Search Results (47,950)

Background: Ginger contains gingerols, shagaols, paradols, gingerdiones, and terpenes, which have been shown to display anti-inflammatory properties and inhibit pain receptors. For this reason, ginger has been marketed as a natural analgesic. This study examined whether a specialized ginger extract obtained through supercritical CO₂ extraction and subsequent fermentation affects pain perception, functional capacity, and markers of inflammation. Methods: Thirty men and women (56.0 ± 9.0 years, 164.4 ± 14 cm, 86.5 ± 20.9 kg, 31.0 ± 7.5 kg/m²) with a history of mild to severe joint and muscle pain as well as inflammation participated in a placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel-arm study. Participants donated fasting blood, completed questionnaires, rated pain in the thighs to standardized pressure, and then completed squats/deep knee bends, while holding 30% of body mass, for 3 sets of 10 repetitions on days 0, 30, and 56 of supplementation. Participants repeated tests after 2 days of recovery following each testing session. Participants were matched by demographics and randomized to ingest 125 mg/d of a placebo or ginger (standardized to contain 10% total gingerols and no more than 3% total shogaols) for 58 days. Data were analyzed by a general linear model (GLM) analysis of variance with repeated measures, mean changes from the baseline with 95% confidence intervals, and chi-squared analysis. Results: There was evidence that ginger supplementation attenuated perceptions of muscle pain in the vastus medialis; improved ratings of pain, stiffness, and functional capacity; and affected several inflammatory markers (e.g., IL-6, INF-ϒ, TNF-α, and C-Reactive Protein concentrations), particularly following two days of recovery from resistance exercise. There was also evidence that ginger supplementation increased eosinophils and was associated with less frequent but not significantly different use of over-the-counter analgesics. Conclusions: Ginger supplementation (125 mg/d, providing 12.5 mg/d of gingerols) appears to have some favorable effects on perceptions of pain, functional capacity, and inflammatory markers in men and women experiencing mild to moderate muscle and joint pain. Registered clinical trial #ISRCTN74292348. Full article

The frequency-domain controlled-source electromagnetic method (CSEM) has been widely used in fields such as oil and gas and mineral resource exploration. In areas with a significant IP response, the CSEM signals will be modified by the IP response of the subsurface. Accurately extracting resistivity and polarization information from CSEM signals may significantly improve the exploration interpretations. In this study, we replaced real resistivity with the Cole–Cole complex resistivity model in a forward simulation of the CSEM to obtain electric field responses that included both induced polarization and electromagnetic effects. Based on this, we used the adaptive differential evolution algorithm to perform a 1-d inversion of these data to extract both the resistivity and IP parameters. Inversion of the electric field responses from representative three-layer geoelectric models, as well as from a more realistic seven-layer model, showed that the inversions were able to effectively recover resistivity and polarization information from the modeled responses, validating our methodology. The electric field response of the real geoelectric model, with 20% random noise added, was then used to simulate actual measured CSEM signals, as well as subjected to multiple inversion tests. The results of these tests continued to accurately reflect the resistivity and polarization information of the model, confirming the applicability and reliability of the algorithm. These results have significant implications for the processing and interpretation of CSEM data when induced polarization effects merit consideration and are expected to promote the use of the CSEM in more fields. Full article

Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory disease-causing bone loss around dental implants, often requiring reconstructive surgical therapies to reduce probing depth and regenerate bone. However, such surgeries are frequently complicated by postoperative issues. This retrospective case series aimed to identify the main postoperative complications following the reconstructive treatment of peri-implant bone defects in peri-implantitis patients. Data from 14 patients with 21 affected implants were analyzed, including demographics, oral hygiene, surgical techniques, and complications such as wound dehiscence, membrane exposure, and infections. Wound dehiscence was measured using Image J^® software version 1.54. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed. The results showed that 11 implants (52.4%; 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 29% to 76%) in nine patients (57.1%; 95%CI = 27% to 87%) developed soft tissue dehiscence after one week, with membrane exposure observed in 4 implants. Dehiscence was significantly associated with mandibular implant location (p = 0.003), poor interproximal hygiene (p = 0.008), and membrane exposure (p = 0.034). No postoperative infections were recorded. In conclusion, more than half of peri-implantitis patients undergoing reconstructive surgery experience wound dehiscence, particularly in cases involving mandible, poor hygiene, and membrane exposure. This complication might compromise bone regeneration and reduce the treatment success rate. These results should be interpreted cautiously due to study design limitations (retrospective design, lack of a control group, and small sample size). Full article

Background/Objectives: Gouty arthritis (GA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder frequently linked to systemic inflammation and impaired kidney function. Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) has been suggested as a potential biomarker involved in both inflammatory responses and renal dysfunction. Studies on GDF-15 serum levels and renal function decline in GA patients are limited. This study aimed to investigate serum GDF-15 levels in patients with GA and to evaluate the relationship between GDF-15 and renal function parameters. Methods: This prospective case–control study included 60 (intercritical group: 30; acute attack group: 30) patients with gout arthritis and 60 healthy controls, matched for body mass index and sex. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay measured serum GDF-15, and renal function and inflammatory markers were also assessed. Group comparisons used non-parametric tests, Spearman’s analysis evaluated correlations, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis assessed diagnostic performance. Results: Serum GDF-15 levels were significantly higher in GA patients than controls (p < 0.001), especially during acute attacks. GDF-15 correlated moderately with renal function markers. ROC analysis showed high diagnostic accuracy for both acute (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.98) and intercritical gout phases (AUC = 0.96). Conclusions: Serum GDF-15 levels are increased in patients with gouty arthritis and are associated with impaired renal function. GDF-15 may serve as a helpful biomarker for disease activity and renal involvement in GA, but its interpretation should be considered in conjunction with other clinical and laboratory parameters. Full article

This study investigated the effects of dietary Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and domperidone on the reproductive performance of Devario devario during a 40-day trial. Five treatment groups received varying doses of GnRH (100, 50, 25, 12.5 µg/kg body weight) in combination with domperidone (50, 25, 12.5, 6.25 mg/kg body weight), embossed in a gel-based diet alongside a control group without the exogenous hormones. Reproductive performance was examined by measuring the gonadosomatic index, fecundity, reproductive hormone levels, and histological features of the gonads, blood parameters, and antioxidant enzyme activity. The T1 group (100 µg GnRH + 50 mg domperidone) exhibited the highest GSI in both sexes. The histological analysis of testes from T1, T2 (50 µg GnRH + 25 mg domperidone), and T3 (25 µg GnRH + 12.5 mg domperidone) groups revealed an increased presence of late-stage spermatids and spermatozoa. In females, the T2 group produced the highest proportion of advanced-stage oocytes and demonstrated the greatest absolute fecundity (1300 ± 23 eggs). However, the control group showed the highest fertilization and hatching rates. Testosterone levels were significantly elevated in the T3 group, while vitellogenin levels increased in the T1 and T2 groups. Antioxidant enzyme activity varied, with the T1 group displaying higher superoxide dismutase activity in gills and liver, and the T2 group showing increased SOD activity in muscle and brain. Improvements in haematological parameters were observed across all treatments. These results suggest that an optimal dose of 50 µg GnRH + 25 mg domperidone can enhance reproductive performance in D. devario. Full article

Weakness, spasticity, and muscle shortening are common in children with cerebral palsy (CP), leading to deficits in gross motor, gait, and selective motor functions. While traditional assessments, such as the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66), instrumented gait analysis, and the Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity (SCALE), are widely used, they are often limited by the resource-intensive nature of hospital-based evaluations. We employed cyclogram-based analysis, utilizing simple hip and knee joint kinematics to assess clinical measures, including GMFM-66, normalized gait speed, the gait deviation index (GDI), and the gait profile score (GPS). Principal component analysis was used to quantify the cyclogram shape characteristics. A total of 144 children with ambulatory spastic CP were included in the study. All the cyclogram parameters were significantly correlated with GMFM-66, gait speed, the GDI, and the sagittal plane subscore of the GPS for the hip and knee, with the swing phase area showing the strongest correlation. Regression models based on the swing phase area were used to estimate the GMFM-66 (R² = 0.301) and gait speed (R² = 0.484). The PC1/PC2 ratio showed a moderate correlation with selective motor control, as measured by the SCALE (R² = 0.320). These findings highlight the potential of hip–knee cyclogram parameters to be used as accessible digital biomarkers for evaluating motor control and gait function in children with bilateral spastic CP. Further prospective studies using wearable sensors, such as inertial measurement units, are warranted to validate and build upon these results. Full article

Objectives: To investigate whether a Multimodal Rehabilitation Program (MRP) affects the change in visual–spatial abilities, especially attention, information-processing speed, visual–spatial learning, the severity of depression, and strategies for coping with pain in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) participants. Methods: The study was conducted between October 2021 and February 2023, with a 4-week rehabilitation program that included individual physiotherapy, manual and physical therapy, and psychological intervention such as psychoeducation, relaxation, and Graded Motor Imagery therapy. Twenty participants with CRPS and twenty healthy participants, forming a control group, were enlisted. The study was a 2-arm parallel: a CRPS group with MRP intervention and a healthy control group matched to the CRPS group according to demographic variables. Before and after, the MRP participants in the CRPS group were assessed for visual–spatial learning, attention abilities, severity of depression, and pain-coping strategy. The healthy control group underwent the same assessment without intervention before two measurements. The primary outcome measure was Reproduction on Rey–Osterrieth’s Complex Figure Test assessing visual–spatial learning. Results: In the post-test compared to the pre-test, the participants with CRPS obtained a significantly high score in visual–spatial learning (p < 0.01) and visual information-processing speed (p = 0.01). They made significantly fewer omission mistakes in visual working memory (p = 0.01). After the MRP compared to the pre-test, the CRPS participants indicated a decrease in the severity of depression (p =0.04) and used a task-oriented strategy for coping with pain more often than before the rehabilitation program (p = 0.02). Conclusions: After a 4-week MRP, the following outcomes were obtained: an increase in visual–spatial learning, visual information-processing speed, a decrease in severity of depression, and a change in the pain-coping strategies—which became more adaptive. Full article

Background/Objectives: In the twin-screw wet granulation (TSWG) process, accurate measurement of residence time distribution (RTD) is critical, as it characterizes material transport kinetics and mixing behavior. It plays a critical role in evaluating the homogeneity and stability of the granulation process and optimizing process parameters. It is necessary to overcome the limitations arising from the complex and time-consuming procedures of conventional RTD determination methods. Methods: This study proposes a new RTD detection method based on image processing. It uses black dye as a tracer to obtain RTD curve data, and the effects of process parameters such as tracer dosage, screw speed, and feeding rate on the RTD were investigated. Results: The results show that the established method can accurately determine RTD and that the tracer dosage has no significant effect on the detection results. Further analysis revealed that the screw speed is negatively correlated with the mean residence time (MRT). As the speed increases, not only does the MRT shorten, but its distribution also decreases. Similarly, an increase in the feeding rate also leads to a decrease in the MRT and distribution, but it is worth noting that lower feeding rates are beneficial for achieving a state close to mixed flow, while excessively high feeding rates are not conducive to sufficient mixing of materials in the extruder. Conclusions: The RTD detection method provides a reliable parameter basis and theoretical guidance for the in-depth study of the TSWG process and the development of quality control strategies. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate structural and micro-architectural changes in the mandible, parietal bone, femur, and tibia in OVX rats at different time periods after ovariectomy. Forty-two 11-month-old female Wistar rats were used. Six rats without surgery were euthanized to serve as a baseline. Eighteen rats were ovariectomized and fed with a calcium-deficient diet, and eighteen animals were used as controls (Ctrls) and fed with a standard diet. Six OVX rats and six Ctrls were euthanized at 3, 6, and 9 months. Qualitative histology and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were performed. Histological evaluation of bones harvested from the OVX groups revealed trabecular bone reduction, while no significant differences in the cortical bone of OVX and Ctrls were observed. DXA measurements of (1) femoral diaphysis showed a significant decrease in the OVX group compared to the Ctrl groups at 3 (p = 0.041), 6 (p < 0.001), and 9 months (p < 0.001); (2) the proximal tibia showed a significant decrease in the OVX group compared to the Ctrl groups (p < 0.001); (3) parietal bone showed a significant difference between OVX and Ctrls at 6 months (p = 0.012); and (4) the mandible showed no significant differences between the OVX and Ctrl groups. OVX aged rats might present reductions in the density of the femoral diaphysis, proximal tibia, parietal bone, and mandible at different time points. These findings contribute to the field of biomimetics by providing more details for the understanding of age- and hormone-related bone changes in the osteoporotic-like rat model. Such data are critical for the development of biomimetic materials and structures that attempt to simulate natural bone adaptation and deterioration, especially in the context of postmenopausal or osteoporotic conditions. Full article

Photoplethysmographic (PPG) sensors are small and cheap wearable sensors which open the possibility of monitoring physiological parameters such as heart rate during normal daily routines, ultimately providing valuable information on health status. Despite their potential and distribution within wearable devices, their accuracy is affected by several influencing parameters, such as contact pressure and physical activity. In this study, the effect of contact pressure (i.e., at 20, 60, and 75 mmHg) and intensity of physical activity (i.e., at 3, 6, and 8 km/h) were evaluated on a sample of 25 subjects using both a reference device (i.e., an electrocardiography-based device) and a PPG sensor applied to the skin with controlled contact pressure values. Results showed differing accuracy and precision when measuring the heart rate at different pressure levels, achieving the best performance at a contact pressure of 60 mmHg, with a mean absolute percentage error of between 3.36% and 6.83% depending on the physical activity levels, and a Pearson’s correlation coefficient of between 0.81 and 0.95. Plus, considering the individual optimal contact pressure, measurement uncertainty significantly decreases at any contact pressure, for instance, decreasing from 15 bpm (at 60 mmHg) to 8 bpm when running at a speed of 6 km/h (coverage factor k = 2). These results may constitute useful information for both users and manufacturers to improve the metrological performance of PPG sensors and expand their use in a clinical context. Full article

Background/Objectives: On 6 June 2023, two varicella cases were reported at a highly vaccinated elementary school in Gyeonggi Province, Republic of Korea. We investigated the outbreak to describe its transmission dynamics; quantify attack rates in school, household, and private-academy settings; and assess the impact of coordinated control measures. Methods: A case-series study included 89 teachers and students who had contact with suspected patients. Using case definitions, laboratory tests, questionnaires, and environmental assessments, we evaluated exposures and factors facilitating spread. Results: Varicella developed in 23 of 89 contacts (25.8%); laboratory confirmation was obtained in 2 (8.7% of cases). The mean incubation period was 13 days. Epidemic-curve and network analyses indicated that the outbreak began with a single index case and extended through household contacts and private educational facilities, ultimately involving multiple schools. Conclusions: Breakthrough transmission can occur even when single-dose coverage exceeds 95%, particularly as vaccine-induced immunity may wane over time. Poorly regulated extracurricular facilities, such as private academies, act as bridging hubs that amplify spread across grades and even between schools. For timely detection and control, these venues should be incorporated into routine varicella surveillance, and rapid, coordinated infection-control measures are required across all educational settings. Full article

Background: Spring ligament (SL) injuries are primarily associated with progressive collapsing flatfoot deformity, but can also occur due to trauma. It remains unclear whether the morphological changes following trauma differ from those caused by chronic overload. The aim of this study was (1) to analyze whether a relationship exists between the injury pattern and foot deformity and (2) to evaluate whether there is a distinction between trauma-related and non-trauma-related injuries. Method: We prospectively enrolled 198 patients with a median age of 57 years (range, 13 to 86 years; female, 127 (64%); male, 71 (36%)) who had a clinically diagnosed, surgically confirmed, and classified SL injury. We used weight-bearing standard X-rays to assess foot deformity. The control group consisted of 30 patients (median age 51 years, range, 44–66; female, 21 (70.0%); male, 9 (30.0%)) with no foot deformities or prior foot surgeries. Results: A 41.9% incidence of trauma was identified as the cause of these injuries, accounting for 16 (20.8%) of isolated injuries to the SL, 30 (42.9%) of SL injury accompanied by a posterior tibial (PT) tendon avulsion, and 37 (72.5%) of SL injury alongside a bony avulsion at the navicular injuries. The odds of being post-traumatic decreased with each year of age by a factor of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.95–0.99). Conclusions: While all radiographic measurements for flatfoot deformity became pathological after an injury to the SL, they did not accurately predict the injury patterns of the SL and distal PT tendon. Generally, post-traumatic cases exhibited lower severity of foot deformity, suggesting that other structures beyond the SL may contribute to the development of flatfoot deformity. Full article

Background: Cold feet syndrome is characterized by hypersensitivity of sympathetic nerves to cold stimuli, resulting in vasoconstriction and reduced peripheral blood flow. This condition causes an intense cold sensation, particularly in the extremities. Although hormonal changes (e.g., during childbirth or menopause) and psychological stress have been implicated, the mechanisms and effective treatments remain unclear. Methods: Ninety adult volunteers were randomized into three groups based on the type of heating mat applied to the feet, with surface temperatures gradually increased from 20 °C to 50 °C. Group A (control) used non-FIR electric mats, Group B used carbon FIR mats, and Group C used loess bio-ball FIR mats. Blood flow (mL/min/100 g) and epidermal temperature (°C) in the left big toe (LBT) and right big toe (RBT) were measured before and after heating or FIR exposure using laser Doppler flowmetry and infrared thermometers. Results: No significant changes in blood flow or skin temperature were observed in Group A. In Group B, blood flow increased by 15.07 mL/min/100 g in the LBT (from 4.12 ± 2.22 to 19.19 ± 5.44) and by 14.55 mL/min/100 g in the RBT (from 4.26 ± 2.29 to 18.81 ± 4.29). In Group C, blood flow increased by 32.86 mL/min/100 g in the LBT (from 4.23 ± 1.64 to 37.09 ± 6.04) and by 32.63 mL/min/100 g in the RBT (from 4.20 ± 1.61 to 36.83 ± 6.48). Epidermal temperature also increased significantly in Group C. All changes in Groups B and C were statistically significant (p < 0.05), with Group C showing the most prominent enhancement. Conclusions: The loess bio-ball mat significantly increased both peripheral blood flow and epidermal temperature compared to the electric and carbon mats. These findings suggest that FIR emitted from loess bio-balls may enhance peripheral circulation through hypothalamus thermogenic response and nitric oxide (NO)-dependent pathways and could serve as a complementary and non-invasive intervention for individuals with poor blood flow. Full article

The prevention of bubble coalescence is essential in various industrial processes, such as mineral flotation, where the stability of air–liquid interfaces significantly affects performance. The combined influence of multiple physicochemical parameters on bubble coalescence remains insufficiently understood, particularly under conditions relevant to flotation. This study explores the key factors that influence the inhibition of bubble coalescence in aqueous solutions containing methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC), providing a systematic comparative analysis to assess the effect of each variable on coalescence inhibition. An experimental method was employed in which two air bubbles were formed from identical capillaries and brought into contact either head-to-head or side-by-side, then held until coalescence occurred. This setup allows for reliable measurements of coalescence time with minimal variability regarding the conditions under which the bubbles interact. The study examined the effects of several factors: temperature, pH, salt concentration and type, bubble approach speed, contact area, and contact configuration. The results reveal that coalescence is delayed at lower temperatures, alkaline pH conditions, high salt concentrations, and larger interfacial contact areas between bubbles. Within the range studied, the influence of approach speed was found to be insignificant. These findings provide valuable insights into the fundamental mechanisms governing bubble coalescence and offer practical guidance for optimizing industrial processes that rely on the controlled stabilization of air–liquid interfaces. By understanding and manipulating the factors that inhibit coalescence, it is possible to design more efficient and sustainable mineral flotation systems, thereby reducing environmental impact and conserving water resources. Full article

Background: Cataract is the leading cause of severe, non-traumatic vision loss worldwide, leading to multiple adverse outcomes in mental health, including depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline; however, the relationship to psychotic symptoms remains unclear. While congenital vision loss appears protective against psychosis, acquired vision loss or acute deprivation are inducing psychotic symptoms. Methods: This study of 200 consecutive cataract patients, with severe vision loss, compares Paranoid Ideation and Psychoticism symptoms pre surgery, measured with the SCL-90-R scale, to those symptoms that persisted two months post-surgery. Results: The results confirm the hypothesis that cataract surgery is associated with a reduction in those symptoms (Wilcoxon Z = 5.425, p < 0.001 for Paranoid Ideation and Wilcoxon Z = 6.478, p < 0.001 for Psychoticism). Higher improvement in those variables was associated with higher improvement in visual acuity while controlling for age, gender and stressful life events during the past six months. Conclusions: Those results point to the importance of addressing loss of visual function especially in patients with pre-existing psychotic symptoms or signs of cognitive decline. Full article