This paper details a review of the literature on the use of electronic aids for prospective memory for people with dementia. Key findings of the review are that: electronic memory aids show potential for supporting people’s prospective memory but the devices and software applications need further development in order to function reliably; sample sizes of studies are often very small, limiting the generalisability of their findings; few studies of devices are conducted in users’ home environments; and most of the studies focus on the effectiveness of the electronic memory aid, rather than outcomes for users, such as improved daily functioning, quality of life, or social connectedness. The review concludes that future studies with robust devices are required that explicitly focus on the varying needs and capacities of people with dementia, in order to generate additional evidence for the effectiveness of electronic memory aids for this cohort.

Objective: The primary objective of this study is to use the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation Behaviour (COM-B) model to identify potential strategies aimed at improving the early detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) in the general population. Methods: We undertook a review of the literature to identify factors associated with participation in community-based screening for AF, followed by mapping of the factors generated into the components of the COM-B model, and validation of the model by an expert panel. The Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) was used to nominate potential intervention strategies and steps to guide the design and implementation of community-based screening for AF. Results: A total of 28 factors from 21 studies were mapped into the COM-B model. Based on the BCW approach, 24 intervention strategies and 7 steps that could guide the design and implementation of community-based screening for AF were recommended. Conclusion: The application of the COM-B model demonstrated how factors influencing the participation of individuals with undiagnosed AF in community-based screening could be identified. The model could also serve as a guide for the design and implementation of interventions for improving AF detection in the general population.

Fucoidans, known for their diverse biological properties such as anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antitumor, and immune stimulatory effects, have recently gained attention for their potential benefits in exercise endurance, muscle mass, and anti-fatigue. However, the mechanisms by which fucoidans enhance exercise performance are still unclear. To investigate these effects, we administered 400 mg/kg/day of fucoidan extract derived from Undaria pinnatifida to 64 C57BL/6J mice over 10 weeks. We evaluated changes in running activity, mitochondrial-related gene expression in skeletal muscle, and alterations in the intestinal microbiome. Our results showed that fucoidan supplementation significantly increased daily running distance and muscle mass by 25.5% and 10.4%, respectively, in mice on a standard chow diet, and with more modest effects observed in those on a high-fat diet (HFD). Additionally, fucoidan supplementation led to a significant increase in beneficial gut bacteria, including Bacteroides/Prevotella, Akkermansia muciniphila, and Lactobacillus, along with a notable reduction in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, indicating improved gut microbiome health. Mechanistically, fucoidan supplementation upregulated the mRNA expression of key genes related to mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative capacity, such as COX4, MYH1, PGC-1α, PPAR-γ, and IGF1, in both standard chow and HFD-fed mice. Our findings suggest that fucoidan supplementation enhances exercise performance, improves muscle function, and positively modulates the gut microbiome in mice, regardless of diet. These effects may be attributed to fucoidans’ potential prebiotic role, promoting the abundance of beneficial gut bacteria and contributing to enhanced exercise performance, increased muscle strength, and improved recovery.

Assessing and improving public knowledge of atrial fibrillation (AF) could increase its detection rate and the subsequent use of stroke prevention therapies. However, there is no validated AF knowledge assessment tool applicable to the general population, including those at risk of AF. Therefore, we aimed to develop and validate such a tool. The tool was developed from a literature review and discussion with subject matter experts. Content validity was ensured by a ten-member panel of experts comprising cardiologists and pharmacists. An online validation survey was conducted and reported based on the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys (CHERRIES). The survey evaluated the tool performance by construct validity, internal consistency reliability, item discrimination, difficulty index and ease of readability. The survey participants included 14 general medical specialists, 20 fourth-year and 33 second-year undergraduate pharmacy students, and 122 members of the general public. The tool had satisfactory content validity, with a scale content validity index of 0.8. The mean percentage knowledge scores for general medical specialists and fourth-year pharmacy students were higher than second-year pharmacy students, followed by the general public (92.9%, 87.6%, 68.5% and 53.4%, respectively; p-value < 0.001), supporting construct validity. The tool had good internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.91). The item-total correlation was in the preferred range of 0.23 to 0.71. The Atrial Fibrillation Knowledge Assessment Tool is a valid instrument and can be used to investigate AF knowledge of the general population.

Undaria pinnatifida fucoidan (UPF), a sulphated polysaccharide derived from brown seaweed, has attracted scientific and clinical interest for its wide-ranging anti-inflammatory and neurodegenerative properties. A growing body of research shows that UPF inhibits NF-κB and MAPK signalling pathways, reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), decreases ROS production, and suppresses iNOS and COX-2 activity, thereby mitigating oxidative and inflammatory damage in vitro. In vivo studies confirm these actions, demonstrating reduced systemic inflammation, promoted antioxidant defence, modulated gut microbiota composition, and improved production of beneficial microbial metabolites. In parallel, emerging evidence highlights UPF’s neuroprotective potential, characterised by protection against neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, the attenuation of amyloid-beta deposition, and improvement in neuronal function. Importantly, low- to medium-molecular-weight and highly sulphated UPF fractions consistently exhibit stronger bioactivities, suggesting a structural basis for its therapeutic potential. This review integrates mechanistic evidence from cellular, preclinical, and emerging clinical studies, highlighting UPF as a versatile marine-derived agent with therapeutic relevance for inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases, and outlines future research directions toward clinical translation.