Search Results (1,582)

Although rubber waste devulcanization has been widely studied, its industrial-scale implementation remains limited due to challenges in process scalability. This study examines the feasibility of devulcanizing off-spec latex waste through a two-phase approach involving laboratory and pilot-scale trials. The latex waste was sourced from off-spec condom products composed of natural rubber latex. Laboratory-scale experiments were initially conducted to establish process parameters and generate baseline data, including gel content before and after the devulcanization process. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) were employed. The laboratory findings have been used to design and operate the subsequent pilot-scale devulcanization process, using a retrofitted waste rubber machine. Samples from the pilot trials underwent the same analytical tests to assess consistency and process performance at scale. Results from the pilot scale experiments suggest that comparable levels of devulcanization were achieved, with gel contents of 52.5% and 55.2% achieved at the laboratory scale and pilot scale. GPC analysis confirmed a uniform distribution, with an increase in the number average molecular weight, indicating the scission of crosslinks in the sample. GPC analysis also revealed a decrease in dispersity index (Ð) value of 2.27 in lab scale conditions and 1.76 for pilot scale conditions, suggesting a more uniform molecular weight distribution and improved devulcanization efficiency, which enhances the possibility of recycling. The successful translation from lab-scale to the pilot setup highlights the process’s potential for industrial rubber recycling using retrofitted equipment. Full article

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the effect of non-invasive NESA neuromodulation compared to posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) in patients with an overactive bladder (OAB), also given the same exercises and patient education, on quality of life, symptoms, discomfort and sleep quality. Method: Twenty-four women, aged 38–85 years with OAB, were included in this preliminary randomized controlled trial. Each patient attended ten sessions, twice a week. Patient pelvic floor function and urinary incontinence symptoms were collected throughout ICIQ-SF and B-SAQ questionnaires. Patient QoL and sleep quality were reported using SF-36 and PSQI, respectively. All outcomes were measured using three assessments: previous treatment (T1), immediately after treatment (T2) and two-month follow-up (T3). Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in pelvic floor function and urinary incontinence symptoms, as well as in sleep quality (p < 0.05). Although no significant differences between the groups were observed for any of the variables (p > 0.05), only the NESA group showed compelling improvements in quality of life (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The two treatments improved OAB symptoms, discomfort, and sleep quality in the short term yet only the non-invasive NESA group improved quality of life in women with OAB. These findings warrant further investigation in larger trials. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sex trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery still present in our societies. Health professionals are in a key position to identify and support victims, but adequate training is required. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of a structured educational intervention on knowledge, perceived professional role, and attitudes toward sex trafficking of women among undergraduate nursing students at the University of Seville, Spain. Methods: A cluster randomized pilot educational trial with a pre-test–post-test control group design and one-year follow-up was conducted. A two-hour educational session addressed key concepts related to sex trafficking, health professionals’ responsibilities, and survivor support. Knowledge and attitudes were assessed at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at one-year follow-up. Results: 199 students participated. Significant post-intervention improvements were observed in knowledge and attitudes, with sustained impact after one year despite some knowledge decay. Conclusions: This pilot educational intervention appears to improve knowledge and attitudes toward sex trafficking among undergraduate nursing students and may represent a useful strategy for sensitizing and training future health professionals in this area. Full article

Background: Lipedema is a progressive disorder of subcutaneous connective tissue, predominantly affecting women, and characterized by an increase in subcutaneous adipose tissue, particularly in the lower body. This study aims to explore the gut microbiota (GM) profile in lipedema patients to characterize the associated GM and compare it with the control group. Methods: A prospective randomized case–control pilot study was conducted from September 2023 to May 2024, involving 55 Caucasian women, aged 20–60. The participants were divided into two groups: 35 with lipedema (LIPPY) and 20 controls (CTRL). Body composition was assessed using Dual X-ray Absorbimetry (DXA), and GM analysis was performed through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results: LIPPY subjects showed increased Intramuscular Adipose Tissue (IMAT) and reduced Lean Mass (LM)/Fat Mass (FM) ratios. While alpha and beta diversity metrics did not differ significantly between groups, differential abundance analysis identified a significant reduction in Eggerthellaceae (Log Fold Change (LFC) = −0.19, p = 0.04) and enrichment of Propionibacteriaceae (LFC = +0.18, p = 0.009) and Acidaminococcaceae (LFC = +0.32, p = 0.013) in the LIPPY group. Genus-level analysis showed a significant reduction in Blautia and Ruminiclostridium (LFC = −0.32 and −0.02; p = 0.02 and 0.04) and enrichment of Anaerostipes, Propionibacterium, and Phascolarctobacterium (LFC = +0.07, +0.17, and +0.34; p = 0.02, 0.005, 0.005, respectively). In correlation analyses, within LIPPY, Eggerthellaceae correlated negatively with Body Mass Index (BMI) (ρ = −0.61, p < 0.05) and positively with Appenicular (Appen) LM/Weight and AppenLM/BMI (ρ = +0.43 and +0.41, p < 0.05), while Anaerostipes correlated positively with these lean mass indices (ρ = +0.40, p < 0.05). In CTRL, only Anaerostipes showed a significant negative correlation with BMI (ρ = −0.64, p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study provides the first evidence of a distinct GM profile in LIPPY, with notable links to adverse body composition markers such as IMAT. Trial Registration: Trial registered on 24 June 2013 with ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT01890070). Full article

Background/Objectives: This 8-week randomized pilot intervention trial examined the effects of Greek yogurt (GY) supplementation on markers of bone turnover and inflammation in older adult exercisers. Methods: A total of 48 participants aged 55+ completed this 8-week intervention: 33 exercisers randomized to exercisers receiving GY (GYEX, n = 18, 12 females) and exercisers without GY (NYEX, n = 15, 12 females), and a group of 15 age-matched, community-dwelling, non-exercisers also receiving GY (GYNE, n = 15, 10 females). Exercisers were enrolled in a moderate-intensity community-based exercise program. GYEX and GYNE supplemented their diet with two daily servings of 175 g of GY (17 g protein, 225 mg calcium per serving). Assessments at baseline and week 8 included dietary intake, body composition, and fasting blood samples for bone markers and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Results: Body mass increased modestly across groups (time effect, p = 0.033), with no changes in body fat. C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (bone resorption marker) increased 14% in GYEX (time × group interaction, p = 0.022). Osteoprotegerin (bone formation regulator) decreased overall by 4% (time effect, p = 0.002). Dickkopf-1 (bone formation inhibitor) increased by 13% (p = 0.008) in GYNE but not in exercisers (time × group interaction, p = 0.018). Interleukin 1β and interleukin 6 showed significant interactions (p = 0.043 and p = 0.023), where interleukin 1β increased by 80% (p = 0.007) and interleukin 6 decreased by 89% (p < 0.001) in GYNE, but remained stable in exercisers. Tumor necrosis factor alpha remained unchanged. Conclusions: Although the observed effects of GY on the assessed biomarkers were limited and should be interpreted cautiously due to pilot design and statistical constraints, they highlight the need for longer interventions to determine whether whole-food dairy proteins can meaningfully support skeletal and immune health in older adults. Full article

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Physitrack^® on jump performance in handball players through performance, kinematic, and kinetic variables. Material and Methods: A pilot, randomized clinical trial was conducted with male handball players (n = 28). Participants were allocated to either an intervention group (IG), which completed a specific jump-training program, or a control group (CG), which followed a general strengthening program. Both programs were delivered via Physitrack^® over an 8-week period. Vertical jump variables were assessed using force platforms (Hawkin Dynamics^®), along with adherence questionnaires, the Telemedicine Satisfaction and Usefulness Questionnaire (TSUQ), and the System Usability Scale (SUS). Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in jump height, flight time, and peak velocity (p < 0.05), without differences between groups. The IG, additionally, demonstrated improvements not statistically significant in the modified Reactive Strength Index (mRSI), Rate of Force Development (RFD), and power. Mean adherence was moderate, slightly higher in the IG (52.13% vs. 48.98%), with no significant differences between groups (p = 0.74). Physitrack^® received an excellent usability rating (SUS: 83.3/100) and good satisfaction (TSUQ: 3.68/5). These findings should be interpreted with caution given the pilot nature of the study and the limited sample size, which restrict statistical power and the generalizability of results. Conclusions: Physitrack^® is a feasible tool for prescribing home-based exercises and is well rated by users. It does not directly improve adherence but facilitates the implementation of effective programs although the content of the program has a greater influence on performance improvements than the platform itself. Full article

Background and Objectives: Despite the high rate of donor site morbidity, a bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB) graft remains the gold standard when choosing a graft for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Damage to the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve (IPBSN) during graft harvesting results in sensory deficits. Despite its high occurrence in the postoperative period, many patients go untreated, leading to a lower quality of life and potential professional impairment. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of PRF therapy in alleviating sensory deficits and enhancing sensory nerve function in patients who have undergone BTB ACL reconstruction. Materials and Methods: This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Name of registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Trial registration number: NCT07257666; Date of registration: 2 December 2025; Study start date: 7 January 2022). Over a one-year period, the pilot study enrolled 53 patients, treated them with BPTB ACL reconstruction, and divided them into two groups. The testing group’s donor site and subcutaneous tissue were treated with Vivostat^® PRF, whereas the standard group’s donor site and subcutaneous tissue remained untreated. The primary outcome measured was a reduction in the subjective numbness, which was tested during follow-up checks. Secondary outcomes included the evaluation of subjective knee scores for functional recovery, reported by the patients on control exams. Results: The use of Vivostat^® PRF resulted in a statistically significant reduction in sensory deficit among the groups at eight months (p < 0.05) and twelve months (p < 0.01) following surgery, favoring the testing group. The most substantial decrease in symptomatic patients was observed between four and eight months post-surgery, with no statistically significant difference found between the eight- and twelve-month follow-ups (p > 0.05). Evaluations of subjective knee function and activity scores showed no statistically significant differences between the groups. Conclusions: Using Vivostat^® PRF helps reduce sensory impairment in the area and minimizes donor site morbidity after BPTB ACL reconstruction. Full article

This study investigates the potential use of black coal mining waste as a feedstock for plasma gasification. A national database of coal waste heaps was developed based on standardized criteria such as heap volume (>100,000 m³), accessibility, and environmental risk. From six initially sampled sites, two active and unreclaimed heaps—Jan Karel (Karviná) and Paskov D (Ostrava)—were selected for detailed material analysis due to their favorable characteristics. Subsequent plasma gasification experiments were conducted using sorted coal waste fractions at a temperature of 1600 °C in a pilot-scale plasma reactor. Four trials were performed with fuel flow rates of 15 and 20 kg/h and varying steam/fuel ratios (0.6, 1.0, and 1.3). The results revealed a high syngas yield of up to 92% by volume. Increasing the steam/fuel ratio led to higher hydrogen and carbon dioxide content in the syngas, while lower ratios favored carbon monoxide and trace methane formation. Volt-ampere characteristics of the plasma torch showed that higher nitrogen flow rates required higher voltage to maintain a stable arc. The findings confirm the technical feasibility and efficiency of converting selected coal mining waste into valuable syngas, supporting its future use in advanced waste-to-energy technologies. Full article

Background: Long pulse width stimulation (LPWS; 120–150 ms) has the potential to stimulate denervated muscles in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). We examined whether testosterone treatment (TT) + LPWS would increase skeletal muscle size, leg lean mass and improve overall metabolic health in SCI persons with denervation. We hypothesized that one year of combined TT + LPWS would downregulate gene expression of muscle atrophy and upregulate gene expression of muscle hypertrophy and increase mitochondrial health in SCI persons with lower motor neuron (LMN) injury. Methods: Ten SCI participants with chronic LMN injury were randomized into either 12 months, twice weekly, of TT + LPWS (n = 5) or a TT+ standard neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES; n = 5). Measurements were conducted at baseline (week 0), 6 months following training (post-intervention 1), and one week following 12 months of training (post-intervention 2). Measurements included body composition assessment using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Metabolic profile assessment encompassed measurements of resting metabolic rate, carbohydrate and lipid profiles. Finally, muscle biopsy was captured to measure RNA signaling pathways and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Results: Compliance and adherence were greater in the TT + NMES compared to the TT + LPWS group. There was a 25% increase in the RF muscle CSA following P1 measurement in the TT + LPWS group. There was a recognizable non-significant decrease in intramuscular fat in both groups. There was a trend (p = 0.07) of decrease in trunk fat mass following TT + LPWS, with an interaction (p = 0.037) in android lean mass between groups. There was a trend (p = 0.08) in mean differences in DXA-visceral adipose tissue (VAT) between groups at P1 measurements. For genes targeting muscle atrophy, TT + LPWS showed a trending decline in MURF1 and FOXO3 genes returning to similar levels as TT + NMES before 12 months. Conclusions: These pilot data demonstrated the safety of applying LPWS in persons with SCI. Six months of TT + LPWS demonstrated increases in rectus femoris muscle CSA. The effects on muscle size were modest between groups. Signaling pathway analysis suggested downregulation of genes involved in muscle atrophy pathways. Future clinical trials may consider a home-based approach with more frequent applications of LPWS. Full article

Morphometric traits are closely linked to body condition, health, welfare, and productivity in livestock. In recent years, contactless 3D reconstruction technologies have been increasingly adopted to improve the accuracy and efficiency of morphometric evaluations. Conventional approaches for 3D reconstruction mainly employ Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) or photogrammetry. In contrast, emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based methods, such as Neural Surface Reconstruction, 3D Gaussian Splatting, and Neural Radiance Fields, offer new opportunities for high-fidelity digital modeling. Smartphones’ affordability represents a cost-effective and portable platform for deploying these advanced tools, potentially supporting enhanced agricultural performance, accelerating sector digitalization, and thus reducing the urban–rural digital gap. This preliminary study assessed the viability of using smartphone-based LiDAR, photogrammetry, and AI models to obtain body measurements of Marchigiana cattle. Five morphometric traits manually collected on animals were compared with those extracted from smartphone-based 3D reconstructions. LiDAR measurements offer more consistent estimates, with relative error ranging from −1.55% to 4.28%, while photogrammetry demonstrated accuracy ranging from 0.75 to −14.56. AI-based models (NSR, 3DGS, NeRF) reported more variability between accuracy results, pointing to the need for further refinement. Overall, the results highlight the preliminary potential of portable 3D scanning technologies, particularly LiDAR-equipped smartphones, for non-invasive morphometric data collection in cattle. Full article

Quantum computing offers transformative potential to solve complex optimisation problems in transportation and logistics, particularly those that involve large combinatorial decision spaces such as vehicle routing, traffic control, and supply chain design. Despite theoretical promise and growing empirical interest, its adoption remains limited. This systematic literature review synthesises fifteen peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2025, examining the application of quantum and quantum-inspired methods to transport optimisation. The review identifies five key problem domains (vehicle routing, factory scheduling, network design, traffic operations, and energy management) and categorises the quantum techniques used, including quantum annealing, variational circuits, and digital annealers. Although several studies demonstrate performance gains over classical heuristics, most rely on synthetic datasets, lack statistical robustness, and omit critical operational metrics such as energy consumption and queue latency. Four cross-cutting barriers are identified: hardware limitations, data availability, energy inefficiency, and organisational readiness. The review identifies limited real-world deployment, a lack of standardised benchmarks, and scarce cost–benefit evaluations, highlighting key areas where further empirical work is needed. It concludes with a structured research agenda aimed at bridging the gap between laboratory demonstrations and practical implementation, emphasising the need for pilot trials, open datasets, robust experimental protocols, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Full article

Maintaining lower-limb joint stability is essential for safe and efficient performance during landing and directional changes. This pilot study examined the effects of a 10-week perturbation-based Dynamic Stability Training (DST) program using an inertial water load on lower-limb joint moments during single-leg landing and a 3-s stabilization phase following a 90° cutting maneuver. Fifteen healthy young men completed DST twice weekly. Three-dimensional motion capture and force-plate data were collected at pre-, mid-, and post-training to compute hip, knee, and ankle joint moments. During landing, hip flexion and abduction moments increased, whereas knee abduction moment decreased. During the stabilization phase, hip flexion, hip rotation, and ankle abduction moments decreased, while knee abduction moment increased. These joint-specific changes suggest potential adaptations in frontal- and transverse-plane control when training with unstable inertial water loads; however, interpretations should remain cautious given the exploratory design and absence of a control group. Larger randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these preliminary findings. Full article

Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training has gained growing attention in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Effects of resistance training with and without BFR on lower-limb muscle activation were analyzed in a crossover study including 8 subjects (27.5 ± 4.8 years) engaged in regular CrossFit^® training. Two 48 h-separated sessions (high bar back squat), with BFR (80% of individualized arterial occlusion pressure) and without BFR, were performed in a randomized order. Muscle activation (vastus lateralis, vastus medialis (VM), gluteus maximus (GM) and biceps femoris) was electromyographically recorded. The average electromyographic activity of the first four repetitions of the first set (T1), and the last four of the final set (T2) were considered, and intra- and inter-group comparisons were calculated. Pain (VAS) and fatigue (Borg scale) were recorded. Significant differences between BFR and non-BFR conditions were observed only for T1 peak BF activation values. Within the BFR experiments, no significant differences in EMG activation were detected between T1 and T2. In contrast, within the non-BFR experiments, T1 values were statistically significant higher (vs. T2) for mean VL, mean VM, peak VM, mean GM and peak GM. Median pain perception was 3.5 (0.75–6.75) and 4.0 (1.25–6.0), and fatigue perception was 8.0 (7.0–8.0) and 7.0 (7.0–8.0), respectively, with and without BFR. In this exploratory study, BFR maintained EMG activation (VM and GM) and suggests a strategy to minimize mechanical load while preserving muscle activation. Full article

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability globally. Conventional physiotherapy, while effective, faces barriers including accessibility and adherence. Telerehabilitation augmented by wearable sensor technology and AI-driven feedback offers a scalable alternative. Objective: This pilot randomized controlled trial compared the feasibility, safety, and preliminary clinical effectiveness of a sensor-based telerehabilitation protocol using the KneE-PAD patient monitoring approach which was also combined with an avatar-guided visual feedback add-on tool. Although this approach is capable of AI-driven postural error detection, this feature was not enabled during the current study, and feedback was provided solely through visual cues. Methods: Twenty adults with radiographically confirmed Kellgren–Lawrence grade 1 to 3 knee OA were randomized into two groups (Control/Intervention groups, n = 10 in each). The control group received in-person physiotherapy, while the intervention group engaged in remote rehabilitation supported by wearable sEMG and IMU sensors. The 8-week program included supervised and home-based sessions. Primary outcomes were WOMAC scores (Functionality/Pain), quadriceps strength, and sEMG-derived neuromuscular activation. Secondary outcomes included Timed Up and Go test (TUG), psychological measures (HADS, TSK), and self-efficacy measure (ASES). Analyses employed both parametric and non-parametric statistics including an effect size estimation. Results: Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in WOMAC total scores (Intervention: −11.8 points; Control: −6.4 points), exceeding the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for knee OA. Strength and mobility also improved significantly in both groups, with the Intervention group showing superior gains in sEMG measures (RMS: p = 0.0077; Peak-to-Peak: p < 0.005), indicating enhanced neuromuscular adaptation. TUG performance improved more in the intervention group (–3.17 s vs. –2.57 s, p = 0.037). Psychological outcomes favored the control group, particularly in depression scores (HADS-D, t(18) = 2.37, p = 0.03). Adherence was high (94.8%), with zero attrition and no adverse events. Conclusions: The KneE-PAD monitoring approach offers a feasible and clinically effective alternative to conventional physiotherapy, enhancing neuromuscular outcomes through real-time sensor feedback. These findings support the viability of intelligent telerehabilitation for scalable OA care and inform the design of future large-scale trials. Full article

This study investigated the feasibility and preliminary effects of enhanced midwifery care in reducing subclinical depression symptoms among women in ethnically diverse areas of the South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD). A pilot randomised controlled trial was conducted among pregnant women attending the Fairfield and/or Liverpool antenatal clinic with an Edinburgh Depression Scale (EDS) score of 10–12 (i.e., just below the generally accepted clinical cut-off score of 13 to indicate subclinical depressive symptoms) during the first antenatal visit (i.e., before 26 weeks gestation). Participants were randomly allocated to either the intervention group which received continuous and coordinated support from a dedicated Registered Midwife (RM) trained in counselling and linked with a multidisciplinary team, or the usual care group, which received standard maternity care from various providers without continuity or additional coordinated support. Primary outcomes included feasibility of recruitment, randomisation, intervention delivery and fidelity, and retention and follow-up. The secondary outcomes were improvement in depressive symptom severity assessed via EDS, psychological distress (Kessler’s psychological distress scale—K10), and parenting confidence (Karitane Parenting Confidence Scale (KPCS). Descriptive analyses were used to assess the feasibility outcomes, whereas mixed-effects models were used to examine the effects of treatment on secondary outcomes. Thirty-seven mothers were recruited into the study, of which eighteen were randomised to the intervention group and nineteen to the usual care group. The intervention was delivered with good fidelity, and remote adaptations during COVID-19 ensured both continuity of care and high retention at 6-month follow-up. Findings of the mixed-effects models showed significant within-group reduction in EDS scores over time, with scores at 8 weeks postpartum (T2) significantly lower than at baseline (T0; β = −2.77, SE = 1.36, p < 0.05) but no significant differences between the groups (β = −0.02, SE = 1.63, p = 0.992) or time-by-group interactions at any timepoint for EDS, K10, and KPCS. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of enhanced midwifery care in a “hard to reach” population of SWSLHD and highlight the need for adequately powered trials to determine its effectiveness on maternal mental health and parenting outcomes. Full article