The European population is ageing, and there is a need for health solutions that keep older adults independent longer. With increasing access to mobile technology, such as smartphones and ...smartwatches, the development and use of mobile health applications is rapidly growing. To meet the societal challenge of changing demography, mobile health solutions are warranted that support older adults to stay healthy and active and that can prevent or delay functional decline. This paper reviews the literature on mobile technology, in particular wearable technology, such as smartphones, smartwatches, and wristbands, presenting new ideas on how this technology can be used to encourage an active lifestyle, and discusses the way forward in order further to advance development and practice in the field of mobile technology for active, healthy ageing.
BackgroundThe Digital Healthcare Act, passed in November 2019, authorizes healthcare providers in Germany to prescribe digital health applications (DiGA) to patients covered by statutory health ...insurance. If DiGA meet specific efficacy requirements, they may be listed in a special directory maintained by the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices. Due to the lack of well-founded app evaluation tools, the objectives were to assess (I) the evidence quality situation for DiGA in the literature and (II) how DiGA manufacturers deal with this issue, as reflected by the apps available in the aforementioned directory.MethodsA systematic review of the literature on DiGA using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was started on February 4, 2023. Papers addressing the evidence for applications listed in the directory were included, while duplicates and mere study protocols not reporting on data were removed. The remaining publications were used to assess the quality of the evidence or potential gaps in this regard. Results were aggregated in tabular form.ResultsThe review identified fourteen relevant publications. Six studies suggested inadequate scientific evidence, five mentioned shortcomings of tools for validating DiGA-related evidence, and four publications described a high potential for bias, potentially influencing the validity of the results. Concerns about limited external generalizability were also raised.ConclusionsThe literature review found evidence-related gaps that must be addressed with adequate measures. Our findings can serve as a basis for a plea for a more detailed examination of the quality of evidence in the DiGA context.
The expression and experience of human behavior are complex and multimodal and characterized by individual and contextual heterogeneity and variability. Speech and spoken language communication cues ...offer an important means for measuring and modeling human behavior. Observational research and practice across a variety of domains from commerce to healthcare rely on speech- and language-based informatics for crucial assessment and diagnostic information and for planning and tracking response to an intervention. In this paper, we describe some of the opportunities as well as emerging methodologies and applications of human behavioral signal processing (BSP) technology and algorithms for quantitatively understanding and modeling typical, atypical, and distressed human behavior with a specific focus on speech- and language-based communicative, affective, and social behavior. We describe the three important BSP components of acquiring behavioral data in an ecologically valid manner across laboratory to real-world settings, extracting and analyzing behavioral cues from measured data, and developing models offering predictive and decision-making support. We highlight both the foundational speech and language processing building blocks as well as the novel processing and modeling opportunities. Using examples drawn from specific real-world applications ranging from literacy assessment and autism diagnostics to psychotherapy for addiction and marital well being, we illustrate behavioral informatics applications of these signal processing techniques that contribute to quantifying higher level, often subjectively described, human behavior in a domain-sensitive fashion.
•There has been a notable surge in publications related to Ulva Lactuca from 2017 to 2023.•Ulva Lactuca emerges as a promising source for bioactive compounds.•Green extractions successfully extract ...Ulva Lactuca with high quantity of bioactive compounds.•Need for advanced extraction techniques, sustained economic viability, and additional treatments for salt removal.
Ulva Lactuca, commonly known as sea lettuce, is a green seaweed species that has attracted significant attention due to its remarkable potential as a prolific source of bioactive compounds. This comprehensive review explores the various extraction techniques harnessed to isolate these bioactive compounds from Ulva Lactuca while shedding light on the diverse health applications these compounds encompass. Within the review, considerable emphasis is placed on detailing the plethora of bioactive compounds inherent to Ulva Lactuca, spanning polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, fatty acids, pigments, minerals, and vitamins. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of the potential health benefits of these bioactive constituents is provided, encompassing their roles in antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory properties, cardiovascular health, neuroprotection, and skin health enhancement. Addressing the broader scope of this review, significant attention is given to the challenges that currently permeate this field of research, including issues related to sustainability, standardization of extraction processes, formulation strategies, and avenues for further exploration. This examination culminates in the realization that Ulva Lactuca is a promising and versatile reservoir of bioactive ingredients, potentially revolutionising various industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Consequently, the future promises exciting prospects for the continued exploration and exploitation of Ulva Lactuca's wealth of bioactive compounds.
Abstract Background Since 2020, physicians in Germany have the possibility of prescribing approved digital health applications (DHAs) with the costs covered by the health system – a step that was ...unique in the world at that time and still is. So far, there have been hardly any studies that shed light on the possible applications of DHAs in the context of primary care and take stock of the benefits and potential for optimization. In 2022, a quantitative survey was carried out. The aim was to determine what attitudes, experiences and expectations GPs have with regard to the use of DHAs, under what conditions they are willing to integrate them into health care, and what experience they have already gained. Methods The focus was on a large-scale survey of GPs. Between spring and summer 2022, all 18,914 GPs in the federal states of Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, Lower Saxony, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland were invited to an online survey. 5,868 questionnaires were included in the evaluation (response rate: 31%). A t-test on independent samples was used to determine significant differences between two groups. Results 68% of those surveyed are positive about DHAs and consider them to be reliable (69%) and safe (63%) applications that can generate efficiency benefits for the doctor-patient relationship. 24% trust themselves to competently advise patients on DHAs. 14% have already prescribed DHAs, 13% plan to do so. 85% of doctors with DHA experience rate the prescribed applications as (very) useful. Observed health care effects relate primarily to the improvement in compliance (94%), mobility (93%), and education (93%), as well as weight reduction (83%). Among other things, a further optimization of usability (59%), systematic further training of doctors on DHAs (53%) and the expansion of gamification elements (49%) are suggested. GPs lack well-founded information with regard to DHAs (52%). Conclusion For GPs, DHAs can be effective tools to encourage patients in their personal responsibility, compliance and motivation to behave in a health-conscious manner and to strengthen prevention in the primary care setting. Where DHAs have been used in a practical context so far, widespread positive health care effects are noticeable. Most respondents do not dare to give patients competent advice on available applications. Comprehensive training courses that provide information about the framework conditions, strategies and advantages of using DHAs appear to be important. There is also a need for more well-founded sources of information and research for doctors to select suitable applications in a targeted manner. GPs see significant added value in DHAs compared to conventional health apps. In order for DHAs to be effectively implemented in primary care, it is important to better inform GPs about the legal basis and possible applications as well as to address their concerns.
Bee venom (BV) is usually associated with pain since, when humans are stung by bees, local inflammation and even an allergic reaction can be produced. BV has been traditionally used in ancient ...medicine and in acupuncture. It consists of a mixture of substances, principally of proteins and peptides, including enzymes as well as other types of molecules in a very low concentration. Melittin and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) are the most abundant and studied compounds of BV. Literature of the main biological activities exerted by BV shows that most studies focuses on the comprehension and test of anti-inflammatory effects and its mechanisms of action. Other properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, neuroprotective or antitumor effects have also been assessed, both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, human trials are necessary to confirm those clinical applications. However, notwithstanding the therapeutic potential of BV, there are certain problems regarding its safety and the possible appearance of adverse effects. On this perspective, new approaches have been developed to avoid these complications. This manuscript is aimed at reviewing the actual knowledge on BV components and its associated biological activities as well as the latest advances on this subject.
This review aims to comprehensively chronicle the biosynthesis, classification, properties, and applications of bacteriocins produced by Weissella genus strains, particularly emphasizing their ...potential benefits in food preservation, human health, and animal productivity. Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) are a class of microorganisms well-known for their beneficial role in food fermentation, probiotics, and human health. A notable property of LAB is that they can synthesize antimicrobial peptides known as bacteriocins that exhibit antimicrobial action against both closely related and other bacteria as well. Bacteriocins produced by Weissella spp. are known to exhibit antimicrobial activity against several pathogenic bacteria including food spoilage species, making them highly invaluable for potential application in food preservation and food safety. Importantly, they provide significant health benefits to humans, including combating infections, reducing inflammation, and modulating the gut microbiota. In addition to their applications in food fermentation and probiotics, Weissella bacteriocins show promising prospects in poultry production, processing, and improving animal productivity. Future research should explore the utilization of Weissella bacteriocins in innovative food safety measures and medical applications, emphasizing their potential to combat antibiotic-resistant pathogens, enhance gut microbiota composition and function, and synergize with existing antimicrobial therapies.
Technological developments have enabled the use of online methods and mobile applications as a form of communication in clinical applications. The rapid increase and use of mobile health technology ...applications have not only provided many functions to be integrated into psychotherapy but also caused the emergence of new ethical implications for the use of these applications. There are no ethical guidelines or laws regarding the use of these mobile mental health applications integrated into the psychotherapy process. In this context, in the light of the relevant literature, the usage areas of mobile applications in psychotherapy were mentioned and the ethical consequences and dilemmas of using mobile applications in psychotherapy have been reviewed. These ethical implications are classified under the headings of confidentiality and data security, competence, and informed consent. Within the scope of this article, the use of mobile (mental) health applications in psychotherapy are handled within the framework of ethical rules, and it is aimed to determine the ethical problems that may be caused by the use of mobile applications in psychotherapy and to determine the points to be considered preventing the emergence of problems. Mobile health applications are used for various purposes in the psychotherapy process/clinical applications, for evaluation of symptoms, psycho-education, and monitoring of treatment progress. It seems so important for professionals considering using mobile health applications as a part of their psychotherapy applications to consider the possible ethical issues caused by mobile application use. Within this scope in this article various suggestions are given for the ethical issues that may arise from the use of mobile applications in psychotherapy, which are discussed under the titles of confidentiality and data security, competence and informed consent.
Although there are thousands of mental health apps, 2 apps, Headspace and Calm, claim a large percentage of the marketplace. These two mindfulness and meditation apps have reached tens of millions of ...active users. To guide consumers, clinicians, and researchers, we performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Headspace and Calm.
Our study aimed to evaluate intervention efficacy, risk of bias, and conflicts of interest (COIs) in the evidence base for Headspace and Calm, the two most popular mental health apps at the time of our search.
To identify studies, we searched academic databases (Google Scholar, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO) and the websites of Headspace and Calm in May 2021 for RCTs of Headspace and Calm testing efficacy via original data collection, published in English in peer-reviewed journals. For each study, we coded (1) study characteristics (eg, participants, sample size, and outcome measures), (2) intervention characteristics (eg, free vs paid version of the app and intended frequency of app usage), (3) all study outcomes, (4) Cochrane risk of bias variables, and (5) COI variables (eg, presence or absence of a preregistration and the presence or absence of a COI statement involving the company).
We identified 14 RCTs of Headspace and 1 RCT of Calm. Overall, 93% (13/14) of RCTs of Headspace and 100% (1/1) of RCTs of Calm recruited participants from a nonclinical population. Studies commonly measured mindfulness, well-being, stress, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms. Headspace use improved depression in 75% of studies that evaluated it as an outcome. Findings were mixed for mindfulness, well-being, stress, and anxiety, but at least 40% of studies showed improvement for each of these outcomes. Studies were generally underpowered to detect "small" or "medium" effect sizes. Furthermore, 50% (7/14) of RCTs of Headspace and 0% (0/1) of RCTs of Calm reported a COI that involved Headspace or Calm (the companies). The most common COI was the app company providing premium app access for free for participants, and notably, 14% (2/14) of RCTs of Headspace reported Headspace employee involvement in study design, execution, and data analysis. Only 36% (5/14) of RCTs of Headspace were preregistered, and the 1 RCT of Calm was not preregistered.
The empirical research on Headspace appears promising, whereas there is an absence of randomized trials on Calm. Limitations of this study include an inability to compare Headspace and Calm owing to the dearth of RCTs studying Calm and the reliance on author reports to evaluate COIs. When determining whether or not mental health apps are of high quality, identification of high-quality apps and evaluation of their effectiveness and investigators' COIs should be ensured.
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