Search Results (185)

Background: The prevalence of adhesive capsulitis (AC) is estimated to be 2–5% in the general population. However, the etiology of AC remains unclear. Among the various proposed factors, the precise role of cervical disease, and the severity of cervical degeneration, in the development of AC has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to analyze the contribution of cervical disease to AC in patients with shoulder pain. Methods: A total of 409 patients who visited the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine for shoulder pain were retrospectively reviewed. The outcome variable was the presence of AC. In addition to cervical disease, other independent variables affecting AC, including sex, diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, thyroid disease, immobilization after surgery, rotator cuff tear, subacromial spur, and shoulder joint osteoarthritis were reviewed. To compare the two groups, an independent t-test or chi-square test was performed for continuous and categorical data. Multivariate regression analysis was used to assess the effects of independent factors on AC, adjusting for confounders. Results: Among the 409 patients, 176 (43.0%) were diagnosed with AC. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that diabetes (OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.55–5.91, p = 0.001) and cervical disease (OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.75–5.25, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with increased odds of AC. In contrast, increasing age (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.92–0.98, p = 0.007), dyslipidemia (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.31–0.98, p = 0.044), and postoperative immobilization (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.41–0.99, p = 0.046) were associated with decreased odds of AC. The prevalence of AC increased with the severity of cervical degeneration. Conclusion: In patients with shoulder pain, diabetes and cervical disease were positively associated with AC, whereas age, dyslipidemia, and postoperative immobilization showed inverse associations. These findings suggest that both metabolic and cervical factors may contribute to the development of AC, highlighting the importance of considering cervical pathology in patients with shoulder pain. Full article

Constant current/voltage (CC/CV) output of wireless power transfer (WPT) systems deviates due to increased load resistance during charging and mutual inductance variations caused by misalignment. Dynamically regulating the DC input voltage can maintain a stable output at the preset value, and predicting the mutual inductance and load resistance can help monitor charging status. However, joint prediction of characteristics and regulation degree can be nonlinear and complicated. This work proposes a data-driven method for characteristic prediction and output optimization for WPT systems based on the current waveform from only the transmitter side. A Multi-Scale Parallel Convolutional (MSPC) neural network is applied to simultaneously predict the load resistance, mutual inductance, output deviation factor and regulation coefficient. By leveraging its multi-scale feature extraction capabilities, it can accurately estimate the aforementioned parameters based on only the AC current waveform at the transmitter side. To improve the model’s generalizability under practical conditions, transfer learning (TL) is utilized to minimize the discrepancy between simulated and physical data. Finally, a 140 W prototype of the series-series (SS)-compensated WPT system is built to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Full article

The AC rotary head, serving as a dual-axis direct-drive rotary actuation unit in five-axis CNC machine tools, integrates torque motors for A- and C-axis actuation, and its structural static and dynamic characteristics directly govern the actuation accuracy, dynamic response, and stability of the electromechanical system. Its complex spatial pose variations further complicate performance prediction. To overcome the difficulty of existing local optimization methods in balancing stiffness-mass matching for such complex actuation assemblies, this paper proposes a static and dynamic performance optimization method based on stiffness-mass matching. First, a pose-dependent semi-analytical dynamic model is established using dynamic condensation and component mode synthesis (CMS) to reveal performance distribution laws across the workspace and identify weak poses. Then, Sobol’ sensitivity analysis identifies key joints and structural components, and the NSGA-II algorithm optimizes their stiffness-mass matching. Finally, a surrogate model performs dimensional parameter optimization targeting the optimized matrices. Results show that the first-order natural frequency increases by 10.5%, translational static stiffness in the X and Y directions improves by over 20%, and other directions by 4.2–18.6%. The proposed method effectively enhances global static and dynamic performance, providing theoretical guidance for the structural design of direct-drive rotary actuators in electromechanical actuation systems. Full article

Manual arc welding is highly dependent on operator skill, leading to variability in weld quality and an increased risk of defects; therefore, reliable monitoring methods for Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) are required, particularly in manual environments where process variability and environmental noise are inherent. This study proposes a monitoring approach for classifying SMAW process parameters using airborne acoustic signals generated by the welding arc. Welding experiments were conducted on carbon steel plates of different thicknesses (3, 6, and 12 mm) using E6010, E6011, E6013, and E7018 electrodes under Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) configurations; acoustic signals were recorded in real time and processed using Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCCs) and deep audio embeddings from pre-trained VGGish and YAMNet models as inputs to artificial neural network classifiers for multi-output classification of welding process parameters. Model performance was evaluated using per-target metrics (accuracy and macro F1-score) and joint multi-output metrics (Exact Match and Hamming Accuracy). MFCC-based models significantly outperformed embedding-based approaches, achieving up to 94.51% Exact Match and 97.88% Hamming Accuracy, while reducing computational costs. These results demonstrate the feasibility of SMAW monitoring using arc sound, suggesting that spectral features are an effective solution for welding-process monitoring and a promising foundation for future weld-quality monitoring systems. Full article

The increasing penetration of converter-interfaced renewable energy resources is accelerating the transition of conventional distribution networks toward hybrid AC/DC architectures, where photovoltaic generation, battery energy storage, electric mobility, and mixed AC/DC loads are coupled through multiple power electronic interfaces. While these architectures offer important advantages in flexibility and integration efficiency, they also introduce tighter interactions between AC-side and DC-side operating behavior, making coordinated assessment increasingly important under variable operating conditions. Despite growing interest in hybrid AC/DC systems, comparative studies that jointly examine system-level stability and voltage-quality-related behavior across renewable penetration levels and stressed operating scenarios remain limited. This paper proposes a reduced-order comparative screening framework for renewable-rich hybrid AC/DC distribution systems, using stability- and voltage-quality-related indicators based on a representative reduced-order benchmark model. The adopted framework combines scenario-based simulation with unified AC-side, DC-side, transient, and composite performance indicators to evaluate how different converter coordination strategies influence operating robustness under renewable intermittency, abrupt load changes, converter operating-point variations, and different renewable penetration levels. The considered indicators include voltage deviation, overshoot, violation duration, transient fluctuation, converter utilization, and composite operating-robustness measures; they are intended as system-level voltage-dynamics proxies rather than as a complete harmonic or standards-based power-quality assessment. The results indicate that adaptive coordinated control provides the strongest DC-side robustness under stressed conditions, whereas droop-based coordination often offers a favorable practical compromise between AC-side and DC-side performance. The analysis also reveals a clear trade-off between DC-side regulation and AC-side voltage-quality-related behavior, highlighting the need for joint multi-domain evaluation. In particular, the improved DC-side robustness obtained with adaptive coordination is accompanied by slightly higher AC-side voltage-quality-related deviations in several scenarios. Within the scope of the adopted reduced-order benchmark, the proposed framework provides a practical and reproducible basis for identifying critical operating regions and for supporting higher-fidelity future studies on robust renewable integration in hybrid AC/DC distribution networks. Full article

Background: Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is a limb-threatening surgical emergency most commonly associated with fractures or high-energy trauma. Non-fracture-related ACS in athletes is uncommon and may lead to delayed diagnosis. Repetitive blunt trauma during combat sports has rarely been described as a potential mechanism. Case Methods: The case concerns a 21-year-old elite-level kickboxing athlete who developed acute compartment syndrome of the left lower leg following repeated calf kicks sustained during sparring. The patient presented with rapidly progressive calf pain, swelling, compartment firmness, paresthesias and weight bearing difficulties. CT angiography demonstrated diffuse edema of the posterior compartments associated with a large intramuscular soleus hematoma without active arterial bleeding. Results: In view of the severity of the symptoms and the characteristic clinical presentation, an emergency fasciotomy was performed in operating room. Progressive closure was achieved using the vessel loop shoelace technique, allowing gradual tension-free closure. Wound healing progressed without infection, and physiotherapy was introduced with joint mobilization. The patient achieved full functional recovery after 6 months. Conclusions: This case illustrates an atypical etiology of ACS—repetitive targeted calf strikes—and underscores the importance of early recognition even in the absence of fracture or major trauma. Clinical vigilance remains paramount, and prompt surgical intervention is critical to prevent irreversible muscle and nerve damage. Awareness of such mechanisms is particularly relevant for clinicians managing athletes in combat sports. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of ACS secondary to repeated calf kicks in kickboxing. Full article

Background/Objectives: Acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation is a common injury in young, active individuals, typically resulting from a direct shoulder impact. Treatment is guided by the Rockwood classification, with type III and higher injuries often managed surgically. Suspensory fixation systems are widely used, most commonly via a mini-open approach without direct visualization of the coracoid. This study compared clinical and radiological outcomes of open versus mini-open suspensory fixation in acute AC joint dislocation. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients treated surgically for Rockwood type III or higher AC joint dislocation between 2015 and 2021. Functional outcomes were assessed using Constant–Murley, ASES, and DASH scores. Pain, range of motion, and coracoclavicular (CC) distance were evaluated postoperatively and at final follow-up, including percentage difference compared with the contralateral side. Redislocation was defined as a ≥50% increase in CC distance (CCD). Complications, including cut-out, reoperations, and CC calcifications, were recorded. Results: Fifty-seven patients were included (mini-open n = 32, open n = 25; 52 men, 5 women). Mean age was 38.1 ± 13 years, with mean follow-up of 6.7 ± 1.5 years. The mini-open group had greater follow-up (90.1 [83.7–95.1]) than the open group (62.2 [60.3–75.4]). The mini-open group showed a significantly greater CCD at final follow-up (median [IQR] 14.7 [11.4–17.4] mm) compared with the open group (9.2 [7.8–11.1] mm). Redislocation occurred in 47% of mini-open versus 8% of open cases (p < 0.01). Functional scores, pain, and complication rates were similar between groups. Conclusions: Open suspensory fixation is associated with superior radiographic stability and lower redislocation rates compared to the mini-open approach, with comparable functional outcomes. Full article

Synovitis is a key contributor to the development of OA, and early modulation of the synovial environment may help limit downstream cartilage damage. This study compared the clinical and biochemical effects of intra-articular triamcinolone acetonide (TA) and autologous conditioned serum (ACS) in an equine model of IL-1β–induced synovitis. Six healthy adult horses were used in a crossover design involving five groups: PBS (negative control), IL-1β (positive control), IL-1β + ACS, IL-1β + TA, and an exploratory ACS-alone group administered post hoc to isolate its effects without IL-1β interference. Both TA and ACS mitigated inflammation through distinct profiles. TA was superior in reducing joint heat, swelling, and effusion. Conversely, IL-1β + ACS provided greater lameness improvement at 24, 36, and 72 h compared to IL-1β. ACS demonstrated potential chondroprotective advantages, as it did not increase synovial glycosaminoglycan (GAG) concentrations, which were highest in the IL-1β + TA group. ACS treatment resulted in significantly higher synovial total nucleated cell counts and total protein, driven primarily by monocyte enrichment. This cellular profile suggests that ACS may support the restoration of joint homeostasis. While TA remains highly effective for visual inflammatory signs, ACS offers a promising biological alternative for modulating the synovial environment and protecting cartilage during acute synovitis. Full article

Weak alternating electric fields are widely used in neuromodulation techniques such as transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), yet the precise biophysical mechanisms underlying neuronal responses remain incompletely understood. Current computational models often neglect the electrical properties of the extracellular microenvironment, limiting their predictive accuracy. Motivated by experimentally observed frequency-dependent modulation of neuronal activity, we developed a two-compartment model of hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons in which extracellular resistance is explicitly parameterized and systematically examined as a key factor influencing neuronal response properties under external electric fields. Within a dual-compartment Hodgkin–Huxley framework, the neuron is divided into a “soma–basal dendrite unit” and an “apical dendrite unit,” accounting for voltage polarization induced by external fields. Using phase-locking ratio curves and three-dimensional parameter response surface, we systematically characterized neuronal sensitivity to field parameters and examined how potassium equilibrium potential ($V_K$) and extracellular resistance ($R_{\mathrm{out}}$) modulate these responses. Our results demonstrate that increasing $R_{\mathrm{out}}$ enhances neuronal responsiveness to external fields, while $V_K$ variations primarily regulate intrinsic excitability. These findings provide mechanistic insights into the frequency-dependent modulation of neuronal responses under weak electric fields, consistent with phenomena observed in biological neural systems, and provide a mechanistic and theoretical framework for understanding the joint effects of electric field amplitude and frequency on neuronal sensitivity to weak electric fields, which may help inform future neuromodulation strategies. Full article

Intelligent soft open points (SOPs) and energy storage systems (ESSs) are effective ways to absorb distributed new energy in the spatial and temporal dimensions, and play an important role in improving the new-energy-carrying capacity of distribution networks. Existing planning models for SOPs and ESSs in distribution networks are often nonlinear and non-convex, and are usually transformed into a mixed-integer second-order cone optimization (MISOCP) model. However, this transformation often needs stringent relaxation conditions, and the solution speed and convergence performance of the model are poor. These disadvantages make traditional MISOCP models unsuitable for optimal planning for complex hybrid networks. To overcome these limitations, a joint planning method for AC/DC hybrid networks based on an improved DC power flow (IDCPF) algorithm is proposed in this paper. The proposed method transforms the original nonlinear model into an approximate linear model, improving the solution speed and accuracy of the model. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated through case studies on an improved AC/DC 43-node network, which demonstrates the accuracy and numerical stability of the planning model. Full article

The joint influence of digital adoption in corporate governance and its impact on external assurance is a critical and emerging nexus in the literature concerning auditing and technological innovation, especially in volatile markets. Building on agency theory and resource dependence theory, this study investigates the nexus between corporate digital transformation (DT) and audit quality (AQ), while examining the moderating role of AC characteristics—specifically size, gender diversity, expertise, and activity—within the Egyptian context. Utilizing a sample of 120 non-financial firms listed on the Egyptian Exchange (EGX) from 2022 to 2024 (360 firm-year observations), the analysis employs Robust Least Squares (M-estimation) and Panel EGLS to ensure resilience against outliers and heteroscedasticity. The empirical findings provide robust evidence that digital transformation significantly enhances audit quality by constraining discretionary accruals, supporting the premise that technological integration improves monitoring and transparency. Moreover, the results reveal that the audit committee acts as a pivotal positive moderator, strengthening the digitalization-audit quality relationship; this impact is most pronounced in firms with larger, more gender-diverse, and financially expert audit committees. While audit committee activity shows a reactive correlation with accruals, its interaction remains essential for continuous monitoring in digital environments. Ultimately, this study offers novel insights for regulators and firms in emerging economies, highlighting that the benefits of technological adoption in financial reporting are maximized only when complemented by robust internal governance mechanisms, necessitating simultaneous investment in digital infrastructure and the fortification of audit committee attributes to ensure sustained audit market efficiency. Full article

Background/Objectives: Collagen hydrolysates are widely used as nutritional ingredients for skin and joint health; however, growing evidence indicates that collagen may also exert beneficial effects on cardiometabolic pathways. Short peptides have been shown to modulate angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV), key regulators of blood pressure and glucose homeostasis. This study aimed to assess the dual ACE- and DPP-IV inhibitory and GLP-1 stimulation activities, respectively of a tripeptide-enriched formulation (CH). The study was performed using a benchmark collagen hydrolysate (BCH) as reference. Methods: ACE and DPP-IV inhibitory activities were evaluated using in vitro enzymatic assays. Cellular compatibility and in situ DPP-IV inhibition were assessed in Caco-2 intestinal cells, while glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion was measured in STC-1 enteroendocrine cells. The degree of hydrolysis was determined by OPA assay, and nanoLC–HRMS was used to characterize and compare the proteomic profiles of the samples. Results: Both hydrolysates exhibited dose-dependent ACE and DPP-IV inhibition; however, CH showed significantly higher inhibitory activity at comparable concentrations. CH also reduced cellular DPP-IV activity in Caco-2 cells and stimulated GLP-1 secretion in STC-1 cells, whereas BCH showed limited or non-significant cellular effects. Peptidomic analysis revealed an enrichment of short- and medium-length peptides in CH, while BCH contained a higher proportion of long peptides (>2000 Da). Consistently, CH exhibited a 1.7-fold higher degree of hydrolysis than BCH. Conclusions: The tripeptide-enriched collagen hydrolysate demonstrated superior enzymatic and cellular bioactivity compared with the benchmark formulation, supporting its potential as a multifunctional bioactive ingredient for health applications. Full article

Background: Arterial hypertension (AH) is a frequent comorbidity in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Among antihypertensive agents, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, calcium channel blockers (CCBs), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), and beta-blockers (βBs) have been suggested to influence OA progression and symptomatology. The aim of this study was to assess whether the duration of effectiveness (DE) of viscosupplementation (VS) differs between patients with knee OA who are receiving antihypertensive treatment and those who are not. Methods: This post hoc analysis was conducted using data from a cross-sectional clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04988698). The study included consecutive patients with knee OA who came for consultation at the Rheumatology Department and had received intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections within the past three years. The primary outcome was DE, self-reported by patients as the number of weeks of symptom relief. Associations between DE and various factors, including demographics, disease duration, radiographic OA severity (Kellgren–Lawrence grade and affected compartments), comorbidities, OA treatment history, antihypertensive therapy, physical activity level, and prior VS sessions, were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate models. Results: A total of 105 patients (65 women, 149 treated knees) were included. The mean age was 66.1 ± 13.2 years, and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 27.5 kg/m². Thirty-eight percent of patients were receiving antihypertensive treatment (mean number of agents: 1.9; range: 1–4), including CCBs (n = 15), ACE inhibitors (n = 13), ARBs (n = 7), βBs (n = 6), and diuretics (n = 2). The overall mean DE of VS was 48.2 ± 24.8 weeks, with a trend toward longer DE in hypertensive patients compared to non-hypertensive patients (53.1 ± 31.3 vs. 45.4 ± 19.8 weeks, p = 0.06). Bivariate analysis identified significantly longer DE in patients with BMI < 27.5 kg/m² (p = 0.002), Kellgren–Lawrence grade < 4 (p = 0.008), an active lifestyle (p = 0.005), unicompartmental OA (p = 0.01), medial tibiofemoral joint space narrowing (p = 0.046), and fewer than four prior VS sessions (p = 0.02). In multivariate analysis, AH was strongly associated with prolonged DE (p < 0.001), despite AH patients having a higher BMI (29.8 ± 5.5 vs. 25.2 ± 5.2 kg/m², p = 0.001) and being more frequently sedentary (25.5% vs. 13.8%, p = 0.07). A trend toward longer DE was observed in patients treated with βBs and ARBs but not with CCBs or ACE inhibitors. Additional independent predictors of longer DE included BMI < 27.5 kg/m² (p < 0.001), unicompartmental OA (p = 0.02), fewer than four prior VS sessions (p = 0.02), and an active lifestyle (p = 0.027). Conclusions: These findings suggest that antihypertensive treatment may extend the effectiveness of viscosupplementation in knee OA. However, the sample size was insufficient to determine whether specific classes of antihypertensive agents provide greater benefits. Further large-scale, prospective studies are warranted to clarify the potential impact of antihypertensive medications on viscosupplementation outcomes in knee OA. Full article

Background/Objectives: Streptococcus intermedius, a member of the Streptococcus anginosus group, is characterized by a marked propensity for abscess formation but only rarely causes native-joint septic arthritis. Involvement of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint is particularly uncommon. We describe a case of native AC joint septic arthritis due to S. intermedius in a patient with multiple predisposing factors and highlight diagnostic and management considerations. Methods: We report the clinical course of a 72-year-old man with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus who presented with progressive right shoulder pain, erythema, and swelling following recurrent minor skin abrasions from a newly adopted dog. Initial management for presumed inflammatory shoulder pathology included brief systemic corticosteroids and an ultrasound-guided intra-articular ketorolac injection. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed after symptom progression. The patient underwent operative irrigation and debridement with collection of synovial fluid and deep tissue cultures. Blood cultures and transthoracic echocardiography were obtained to evaluate for systemic involvement. Results: MRI demonstrated multiloculated periarticular abscesses and osteolysis centered on the AC joint. Operative cultures yielded high colony counts of S. intermedius from synovial fluid and deep tissues. Blood cultures and echocardiography were negative. The patient required multiple operative debridements with irrigation, adjunctive local antibiotic therapy, and prolonged targeted β-lactam treatment. Clinical and radiographic improvement was achieved following surgical source control and antimicrobial therapy. Conclusions: Native AC joint septic arthritis due to S. intermedius is rare. Older age, uncontrolled diabetes, recent intra-articular intervention, and possible zoonotic inoculation from canine wound licking may represent contributory risk factors. Early imaging, prompt surgical source control, and guideline-concordant antimicrobial therapy are essential when bone and soft tissue involvement is present. Full article

With the ongoing miniaturization of solder joints in three-dimensional integrated electronic packaging, electromigration reliability has become a pressing concern. This study systematically examines the interfacial intermetallic compound (IMC) growth behavior of Cu/Sn-58Bi/Cu joint under electromigration (EM) with a symmetrical square-wave alternating current (AC). Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) was employed to perform statistical spatial analysis of Sn grain orientations within the joints to reveal the growth mechanism of interfacial IMC. Results demonstrate that the AC field markedly enhances the anisotropy of IMC growth in Cu/Sn-58Bi/Cu joints, exhibiting two phenomena: uniform growth on both sides and rapid growth (polar growth) on one side of the interfacial IMC. Among them, the IMC thickness difference characterization quantity Δ_IMC reached as high as 45.56% for the latter. This is attributed to the directional regulation of atomic migration rate by Sn grain orientation (the angle θ between the c-axis and the electron flow) and is further amplified by the altered atomic diffusion pathways imposed by the Bi phase distribution. Specifically, the Sn grains exhibit a pronounced preferential orientation mode along the current path (horizontal direction), with an orientation gradient of 0.915 μm⁻¹. The arrangement of Bi-rich phases alters the distribution of Sn grains in Cu/Sn-58Bi/Cu joints, thereby reshaping the internal electron transport pathways and significantly intensifying the orientation-dependent effect of IMC growth. Moreover, Sn grains adjacent to the Bi-rich phase boundaries (phase boundary grains) display a stronger tendency for c-axis orientation parallel to the current direction, exhibiting an average effective orientation parameter 1.948 times greater than that of bulk grains, which establishes a well-defined spatial orientation gradient. Full article