Search Results (1,529)

Introduction: Despite clinical evidence for efficacy, there has been minimal uptake of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for musculoskeletal conditions. Thus, our objective was to explore the perceptions and experiences of people living with lower-limb musculoskeletal injury as well as healthy physically active populations and relate this to the usage of tDCS and key aspects of tDCS design that would improve the capacity for implementation. Methods: We conducted a qualitative descriptive study of 16 participants (44% women) using semi-structured focus groups to identify the descriptions and experiences of people living with lower-limb musculoskeletal injury and healthy physically active populations. A thematic template was used to create a coding structure. Codes were then grouped, and key themes were derived from the data. Results: Four primary themes were identified from focus groups. These were (i) the impact of musculoskeletal injuries on health and quality of life, (ii) performance and injury recovery as facilitators to using tDCS, (iii) barriers and facilitators to tCDS application and (iv) design and aesthetic factors for a tDCS device. Discussion: Our qualitative descriptive study identified four themes relevant to the successful implementation of tDCS into rehabilitative and performance practice. To increase the likelihood of successful tDCS implementation, these barriers should be addressed and facilitators promoted. This should include innovative approaches to device application and structure that allow for a stylish, user-friendly design. Full article

Myocardial infarction (MI) remains one of the most common cardiovascular diseases and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In recent years, natural polymeric patches have attracted increasing attention as a promising therapeutic platform for myocardial tissue repair. This study explored the fabrication and evaluation of screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) on chitosan film as a novel platform for cardiac patch applications. Chitosan is a biodegradable and biocompatible natural polymer that provides an ideal substrate for SPEs, providing mechanical stability and promoting cell adhesion. Silver ink was employed to enhance electrochemical performance, and the electrodes exhibited strong adhesion and structural integrity under wet conditions. Mechanical testing and swelling ratio analysis were conducted to assess the patch’s physical robustness and aqueous stability. Silver ink was employed to enhance electrochemical performance, which was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry. In vitro, electrical stimulation through the chitosan–SPE patch significantly increased the expression of cardiac-specific genes (GATA-4, β-MHC, troponin I) in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), indicating early cardiogenic differentiation potential. In vivo, the implantation of the chitosan–SPE patch in a rat MI model demonstrated good tissue integration, preserved myocardial structure, and enhanced ventricular wall thickness, indicating that the patch has the potential to serve as a functional cardiac scaffold. These findings support the feasibility of screen-printed electrodes fabricated on chitosan film substrates as a cost-effective and scalable platform for cardiac repair, offering a foundation for future applications in cardiac tissue engineering. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Percutaneous Electrolysis (PE), Percutaneous peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS), and Eccentric Exercise (EE) in patients with supraspinatus tendinopathy. Methods: Forty-six participants with supraspinatus tendinopathy were randomly allocated to either an invasive therapy group (four sessions in four weeks of PE+PNS and EE program) or a conventional physical therapy group (ten sessions for 2 weeks). The multimodal physical program included Ultrasound therapy (US), Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and the same EE program. The Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), shoulder Range of Motion (ROM), Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT), and disability (DASH and SPADI) were measured at baseline, at the end of treatment, and at 12- and 24-weeks follow-up. Results: The PE+PNS+EE group demonstrated consistently greater and statistically significant improvements across nearly all pain, mobility, and functional outcomes at all follow-up points (post-treatment, 12-weeks, and 24-weeks) compared to the TENS+US+EE group, with generally medium to large effect sizes. Conclusions: This study concludes that the combined PE+PNS+EE intervention offers safe and effective treatment for supraspinatus tendinopathy, demonstrating statistically significant improvements in pain, mobility, and function compared to conventional electrotherapy. Full article

Background: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a combined transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) protocol incorporating intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) and low-frequency TMS in adults diagnosed with first-episode and recurrent depressive disorders. Methods: A prospective, double-blind, parallel-group trial was conducted involving 42 participants (21 with first-episode depressive disorder and 21 with recurrent depressive disorder) recruited from Chengdu, China. All subjects received 10 sessions of TMS over two weeks. The primary outcome measure was suicidal ideation, assessed using the Beck scale for suicide ideation. Secondary outcomes included sleep quality, depressive symptoms, anhedonia, and cognitive function. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were also recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS V.21.0, with statistical significance defined as p < 0.05. Results: Both patient groups exhibited significant reductions in suicidal ideation following the composite TMS intervention. Secondary outcomes showed significant improvements in sleep quality, overall depressive symptoms, anhedonia, and cognitive function. Notably, a significant association was found between improvements in sleep quality and depressive symptoms in the first-episode group, suggesting differential underlying mechanisms compared to recurrent depression. Limitations: The relatively short intervention and follow-up period limits the ability to assess the long-term sustainability of the observed benefits. Future studies with extended follow-up periods are warranted to evaluate the persistence of TMS effects and the potential need for maintenance sessions. Conclusions: The combined protocol of iTBS and low-frequency TMS effectively reduces suicidal ideation and improves various clinical outcomes in both first-episode and recurrent depressive disorders, indicating the effectiveness of the physical intervention, especially for the first-episode patients. These findings underscore the importance of personalized treatment strategies based on the clinical history of depressive episodes. Further research with longer follow-up periods is warranted to assess the long-term sustainability of TMS effects. Full article

In this work, a comprehensive theoretical investigation is carried out to explore the electronic and spectroscopic properties of selected diatomic molecular ions MgRb⁺ and SrRb⁺. Using high-level ab initio calculations based on a pseudopotential approach, along with large Gaussian basis sets and full valence configuration interaction (FCI), we accurately determine adiabatic potential energy curves, spectroscopic constants, transition dipole moments (TDMs), and permanent electric dipole moments (PDMs). To deepen our understanding of these systems, we calculate radiative lifetimes for vibrational levels in both ground and low-lying excited electronic states. This includes evaluating spontaneous and stimulated emission rates, as well as the effects of blackbody radiation. We also compute Franck–Condon factors and analyze photoassociation processes for both ions. Furthermore, to explore low-energy collisional dynamics, we investigate elastic scattering in the first excited states (2¹Σ⁺) describing the collision between the Ra atom and Mg⁺ or Sr⁺ ions. Our findings provide detailed insights into the theoretical electronic structure of these molecular ions, paving the way for future experimental studies in the field of cold and ultracold molecular ion physics. Full article

The recent identification of early-onset mutational signatures with geographic variations by Diaz-Gay et al. is a significant finding, since early-onset colorectal cancer has emerged as an alarming public health challenge in the past two decades, and the pathomechanism remains unclear. Environmental risk factors, including lifestyle and diet, are highly suspected. The identification of colibactin from Escherichia coli as a potential pathogenic source is a major step forward in addressing this public health challenge. Therefore, the following opinion manuscript aims to outline the likely onset of the pathomechanism and the critical role of acquired Piezo2 channelopathy in early-onset colorectal cancer, which skews proton availability and proton motive force regulation toward E. coli within the microbiota–host symbiotic relationship. In addition, the colibactin produced by the pks island of E. coli induces host DNA damage, which likely interacts at the level of Wnt signaling with Piezo2 channelopathy-induced pathological remodeling. This transcriptional dysregulation eventually leads to tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer. Mechanotransduction converts external physical cues to inner chemical and biological ones. Correspondingly, the proposed quantum mechanical free-energy-stimulated ultrafast proton-coupled tunneling, initiated by Piezo2, seems to be the principal and essential underlying novel oscillatory signaling that could be lost in colorectal cancer onset. Hence, Piezo2 channelopathy not only contributes to cancer initiation and impaired circadian regulation, including the proposed hippocampal ultradian clock, but also to proliferation and metastasis. Full article

Background/Objectives: The objective of this review is to document the modalities to enhance the neuromuscular effects of botulinum toxin (BoNT) injection in spastic patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: We conducted a literature review focusing on studies involving BoNT administration for MS-related spasticity and the use of adjunctive therapies aimed at reducing dosage and increasing injection intervals. Results: The findings revealed a limited number of studies specific to MS patients, addressing only a few adjunct techniques, including electrical stimulation, vibration therapy, physical exercise, and extracorporeal shock wave therapy. Conclusions: These preliminary findings highlight the need for further research into integrative therapeutic strategies tailored specifically to the MS population. Full article

The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological, biochemical, and productive effects of the foliar application of bioregulators, based on auxin, cytokinin, and gibberellic acid, on yellow melon, cultivar DALI^®, plants subjected to different salinity levels in a protected environment to simulate Brazil’s semi-arid conditions. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized block design, in a 4 × 3 factorial scheme, with four salinity levels (0, 2, 4, and 6 dS m⁻¹) and three doses of the bioregulator, Stimulate^® (0%, 100%, and 150% of the recommended dose), with six weekly applications. The physiological variables (chlorophyll a fluorescence and gas exchange) and biochemical parameters (antioxidant enzyme activity and lipid peroxidation) were evaluated at 28 and 42 days after transplanting, and the agronomic traits (fresh fruit mass, physical attributes, and post-harvest quality) were evaluated at the end of the experiment. The results indicated that salinity impaired the physiological and productive performance of the plants, especially at higher levels (4 and 6 dS m⁻¹), causing oxidative stress, reduced photosynthesis, and decreased yield. However, the application of the bioregulator at the 100% dose mitigated the effects of salt stress under moderate salinity (2 dS m⁻¹), promoting higher CO₂ assimilation rates of up to 31.5%, better water-use efficiency, and reduced lipid peroxidation. In addition, the fruits showed a greater mass of up to 66%, thicker pulp, and higher soluble solids (> 10 °Brix) content, making them suitable for sale in the market. The 150% dose did not provide additional benefits and, in some cases, resulted in inhibitory effects. It is concluded that the application of Stimulate^® at the recommended dose is effective in mitigating the effects of moderate salinity, up to ~3 dS m⁻¹, in yellow melon crops; however, its effectiveness is limited under high salinity conditions, requiring the use of complementary strategies. Full article

In this paper, physics students’ experiences of a flipped, active learning physics class are explored through the lens of transactional distance theory (TDT). Transactional distance (TD) is the psychological and communicative distance that may arise between students and their teacher in learning environments such as large classes. TD has been shown to have a negative impact on students’ satisfaction, engagement, and learning outcomes, yet there is lack of research on how pedagogical approaches, such as the flipped classroom and active learning, may ameliorate the impacts of TD. In this paper, I use a qualitative methodology to gain an in-depth understanding of the ways in which a flipped class can impact the experience of transactional distance for first year physics students. Eleven students took part in semi-structured interviews about their experience of the class, from which three themes were developed: (a) creating connections; (b) stimulating engagement; and (c) supporting responsiveness. These themes are interpreted through the lens of TDT to understand the ways in which the flipped class and active learning pedagogics reduced students’ experience of TD. This gives new insights into students’ experiences of small group discussions, pre-class quizzes, and in-class ‘clicker’ questions. The implications for the pedagogical design of flipped classes will be discussed. Full article

Chronic neck pain is a multifactorial condition involving physical, psychological, and neurological dimensions. This case report describes the clinical course of a 25-year-old female with chronic neck pain and recurrent headaches who underwent a 6-week integrative intervention consisting of manual therapy and pain neuroscience-based sensorimotor retraining, administered three times per week. Outcome measures included the Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6), Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPDS), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ), pressure pain threshold (PPT), cervical range of motion (CROM), and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to assess brain activity. Following the intervention, the patient demonstrated marked reductions in pain and psychological distress: HIT-6 decreased from 63 to 24 (61.9%), NPDS from 31 to 4 (87.1%), FABQ from 24 to 0 (100%), and PCS from 19 to 2 (89.5%). Improvements in PPT and CROM were also observed. fNIRS revealed decreased dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) activation during pain stimulation and movement tasks, suggesting a possible reduction in central sensitization burden. These findings illustrate that an integrative approach targeting biopsychosocial pain mechanisms may be beneficial in managing chronic neck pain, improving function, and modulating cortical responses. This report provides preliminary evidence in support of the clinical relevance of combining manual therapy with neurocognitive retraining in similar patients. Full article

Background: Digital technologies offer innovative opportunities for recovering and maintaining intellectual and mental health. The use of a multitask approach that combines motor component with various cognitive tasks in a virtual environment can optimize cognitive and physical functions and improve the quality of life of cardiac surgery patients. This study aimed to localize current sources of theta and alpha power in patients who have undergone virtual multitask training (VMT) and a control group in the early postoperative period of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: A total of 100 male CABG patients (mean age, 62.7 ± 7.62 years) were allocated to the VMT group (n = 50) or to the control group (n = 50). EEG was recorded in the eyes-closed resting state at baseline (2–3 days before CABG) and after VMT course or approximately 11–12 days after CABG (the control group). Power EEG analysis was conducted and frequency-domain standardized low-resolution tomography (sLORETA) was used to assess the effect of VMT on brain activity. Results: After VMT, patients demonstrated a significantly higher density of alpha-rhythm (7–9 Hz) current sources (t > −4.18; p < 0.026) in Brodmann area 30, parahippocampal, and limbic system structures compared to preoperative data. In contrast, the control group had a marked elevation in the density of theta-rhythm (3–5 Hz) current sources (t > −3.98; p < 0.017) in parieto-occipital areas in comparison to preoperative values. Conclusions: Virtual reality-based multitask training stimulated brain regions associated with spatial orientation and memory encoding. The findings of this study highlight the importance of neural mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of multitask interventions and will be useful for designing and conducting future studies involving VR multitask training. Full article

Anaerobic digestion is a widely adopted technique for biologically converting organic biomass to biogas under oxygen-limited conditions. However, several factors, including the properties of biomass and its complex structure, make it challenging to degrade biomass effectively, thereby reducing the overall efficiency of anaerobic digestion. This review examines the recent advancements in commonly used pretreatment techniques, including physical, chemical, and biological methods, and their impact on the biodegradability of organic waste for anaerobic digestion. Furthermore, this review explores integrated approaches that utilize two or more pretreatments to achieve synergistic effects on biomass degradation. This article highlights various additives and their physicochemical characteristics, which play a vital role in stimulating direct interspecies electron transfer to enhance biomethanation reaction rates. Direct electron interspecies transfer is a crucial aspect that accelerates electron transfer among syntrophic microbial communities during anaerobic digestion, thereby enhancing biomethane formation. Finally, this article reviews potential approaches, identifies research gaps, and outlines future directions to strengthen and develop advanced pretreatment strategies and novel additives to improve anaerobic digestion processes for generating high-value biogas. Full article

Axis definition plays a key role in the establishment of animal body plans, both in normal development and regeneration. The cnidarian Hydra can re-establish its simple body plan when regenerating from a random cell aggregate or a sufficiently small tissue fragment. At the beginning of regeneration, a hollow cellular spheroid forms, which then undergoes symmetry breaking and de novo body axis definition. In the past, we have published related work in a physics journal, which is difficult to read for scientists from other disciplines. Here, we review our work for readers not so familiar with this type of approach at a level that requires very little knowledge in mathematics. At the same time, we present a few aspects of Hydra biology that we believe to be linked to our work. These biological aspects may be of interest to physicists or members of related disciplines to better understand our approach. The proposed theoretical model is based on fluctuations of gene expression that are triggered by mechanical signaling, leading to increasingly large groups of cells acting in sync. With a single free parameter, the model quantitatively reproduces the experimentally observed expression pattern of the gene ks1, a marker for ‘head forming potential’. We observed that Hydra positions its axis as a function of a weak temperature gradient, but in a non-intuitive way. Supposing that a large fluctuation including ks1 expression is locked to define the head position, the model reproduces this behavior as well—without further changes. We explain why we believe that the proposed fluctuation-based symmetry breaking process agrees well with recent experimental findings where actin filament organization or anisotropic mechanical stimulation act as axis-positioning events. The model suggests that the Hydra spheroid exhibits huge sensitivity to external perturbations that will eventually position the axis. Full article

Soccer, as a high-intensity sport, places significant physical demands on athletes and is associated with a high risk of injury. Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), a training and rehabilitation technology, has gained attention for its potential benefits in sports settings. This systematic review, conducted under the PRISMA guidelines, rigorously assessed the effectiveness of EMS in improving muscle strength, promoting post-exercise recovery, and facilitating injury rehabilitation among soccer players. A comprehensive search of the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases identified 10 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Among these, six studies demonstrated a significant improvement in athletic performance following local or whole-body EMS application. Four studies provided evidence supporting EMS’s efficacy in enhancing post-exercise recovery and reducing recovery time after injuries, with observed reductions in recovery time. However, the majority of the included studies were not double-blind, which limits the strength of the evidence. None of the included studies reported EMS-related adverse effects. Overall, the current results suggest that EMS may be a useful adjunct to improve athletic performance and facilitate recovery in soccer players. This review offers actionable insights for coaches and athletes regarding the safe and effective application of EMS in soccer training and rehabilitation programs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Neck pain is defined as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, affecting the cervical region. It represents one of the leading causes of disability, with a prevalence of 30%. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive electrotherapy technique that enables direct modulation of cortical excitability. It involves the application of a low-intensity electrical current to the scalp, targeting the central nervous system. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of tDCS on functionality, pain, mobility, and pressure pain threshold in patients with chronic nonspecific neck pain. Methods: Thirty participants (18–60 years) were selected to receive ten treatment sessions over a four-week period using tDCS (CG = 15) or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) (CG = 15), with the following various related variables evaluated: functionality (Neck Disability Index), pain intensity (NPRS), cervical range of motion (ROM), and pressure pain threshold (PPT). Assessments were conducted at baseline, post-treatment, one month, and three months after the intervention. Results: The within-group analysis revealed statistically significant improvements for both groups at post-treatment, one-month follow-up, and three-month follow-up. Conclusions: The comparison between groups shows favorable changes in the tDCS group for PPT measurements. Full article