Search Results (2,704)

Objective: This short-term prospective observational study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) in Patients Diagnosed with Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD). Methods: Given the exploratory design, the small sample (n = 25) and absence of a formal power calculation limit precision, findings should be interpreted as preliminary, and confirmatory trials are warranted. Patients were assessed before (T1), immediately after a five-week vestibular rehabilitation program (T2), and again three months later without continued therapy (T3). Clinical symptoms were assessed using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI). A Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) model was used to analyze changes in dizziness-related physical, emotional, and functional impacts over time, accounting for sex and its interaction with time. Statistical significance was tested using the Wald test, with results reported as estimated means and standard errors (SEs), and a significance level set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: The mean age of participants was 44.48 ± 14.43 years, and the majority were women (84%). In the functional domain, the mean score difference was 6.69 points between T1 and T2 (p = 0.018), 7.11 points between T1 and T3 (p = 0.013), and 0.42 points between T2 and T3 (p > 0.05). In the emotional domain, the mean difference was 4.12 points between T1 and T2 (p = 0.008), 4.40 points between T1 and T3 (p = 0.005), and 0.29 points between T2 and T3 (p > 0.05). In the physical domain, the mean difference was 3.77 points between T1 and T2 (p = 0.024), 4.32 points between T1 and T3 (p = 0.009), and 0.55 points between T2 and T3 (p > 0.05). For the total score, the mean difference was 14.58 points between T1 and T2 (p = 0.005), 15.83 points between T1 and T3 (p = 0.003), and 1.25 points between T2 and T3 (p > 0.05). The moment variable had a statistically significant effect across all domains. Sex had a significant effect only in the emotional domain, with women consistently reporting higher scores than men. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that a five-week vestibular rehabilitation program significantly improves the physical, emotional, and functional impacts of dizziness in patients with PPPD, with these benefits largely sustained three months after the intervention. Emotional improvements were particularly notable among women, highlighting potential sex-related differences in response to treatment. These findings underscore the importance of addressing emotional health in PPPD management and support the long-term effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation in improving patient outcomes. Full article

Despite the widespread use of photopolymerizable methacrylate resins in additive manufacturing, their potential for creating functional biomedical materials remains untapped. Standard resins, while possessing good technological properties, are typically biologically inert and unable to combat such a critical problem as bacterial colonization. In this work, we propose incorporating selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) into a photopolymerizable resin based on methacrylate monomers to obtain functional composite materials in the MSLA printing process. Composite material samples made from modified resins showed no structural surface defects and were characterized by a non-uniform distribution of NPs in volume and demonstrated a higher degree of monomer conversion. The materials demonstrated significant antioxidant activity, removing OH-radicals and H₂O₂ and reducing the level of biomarkers of oxidative damage (8-oxoguanine in DNA and long-lived reactive protein species). A dose-dependent bacteriostatic effect was observed in E. coli cell cultures against a background of high cytocompatibility with human cell cultures. The developed photopolymerizable resins modified with Se NPs allow obtaining products that combine the properties of a bacteriostatic agent with antioxidant properties and high biocompatibility, which is of considerable interest in terms of materials for biomedical applications. Full article

As technological developments proliferate, understanding the impact of digital media on children with special needs has become increasingly critical. This study examines problematic digital media use, behavioral problems, and family needs among children with special needs, and investigates whether these variables differ by disability type, parental education, and socioeconomic status (SES). Parents of 357 children with special needs from various regions of Türkiye participated. Data were collected via parent-report questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques. Findings indicate high levels of problematic media use, behavioral problems, and family needs in this population. In particular, children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibited higher levels of problematic media use and behavioral problems, and their parents reported greater support needs than other groups. Conversely, lower levels of problematic media use and behavioral problems were observed among children whose parents had higher education and SES. Significant positive correlations also emerged among problematic media use, behavioral problems, and family needs. These findings suggest that appropriately guided digital media use may be associated with fewer behavioral difficulties and that strengthening supports for families could be a relevant target for intervention; however, causal inferences are not warranted from these data. Full article

Background/Objectives: Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) poses diagnostic challenges due to its sonographic similarity to benign nodules and the modest sensitivity of conventional ultrasound (US) and TIRADS-based risk stratification. Elastography, using strain (SE) and shear-wave (SWE) techniques, has demonstrated high accuracy in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) but remains underexplored in MTC. This study investigates whether elastographic stiffness measurements can enhance diagnostic precision for MTC when combined with conventional US. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 20 nodules confirmed as MTC by pathology after surgical resection (January 2013–June 2024) and evaluated via conventional US, SE, and SWE at a specialized endocrinology center. Elasticity scores (ES) and Emean/Emax values were compared with US features, TIRADS categories, calcitonin levels, nodule size, and lymph node status. Results: Qualitative SE showed a mean ES of 3.2 (55% ES 4, 20% ES 3), while 87.5% of nodules exceeded an SWE Emean cutoff of 30.5 kPa, indicating increased stiffness in most MTC nodules and outperforming TIRADS, where only 60% were high-risk. Moderate correlations were found between calcitonin and nodule size (r = 0.52, p = 0.018) and between ES and size (r = 0.48, p = 0.034), but calcitonin did not correlate with ES (r = 0.07, p = 0.768). Nodules with suspicious lymph nodes showed higher Emean and ES trends, though not significant. Conclusions: Elastography identifies increased stiffness in MTC, challenging its “soft” classification, and improves risk stratification beyond TIRADS. We suggest integrating elastography as a complementary tool alongside TIRADS to guide fine-needle aspiration, without replacing calcitonin or cytology. Prospective multicenter studies are needed to validate thresholds and optimize multimodal risk assessment in MTC. Full article

Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) can address challenges pertaining to water quality and security, land subsidence, and aquifer degradation. This study has been conducted in the irrigated plains of Indus River Basin (IRB) of Pakistan, where groundwater is being used for drinking, agriculture, industries, and other commercial purposes and where the Punjab Government is implementing the MAR project. The study aims to assess the existing level of heavy metals and trace elements contamination in the groundwater and to set baseline data for the suitability of the site for the MAR project. Groundwater samples from 20 tubewells were collected from an area of 1522 km² to investigate the level of heavy metals concentration in groundwater and to assess its suitability for irrigation and drinking. Samples were analyzed for Aluminum (Al), Arsenic (As), Barium (Ba), Cadmium (Cd), Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu), Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb), Manganese (Mn), Molybdenum (Mo), Nickel (Ni), Selenium (Se), Strontium (Sr), and Zinc (Zn). To elucidate the contamination trend of these metals, the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI), Heavy Metal Index (HI), geostatistical description, Pearson correlation analysis, and geospatial mapping were employed. Results showed that groundwater in the study area is not suitable for drinking and may pose serious health risks. It should be, however, generally suitable for irrigation. This concludes that the site is suitable for the implementation of a MAR project where the intended use of groundwater is for irrigation. It has been recommended that the groundwater may not be used for direct human consumption in the study area. It has been recommended, too, that targeted monitoring of identified hotspots and assessment of soil and crop uptake are conducted so that industrial or wastewater discharge into irrigation supplies may be prevented and controlled. For policy decisions, distinguishing irrigation suitability from potable-water safety is essential. Full article

Inactivity and increases in psychological and behavioral symptoms are common for people with dementia, and current assessment relies on proxy-rated tools. We investigate the feasibility and adherence of the use of sensor technology by exploring the relationship between daytime activity and sleep quality. For a total of 42 day–night data pairs in nursing home residents with dementia (N = 11), Garmin Vivoactive5 and Somnofy monitored continuous physical activity levels, sleep efficiency (SE), sleep score, sleep regularity index (SRI), and wake after sleep onset (WASO). Using the Spearman coefficient, we explored correlations between digital and proxy-rated tools (Personal Self Maintenance Scale (PSMS) and Neuropsychiatric Inventory–Nursing Home version (NPI-NH)) and the relationships between the digital biomarkers (SE, SRI, WASO, sleep score, physical activity). Participants (mean age 84 years) had moderate to severe degrees of dementia. Daytime activity levels correlated to sleep quality parameters WASO (−0.34, p = 0.03), and SRI (0.43, p = 0.01), and traditional sleep measures were associated with digital biomarkers (WASO/NPI-NH-K, p = 0.03). We found a relationship between daytime activity and sleep quality; however, the bidirectional relationship remains ambiguous and should be further investigated. The use of sensing technologies for people with dementia residing in a nursing home is feasible, although not without limitations, and has the potential to identify subtle changes, improving clinical assessment and the corresponding care recommendations. Full article

Porphyrins are intermediates in heme biosynthesis and have been proposed as biomarkers of metabolic dysfunction and environmental exposure in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study aimed to evaluate urinary porphyrin fractions and trace element ratios in children with ASD compared to neurotypical controls. Urinary porphyrins were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and trace elements were measured via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) normalized to urinary creatinine. Trace element ratios (e.g., Zn/Cu, Se/Pb) were calculated. Statistical comparisons were made using the Mann–Whitney U-test. Children with ASD showed significantly elevated urinary levels of coproporphyrin (median: 1.94 µg/g creatinine vs. 1.32 in controls; p = 0.02) and pentacarboxyporphyrin (0.86 vs. 0.57; p = 0.01), and reduced hexacarboxyporphyrin (0.12 vs. 0.23; p = 0.03). Lead (Pb) levels were significantly higher in ASD (median: 1.96 µg/g creatinine vs. 0.82; p = 0.004), while mercury (Hg) was not significantly different. Several trace element ratios differed significantly: Zn/Cu (ASD 41.9 vs. controls 49.1; p = 0.021), Se/Pb (12.9 vs. 25.7; p = 0.002), Cu/Se (0.49 vs. 0.38; p = 0.008), and Zn/Pb (19.5 vs. 44.8; p = 0.002). The Hg/Se ratio did not differ significantly.: Children with ASD demonstrate altered porphyrin profiles and trace element imbalances, including increased Pb and disrupted Zn/Cu and Se/Pb ratios, indicating oxidative stress and impaired detoxification. Combined assessment of porphyrins and trace element ratios may provide valuable non-invasive biomarkers for environmental and metabolic disturbances in ASD. Full article

Atypical antipsychotics (AAP), including clozapine (Clo), aripiprazole (Ari), and risperidone (Ris), are widely used in psychiatry but can lead to kidney damage due to oxidative stress. This study investigated whether dietary supplementation with selected antioxidants—ellagic acid, vitamin C, zinc, and seleno-methionine (SeMet) in fish oil, formulated as the composite product “ProCloSupp” (PCS)—can mitigate the oxidative damage induced by subchronic administration of AAP. Rats were treated with each antipsychotic for 28 days, with PCS added in the last 14 days. The kidney tissue was examined histologically and by determining the activities of antioxidant enzymes (copper, zinc and manganese superoxide dismutase—CuZn SOD and Mn SOD, catalase—CAT, glutathione peroxidase—GPx, glutathione reductase—GR, glutathione S-transferase—GST). All AAPs caused discrete to moderate renal damage and significant changes in enzyme profiles, which were most pronounced with Ari. Clo and Ari significantly decreased CuZn SOD and Mn SOD activity, while Ris only affected Mn SOD. Clo additionally increased CAT activity, while Ari increased GPx activity. Antioxidant-related protein levels increased only in the Ris group. PCS supplementation increased CuZn SOD and GPx activities and was associated with less pronounced histopathological changes than antipsychotic treatment alone. In conclusion, subchronic Clo, Ari, and Ris exposure induces oxidative renal damage in rats, while PCS supplementation enhances antioxidant defences and attenuates tissue damage. These results support PCS as a potential nephroprotective strategy in antipsychotic therapy. Full article

The inherent spatial inaccessibility of cliff inscriptions and the dilemma between preservation and public access have made digital dissemination essential for their legacy. Using the digital design of the “Shimen Thirteen Inscriptions” in Hanzhong as a case study, this research integrates the four-dimensional experience economy model with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to construct a mixed evaluation framework combining expert rational weighting and user perceptual scoring. Weightings were determined by seven experts, and user experience data was collected from 198 questionnaires. The priority for platform optimization was then identified via a “weight × gap” matrix. The results show the following: (1) In digital settings, the experience structure is significantly reordered, with interactivity (44.4%) and immersion (29.8%) taking the lead. (2) Overall platform satisfaction was good (4.05 out of 5.00), but diversity of operations and depth of knowledge emerged as the main shortcomings. (3) A staged optimization scheme of “progressive interaction + hierarchical knowledge delivery” is proposed, which can enhance sustainable dissemination effectiveness without increasing technological barriers. This study proposes a sustainability-oriented strategy prototype for the digital communication of cliff inscriptions, develops second-level constructs for design and measurement support, and employs AHP-based expert weighting to prioritize strategy elements and derive design pathways. The platform functions as a research prototype for academic inquiry and methodological demonstration, without involvement in operational KPI loops or full system deployment. The contribution lies in offering a replicable user experience evaluation grid and a closed-loop optimization process, rather than advancing 3D/AR/VR techniques per se. Full article

Serotonin, a tryptophan metabolite, exerts a significant influence on both brain and gut functionality. While previous research has elucidated the intricate dynamics of the gut–brain axis, the interplay between serotonin pathway metabolites and gut microbiota in individuals undergoing hemodialysis remains largely unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate gut microbiota composition corresponding to serotonin pathway metabolite levels among patients with hemodialysis. A total of 85 patients undergoing hemodialysis were selected. Their gut microbiota was analyzed using shotgun metagenomic sequencing profiling. The serotonin pathway metabolites, including 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), serotonin, 5-methoxytryptophan (5-MTP), 5-methoxytryptamine, melatonin, and 6-hydroxymelatonin, were analyzed with the liquid chromatograph–tandem mass spectrometer. The robust linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) was employed to reveal the gut microbiota signature according to levels of serotonin pathway metabolites. A significant β-diversity difference in 5-Methoxytryptamine (p = 0.037) was found, while no variance in α-diversity was detected. Using LefSe analysis, we identified an enriched Tannerellaceae family in the high-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) group, the Odoribacteraceae family in the high-serotonin group, the Eubacteriales order in the high-5-methoxytryptophan (5-MTP) group, the Prevotella copri species in the high-5-Methoxytryptamine group, and the Clostridium genus in the high-melatonin group. In contrast, an enriched Clostridiaceae family in the low-5-HTP group, the Clostridiaceae family in the low-serotonin group, and the Bacteroides ovatus species in the low-5-MTP group were found. Distinct gut microbiota signatures linked to serotonin pathway metabolites were identified in patients undergoing hemodialysis. These findings provide insights for future gut–brain axis research and may guide methods to modulate gut microbiota to influence serotonin metabolites. Full article

Some correlations between serum Cu, Zn and Se and cytokines have been reported in humans. Especially, the Cu:Zn ratio corresponded with inflammation. To date, relationships between microelements and proinflammatory proteins are poorly understood in horses. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether Cu, Zn and Se may influence turnover of IL-6, IL-8 and tissue factor (TF) in breeding and working horses. Blood samples obtained from 66 horses were analysed. There were 37 pregnant broodmares of different breeds, 13 barren broodmares and 16 race Thoroughbred horses. Serum Cu, Zn and Se concentration was determined using the gas flame atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) method. Plasma IL-6, IL-8 and TF concentration was determined by the ELISA method. A coefficient correlation was carried out to compare the values of microelements studied with IL-6, IL-8 and TF using Pearson’s test. The values of IL-6 correlated significantly positively with Se and Cu:Zn ratio, IL-8 correlated positively with Cu and Cu:Zn ratio and negatively with Zn, and TF correlated positively with Cu, Cu:Zn ratio and Se. The Cu:Zn ratio varies significantly between horses, with high values occurring in horses with high levels of proinflammatory proteins, which may indicate the presence of a subclinical inflammatory process. The high variability of TF in the studied groups gives hope for the use of its determination in laboratory diagnostics of horses. Full article

Propagation of rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) via secondary somatic embryogenesis (SSEis) is a reliable method. However, its efficiency is relatively low. The aim of this study was to understand more about the factors related to SSEis in rubber trees, trying to improve the efficiency of somatic embryo (SE) yield. Our study showed that the orientations of explants, i.e., the fragments of primary SE (PSE), on the medium affected secondary SE (SSE) yield significantly. Among five experimental tests, the highest yield was 2.6 ± 0.9 secondary somatic embryos (SSEs) per explant, which was achieved by orienting the abaxial side of the explant in contact with the medium and then the adaxial side after a period of culture time. Based on histological evidence, SSEis was induced from the epidermal cells and adjacent cells on the adaxial side of the explants. A remarkable difference in embryogenic capacity difference existed among individual PSE. The concentrations of soluble proteins, starch, soluble sugars, and the superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) levels in the explants were measured during a 25-day long SSEis induction treatment and compared between explants of high and low embryogenic capacity. This study proves that the explant orientation toward the culture medium plays a crucial role in SSEis, while the concentration changes of these biochemical compounds correlate to morphological changes in the explants during induction, as do the changes in SOD activity. Furthermore, the trend of the dynamic changes in the explants reflected a process of de-differentiation and re-differentiation, which started from mature SE tissues during SSE induction. Full article

Research has shown that language ability can vary enormously depending on variables such as musical ability, musical training, and second and/or foreign language experience. In this study, we simulated initial foreign language learning conditions in which learners must recognize and match unfamiliar language input. We recruited 500 participants with different levels of foreign language experience, different levels of musical training and different socio-economic backgrounds. Their auditory phonological pattern recognition ability, short-term memory (STM) capacity, musical ability, musical self-estimation, educational status, and socio-economic status (SES) were assessed. Both overall and group-specific analyses were conducted to investigate the impact of these variables. For the group-specific analysis, participants were assigned to four groups based on the presence or absence of musical training and extensive foreign language experience. For the overall analysis, regression models were applied to the entire sample to examine the combined effects of all variables. Group-specific analyses revealed that both musical training and extensive foreign language experience contributed to individual differences in the ability to recognize phonological patterns in unintelligible auditory stimuli. A key finding was that musical training appeared to have a stronger influence on auditory phonological pattern recognition than extensive foreign language experience, particularly in the early stages of language learning. This suggests that musical training may exert a greater impact on initial phonetic acquisition processes than extensive foreign language proficiency, especially when the language stimuli are relatively poor in linguistic content. The overall analysis revealed that musical variables, short-term memory capacity, socioeconomic status, and educational status all contributed to individual differences in auditory phonological pattern recognition. Notably, the most significant finding of the overall analysis was the association between SES and auditory phonological pattern recognition in unfamiliar speech—a result that challenges the notion of aptitude measures as stable and environment-independent and highlights the potential influence of environmental factors on this capacity. Full article

This study aimed to identify the optimal concentration of seaweed extract (SE) for enhancing growth, photosynthetic traits, antioxidant activity, and bioactive compound accumulation in Thai basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) plants cultivated in a fully controlled plant factory. Basil plants were foliar-sprayed twice weekly with five SE concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 mL·L⁻¹), while untreated plants served as controls. After 28 days of transplanting, plant growth parameters, photosynthetic parameters, chlorophyll pigments, antioxidant activity, and the concentrations of phenolic acids and rosmarinic acid (RA) were analyzed. Moderate SE concentrations (1.0–2.0 mL·L⁻¹) significantly enhanced plant growth, chlorophyll a, carotenoid levels, DPPH radical scavenging, and total flavonoid content relative to control. The 2.0 mL·L⁻¹ treatment produced the highest total phenolic content (1.88-fold increase over the control) and was associated with elevated benzoic acid, rutin, quercetin, and kaempferol, along with reduced trans-cinnamic acid, indicating activation of the phenylpropanoid pathway. Moreover, all SE treatments significantly increased RA accumulation. These findings demonstrate that SE is an effective, sustainable biostimulant for Thai basil, with 2.0 mL·L⁻¹ as the optimal concentration for maximizing growth and phytochemical production. Full article

Cow bunching is a behavioral phenomenon where cattle aggregate in tight groups to protect themselves from biting by stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans L.). The incidence of bunching varies between dairies and even among pens within the same dairy, as it is associated with the location-specific biting intensity of stable flies, which largely varies with dairy management and local environmental factors. Bunching may be associated with decreased feeding and laying times, as well as heat stress due to cattle aggregation. Thus, bunching may affect dairy cows’ milk production by reducing dry matter intake and rumination. To our knowledge, there are no previous studies specifically addressing the effect of cow bunching on milk production in lactating dairy cows. The objectives of our study were to estimate the economic impact of cow bunching against stable flies on milk production on a commercial California dairy and to estimate the economic losses associated with cow bunching and stable fly biting per cow per year. A longitudinal study was conducted from 1 May 2017 through 31 July 2017 on a 5000-cow Holstein herd housed in free stall pens in Tulare County, California. Pen-level cow bunching in four lactating cow pens was recorded weekly for 12 weeks. Bunching observations each day were matched to daily milk records for the study dairy. Two-piece spline linear mixed models were used to estimate the impact of cow bunching and stable fly counts on milk production. Cows in pens where bunching occurred experienced a significant milk reduction of 0.45 kg ± 0.104 (SE) per cow (p < 0.01) on the day of bunching in comparison to cows in pens without bunching. There was a significant reduction of 0.6 kg/cow/day in milk production associated with each increase in one stable fly per cow leg (standard metric for recording stable fly biting activity) after adjusting for parity, temperature humidity index (THI), and days in milk (DIM). Based on the economic analysis conducted on weekly bunching and fly counts, modeled milk production losses were reported as weekly loss in milk revenue per cow. The estimated economic loss associated with cow bunching and stable fly counts was highest during the last week of May (USD 0.34/cow/week and USD 1.86/cow/week, respectively) and was lowest during the last week of July (USD 0.03/cow/week and USD 0.29/cow/week, respectively). To mitigate the most substantial economic loss, dairy producers should focus their efforts on controlling stable flies during the early stable fly season, when stable fly abundance tends to be highest. Full article