Search Results (816)

Exercise training has demonstrated potential benefits in addressing the adverse effects of cardiovascular diseases, particularly myocardial infarction (MI). This study analyzed the cardioprotective effects of moderate exercise before and after MI in rats subjected to isoproterenol (ISO)-induced heart damage. Wistar rats were assigned to five groups: controls (CTRL), isoproterenol-treated (ISO), swimming before ISO (PRE + ISO), swimming after ISO (ISO + POST), and swimming both before and after ISO (PRE + ISO + POST). Cardiac function was assessed through echocardiography, while oxidative stress markers, Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and Myeloperoxidase (MPO), were quantified using biochemical assays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical analyses were conducted by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), accompanied by Tukey’s post hoc test. Exercise performed post-MI and both pre- and post-MI significantly reduced ISO-induced infarct size and improved left ventricular function (stroke volume (SV), ejection fraction (EF), and Tei index). HO-1 protein concentration and HO enzyme activity were restored, while swim training reduced the activity of MPO compared to the ISO group. Moderate exercise training, when appropriately timed, provides cardioprotection against ISO-induced myocardial damage by reducing oxidative stress and cardiac dysfunction. Full article

Objectives: Respiratory motion degrades the quantitative accuracy and test–retest (TRT) reliability of fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose ([¹⁸F] FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) in lung cancer. This study investigated whether a deep-learning-based respiratory motion correction (RMC) method improves the TRT reliability and image quality of [¹⁸F] FDG PET tumor quantification compared with non-motion-corrected (NMC) reconstructions. Methods: Thirty-one patients with primary lung cancer underwent three PET acquisitions: whole body free breathing (Scan1), thoracic free breathing (Scan2), and thoracic controlled breathing (ScanCB). Each dataset was reconstructed with and without RMC. Visual assessments of liver motion artifacts, lesion clarity, and PET-CT co-registration were scored. Lung tumors were segmented to derive standardized uptake value max (SUVmax), SUVmean, metabolic tumor volume (MTV), PET-derived lesion length (PLL), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG). Visual image scores and TRT reliability of tumor quantification were compared using Kruskal–Wallis one-way analysis of variance and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Results: RMC reconstructions achieved higher visual scores of lesion clarity and PET-CT co-registration across all lung lobes and significantly reduced liver motion artifacts compared with NMC reconstructions. Differences in SUVmax, SUVmean, PLL, MTV, and TLG between Scan2 and ScanCB were significantly smaller with RMC than with NMC. ICCs for SUVmax, SUVmean, MTV, and TLG were higher between scans with RMC than NMC reconstructions, indicating improved TRT reliability. Conclusions: The deep-learning-based RMC method improved the image quality and TRT reproducibility of [¹⁸F] FDG PET/CT quantification in lung cancer, supporting its potential for routine adoption in therapy-response assessments. Full article

Background: Children with ADHD and children with intellectual disability (ID) often have problems with daily time management (DTM). It is, however, less well-known how the underlying time-processing ability (TPA) may impact children’s DTM and autonomy. The purpose of this study was to investigate DTM, TPA, and self-rated autonomy in the activities of everyday life among children aged 9–15 years with and without disabilities. Methods: The participants were matched samples of children with ADHD (n = 47), with ID (n = 47), and typically developing (TD) children (n = 47). A descriptive, comparative, and cross-sectional design was used. Group comparisons with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey post-hoc tests, bootstrapping, and a cluster analysis were used to analyze the data. Results: Children with ADHD and children with ID had significantly lower TPA and DTM than TD children. Children with ADHD had even lower DTM than those with ID. Children with ADHD and ID have the same overall pattern of TPA, but it may be delayed, affecting their DTM and autonomy. However, there was considerable heterogeneity among the children with ADHD and ID, ranging from skilled to having significant problems in TPA. For all children, the levels of self-rated autonomy seemed to follow the level of TPA. Conclusions: Children with ADHD and children with ID have an increased risk of delayed TPA, affecting their DTM and autonomy, which may also influence their participation in daily activities. The results indicate a need to measure TPA and DTM to tailor interventions for each child. Full article

Greenhouse pesticide application often suffers from low droplet deposition uniformity and health risks to operators. A self-propelled overhead rail air-assisted sprayer has been designed. The mathematical model based on droplet movement and the DPM are used to analyze the equipment’s working principle. Deposition surfaces at 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, and 0.7 m were used to examine the effects of travel speed, external airflow, and spray angle on droplet deposition uniformity. Through one-way analysis of variance, all variables reached a significant level (p < 0.001). Simulation results identified the optimal operating parameters: travel speed of 0.3 m/s, external air-flow velocity of 0.3 m/s, and spray angle of 5°, resulting in droplet deposition densities of 719, 586, 700, and 839 droplets/cm², with a coefficient of variation of 14.57%. The sediment variation coefficients of both the on-site test results and the simulation results were within 10%, which proved the reliability of the numerical simulation. In conclusion, the device proposed in this study effectively enables targeted fog spraying for multi-layer crops in greenhouses, significantly improving pesticide utilization, reducing application costs, and minimizing environmental pollution. It offers reliable technical support for greenhouse pest control operations. Full article

In the context of the increasing digitalisation of education, teachers are facing growing technological demands that may affect their professional well-being. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between digital competencies, technostress, and teachers’ professional well-being. The research was conducted on a sample of primary school teachers using validated questionnaires. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis, and one-way analysis of variance. The results showed a statistically significant negative relationship between digital competencies and technostress, as well as a positive relationship between digital competencies and professional well-being. Digital competencies proved to be a significant positive predictor of professional well-being, while technostress did not make a significant independent contribution. Differences in the level of technostress were also found with regard to teachers’ years of work experience. In conclusion, the results highlight the importance of strengthening digital competencies as a key resource for maintaining teachers’ professional well-being in a digital environment. Full article

The presence and development of pathogens in the human body remains a serious problem. The existence of microorganisms is primarily related to their ability to adhere to various surfaces. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of Si(C,N) coatings on a nickel-chromium alloy surface to reduce bacterial and fungal adhesion and to provide antimicrobial activity. This publication also focused on determining which coating variant is most effective in reducing microbial adhesion. Si(C,N) coatings were sputtered onto the surface of the prosthetic alloy using the magnetron sputtering method. Observation was performed using a fluorescence microscope and a flow cytometer. The number of adhered bacterial cells decreased compared to the samples without coating (sample series A) by approximately 84% in sample series B and by 29% in sample series F. In the case of adhesion of fungal cells, their number decreased compared to the samples without coating (sample series A) by approximately 76% in sample series B and by 47% in sample series F. The applied one-way analysis of variance test indicated a statistically significant effect of the tested factor at a level below 0.001. Based on the conducted research, it was noticed that the use of Si(C,N) layers on the surface of the prosthetic alloy limits the adhesion of bacteria and fungi. Full article

Although student evaluations of teaching (SET) in higher education have recently gained considerable interest, little is known about whether course level influences these evaluations. Accordingly, two datasets, obtained from a large public university in the U.S. Midwest, were analyzed to investigate whether course level makes a difference in SET. The first dataset included 25,306 evaluations across eight course levels collected using the SET questionnaire. A one-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), followed by univariate analyses of variance (ANOVAs), was conducted to test whether course level makes a difference in SET scores. To cross-validate the results and ensure generalizability, the same analyses were conducted using a second, smaller dataset (N = 444). MANOVA results revealed a statistically significant effect for course level on the combined SET dimensions across both campuses. All univariate ANOVAs were also significant across both campuses. Follow-up post hoc comparisons, with level 1 as the reference group, were statistically significant, especially for level 8. Overall, these results underscore the importance of accounting for course level when interpreting SET and encourage researchers to include key covariates (e.g., class size, discipline, instructor experience, and student composition) to identify the factors driving course-level differences. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oral hygiene is crucial for maintaining overall health, as poor oral care can lead to various systemic diseases. Although xylitol is widely used to inhibit plaque formation, more effective agents are needed to control oral biofilms. Herein, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of sialyllactose (SL), a type of human milk oligosaccharide (HMO), and its partial structure N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) against Streptococcus biofilm. Methods: Under a CO₂ atmosphere, Streptococcus mutans and mixed Streptococcus species were each cultivated in vitro, and the inhibitory effects of HMOs [2′-fucosyllactose, 3′-sialyllactose (3′-SL) and 6′-sialyllactose (6′-SL)] and Neu5Ac on biofilm formation were evaluated. Bacterial biofilm formation was quantified using the crystal violet assay. Biofilm architecture and viability were visualized using confocal laser-scanning microscopy (CLSM) with SYTO9/propidium iodide staining. Transcriptomic responses of S. mutans biofilms to the test compounds were analyzed by RNA-Seq. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s test. Results: SLs and Neu5Ac at 100 mM significantly inhibited S. mutans biofilm formation, with stronger effects than those of xylitol. The inhibitory effects varied among HMOs, with 6′-SL being more effective than 3′-SL and Neu5Ac being most effective. These effects were consistent in assays targeting biofilms formed by other S. mutans strains and in a mixed biofilm comprising Streptococcus species. Gene expression analysis suggested that the inhibitory mechanism involves the physical inhibition of surface adhesion and stress-induced regulation of gene expression. Conclusions: This study provides insights into the physiological significance of HMOs in the oral cavities of humans. HMOs exhibited potential as functional foods to control oral biofilm formation and reduce the risk of oral and systemic diseases. Full article

Background: ApoE is a major regulator of lipid metabolism and glycaemic control. The aim of the current study is to investigate the ApoE gene polymorphisms among Black South Africans with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and associate them with their lipid profile. Methods: A cross-sectional case–control study was conducted among 107 participants, divided into two groups: patients with T2DM (n = 65) and non-diabetic controls (n = 42). Blood samples were collected for analysis of glycated haemoglobin, lipid profile, nitric oxide, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and DNA genotyping using the MALDI-TOF. Continuous variables were analysed using Student’s t-test or one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Genotype and allele frequencies were compared using Fisher’s exact tests. Results: The ApoE3 allele was the most prevalent among both groups, observed in 55.47% in T2DM patients and 52.38% in the non-diabetic group, followed by E4 and E2. HWE analysis revealed a deviation from equilibrium [χ² (3) = 9.137, p = 0.0275]. TG levels differed significantly across ApoE alleles (F = 3.68, p = 0.03), with higher TG concentrations observed among E3 allele carriers and E4 allele carriers. Poor glycaemic control (HbA1c ≥ 7.0%) predominated across all ApoE alleles. Among E3 allele carriers, 75.0% of participants exhibited poor glycaemic control, whereas only 25.0% achieved good glycaemic control (p = 0.002). Conclusions: ApoE polymorphisms are associated with allele-specific heterogeneity in lipid metabolism and glycaemic control among individuals with T2DM, underscoring the complex, context-dependent role of genetic variation in metabolic dysregulation within African populations. Full article

Background: Smoking alters oral ecological balance, yet its influence on posterior teeth restored with lithium disilicate endocrowns is insufficiently documented. This study assessed the clinical and microbiological impact of smoking on the peri-coronal environment of endocrown-restored teeth, using an age-stratified approach to evaluate cumulative effects. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 adults, equally divided into smokers and non-smokers. Salivary pH, papillary bleeding index, and plaque index were clinically recorded. Subgingival samples collected from endocrown-restored posterior teeth were analyzed using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting major periodontal pathogens. Age-related variation in clinical and microbiological parameters was examined using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey’s HSD post hoc test. Results: Smokers showed consistently lower salivary pH and higher plaque accumulation across all age groups. Gingival bleeding was reduced in younger smokers but increased in older individuals. Microbiological analysis identified markedly elevated levels of orange-complex organisms in smokers, including Prevotella intermedia and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Clinically, endocrowns in smokers presented more frequent marginal degradation, localized inflammation, and early signs of recurrent caries. These effects intensified with age. Conclusions: Smoking adversely modifies the peri-coronal biological environment of lithium disilicate endocrowns by increasing acidity, promoting plaque maturation, and supporting dysbiotic microbial communities. Age further amplifies these changes. Considering smoking status and patient age during treatment planning may improve long-term restorative outcomes. Full article

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the diameter of iatrogenic root perforations and the fracture resistance (FR) of endodontically treated teeth. Methods: Sixty-five single-rooted teeth were sectioned at 13 mm from the anatomic apex. Their weight and the mesiodistal (MD) and buccolingual (BL) dimensions were recorded in order to ensure their allocation into five homogeneous groups (N = 13); Group 1 (control group): teeth remained intact, Group 2: teeth were instrumented but not perforated, Group 3: teeth were instrumented and perforated with a 2.1 mm bur, Group 4: teeth were instrumented and perforated with a 1 mm bur, and Group 5: teeth were instrumented and perforated with a 0.5 mm bur. All perforations were created at the same spot in the buccal surface of the roots. To further standardize the defects, an apparatus ensured that the cutting bur was positioned with a steady angle of 105° to the external root surface. A universal testing machine was used for fracture testing by applying a compressive vertical load at a speed of 1 mm/min until root fracture. The recorded forces were statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Tukey test. Results: The mean fracture load was 342.68 ± 146.45 N for Group 1, 322.96 ± 98.62 N for Group 2, 214.65 ± 71.32 N for Group 3, 212.66 ± 77.89 N for Group 4, and 307.14 ± 109.16 N for Group 5. However, only the differences between groups 1–3 and 1–4 were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The teeth with 2.1 mm and 1 mm perforations were found to have significantly decreased FR. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to examine awareness and behaviors related to injury prevention in the home among community-dwelling older adults according to age and gender. Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 299 adults aged ≥65 years who visited 10 senior welfare centers in Korea were included. Data were collected through structured face-to-face interviews using a questionnaire assessing general characteristics, awareness, and behaviors related to home injury prevention. Descriptive statistics, the chi-squared test, independent t-test, and one-way analysis of variance were used for data analysis. Results: Levels of interest in home injuries and awareness of first aid differed significantly by age and gender. The possession of a home emergency kit and participation in regular health check-ups varied by age, while the intention to participate in injury-prevention education differed by gender. Overall, female participants demonstrated higher levels of injury-prevention behavior than male participants. Conclusions: Older adults showed lower awareness and practice of specific home injury–prevention strategies, while women exhibited greater awareness and preventive behaviors than men. These findings suggest that tailored home injury–prevention interventions that consider age and gender characteristics may yield more effective and positive outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Turnover intention among intensive care unit (ICU) nurses remains consistently higher than that observed in other clinical departments. A weakened professional identity and exposure to ethically challenging situations may further intensify nurses’ intention to leave. This study aimed to examine the influence of moral distress, person-centred care, and nursing professional pride on turnover intention among ICU nurses in South Korea. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed using a convenience sample of 203 ICU nurses from three general hospitals in South Korea. Data were obtained between 26 September and 31 October 2024 and analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 29.0.2.0, with t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. Results: Two subdomains of nursing professional pride—role satisfaction and willingness to stay—along with gender (male) and the futile care subdomain of moral distress were the main factors influencing turnover intention. These variables collectively explained 24.9% of the variance in turnover intention (F = 17.78, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Strengthening nursing professional pride—particularly role satisfaction and willingness to stay—and reducing futile care-related moral distress may help lower ICU nurses’ turnover intention. Organisational strategies, including ethical management programmes and supportive policies, are recommended to enhance nursing professional pride, alleviate moral distress, and promote long-term nurse retention. Full article

Background and Objectives: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and associated lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) can substantially impair health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We examined the relationship between LUTS severity, measured by the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and HRQoL assessed with the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) in men receiving pharmacological treatment for BPH. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study at the University Clinical Center of Vojvodina (May–July 2024). Seventy men aged 50–80 years on ≥1 year of pharmacological therapy for BPH were enrolled. LUTS severity was categorized by IPSS (mild, moderate, severe). HRQoL was measured across WHOQOL-BREF domains (physical, psychological, social, environmental). Group differences were tested with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc tests; associations were evaluated with Spearman’s rank correlation; multivariable linear regression adjusted for age, socioeconomic status, and therapy type. Results: Severe LUTS were associated with significantly lower HRQoL in the physical (p = 0.002), social (p = 0.007), and environmental (p = 0.008) domains compared with mild or moderate symptoms, while psychological scores did not differ. IPSS correlated negatively with the physical (ρ = −0.438, p < 0.001), social (ρ = −0.470, p < 0.001), and environmental (ρ = −0.449, p < 0.001) domains. In multivariable regression, IPSS remained independently associated with lower physical HRQoL (β = −0.768, p < 0.001), independent of age, socioeconomic status, and therapy type. Conclusions: Greater LUTS severity is associated with poorer health-related quality of life in men receiving pharmacological treatment for BPH. Integrating comprehensive symptom assessment with HRQoL measures may enhance clinical evaluation and support more personalized management. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether symptom improvement translates into meaningful gains in quality of life. Full article

Paddy field leveling is the foundation of high-yield rice cultivation. In response to the current issues of low leveling accuracy and the lack of efficient multi-operation machinery, an Integrated Multi-operation Paddy Field Leveling Machine was designed in this study. This machine can complete soil crushing, stubble burying, mud stirring, and leveling in a single pass. Combined with an adaptive control system based on Global Navigation Satellite System—Real-Time Kinematic (GNSS-RTK) technology, it enables adaptive and precise paddy field leveling operations. To verify the operational performance of the equipment, field tests were conducted. The results showed that the machine achieved an average puddling depth of 14.21 cm, a surface levelness of 2.16 cm, an average stubble burial depth of 8.15 cm, and a vegetation coverage rate of 89.33%, demonstrating satisfactory leveling performance. Furthermore, to clarify the feasibility and superiority of applying this equipment in actual rice production, experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of different field leveling methods on early rice growth, yield, and its components. One-way analysis of variance was employed to examine the differences in agronomic indicators between the different field leveling treatments. The results indicated that using this equipment for paddy field leveling, compared to traditional methods and dry land preparation, can improve the seedling emergence rate, thereby laying a solid population foundation for the formation of effective panicles. It also promoted root growth and development and increased the total dry matter accumulation at maturity, thereby contributing to high yield formation. Over the two-year experimental period, the rice yield remained above 9.8 t·hm⁻². This research provides theoretical support and practical guidance for the further optimization and development of subsequent paddy field preparation equipment, thereby promoting the widespread application of this technology in rice production. Full article