Search Results (2,973)

Background/Objectives: Babywearing is a carrying system that ensures consistent contact and proper posture between the baby and carrying adult, in which there is no age or weight limit, and it is rarely inadvisable. Although babywearing has been growing in popularity and acclaim due to the comfort and emotional closeness between the carrier and baby, there are a number of physical and physiological consequences for the adult carrier when using an ergonomic babywearing device, such as muscular, postural, cardiorespiratory, and energy expenditure, and the perception of effort and pain. The objective is to explore the physical implications affecting the carrier, as well as the subjective perception of strain and pain. Methods: A systematic review was carried out including articles up to December 2023 in the Web of Science (WOS), Medline, and SportDiscus databases. Studies dealing with ergonomic babywearing and the physical implications of babywearing were included; systematic reviews or case studies were excluded. Results: After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 14 original articles were obtained for analysis. Methodological quality was rated using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies with scores between 3 and 8 points. All articles included valid and reliable information on exposure, outcome measures, and results. Conclusions: The studies reviewed cover different aspects, such as muscle activation and postural stability, as well as specific ergonomic design for particular groups. In general terms, it seems that the use of certain babywearing devices, especially back or front carry, seems to be the one that generates fewer physiological alterations in the carriers compared to carrying babies in arms or other positions. Full article

Huanglongbing (HLB), associated with Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), has severely impacted global citrus production, with no economically viable control measures currently available. This study explored microwave treatment at 2450 MHz as an innovative physical method for HLB control, combining pathogen elimination efficacy with metabolomic analysis. In controlled experiments, 36 HLB-infected citrus plants were treated with 500 W or 250 W microwave irradiation and underwent 10 cycles, achieving up to 99.83% reduction CLas titer. Non-targeted metabolomic analysis identified 15 significantly altered metabolites, including upregulated beta-caryophyllene and lysophosphatidylinositols, and downregulated 5′-S-methyl-5′-thioadenosine. The results indicate that microwave treatment effectively suppressed CLas while simultaneously triggering citrus physiological metabolic changes. These findings suggest that microwave treatment could serve as a sustainable alternative to chemical controls. However, further optimization of parameters, such as wavelengths, voltages, currents, and safety protocols, will be essential for practical field implementation. Full article

Digital twin is a mathematical model that virtually represents a physical object or process and predicts its behavior at future time points. These simulation models enable a deeper understanding of tumorigenic processes and improve biomarker discovery in cancer research. Tumor microenvironment is marked by dysregulated signaling pathways, where kinases and phosphatases serve as critical regulators and promising sources for biomarker discovery. These enzymes operate within multiscale and context-dependent processes where spatial and temporal coordination determine cellular outcomes. Digital Twin technology provides a platform for multimodal and multiscale modeling of kinase and phosphatase processes at the patient-specific level. These models have the potential to transform biomarker validation processes, enhance the prediction of therapeutic responses, and support precision decision-making. In this review, we present the major alterations affecting kinases and phosphatase functions within the tumor microenvironment and their clinical relevance as biomarkers, and we address how digital twins in oncology can augment and refine each stage of the biomarker discovery pipeline. Introducing this emerging technology for cancer biomarker discovery will assist in accelerating its adoption and translation into precision diagnostics and targeted therapies. Full article

The global shift toward clean production, like using renewable energy, has significantly decreased the use of synchronous machines (SMs), which help maintain stability and control, causing serious frequency stability issues in power systems with low inertia. Fractional order controller-based virtual synchronous machines (FOC-VSMs) have become a promising option, but they rely on communication networks to work together in real time, causing them to be at risk of cyberattacks, especially from false data injection attacks (FDIAs). This paper suggests a new way to detect FDI attacks using a federated physics-informed long short-term memory (PI-LSTM) network. Each FOC-VSM uses its data to train a PI-LSTM, which keeps the information private but still helps it learn from a common model that understands various operating conditions. The PI-LSTM incorporates physical constraints derived from the FOC-VSM swing equation, facilitating residual-based anomaly detection that is sensitive to minor deviations in control dynamics, such as altered inertia or falsified frequency signals. Unlike traditional LSTMs, the physics-informed architecture minimizes false positives arising from benign disturbances. We assessed the proposed method on an IEEE 9-bus test system featuring two FOC-VSMs. The results show that our method can successfully detect FDI attacks while handling regular changes, proving it could be a strong solution. Full article

Eutrophication, a growing environmental concern, exacerbates algal blooms and alters the physical and chemical properties of water, thereby diminishing biodiversity, water quality, and ecosystem services. While various control strategies have been developed, most are designed for temperate regions and may not be applicable to tropical systems, which differ ecologically and climatically. This study reviewed 84 articles published between 2000 and 2024, focusing on eutrophication management in tropical and subtropical lakes. The studies were categorized into physical (8), chemical (17), and biological (59) approaches. Over time, research activity has increased, with Asia leading in publication output. Among biological strategies, biomanipulation—especially the use of macrophytes—emerged as the most common and effective strategy. Macrophytes are preferred due to their strong antagonistic interaction with algae, ease of implementation, cost-effectiveness, and minimal ecological risks. While the review also addresses the limitations of each method, it concludes that macrophyte-based biomanipulation remains a promising tool for mitigating eutrophication in tropical and subtropical freshwater ecosystems. In this context, effective lake restoration requires balancing ecological goals with human needs, supported by stakeholder engagement, community education, and multi-sectoral governance. Full article

Objectives. The present study aimed to quantify changes in spinal kinematics during Nordic walking compared to regular walking (RW) for 60 s on a training path among physically fit young males (n = 20, aged 19–22 years). Methods. Two walking speeds were analyzed: 3 km/h and 5 km/h. The experimental setup was designed to assess spinal angular rotations using five kinematic parameters: upper spine, lower spine, thoracic region, lumbar region, and pelvis. Results. The data were acquired from 9 compact inertial sensors and the following motion analysis is carried out using 3D MioMotion IMU sensor’s analysis system. The differences in the obtained cyclic biomechanical parameters were detected using functional data analysis (FDA) statistical tests. Conclusions. The key finding of the study is that Nordic walking significantly alters the angular kinematic pattern of spinal movement as it revealed significant differences in all five measured parameters when compared to normal walking. Notably, the most pronounced changes were observed in the upper spine and pelvis motion. Additionally, Nordic walking increased stance phase duration and velocity: (i) significantly increased the duration of the stance phase in all three planes of motion; (ii) significantly increased the velocity during the stance phase across all three planes. These reported findings highlight the biomechanical, preventive, therapeutic, and rehabilitative potential of Nordic walking. Full article

Background: The increasing demand for care in hospital settings, often at a high intensity, requires organizing work according to 24 h shifts. Nevertheless, shift work (SW), especially at night, alters the circadian rhythm, negatively affecting the psychophysical health of nurses, compromising their quality of life, and jeopardizing patient safety. Shift-work-related diseases (SWDs) can arise from these disruptions. Methods: This systematic review aims to evaluate the effects of several types of medical, psychotherapeutic, and educational interventions and strategies on shift-work-related diseases (SWDs). The databases PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane were searched using the MESH terms “shift work” and “nurses” from January 2015 to March 2025. A total of 43 articles were included in the final analysis. Results: Quantitative findings from the studies showed, for example, improvements in sleep quality scores ranging from 15% to 40% with optimized shift planning, reductions in fatigue scores by 20–35% through strategic napping, and moderate effect sizes for light therapy interventions. Physical activity and relaxation techniques were associated with a 10–25% improvement in subjective well-being indices, while meal timing interventions led to reductions in gastrointestinal symptom prevalence by up to 18%. The selected articles were discussed by dividing them according to the type of intervention applied to shift nurses, namely improvement of shift planning, light and temperature modulation, introduction of napping, supplementation, meal management, psychotherapy, sleep education, physical activity, relaxation techniques and yoga, music therapy, and aromatherapy. This categorization was performed to highlight the range of strategies tested and their relative quantitative impact. Conclusions: There is evidence that SWDs can be mitigated through targeted interventions and strategies. The limitations of the studies examined include small sample sizes, extreme heterogeneity of follow-up, the few numbers of randomized controlled trials, and the prevalence of female or Intensive Care Unit nurses in study samples. Further research should focus on large-scale randomized controlled trials, multicenter longitudinal studies, and the evaluation of the most promising interventions—particularly light therapy, optimized shift scheduling, and structured napping protocols—to assess their long-term efficacy and generalizability. Full article

Background: Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) frequently occurs after engaging in strenuous physical activity. The manifestation of DOMS is often associated with changes in the biomechanical and viscoelastic characteristics of the affected muscles. Materials and Methods: Forty participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to two groups: the intervention group receiving transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS, n = 20) and a control group (n = 20). A fatigue-inducing protocol targeting the gastrocnemius muscle was implemented to elicit DOMS. The effectiveness of TENS was assessed by evaluating alterations in the biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of the muscle. Pain intensity was recorded using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) at five time points: before the study began, three times during the intervention, and once at the conclusion of the study. Results: No statistically significant changes have been found regarding muscle tone (p = 0.162) and stiffness (p = 0.212) in Group 1. However, a statistically significant lower level of stiffness in Group 1 after the end of therapy has been detected (p = 0.008). Decrement values decreased statistically significantly, both in Group 1 (p = 0.015) and in Group 2 (p = 0.014). There were no statistically significant differences in decrement level between Group 1 and 2. Relaxation and creep decreased statistically insignificantly in both groups. At the end of the observation period (Day 4), statistically significant (p = 0.027) lower pain intensity was observed in Group 1. Conclusions: It has been demonstrated that TENS has had limited effectiveness in restoring baseline biomechanical and viscoelastic parameters of muscles that undergo changes during DOMS. TENS significantly relieves pain symptoms occurring in DOMS. Full article

Considering the necessity of food safety testing, various biosensors have been developed based on biological elements (e.g., antibodies, aptamers), chemical elements (e.g., molecularly imprinted polymers), physical elements (e.g., nanopores) as recognition substances. According to the sensing patterns of signal transduction, the biosensors could be classified into optical and electrochemical biosensing, including fluorescence sensing, Raman sensing, colorimetric sensing, electrochemical sensing, etc. To enhance the sensing sensitivity, kinds of nanomaterials have been applied for signal amplification. With merits of high selectivity, sensitivity, and accuracy, the sensing strategies have been widely applied for food safety testing. This review highlights their signal output behavior, (e.g., fluorescence intensity shifts, Raman peak alterations, colorimetric changes, electrochemical current/voltage/impedance variations), nanostructure-mediated amplification mechanisms, and the fundamental recognition principles. Future efforts should prioritize multiplexed assay platforms, integration with microfluidics and smart devices, novel biorecognition elements, and sustainable manufacturing. Emerging synergies between biosensors and AI-driven data analytics promise intelligent monitoring systems for predictive food safety management, addressing challenges in food matrix compatibility and real-time hazard identification. Full article

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are rare autoimmune disorders characterized by muscle weakness. As currently used immunosuppressive treatment presents several limitations, recent investigations focus on elucidating immune and nonimmune molecular mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis. Mitochondrial dysfunctions, endoplasmic reticulum stress, neutrophil dysregulation, and alterations in myokines and cell death pathways have been implicated in IIM pathophysiology. In this paper, the newest therapeutic strategies targeting reactive oxygen species overproduction, neutrophil extracellular traps formation, and pyroptotic and necroptotic pathways together with mitochondrial transplantations will be presented, and their safety and efficacy will be discussed. As physical therapy constitutes an essential part of IIM management, an additional focus will be directed towards molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of exercises in myositis treatment. Furthermore, the interplay between immune and nonimmune mechanisms will be analyzed and the translational challenges and limitations of current studies will be investigated. Full article

Regular physical activity has a beneficial impact on the cardiovascular system. However, the intense and prolonged exertion typical of professional athletes and amateur marathon runners can lead to adaptive changes in the heart. These changes encompass both structural and functional modifications, which may have positive or negative effects on cardiac function and contribute to the development of so-called “athlete’s heart.” Prolonged exercise induces adaptations at the molecular and cellular levels, including altered gene expression and remodeling of myocardial proteins. It may also cause transient elevations in biomarkers such as N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and high-sensitivity troponin. Some athletes experience cardiac arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation. Morphological changes, such as myocardial hypertrophy or chamber dilation, can be assessed using echocardiography. Studies have reported potentially benign valvular abnormalities, as well as cases of myocardial fibrosis and arrhythmias. Early diagnosis of cardiac conditions in marathon runners is essential for effective prevention and health monitoring. This article reviews the current data on cardiac changes in endurance athletes, based on the literature from the past decade. Full article

Growing global concerns over pesticide residues and microbial contamination in plant-derived foods have intensified the demand for sustainable decontamination solutions. Conventional physical, chemical, and biological methods are hampered by inherent limitations, including operational inefficiency, secondary pollution risks, and nutritional degradation. Atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) has emerged as a promising non-thermal technology to address these challenges at near-ambient temperatures, leveraging the generation of highly reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (RONS), ultraviolet radiation, and ozone. This review comprehensively examines fundamental ACP mechanisms, discharge configurations, and their applications within plant-based food safety systems. It critically evaluates recent advancements in inactivating microorganisms, degrading mycotoxins and pesticides, and modulating enzymatic activity, while also exploring emerging applications in bioactive compound extraction, drying enhancement, and seed germination promotion. Crucially, the impact of ACP on the quality attributes of plant-based foods is summarized. Treatment parameters can alter physicochemical properties covering color, texture, flavor, acidity, and water activity as well as nutritional constituents such as antioxidants, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrate content. As an environmentally friendly, low-energy-consumption technology with high reactivity, ACP offers transformative potential for enhancing food safety, preserving quality, and fostering sustainable agricultural systems. Full article

Psychiatric disorders such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia are now recognized as complex systemic conditions in which mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are key contributors to their pathophysiology. Mitochondria, beyond their role in ATP synthesis, are critical for calcium regulation, immune responses, and apoptosis, and their impairment affects brain function. This review examines current evidence from transcriptomics, metabolomics, neuroimaging, and preclinical studies, which consistently show disruptions in oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial fragmentation, altered mitochondrial DNA, and heightened inflammatory activity across these disorders. We integrate recent advances with the understanding of mitochondrial bioenergetics in the brain, the contribution of redox imbalance to neural dysfunction, the crosstalk between mitochondria and immune mechanisms, and the relevance of these processes to clinical symptoms. Furthermore, we highlight the promise of bioenergetic biomarkers and emerging interventions targeting mitochondrial pathways, including antioxidants, AMPK-SIRT1-PGC-1α axis modulators, physical exercise, and mitoprotective agents. Peripheral metabolic signatures and neuroimaging modalities are also discussed as tools for diagnostic refinement and individualized therapeutic approaches. These insights underscore the centrality of mitochondrial health in psychiatric disease and support the development of precision psychiatry grounded in metabolic phenotyping. Full article

Preformed porous media (PPM) technology has emerged as a transformative approach to enhance heat and mass transfer in vacuum freeze-drying (VFD) of agricultural and food products. This review systematically analyzes recent advances in PPM research, with particular focus on spray freeze-drying (SFD) as the dominant technique for precision pore architecture control. Empirical studies confirm PPM’s efficacy: drying time reductions of 20–50% versus conventional VFD while improving product quality (e.g., 15% higher ginsenoside retention in ginseng, 90% enzyme activity preservation). Key innovations include gradient porous structures and multi-technology coupling strategies that fundamentally alter transfer mechanisms through: resistance mitigation via interconnected macropores (50–500 μm, 40–90% porosity), pseudo-convection effects enabling 30% faster vapor removal, and radiation enhancement boosting absorption by 40–60% and penetration depth 2–3 times. While inherent VFD limitations (e.g., low thermal conductivity) persist, we identify PPM-specific bottlenecks: precision regulation of pore structures (<5% size deviation), scalable fabrication of gradient architectures, synergy mechanisms in multi-field coupling (e.g., microwave-PPM interactions). The most promising advancements include 3D-printed gradient pores for customized transfer paths, intelligent monitoring-feedback systems, and multiscale modeling bridging pore-scale physics to macroscale kinetics. This review provides both a critical assessment of current progress and a forward-looking perspective to guide future research and industrial adoption of PPM-enhanced VFD. Full article

The Lorentz-breaking theory not only modifies the geometric structure of curved spacetime but also significantly alters the quantum dynamics of bosonic and fermionic fields in black hole spacetime, leading to observable physical effects on Hawking temperature and Bekenstein–Hawking entropy. This study establishes the first systematic theoretical framework for entropy modifications of charged accelerating Anti-de Sitter black holes, incorporating gauge-invariant corrections derived from Lorentz-violating quantum field equations in curved spacetime. The obtained analytical expression coherently integrates semi-classical approximations with higher-order quantum perturbative contributions. Furthermore, the methodologies employed and the resultant conclusions are subjected to rigorous analysis, establishing their physical significance for advancing fundamental investigations into black hole entropy. Full article