extracted human teeth, and two ex vivo investigations with 16 cadaver mandibles. All studies consistently reported high-quality images produced by wireless sensors. Two studies demonstrated the superiority of wireless sensors, one found comparable accuracy with conventional radiography, and another indicated similar image quality among the sensors. Both wireless and wired sensors significantly reduced radiation doses compared to conventional X-rays. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) did not reveal a clear superiority of wireless over wired sensors, though both were generally less comfortable than traditional film. The wireless sensors consistently produce high-quality images, comparable to or superior to other digital devices. Both wireless and wired sensors significantly reduce radiation doses compared to conventional X-rays, emphasizing their safety and efficacy. Patient comfort levels vary, with neither sensor type showing clear superiority over the other, and both being less comfortable than traditional film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The noteworthy correlation between bite force and masticatory performance emphasizes its significance as a meaningful and objective method for assessing oral function. Furthermore, in the study of bruxism, the measurement of intraoral bite force assumes critical importance. Given the importance of assessing occlusal forces and bite force, this systematic review aims to assess the efficacy of wireless sensors in measuring these forces. Methods: The search methodology employed in this systematic review adhered to the guidelines outlined by PRISMA. The strategy involved the exploration of various databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, SCOPUS and SCIELO. An assessment tool was employed to evaluate the bias risk and study quality. Results: This systematic review encompassed six prospective clinical studies involving a total of 89 participants. Wireless sensors for measuring occlusal forces and bite forces were predominantly employed in healthy adults or individuals with bruxism, along with children undergoing orthodontic treatment. All wireless sensors employed in the studies underwent validation and reproducibility assessments, affirming their reliability. The findings indicated that all wireless sensors exhibited efficacy in detecting occlusal forces and bite forces. Conclusion: Wireless sensors offer real‐time monitoring of occlusal and bite forces, aiding in understanding force distribution and identifying bruxism patterns. Despite limited studies on their application, these sensors contribute to evolving insights. Integration into clinical practice requires careful consideration of factors like calibration and patient compliance. Ongoing research is crucial to address limitations and enhance the efficacy of wireless sensors in measuring occlusal and bite forces and managing bruxism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human body exhibits complex, spatially distributed chemo-electro-mechanical processes that must be properly captured for emerging applications in virtual/augmented reality, precision health, activity monitoring, bionics, and more. A key factor in enabling such applications involves the seamless integration of multipurpose wearable sensors across the human body in different environments, spanning from indoor settings to outdoor landscapes. Here, we report a versatile epidermal body area network ecosystem that enables wireless power and data transmission to and from battery-free wearable sensors with continuous functionality from dry to underwater settings. This is achieved through an artificial near field propagation across the chain of biocompatible, magneto-inductive metamaterials in the form of stretchable waterborne skin patches-these are fully compatible with pre-existing consumer electronics. Our approach offers uninterrupted, self-powered communication for human status monitoring in harsh environments where traditional wireless solutions (such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or cellular) are unable to communicate reliably.

In Parkinson's disease, imbalances between 'antikinetic' and 'prokinetic' patterns of neuronal oscillatory activity are related to motor dysfunction. Invasive brain recordings from the motor network have suggested that medical or surgical therapy can promote a prokinetic state by inducing narrowband gamma rhythms (65–90 Hz). Excessive narrowband gamma in the motor cortex promotes dyskinesia in rodent models, but the relationship between narrowband gamma and dyskinesia in humans has not been well established. To assess this relationship, we used a sensing-enabled deep brain stimulator system, attached to both motor cortex and basal ganglia (subthalamic or pallidal) leads, paired with wearable devices that continuously tracked motor signs in the contralateral upper limbs. We recorded 984 h of multisite field potentials in 30 hemispheres of 16 subjects with Parkinson's disease (2/16 female, mean age 57 ± 12 years) while at home on usual antiparkinsonian medications. Recordings were done 2–4 weeks after implantation, prior to starting therapeutic stimulation. Narrowband gamma was detected in the precentral gyrus, subthalamic nucleus or both structures on at least one side of 92% of subjects with a clinical history of dyskinesia. Narrowband gamma was not detected in the globus pallidus. Narrowband gamma spectral power in both structures co-fluctuated similarly with contralateral wearable dyskinesia scores (mean correlation coefficient of ρ = 0.48 with a range of 0.12–0.82 for cortex, ρ = 0.53 with a range of 0.5–0.77 for subthalamic nucleus). Stratification analysis showed the correlations were not driven by outlier values, and narrowband gamma could distinguish 'on' periods with dyskinesia from 'on' periods without dyskinesia. Time lag comparisons confirmed that gamma oscillations herald dyskinesia onset without a time lag in either structure when using 2-min epochs. A linear model incorporating the three oscillatory bands (beta, theta/alpha and narrowband gamma) increased the predictive power of dyskinesia for several subject hemispheres. We further identified spectrally distinct oscillations in the low gamma range (40–60 Hz) in three subjects, but the relationship of low gamma oscillations to dyskinesia was variable. Our findings support the hypothesis that excessive oscillatory activity at 65–90 Hz in the motor network tracks with dyskinesia similarly across both structures, without a detectable time lag. This rhythm may serve as a promising control signal for closed-loop deep brain stimulation using either cortical or subthalamic detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural communities struggle to connect to the internet, a phenomenon known as the "digital divide." Mesh networks, with improved access in rural regions, might help to tackle this problem. From a social, economic, and scientific standpoint, this study investigated whether mesh networks may improve rural connectivity. This project developed and implemented methodologies to assess community participation, cost, and network coverage. Five well-known methods were pitted against these ones. Locals are working on a mesh node placement project in a rural location with diverse topography. In terms of network coverage, the Network Coverage Assessment revealed that the proposed approach frequently outperformed the most recent approaches. Finding the ideal locations for mesh nodes helped to tackle challenges in rural regions. After putting the strategy into effect, the Cost-Effectiveness Analysis revealed a positive ROI. Many alternative options seemed unprofitable. On the Community Engagement Index, the recommended method performed better than others. Participating in network activities with individuals from the local community helps to foster ownership and shared accountability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of wireless sensors with artificial intelligence could represent a transformative approach in restorative dentistry, offering a sophisticated means to enhance diagnostic precision, treatment planning, and patient outcomes. This systematic review was conducted to pinpoint and assess the efficacy of wireless sensors in restorative dentistry. The search methodology followed the guidelines outlined by PRISMA and involved the utilization of prominent scientific databases. Following the final phase of evaluating eligibility, the systematic review included six papers. Five experiments were conducted in vitro, while one was a randomized clinical trial. The investigations focused on wireless sensors for cavity diagnosis, toothbrush forces, facial mask applications, and physiological parameter detection from dental implants. All wireless sensors demonstrated efficacy in achieving the objectives established by each study and showed the validity, accuracy, and reproducibility of this device. The investigations examined in this systematic review illustrate the potential of wireless sensors in restorative dentistry, especially in the areas of caries detection, dental implant systems, face masks, and power brushes. These technologies hold promise for enhancing patient outcomes and alleviating the workload of dental practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Articles in this special issue compare and contrast how secondary roads and wireless communication devices shape mobility and connectivity for four communities affected by economic, political, and ethnic marginalisation in socialist Vietnam and democratic India. Drawing on the concept of 'infrastructural lives', two urban case studies explore the ways by which marginalised migrant communities in India's Hyderabad and Vietnam's Hanoi use, adapt, or resist their states' desires for all residents to embrace secondary roads, greater internet and cellphone interconnectivity, and digital monitoring. In parallel, and by comparing the realities of the Sino-Indian and Sino-Vietnamese borderlands, two rural case studies explore whether upland ethnic minority groups similarly modify or adapt their livelihoods to the expanding secondary roads and wireless communication technologies across the rural highlands of northern India and Vietnam. Taken together, this issue asks: How do the creative engagements of marginalised communities with these infrastructures shape infrastructural lives? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remote microphone systems improve intelligibility in difficult conditions when the performance of hearing aids/cochlear implants is insufficient. The purpose of this study was to explore parents' experiences with remote microphone systems for their children with hearing loss and to determine the advantages and disadvantages as perceived by parents. Data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews with parents of children with moderate to profound bilateral hearing loss (2–19 years old). The open coding method and thematic analysis were used. The final sample consisted of 19 mothers and 9 fathers who had experience with remote microphone systems. Parents listed the advantages of remote microphone systems for their child, for themselves and for other carers, such as better hearing and understanding, a life more similar to that of their peers without hearing loss, safety in road traffic, lower fatigue, vocabulary acquisition, better school results. Some limitations were identified, namely low benefits, technical issues and a reluctance to use the device by children or teachers. It is crucial to provide parents with information about assistive devices and the consequences of limited access to hearing speech. Professionals should motivate parents, children and teachers to use remote microphone systems even in situations when the benefit may not be obvious if there is a potential benefit for the child. The main advantages of remote microphone systems perceived by parents are better hearing and understanding, a life more similar to peers without hearing loss, safety in traffic, lower fatigue, vocabulary acquisition and better school results. The main disadvantages are for parents: persisting hearing problems, low benefits, technical issues and a reluctance to use the device by children or teachers. Sufficient and accurate information is needed about remote microphone systems, but also about the consequences of hearing loss in general. The possibility to try wireless devices before buying and troubleshooting help is appreciated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The history of accessible digital and mobile technologies, from mobile phones and tablets to smartwatches and wearables, offers a case study in how such devices have made a significant difference in the lives of people with disabilities and older users. A review of more than 20 years of mobile phone development also demonstrates how the three-pronged approach of policy initiatives, industry efforts, and end-user advocacy resulted in a wide range of accessibility features. These features not only facilitate the use of the device and access to digital content, but more and more, include assistive functions that improve access to the environment as well. In the absence of a comprehensive chronicle of mobile accessibility, we refer to the GARI database, founded in 2008 and since then reporting on accessibility features of mobile phones to facilitate consumer choice. GARI serves as a proxy to analyse how far we have come in making consumer electronics accessible. With this information we can look back and take account of where we are in 2023 and explore how accessible and assistive technologies are becoming closely integrated within the mobile device. The lessons learned, and this lengthy experience provides a framework for the future development of innovative and disruptive technologies to ensure that the progress made is taken forward into a new generation of technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research on caregivers for children with intellectual disabilities, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), has highlighted several obstacles to achieving better oral health. These include challenges with tolerating oral care, sensory processing differences, uncooperative behaviors, and communication impairments. There is limited understanding of what caregivers would consider "successful assistance" in improving oral health for these children. Objectives: This pilot study aimed to examine caregivers' and user's experiences with a Kids Smart Electric Toothbrush used by children with ASD. Methods: It involved open-ended interviews and questionnaires with caregivers prior to utilization of the toothbrush and after 4 weeks of product use by the child. Results: Seventeen children with ASD, aged 5–12, participated. A total of 58.8% of caregivers said their child brushed more often, and all reported brushing at least twice a day by week 4. Caregivers reported that children became more independent while brushing their teeth and achieved better quality brushing. Caregivers' frustration with the brushing process, satisfaction with the device, and need to assist the child with brushing were improved. Caregivers did encounter some technical difficulties with the app. Conclusion: This study will assist in exploring "smart" toothbrush technologies for oral hygiene in children with ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For multifunctional wearable sensing systems, problems related to wireless and continuous communication and soft, noninvasive, and disposable functionality issues should be solved for precise physiological signal detection. To measure the critical transitions of pressure, temperature, and skin impedance when continuous pressure is applied on skin and tissue, we developed a sensor for decubitus ulcers using conventional analog circuitry for wireless and continuous communication in a disposable, breathable fabric-based multifunctional sensing system capable of conformal contact. By integrating the designed wireless communication module into a multifunctional sensor, we obtained sensing data that were sent sequentially and continuously to a customized mobile phone app. With a small-sized and lightweight module, our sensing system operated over 24 h with a coin-cell battery consuming minimum energy for intermittent sensing and transmission. We conducted a pilot test on healthy subjects to evaluate the adequate wireless operation of the multifunctional sensing system when applied to the body. By solving the aforementioned practical problems, including those related to wireless and continuous communication and soft, noninvasive, and disposable functionality issues, our fabric-based multifunctional decubitus ulcer sensor successfully measured applied pressure, skin temperature, and electrical skin impedance.

The next generation of wearable biosensors comes with the latest advancements in biosensor technology. Soft and stretchable electrode materials like hydrogels with the similar functionalities of human tissue including stretchability, self-healability, and responsiveness to different stimuli have emerged as the most versatile materials in wearable electronics. The incorporation of conductive nanofillers is found to enhance the sensitivity of the electrochemical biosensors significantly. Microfluidic technology has reduced the volume of samples and reagents required for the analysis, allowing continuous biomedical monitoring from a drop of biofluid. In this paper, the most advanced progress in electrochemical wearable platforms that can noninvasively and continuously monitor the biochemical markers in body fluids for the diagnosis and health management is reviewed. Innovation in microelectronics, modification, fabrication technologies, and detection methods are the main focus of the discussion. In particular, hydrogel-based sensors and microfluidic systems as the latest technology trends in wearable detection are discussed in detail. Integration of miniaturized electrochemical wearable biosensors with wireless technology as a great promise for real-time healthcare monitoring and point-of-care (POC) diagnostics is also summarized. Finally, we outline the most advanced wearable biosensors with optimized material and design as well as key challenges that need to be addressed to improve sensing performance (accuracy, sensitivity, selectivity, stability), portability (miniaturized size and light weight), and flexibility of the wearable biosensors.

In response to the transportation industry’s immediate need for more proactive and foresighted management, cooperative intelligent transportation systems (C-ITS) use wireless technology to foster real-time communication between vehicles and infrastructure, with the goal of increasing road safety and streamlining traffic flow. The introduction of self-powered sensors, which have the clever capacity to produce their own electricity, is critical for the reliability of transport operations across a wide range of C-ITS applications. Our analytical technique, which employs the criteria importance through intercriteria correlation (CRITIC) methodology and the weighted aggregated sum product assessment (WASPAS) approach, does not end there. We have taken it a step further by using the T-spherical fuzzy (T-SF) form of CRITIC-WASPAS, which adds a more subtle layer to our evaluation. We embark on an in-depth case study, methodically evaluating five choices against eight criteria. In the context of the CRITIC-WASPAS framework, the application of the T-SF logic enhances analytical precision by taking into account uncertainty throughout the decision-making process. This is particularly beneficial in the context of complex systems like C-ITS. The incorporation of CRITIC also makes it possible to evaluate the correlations between different criteria, which ultimately results in decision outcomes that are more nuanced and robust. This is accomplished by aggregating all of the criteria and options. This rigorous and intelligent strategy goes beyond simply meeting urgent system needs. It tactically impacts decision-making, moving the transport industry forward significantly.

Coal Mine monitoring is a critical task to ensure the safety of Miners and efficient mining operations. Traditional methods of monitoring rely on wired sensors, which are expensive to install and maintain. Wireless technologies offer a cost-effective and flexible solution to this problem. In this context, the use of the ESP-NOW protocol is proposed as a means of transmitting data from sensors in a Coal Mine to a central monitoring system where the data is processed and analysed in real time. ESP-NOW is a low-power wireless communication protocol that can be implemented on Node MCU. The proposed system can collect data from various sensors, including gas sensors, Temperature sensors, Particulate Matter sensors, and Humidity sensors, and send the data wirelessly to the nodes that are fixed at different locations on a tunnel surface that is connected to the central monitoring station. The system can detect potential safety hazards and provide early warning alerts to Mine operators as well as it is used in tracking the workers. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of ESP-NOW in Coal Mine monitoring where real-time data transmission is critical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Severe side effects prevent the utilization of otherwise promising drugs in treatments. These side effects arise when drugs affect untargeted tissues due to poor target specificity. In photopharmacology, light controls the timing and the location of drug delivery, improving treatment specificity and pharmacokinetic control. Photopharmaceuticals have not seen widespread adoption in part because researchers do not always have access to reliable and reproducible light delivery devices at prices which fit within the larger research budget. Method: In this work, we present a customizable photomodulator for use in both wearable and implantable devices. For experimental validation of the photomodulator, we photolyse JF-NP-26 in rats. Results: We successfully drive in vivo photopharmacology with a tethered photomodulator and demonstrate modifications which enable the photomodulator to operate wirelessly. Conclusion: By documenting our photomodulator development, we hope to introduce researchers to a simple solution which significantly lowers the engineering barriers to photopharmacology research. Researchers present a photomodulator, a device designed to facilitate in vivo photopharmacology. They demonstrate the in vivo capabilities of the photomodulator by photoreleasing raseglurant, an mGluR5 inhibitor, to treat pain in an acute rat model and follow this study by showing how to reconfigure the photomodulator to work wirelessly and interface with other biomedical devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPurposeMaterials and methodsResultsConclusionThis scoping review was conducted to understand the barriers, facilitators, and education and training needs of rehabilitation clinicians in their use of mainstream wireless technologies (MWT) to support people with disabilities and older adults. It was also conducted to understand the functional skills of clients that were targeted with MWT use.This scoping review was reported using PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) and the Population (or Participants)/Concept/Context) framework. We searched PubMed; ProQuest to access APA PsycINFO; Web of Science Core Collection; and EBSCOhost to access Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Ovid MEDLINE ALL, and Education Resources Information Center (ERIC). Articles published between 2015–2022 were retrieved.A total of 90 articles were included. Most interventions were apps, smartphones, and tablets; were geared toward adults; and targeted motor, cognitive and speech skills. An infographic on barriers and facilitators was generated as a decision support tool for clinicians when implementing MWT. The topic, format, timing, and source of information clinicians need are also delineated.MWT such as apps, smartphones and tablets are being used by rehabilitation clinicians to address motor, cognitive, and speech skills, most commonly in adults. Clinicians voice a need for more education and training. Barriers and facilitators exist at the clinician-, technology-, client-, institution-, and policy levels.Implications For RehabilitationA total of 90 articles from 2015–2022 were included in this scoping reviewMost interventions were apps, smartphones, and tablets; were geared toward adults; and targeted motor, cognitive and speech skills.An infographic was generated as a decision support tool for clinicians when implementing mainstream wireless technologies in clinical practice.Clinicians’ education and training needs with regard to mainstream wireless technologies are broad. Materials on a variety of topics, in different formats, from multiple sources are needed.This review also discusses implications of findings on policy, technology development, and future research.A total of 90 articles from 2015–2022 were included in this scoping reviewMost interventions were apps, smartphones, and tablets; were geared toward adults; and targeted motor, cognitive and speech skills.An infographic was generated as a decision support tool for clinicians when implementing mainstream wireless technologies in clinical practice.Clinicians’ education and training needs with regard to mainstream wireless technologies are broad. Materials on a variety of topics, in different formats, from multiple sources are needed.This review also discusses implications of findings on policy, technology development, and future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Technological advances have enabled continuous monitoring of vital signs (CMVS) by wearable, wireless devices on general hospital wards to facilitate early detection of clinical deterioration, which could potentially improve clinical outcomes. However, evidence on the impact of these CMVS systems on patient outcomes is limited. This research aimed to explore the effect of CMVS on the clinical outcomes in major abdominal surgery patients in a general surgery ward. Methods A single-centre before–after study was conducted from October 2019 to June 2022. Patients in the intervention group received CMVS in addition to conventional intermittent vital sign monitoring (standard care for control group). With CMVS, heart rate and respiratory rate were measured every 5 min by a patch sensor. Proactive vital signs trends assessments and, when necessary, subsequent nursing activities were performed every nursing shift. The primary outcome of interest was the length of hospital stay (LOS); also, 12 patient-related outcomes were analysed. In the CMVS group, follow-up nursing activities of deviating vital signs trends were described and patient acceptability was measured. Post-hoc subgroup analysis was performed for colorectal and hepatopancreatobiliary surgery. Results A total of 908 patients were included (colorectal: n = 650; hepatopancreatobiliary: n = 257). Overall, median LOS was lower in the CMVS group (5.0 versus 5.5 days; P = 0.012), respectively. Post-hoc subgroup analysis showed this reduction in LOS was mostly observed in the colorectal group and not in the hepatopancreatobiliary group. Apart from a decrease in nurse-to-house-officer calls (from 15.3% to 7.7%; P = 0.007), all secondary clinical outcomes were similar in CMVS and control groups. However, a non-significant trend towards less-severe complications and reduced ICU LOS was observed in the CMVS group. In CMVS patients, 109 additional nursing activities were performed and 83% of patients indicated CMVS was acceptable. Conclusion CMVS was associated with a significant reduction in LOS, while other clinical outcomes were unchanged. CMVS triggered additional nursing activities such as extra patient assessments and therapeutic interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The present study aims to determine the possible low dose-dependent adverse effects of 2.45 GHz microwave exposure and Wi-Fi frequency on the cochlea. METHODS: Twelve pregnant female rats (n = 12) and their male newborns were exposed to Wi-Fi frequencies with varying electric field values of 0.6, 1.9, 5, 10 V/m, and 15 V/m during the 21-day gestation period and 45 days after birth, except for the control group. Auditory brainstem response testing was performed before exposure and sacrification. After removal of the cochlea, histopathological examination was conducted by immunohistochemistry methods using caspase (cysteine-aspartic proteases, cysteine aspartates, or cysteine-dependent aspartate-directed proteases)-3, -9, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). Kruskal--Wallis and Wilcoxon tests and multivariate analysis of variance were used. RESULTS: Auditory brainstem response thresholds in postexposure tests increased statistically significantly at 5 V/m and above doses. When the number of apoptotic cells was compared in immunohistochemistry examination, significant differences were found at 10 V/m and 15 V/m doses (F(5,15) = 23.203, P = .001; Pillai's trace = 1.912, η² = 0.637). As the magnitude of the electric field increased, all histopathological indicators of apoptosis increased. The most significant effect was noted on caspase-9 staining (η²c9 = 0.996), followed by caspase-3 (η²c3 = 0.991), and TUNEL staining (η2t = 0.801). Caspase-3, caspase-9, and TUNEL-stained cell densities increased directly by increasing the electric field and power values. CONCLUSION: Apoptosis and immune activity in the cochlea depend on the electric field and power value. Even at low doses, the electromagnetic field in Wi-Fi frequency damages the inner ear and causes apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have developed a DNA aptamer-conjugated graphene field-effect transistor (GFET) biosensor platform to detect receptor-binding domain (RBD), nucleocapsid (N), and spike (S) proteins, as well as viral particles of original Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) coronavirus and its variants in saliva samples. The GFET biosensor is a label-free, rapid (≤20 min), ultrasensitive handheld wireless readout device. The limit of detection (LoD) and the limit of quantitation (LoQ) of the sensor are 1.28 and 3.89 plaque-forming units (PFU)/mL for S protein and 1.45 and 4.39 PFU/mL for N protein, respectively. Cognate spike proteins of major variants of concern (N501Y, D614G, Y453F, Omicron-B1.1.529) showed sensor response ≥40 mV from the control (aptamer alone) for fM to nM concentration range. The sensor response was significantly lower for viral particles and cognate proteins of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) compared to SARS-CoV-2, indicating the specificity of the diagnostic platform for SARS-CoV-2 vs. MERS viral proteins. During the early phase of the pandemic, the GFET sensor response agreed with RT-PCR data for oral human samples, as determined by the negative percent agreement (NPA) and positive percent agreement (PPA). During the recent Delta/Omicron wave, the GFET sensor also reliably distinguished positive and negative clinical saliva samples. Although the sensitivity is lower during the later pandemic phase, the GFET-defined positivity rate is in statistically close alignment with the epidemiological population-scale data. Thus, the aptamer-based GFET biosensor has a high level of precision in clinically and epidemiologically significant SARS-CoV-2 variant detection. This universal pathogen-sensing platform is amenable for a broad range of public health applications and real-time environmental monitoring.

As a new economic form, the digital economy has become a crucial driver of economic growth. The relationship between the sixth-generation mobile communication (6G) and the digital economy is characterized by mutual promotion and dependence, with significant value in key technology research and intense international competition. This study systematically reviews the principles and current development status of key 6G technologies from three dimensions: 6G wireless technology, network technology, and security technology. It evaluates China’s global competitiveness in these key technology directions, specifically including wireless artificial intelligence (AI), massive MIMO technology, terahertz communication, intelligent reflecting surfaces, integrated sensing and communication, distributed networking, space−air−ground integrated networks, AI‑native networks, computing power networks, physical layer security, network layer security, and data security and privacy protection. The study strongly recommends expediting the industrialization of pivotal technologies such as 6G wireless, networking, and security. This urgency is aimed at facilitating a groundbreaking advancement in 6G network capabilities to meet the evolving demands of future businesses. The emphasis is on safeguarding innovation, providing robust industry support, amplifying domestic demand, and ensuring a steady supply of skilled personnel. Furthermore, it is crucial to endorse the creation of an innovative ecosystem, which will serve as the cornerstone for the sustainable development of the 6G industry. To achieve these goals, the research suggests close collaboration with the global telecommunications industry, active participation in the formulation of international standards for 6G, and collective efforts to propel the industrialization of 6G technology.