Search Results (33,438)

Background: Muscle latency is an often-overlooked factor contributing to increased implant wear and higher rates of hip and knee osteoarthritis. Latency reduces the protective role of muscles against external joint loads during movement initiation, leading to cumulative microtrauma. This study investigates whether preliminary quadriceps contraction can mitigate these adverse effects during early rehabilitation after arthroplasty. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in two university hospitals in Sofia, Bulgaria, including 46 patients (mean age 63.76 ± 9.49 years): 25 with hip arthroplasty and 21 with knee arthroplasty. Participants were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 25; 13 hip, 12 knee: standard postoperative advice) or an experimental group (n = 21; 12 hip, 9 knee: standard advice plus preliminary quadriceps contraction). Primary outcome: pain intensity (VAS). Secondary outcomes: range of motion (ROM, %), manual muscle testing (MMT, %), thigh circumference difference (cm), and success rate of preliminary quadriceps contraction (%). Results: Both groups improved after one month (p < 0.05), but the experimental group showed significantly greater improvement (p < 0.05). Higher success rates of preliminary quadriceps contraction correlated with greater improvements in all outcomes (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Preliminary quadriceps contraction enhances standard postoperative advice by reducing pain, improving mobility and muscle strength, and reducing hypotrophy during early rehabilitation after hip and knee arthroplasty. Patients should be encouraged to perform it consistently, even when pain subsides. Full article

The proper selection of bioactive root-end material is one of the main prognostic factors for the successful healing outcome of apical microsurgery (AMS). The aim of the present in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the marginal adaptability of a novel calcium silicate cement (CSC), Harvard MTA Universal, and Biodentine used as root-end filling materials. The endodontic treatment of 20 extracted human maxillary central incisors was performed. The apicoectomy was simulated, and root-end cavities were prepared ultrasonically using universal retrotips. Teeth were randomly assigned into two equal groups (n = 10) according to the retrofilling cement used: Group 1—Harvard MTA Universal and Group 2—Biodentine. The specimens were stored in relative humidity for 48 h and sectioned longitudinally. The data were processed and analyzed statistically. Harvard MTA exhibited a significantly lower mean gap width (1.16 ± 0.37 µm) than Biodentine (2.48 ± 0.38 µm) (p < 0.05), indicating a more intimate interfacial adaptation. Additionally, the phenomenon of material penetration into the dentinal tubules was observed only in the Harvard MTA group. Within the limitations of this in vitro study, Harvard MTA Universal demonstrated better interfacial properties than Biodentine when applied as a root-end filling material. This novel biomaterial could be regarded as a promising alternative for earlier calcium silicate cements in the context of AMS goals. Clinical relevance: The quality of marginal adaptation is a determinative feature for the clinical performance of CSCs and the long-term prognosis of AMS. Full article

Soil organic matter (SOM) is essential for ecosystem health and agricultural productivity. Accurate prediction of SOM content is critical for modern agricultural management and sustainable soil use. Existing digital soil mapping (DSM) models, when processing temporal data, primarily focus on modeling the changes in input data across successive time steps. However, they do not adequately model the relationships among different input variables, which hinders the capture of complex data patterns and limits the accuracy of predictions. To address this problem, this paper proposes a novel deep learning model, 2-Channel Network (2C-Net), leveraging sequential multi-temporal remote sensing images to improve SOM prediction. The network separates input data into temporal and spatial data, processing them through independent temporal and spatial channels. Temporal data includes multi-temporal Sentinel-2 spectral reflectance, while spatial data consists of environmental covariates including climate and topography. The Multi-sequence Feature Fusion Module (MFFM) is proposed to globally model spectral data across multiple bands and time steps, and the Diverse Convolutional Architecture (DCA) extracts spatial features from environmental data. Experimental results show that 2C-Net outperforms the baseline model (CNN-LSTM) and mainstream machine learning model for DSM, with R² = 0.524, RMSE = 0.884 (%), MAE = 0.581 (%), and MSE = 0.781 (%)². Furthermore, this study demonstrates the significant importance of sequential spectral data for the inversion of SOM content and concludes the following: for the SOM inversion task, the bare soil period after tilling is a more important time window than other bare soil periods. 2C-Net model effectively captures spatiotemporal features, offering high-accuracy SOM predictions and supporting future DSM and soil management. Full article

Cataracts cause vision loss in rabbits, often either spontaneously or as secondary to uveitis. This study considers the ophthalmic presentation, treatment, and outcome of phacoemulsification in seven pet rabbits: six presenting with lens cloudiness and one presenting with a white mass in the iris. Ophthalmic examinations revealed cataracts. The treatment plan was phacoemulsification. Encephalitozoon cuniculi was identified via an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique performed on all rabbits. Ocular ultrasonography was performed to rule out retinal detachment. Phacoemulsification using the one-handed technique without intraocular lens implantation was performed in 8 of the eyes of the 7 rabbits. After surgery, the corneal wounds healed within 2 weeks. All rabbits were comfortable with opening their eyes and had a positive dazzle reflex and a clear visual axis, with no other severe complications (such as retinal detachment, intraocular hemorrhaging, or uncontrolled glaucoma) throughout the post-operative period. Postoperative complications consisted of corneal edema around the surgical wound (2 eyes; 25%); partial anterior synechiae (1 eye; 12.5%); partial posterior synechiae (5 eyes; 3 eyes before surgery and 2 eyes after surgery; 25%); posterior capsular opacities (3 eyes; 37.5%); and lens fiber overgrowths (2 eyes; 25%). In conclusion, successful phacoemulsification was achieved in the seven pet rabbits. Full article

Background: Nurses play a central role in the management of inflammatory joint diseases (IJD), of which the success depends on patient adherence to treatment, self-monitoring, timely detection of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), and adopting a healthy lifestyle. This study sought to examine the opinions of patients with IJD regarding the educational and supportive contributions of nurses. Methods: The research is based on a cross-sectional survey of patients with IJD treated with biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) in two rheumatology clinics in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, from the beginning of August 2024 to the end of January 2025. The group included patients of three diagnoses: (1) rheumatoid arthritis (RA), (2) psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and (3) axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Results: Regardless of the diagnosis, and after adjusting for covariates, patients rated the roles of nurses in disease treatment and management, the acquisition of self-injection skills for bDMARDs, the implementation of a healthy lifestyle, and the maintenance of psychological well-being at the higher end of the 0 to 4 scale. However, the axSpA patients were less affirmative in their responses compared to the RA and PsA patients. In the RA and PsA groups, the working patients were associated with the lowest ratings, followed by retirees with disability. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that nurse-led education in patient self-management skills is greatly appreciated by patients with IJD. Further developments in specialized training programs tailored to the specific needs of different diagnoses and in consideration of patients’ social status will lead to increased patient satisfaction and a better overall quality of life. Full article

Research Problem and Gap: Live streaming sales rely heavily on streamers, with both genuine and AI-generated virtual streamers gaining popularity. However, these streamer types possess contrasting capabilities. Genuine streamers are superior at building trust and reducing product valuation uncertainty but have limited reach, while virtual streamers excel at broad audience engagement but are less effective at mitigating uncertainty, often leading to higher product return rates. This trade-off creates a critical strategic gap; that is, brand firms lack clear guidance on whether to invest in genuine or virtual streamers or adopt a hybrid approach for their live channels. Objective and Methods: This study addresses this gap by developing a theoretical analytical model to determine a monopolistic brand firm’s optimal streamer strategy among three options: using only a genuine streamer, only a virtual streamer, or a combination of the two (hybrid approach). The researchers model consumer utility, factoring in uncertainty and the streamers’ differential impact on reach, to derive optimal decisions on pricing and streamer selection. Results and Findings: The analysis yields several key findings with direct managerial implications. First, while a hybrid strategy leverages the complementary strengths of both streamer types, its success depends on employing high-quality streamers; in other words, this strategy does not justify settling for inferior talent of either type. Second, employing a virtual streamer requires a moderate price reduction to compensate for higher consumer uncertainty and prevent high profit-eroding return rates. Third, a pure strategy (only genuine or only virtual) is optimal only when that streamer type has a significant cost advantage. Otherwise, the hybrid strategy tends to be the most profitable. Moreover, higher product return costs directly diminish the viability of virtual streamers, making a genuine or hybrid strategy more attractive for products with expensive return processes. Conclusions: The results provide a clear framework for brand firms—that is, the choice of streamer is a strategic decision intertwined with pricing and product return costs. Firms should pursue a hybrid strategy not as a compromise but as a premium approach, use targeted pricing to mitigate the risk of virtual streamers, and avoid virtual options altogether for products with high return costs. Full article

Crop diseases cause significant losses in agricultural production; early capture and identification of disease spores enable disease monitoring and prevention. This study experimentally optimized the preparation of Au@Ag NRS (Gold core@Silver shell Nanorods) sol as a Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) enhancement reagent via a modified seed-mediated growth method. Using an existing microfluidic chip developed by the research group, disease spores were separated and enriched, followed by combining Au@Ag NRS with Crop Disease Spores through electrostatic adsorption. Raman spectroscopy was employed to collect SERS fingerprint spectra of Crop Disease Spores. The spectra underwent baseline correction using Adaptive Least Squares (ALS) and standardization via Standard Normal Variate (SNV). Dimensionality reduction preprocessing was performed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Successive Projections Algorithm combined with Competitive Adaptive Reweighted Sampling (SCARS). Classification was then executed using Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Multilayer Perceptron (MLP). The SCARS-MLP model achieved the highest accuracy at 97.92% on the test set, while SCARS-SVM, PCA-SVM, and SCARS-MLP models attained test set accuracy of 95.83%, 95.24%, and 96.55%, respectively. Thus, the proposed Au@Ag NRS-based SERS technology can be applied to detect airborne disease spores, establishing an early and precise method for Crop Disease detection. Full article

The West Qinling Orogenic Belt (WQOB) contains a sedimentary succession that is approximately 15 km thick, spanning from the Carboniferous to the Jurassic period. This succession offers critical insights into the tectonic evolution of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean. While previous models have suggested various depositional environments, the late Paleozoic to Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the WQOB is still not fully understood. In this study, we incorporate new detrital zircon U-Pb age data and whole-rock geochemical analyses from six stratigraphic units, dating back to the Carboniferous to Triassic periods in the Xiahe–Hezuo region, alongside existing datasets. The detrital zircon age spectra from the WQOB reveal three distinct groups: Devonian–Carboniferous strata exhibit dominant Neoproterozoic (~800–900 Ma) zircon populations, whereas Permian–Triassic rock samples show prominent Paleoproterozoic (1840–1880 Ma) and Archean (2450–2500 Ma) peaks. A minor Neoproterozoic component in Permian spectra disappears by the Triassic, while Jurassic–Cretaceous assemblages lack Precambrian grains. These trends reflect evolving source terranes linked to Paleo-Tethyan subduction dynamics. Furthermore, the geochemical signatures of the Devonian–Triassic clastic rocks align with the composition of upper continental crust, indicating a tectonic relationship with continental island arcs and active continental margins. By synthesizing these findings with established detrital zircon ages, magmatic records, and geophysical data, we propose that the WQOB underwent pre-Triassic tectonic evolution that was marked by pre-Triassic subduction and localized extension during the process of continental underthrusting. Full article

Machine learning (ML) algorithms have promoted the development of predictive modeling of mineral prospectivity, enabling data-driven decision-making processes by integrating multi-source geological information, leading to efficient and accurate prediction of mineral exploration targets. However, it is challenging to conduct ML-based mineral prospectivity mapping (MPM) in under-explored areas where scarce data are available. In this study, the Narigongma district of the Qiangtang block in the Himalayan–Tibetan orogen was chosen as a case study. Five typical alterations related to porphyry mineralization in the study area, namely pyritization, sericitization, silicification, chloritization and propylitization, were extracted by remote sensing interpretation to enrich the data source for MPM. The extracted alteration evidences, combined with geological, geophysical and geochemical multi-source information, were employed to train the ML models. Four machine learning models, including artificial neural network (ANN), random forest (RF), support vector machine and logistic regression, were employed to map the Cu-polymetallic prospectivity in the study area. The predictive performances of the models were evaluated through confusion matrix-based indices and success-rate curves. The results show that the classification accuracy of the four models all exceed 85%, among which the ANN model achieves the highest accuracy of 96.43% and a leading Kappa value of 92.86%. In terms of predictive efficiency, the RF model outperforms the other models, which captures 75% of the mineralization sites within only 3.5% of the predicted area. A total of eight exploration targets were delineated upon a comprehensive assessment of all ML models, and these targets were further ranked based on the verification of high-resolution geochemical anomalies and evaluation of the transportation condition. The interpretability analyses emphasize the key roles of spatial proxies of porphyry intrusions and geochemical exploration in model prediction as well as significant influences everted by pyritization and chloritization, which accords well with the established knowledge about porphyry mineral systems in the study area. The findings of this study provide a robust ML-based framework for the exploration targeting in greenfield areas with good outcrops but low exploration extent, where fusion of a remote sensing technique and multi-source geo-information serve as an effective exploration strategy. Full article

Brucellosis remains an underreported zoonotic disease in Ecuador. Its control program in cattle integrates diagnostic testing, vaccination, and eradication incentives, although participation is largely voluntary. Since 2025, vaccination has become compulsory nationwide. Human surveillance remains largely passive, and strain-level data are very limited. This study applied an integrated approach, combining serology (Rose Bengal and SAT-EDTA), microbiological culture, and molecular diagnostics, to assess the presence and diversity of Brucella spp. in cattle and pigs from six slaughterhouses in the northern Andean highlands. A total of 2054 cattle and 1050 pigs from Carchi, Imbabura, and Pichincha were sampled. Among cattle, 133 (6.5%; 95% CI: 5.5–7.6) were seropositive, and viable B. abortus strains were isolated from 17 (12.8%). Genus identification was confirmed by IS711-PCR, while species- and biovar-level differentiation was achieved with AMOS-PCR; additional assays targeting the ery gene and RB51 marker were used to distinguish field from vaccine strains. Biotyping and molecular analysis revealed a predominance of B. abortus biovar 4 (13/17 isolates) over biovar 1, all confirmed as field strains. In pigs, 10 animals (0.95%) tested seropositive, but no isolates were recovered, highlighting limitations of serology in swine. Most livestock, including the positives, originated locally, reinforcing the representativeness of our findings. The successful isolation and molecular characterization of B. abortus demonstrates the value of combining diagnostic strategies beyond serology. These results underscore the utility of active surveillance when supported by traceability systems; this approach may also contribute to guide interventions to reduce infection risk in livestock and humans. Full article

Background: Patient satisfaction with diabetes technology is increasingly recognized as a key factor in therapeutic success. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are gaining importance in diabetes care and in the evaluation of advanced insulin delivery systems. Objectives: This study aimed to design and validate a new questionnaire, the Insulin Pump Infusion Sets Satisfaction Scale (IPISS), to assess satisfaction with insulin infusion sets among individuals with type 1 diabetes. Methods: The questionnaire was developed by our Diabetology Unit in two versions: one for patient self-reporting and one for caregivers when the patient is too young to complete it autonomously. Content validity was assessed by six healthcare professionals (three diabetologists and three nurses) based on Polit and Beck’s methodology. The Item Content Validity Index (I-CVI) was calculated for both relevance and comprehensibility and was considered satisfactory if expert agreement reached ≥83%. The Scale Content Validity Index (S-CVI) was computed as the average of I-CVIs, with a cut-off value > 90% deemed acceptable. Results: Almost all items achieved 100% positive agreement for both relevance and comprehensibility, except one item in the caregiver version, for which one rater did not provide a rating for comprehensibility (I-CVI = 83.3%). The S-CVI was 100% for relevance in both versions, 99.24% for comprehensibility in the caregiver version, and 100% in the patient version. Conclusions: The IPISS is a content-validated, self-reported tool, suitable for evaluating satisfaction with infusion sets in individuals using insulin pumps, with versions adapted for both patients and caregivers. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of vonoprazan–amoxicillin (VA) dual therapy with modified bismuth-containing quadruple therapy (esomeprazole, bismuth, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin; EBAC) in treatment-naïve patients infected with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Methods: In this single-center, open-label, randomized controlled trial conducted from July to December 2024, a total of 504 H. pylori-positive patients were randomly allocated to receive either VA (vonoprazan 20 mg and amoxicillin 1000 mg, twice daily for 14 days) or EBAC (esomeprazole 20 mg bid, bismuth potassium citrate 220 mg bid, amoxicillin 1000 mg bid, clarithromycin 500 mg bid, twice daily for 14 days). The primary endpoint was the H. pylori eradication rate, and the secondary endpoint was safety. Results: In the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, the eradication rates were 79.4% (200/252) in the VA group and 85.7% (216/252) in the EBAC group (p = 0.060). Per-protocol (PP) analysis showed comparable eradication rates between the two groups (92.1% [197/214] vs. 93.0% [213/229], p = 0.712), confirming the non-inferiority of VA compared to EBAC. The incidence of adverse events was significantly fewer in the VA group (27.2% vs. 42.7%, p < 0.001). Logistic regression identified medication adherence (≥80%) as the only independent predictor of successful eradication (OR 17.557, p < 0.001). Conclusion: VA dual therapy achieved comparable H. pylori eradication rates to EBAC, while offering better safety and a more convenient regimen, supporting it as a preferred first-line treatment for H. pylori infection. Full article

Hemiparesis is a disabling consequence of stroke, causing abnormal gait patterns with biomechanical asymmetries. Gait mechanics for stroke survivors appear resistant to conventional rehabilitation. Auditory rhythmical cueing (ARC) represents an emerging intervention option. To determine effective gait interventions, objective measures of gait collected from real-world environments may be required in addition to standard clinical outcomes to aid understanding of gait mechanics. This study reports on the ability of wearable activity monitors to quantify an ARC intervention for fifty-nine stroke survivors randomised into an ARC gait and balance training programme or an equivalent training programme without ARC. Gait assessments were undertaken at baseline and at 6 weeks for 4-metre walks and continuously for 7 days following each home assessment using a wearable activity monitor. The success rates of data collection using the wearable activity monitors ranged from 64 to 95%. Forty-eight Digital Mobility Outcomes representing a broad range of gait mechanics were calculated. Visualisation of all DMOs using radar plots indicated changes from baseline in both groups, with individual data indicating large variability in response to the intervention and control programme. Including wearable activity monitors to evaluate gait interventions for stroke survivors provides additional value to traditional methods and aids understanding of individual responses; as such, they should be used for future intervention-based research. Full article

This study predicts sedimentary architectures and facies distribution within the Pliocene prograding prism of the Roussillon Basin (Gulf of Lion, France), developed along an onshore–offshore continuum. Boreholes and outcrops provide facies-scale observations onshore, while seismic data capture basin-scale structures offshore. Forward seismic modeling bridges spatial and scale gaps between these datasets, yielding characteristic synthetic seismic signatures for the sedimentary facies associations observed onshore, used as analogs for offshore deposits. These signatures are then identified in offshore seismic data, allowing seismic profiles to be populated with sedimentary facies without a well tie. Predicted offshore architectures are consistent with shoreline trajectories and facies successions observed onshore. The Roussillon prism records passive margin reconstruction in the Mediterranean Basin following the Messinian Salinity Crisis, through the following three successive depositional profiles marking the onset of infilling: (1) Gilbert deltas, (2) wave- and storm-reworked fan deltas, and (3) a wave-dominated delta. Offshore, transitions in clinoform type modify sedimentary architectures, influenced by inherited Messinian paleotopography. This autogenic control generates spatial variability in accommodation, driving changes in depositional style. Overall, this multi-scale and integrative approach provides a robust framework for predicting offshore sedimentary architectures and can be applied to other deltaic settings with limited land–sea data continuity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Spheroid cultures in Matrigel are routinely used to study cell behaviour in complex 3D settings, thereby generating preclinical models of disease. Ideally, researchers would like to modulate gene expression ‘in situ’ for testing novel gene therapies while conserving the spheroid architecture. Here, we aim to provide an efficient method to transfect small RNAs (such as microRNAs and small interfering RNAs, i.e., siRNAs) into human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived 3D lung spheroids, specifically alveolar type II epithelial cells (iAT2) and basal cell (iBC) spheroids. Methods: Transfection of iAT2 spheroids within 3D Matrigel ‘in situ’, whole spheroids released from Matrigel or spheroids dissociated to single cells was explored via flow cytometry using a fluorescently labelled siRNA. Validation of the transfection method was performed in iAT2 and iBC spheroids using siRNA and miRNA mimics and measurement of specific target expression post-transfection. Results: Maximal delivery of siRNA was achieved in serum-free conditions in whole spheroids released from the Matrigel, followed by whole spheroids ‘in situ’. ‘In situ’ transfection of SFTPC-siRNA led to a 50% reduction in the SFTPC mRNA levels in iAT2 spheroids. Transfection of miR-29c mimic and miR-21 pre-miR into iAT2 and iBC spheroids, respectively, led to significant miRNA overexpression, together with a significant decrease in protein levels of the miR-29 target FOXO3a. Conclusions: This study demonstrates successful transfection of iPSC-derived lung spheroids without disruption of their 3D structure using a simple and feasible approach. Further development of these methods will facilitate functional studies in iPSC-derived spheroids utilizing small RNAs. Full article