Experimental Group Research Articles

Group intervention based on horticultural therapy for older adults living in Turkey: A randomized control trial study

ABSTRACT This research was designed as a pretest-posttest experimental study to evaluate the effect of a group intervention based on horticultural therapy on 20 older adults residing in different districts of Istanbul. Participants, aged between 58 and 65, were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. In addition to the Personal Information Form, the Older People’s Quality of Life-Brief (OPQOL-Brief) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were administered to the participants as both pretests and posttests. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS 22.0 software. At the conclusion of the group intervention, a significant improvement was observed in the total scores of the OPQOL-Brief and DASS-21 among the older adults in the experimental group. These findings suggest that incorporating horticultural therapy practices may be beneficial in enhancing the quality of life and mental well-being of older adults.

Utilising artificial intelligence for cultivating decorative plants

BackgroundThe research aims to assess the effectiveness of artificial intelligence models in predicting the risk level in tulip greenhouses using different varieties. The study was conducted in 2022 in the Almaty region, Panfilov village.ResultsTwo groups of 10 greenhouses each (area 200 m2) were compared: the control group used standard monitoring methods, while the experimental group employed AI-based monitoring. We applied ANOVA, regression analysis, Bootstrap, and correlation analysis to evaluate the impact of factors on the risk level. The results demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in the risk level in the experimental group, where artificial intelligence models were employed, especially the recurrent neural network “Expert-Pro.” A comparison of different tulip varieties revealed differences in their susceptibility to risks. The results provide an opportunity for more effective risk management in greenhouse cultivation.ConclusionsThe high accuracy and sensitivity exhibited by the “Expert-Pro” model underscore its potential to enhance the productivity and resilience of crops. The research findings justify the theoretical significance of applying artificial intelligence in agriculture and its practical applicability for improving risk management efficiency in greenhouse cultivation conditions.

Effect of 6 GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic field on the development of fetal bones

ABSTRACT This study examined the impact of 6 GHz (0.054 W/kg SAR) Radiofrequency-Electromagnetic Field (RF-EMF) on prenatal bone development. In this study, 20 female and 20 male Wistar Albino rats divided into four groups. The Control group received no treatment, while in Group-I, only male rats were exposed to RF-EMF, female rats had no exposure. Group-II, both male and female rats received RF-EMF treatment. While in Group-III, only female rats were exposed to RF-EMF, male rats had no exposure. The exposure lasted 4 hours per day for 6 weeks. The rats were then allowed to mate within the group. After pregnancy, pregnant rats (Group-II and III) were exposed 4 hours per day for 18 days. On the 18th day of gestation, fetuses were removed and their weight and various lengths were measured. The skeletal system development of fetuses was examined with double skeletal staining method and assessed ossification in the extremities. In the study, fetal weights, head-tail length, occipital-frontal and parietal-parietal lengths significantly increased in all exposure groups when compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Although occipital-frontal length was smallest in Group-I, Group-II and Group-III were more higher than the control group (p < 0.001). The bones of the anterior and posterior extremities showed significant increases in length, ossification zone length, and ossification percentage in all experimental groups compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Our study showed that rats exposed to 6 GHz (0.054 W/kg) RF-EMF during the prenatal period had significant increases in bone development.

Effects of Jintiange on the healing of osteoporotic fractures in aged rats

ObjectiveTo examine the effects of Jintiange on enhancing the healing of osteoporotic fractures in aged rats.MethodsAn osteoporotic fracture model of femur was established using 70 SD rats (aged > 12 months), which were randomly numbered and divided into an experimental group and a control group, each with an equal sample size (n = 35). The experimental group received Jintiange capsule ingredients via intragastric administration, while the control group received an equal volume of saline via the same method. X-ray examinations were conducted at the 4th and 12th weeks to evaluate fracture healing in the rats. After 12 weeks, micro-CT scanning was employed to assess the microstructure of the healthy femurs, and the parameters of the experimental and control groups were compared.ResultsAfter 4 weeks, the mean fracture healing scores were 0.78 ± 0.43 in the experimental group and 0.56 ± 0.51 in the control group. After 12 weeks, the mean scores were 1.50 ± 0.71 in the experimental group and 0.96 ± 0.68 in the control group. The scores in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Micro-CT examination of the femurs showed an improvement trend in bone microarchitecture in the experimental group, indicated by increased bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb. N), and trabecular thickness (Tb. Th). However, these improvements were not statistically significant. A negative correlation with statistical significance was observed between trabecular separation (Tb. Sp) and fracture healing scores.Conclusions Jintiange may promote osteoporotic fracture healing in aged rats by enhancing bone microstructure.

Влияние проантоцианидинов на физиологическое состояние стерляди Acipenser ruthenus (Linnaeus, 1758) и антиоксидантную активность комбикорма

The effect of grape seed extract (GSE), containing 95% proanthocyanidins, on the physiological state of sterlet grown in conditions of closed water supply system is investigated. Additionally, the changes in the antioxidant activity of compound feed with the introduction of GSE (in dry and water-dissolved) after 1, 3 and 24 hours are analyzed. It is established that the greatest total amount of water-soluble antioxidants (TAWSA) is observed in the Russian compound feed with introduction of water solution of GSE (95% proanthocyanidins). The introduction of 50 mg of GSE per 1 kg of compound feed for 63 days promotes changes in the biochemical parameters of blood and organs of the experimental sterlet group. The total amount of water-soluble antioxidants in the liver increases by 25% (p &lt; 0.05) compared to the control group. There is a tendency to increase the level of total protein (0.05 ≤ p ≤ 0.1), increase in albumin level by 36.47% (p ≤ 0.01) and the alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity by 25.45% (p ≤ 0.01) in serum. There is also a significant decrease in glucose levels in the experimental group of 60.22% (p &lt; 0.01). There are no differences in the chemical and mineral composition of meat (p ≥ 0.1). It is assumed that in sterlet of the experimental group metabolism is intensified and oxidative processes in the liver are reduced. It is proposed to use GSE containing 95% proanthocyanidins in a dosage of 50 mg/kg as an additive in compound feed for juvenile sterlet to prevent oxidative stress and stimulate metabolic processes in the body.

The Application of Concept Map Thinking Combined with Kolcaba’s Comfort Nursing in the Perioperative Care of Patients Undergoing Nasal Deformity Correction

Aims/Background By addressing patients’ physical, psychological, social, cultural, and environmental comfort needs holistically, Kolcaba’s Comfort Theory raises the standard of care and increases patient satisfaction. This study explored the combined application of these nursing models during the perioperative period for patients undergoing nasal deformity correction surgery. Methods 92 patients undergoing nasal deformity correction at the Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were randomly divided into two groups: the conventional group (46 patients), which received standard perioperative nursing care, and the experimental group (46 patients), which received concept map thinking nursing combined with Kolcaba’s comfort nursing intervention during the perioperative period. Clinical indicators, including the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) and General Comfort Questionnaire (GCQ), were compared between the two groups at multiple time points. Results The experimental group demonstrated significantly shorter operation times (p &lt; 0.001), faster recovery of nasal breathing (p = 0.002), and shorter hospital stays (p &lt; 0.001) compared to the conventional group. Additionally, the experimental group experienced less intraoperative blood loss (p &lt; 0.001) and a lower incidence of complications (p = 0.013). At 2 days, 1 month, and 3 months post-surgery, both groups showed decreases in SAS, SDS, and PSQI scores, with the experimental group demonstrating significantly lower scores (p &lt; 0.05). At these same time points, the ROE and GCQ scores increased in both groups, with the experimental group achieving significantly higher scores than the conventional group (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion The integration of concept map thinking with Kolcaba’s comfort nursing significantly improves the postoperative recovery of patients undergoing nasal deformity correction. Reduced surgical trauma, enhanced psychological health, better sleep, increased comfort, and quicker nasal function recovery are all results of this method. Clinical Trial Registration China Clinical Trial Registration Center ( https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=191278 ).

Investigating the Efficiency of the Rotation Model in Improving First-Year Undergraduate ESL Learners’ Writing: A Quasi-Experimental Study

The present study uses a quasi-experimental design to assess the effectiveness of the Rotation Model (RM) on English as a Second Language (ESL) learners’ writing errors among undergraduate students. Few studies have focused on ESL learners' writing errors in inflectional suffixation. To address this gap, the current study investigates the effect of the Rotation Model on ESL learners' writing errors in inflectional suffixation within the Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) framework. The study has collected data from 132 participants. They were divided into two groups. The first group serves as the experimental group (N=66). The experimental group undergoes an intervention through the Rotation Model to improve English writing. The second group is the Control group (N=66). The control received instruction through the grammar-translation method.) Data were collected using pretests and posttests from both groups on two different pictures. The data were analyzed using paired t-tests on SPSS. The analysis revealed that the ESL learners in the experimental group improved their writing by minimizing errors related to inflectional suffixation more than the control group. These findings suggest that the Rotation Model effectively enhances the accuracy of ESL learners' use of inflectional suffixes. The implications of these results underscore the potential of RM as a superior instructional approach over traditional methods in ESL contexts, particularly for complex grammatical structures such as inflectional suffixation.

Personality determinants, love attitudes and self-efficacy in people using dating sites

The Internet can provide an alternative space to the real world. Among these opportunities is making new acquaintances with the intention of creating a romantic relationship via portals designed for this purpose. With the growing popularity of dating sites, it was decided to study the relationship between personality determinants (independent and interdependent self-construal, communion and agency), love attitudes, attachment styles and self-efficacy in a group of people using dating sites. The study included 350 respondents. Dating site users comprised 39% of the sample (135 respondents), whereas non-users accounted for 61% of the sample (215 respondents). The following tools were used in the study: Self-Construal Scale (SCS), Self-Description Questionnaire 30, The Love Attitudes Scale: Short Form (LAS: SF), Attachment Styles Questionnaire (KSP) and General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES). The results of the correlation analyses conducted for the entire study sample showed the existence of relationships between independent self-construal, agency, communion, Ludus love attitude, Mania love attitude, secure attachment style, anxiety-ambivalent attachment style and avoidant attachment style and self-efficacy, while the linear regression analysis showed the significance of independent self-construal, agency, Ludus love attitude and anxiety-ambivalent attachment style for self-efficacy. By comparing the obtained correlation and regression results, intergroup differences were shown for the variables studied. Differences in the correlations of the independent variables with the dependent variable between the control group and the research group are found for the relationships of communion and avoidant attachment style. In the experimental group, higher correlation coefficients were observed for the relationship with self-efficacy for the independent self-construal and communion. The level of explanation of the dependent variable by the independent variables is 43% for non-users of dating sites, while it is 36% for users of dating sites. In the experimental group, the predictors were statistically significant in explaining the variance of the dependent variable: independent self-construal, agency, communion, Ludus love style, Agape love style, anxiety-ambivalent attachment style. In the control group: agency and anxiety-ambivalent attachment style. The results of the Mann-Whitney U test showed statistically significant differences between the groups with high median differences observed for anxiety-ambivalent attachment style and avoidant attachment style.

Efficacy and safety of a non-immersive virtual reality-based neuropsychological intervention for cognitive stimulation and relaxation in patients with critical illness: study protocol of a randomized clinical trial (RGS-ICU)

BackgroundExperiencing a critical illness may be a stressful life event that is also associated with cognitive dysfunction during and after the intensive care unit (ICU) stay. A deep-tech solution based on non-immersive virtual reality, gamification and motion capture called Rehabilitation Gaming System for Intensive Care Units (RGS-ICU) has been developed that includes both cognitive stimulation and relaxation protocols specifically designed for patients with critical illness. This study aims to evaluate whether the cognitive and relaxation protocols of the RGS-ICU platform are 1) effective in improving neuropsychological outcomes during and after ICU stay and 2) safe for patients with critical illness.MethodsThis is a study protocol for a multicenter longitudinal randomized clinical trial. At least 80 patients with critical illness will be included: 40 experimental subjects and 40 control subjects. Patients in the experimental group will receive daily 20-min sessions of cognitive stimulation and relaxation with the RGS-ICU platform adjuvant to standard ICU care in their own rooms during the ICU stay and until discharge from the ICU or up to a maximum of 28 days after randomization, provided they are alert and calm. Patients in the experimental group will be constantly monitored as part of standard ICU care to ensure the safety of the intervention and that no avoidable adverse events occur. Patients in the control group will receive standard ICU care. The primary outcome is objective cognition 12 months after ICU discharge, assessed with a composite index including measures of attention, working memory, learning/memory, executive function and processing speed. The secondary outcome is the safety of the intervention, assessed by considering the number of sessions terminated early due to unsafe events in physiological parameters. Other outcomes are comfort experienced during the ICU stay, and subjective cognition, mental health (anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder), functionality and health-related quality of life 12 months after ICU discharge.DiscussionThe expected results are 1) better neuropsychological outcomes during and after the ICU stay in patients in the experimental group compared to patients in the control group and 2) that the cognitive and relaxation protocols of the RGS-ICU platform are safe for patients with critical illness.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT06267911. Registered on February 20, 2024.

Induction treatments with and without addition of one dose anthracycline to all-trans retinoid acid and arsenic in pediatric non-high-risk acute promyelocytic leukemia: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe treatment of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenical agent has revolutionarily improved the prognosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) both in adults and children. Nevertheless, coagulation disorder and differentiation syndrome (DS) are the main causes of early death in APL patients. Early chemotherapy to reduce leukocytes during induction is an important measure to reduce complications and mortality. However, the incidence of hyperleukocytosis (WBC > 10 × 109/L) was significantly higher in pediatric patients without chemotherapy than in adults. Although ATRA plus arsenic is the standard therapy for non-high-risk adult patients, it remains controversial whether chemotherapy is necessary for induction therapy in pediatric APL.MethodsThis study was designed as a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Children with APL were randomly assigned into experimental group (ATRA-RIF plus chemotherapy) and control group (ATRA-RIF). The experimental group was treated with ATRA-RIF plus chemotherapy for induction, while the control group was treated with ATRA-RIF alone. In addition, both groups received the same regimen of ATRA-RIF plus chemotherapy for consolidation and maintenance.DiscussionThis trial aims to compare the efficacy of ATRA-RIF plus chemotherapy versus ATRA-RIF in pediatric non-high-risk patients with APL to demonstrate that chemotherapy during induction therapy can reduce the incidence of complications such as hyperleukocytosis and DS, thereby reducing mortality.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trials Registry, ID: ChiCTR2000038877. Registered on October 8, 2020, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=60733. V1.0 date 08/01/2020.

Incorporating Augmented Reality Patients Into Online Trauma Training to Support Mental Model Development: An Experimental Study.

Medical students find translating lessons from traditional lectures to caring for trauma patients challenging. We assess whether adding video-based virtual flashcards and videos of augmented reality-based trauma patients in an online learning environment improves performance. We performed a between-subject experimental study. Thirty-five medical students were randomly assigned to the control and experimental groups. The control group viewed a traditional online lecture. The experimental group viewed the same online lecture and received virtual flashcard training. Each virtual flashcard consisted of a video of a virtual patient, and examination questions about diagnoses, treatment, and disposition. The experimental group also viewed a video of a physician coach providing an expert assessment of the virtual patient. Simulation-based assessment was used to measure performance and knowledge. The evaluation consisted of the following 3 scenarios: a video of a simulated patient followed by multiple-choice questions, a free-text examination, and the writing of a Subjective, Objective, Assessment and Plan note. Differences in performance for 3 measures (diagnoses, therapeutic interventions, and disposition) were assessed for pre-post change in accuracy. For these 3 measures, we used a binary logistic regression model. We assessed perceptions of performance and the training experience with a survey. The training intervention statistically significantly improved accuracy for diagnosis (P = 0.01) and self-reported performance (P < 0.01) compared with the control group. The themes for the experience were engaging, innovative, and valuing the expert's assessment, with 17 of 19 positive statements. Adding virtual flashcards to traditional training significantly improved diagnostic accuracy while being engaging and innovative.

Efficacy of neoadjuvant PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor in resectable NSCLC: a meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials

BackgroundThe efficacy of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in resectable non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is controversial. The aim of this study is to explore the efficacy of additional PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in the neoadjuvant treatment of resctable NSCLC.MethodsData sources included Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and PubMed from beginning of the database creation to May 2024. The primary outcomes of the study included event-free survival (EFS), overall survival (OS), pathological complete response (pCR), major pathological response (MPR).ResultsSeven RCTs, including 2929 patients, were included in the analysis. The results showed that the experimental group had significantly higher rates of pCR (RR = 5.9, p < 0.001) and MPR (RR = 2.88, p < 0.001) compared to the control group. OS (HR = 0.57) and EFS (HR = 0.58) was also significantly improved in the experimental group. Subgroup analysis of EFS revealed that the benefit was higher in the East (HR = 0.56) than in the West (HR = 0.70). Additionally, the benefit seemed to rise with PD-L1 tumor cell proportion score (TPS) (TPS < 1%, HR = 0.76; 1% < TPS < 49%, HR = 0.56; TPS ≥ 50%, HR = 0.38). The benefit degree seemed to be higher in the III period patients (HR = 0.75) than I-II period patients (HR = 0.52). It is important to emphasize that smokers (HR = 0.54, p < 0.001) benefited from neoadjuvant immunotherapy but nonsmokers (HR = 0.68, p = 0.055) did not.ConclusionNeoadjuvant PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor combined with chemotherapy can significantly improve the short-term and long-term prognosis of patients with resectable NSCLC. Moreover, the efficacy of this treatment regimen may be affected by different clinicopathological characteristics of patients.

Targeted memory reactivation during sleep improves emotional memory modulation following imagery rescripting

Targeted Memory Reactivation (TMR) during sleep benefits memory integration and consolidation. In this pre-registered study, we investigated the effects of TMR applied during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep following modulation and updating of aversive autobiographical memories using imagery rescripting (ImR). During 2–5 nights postImR, 80 healthy participants were repeatedly presented with either idiosyncratic words from an ImR updated memory during sleep (experimental group) or with no or neutral words (control groups) using a wearable EEG device (Mobile Health Systems Lab-Sleepband, MHSL-SB) [1] implementing a close-loop cueing procedure. Multivariate analysis were conducted to assess change score trajectories in five key emotional memory characteristics (positive and negative valence, emotional distress, arousal, and vividness) across assessments (timepoints, t) and between the study groups (TMR condition). While ImR showed significant effects on all memory characteristics (d = 0.76–1.66), there were significant additional improvements in the experimental group. Memories were significantly less vivid and afflicted with less emotional distress and arousal following ImR-words cueing. TMR during sleep in individuals’ homes was feasible and further improved some ImR’s adaptive memory effects. If replicated in clinical samples, TMR may be utilized to augment the effects of ImR and other clinical memory modulation procedures and create personalized treatment options. Such advances in emotional memory treatments are direly needed, as aversive memories are a salient feature across mental disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Assessment of glove integrity across various dental specialties in a dental school setting

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the integrity of non-sterile, powder-free latex gloves used by dental students in various dental specialties.Materials and methodsThis cross-sectional study involved dental students from Ajman University who provided gloves during various dental specialty procedures. A total of 177 pairs of latex examination powder-free gloves were included and categorized as follows: 43 pairs (24.3%) were used in operative dentistry, 30 pairs (16.9%) in oral surgery, 28 pairs (15.8%) in endodontics, 24 pairs (13.6%) in periodontics, 21 pairs (11.9%) in pedodontics, 13 pairs (7.3%) in prosthodontics, and 18 pairs (10.2%) as control gloves. After use, glove integrity was assessed with a modified water leak test.ResultsPerforations were identified in 72 cases (40.7%) of gloves, distributed as follows: 22 cases (51.2%) in operative dentistry, 12 cases (40.0%) in oral surgery, 11 cases (39.3%) in endodontics, 11 cases (45.8%) in periodontics, 10 cases (47.6%) in pedodontics, 5 cases (38.5%) in prosthodontics, and 1 case (5.5%) in the control group. There were no statistically significant differences in the loss of glove integrity among different dental specialty procedures (χ2 = 11.899, p = 0.064) or among different glove usage durations (χ2 = 1.732, p = 0.785). However, the location of perforations in the experimental groups was statistically significant (χ2 = 34.427, p &amp;lt; 0.001). The most common locations were the right thumb (n = 18; 13.7%) and the right index finger (n = 17; 13%), with no perforations in the left ring finger and only one perforation in the left little finger (n = 1, 0.08%). There was a statistically significant correlation between the anticipated and actual presence of defects (χ2 = 32.875, p &amp;lt; 0.001).ConclusionsThe study found a high rate of glove perforations during dental procedures by undergraduate students, especially in the right thumb and index finger. To reduce cross-infection risks, strict protocols like double gloving, frequent glove changes, and covering wounds with plaster are recommended.

Effectiveness of Biofeedback with Dilator Therapy for Sexual Function in Women with Primary Vaginismus: Randomized Controlled Trial Study.

Vaginismus is characterized by the involuntary spasm of the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) around the outer third of the vagina, leading to difficulties in vaginal penetration. Physical therapists often use biofeedback to help individuals to gain better control over their muscles. This study was aimed at assessing the impact of biofeedback with dilator therapy on sexual function in women with primary vaginismus. In this randomized controlled trial study, 32 women with primary vaginismus, aged 18 to 45, were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n = 16) or the control group (n = 16). The experimental group received both dilator therapy and biofeedback training, whereas the control group only received dilator therapy. Both groups followed a 6-week, twice-a-week session program. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire, which includes six dimensions (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain), was administered before and after the 6-week treatment, as well as 1month after completion. The analysis of variance test showed that the interaction effect of the group and time on the overall score of sexual function (p < 0.001) and the aspects of desire (p < 0.001), arousal (p < 0.001), orgasm (p = 0.028), satisfaction (p < 0.001), and pain (p = 0.003) were significant; however, the interaction between group and time (p = 0.182) was not observed for lubrication. Biofeedback therapy combined with dilator therapy and dilator therapy alone are both effective in improving sexual function in women with primary vaginismus. However, women undergoing biofeedback combined with dilator therapy seem to benefit more than those receiving dilators alone.

In vitro comparison of Enterococcus Faecalis survival in dentinal tubules following root canal therapy with AH plus, endoseal MTA, and cold ceramic sealers

BackgroundEnterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) is the most common microorganism responsible for post-endodontic infections, which can penetrate deep into dentinal tubules. This study aimed to compare the survival of E. faecalis in dentinal tubules following root canal therapy with AH Plus (AHP), Endoseal MTA (ESM), and cold ceramic (CC) sealers.MethodsIn this in vitro experimental study, 80 single-canal human teeth were decoronated at the cementoenamel junction. The root canals were cleaned and shaped, and auto-clave sterilized after smear layer removal. The roots were then inoculated with E. faecalis, and incubated for 3 weeks. The teeth were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 20) for root canal obturation with AHP, ESM, and CC sealers and 2% gutta-percha with the cold lateral compaction technique. The fourth group served as the control group. After 30 days, dentin chips were collected from the canals, and cultured on blood agar. The colony count was reported and analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis test (alpha = 0.05).ResultsThe mean colony count was 23.73 ± 13.84 in the AHP, 34.78 ± 18.75 in the ESM, and 28.47 ± 13.73 in the CC group after 30 days. The difference in this regard was not significant among the three experimental groups (P = 0.102).ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this in vitro study, the results indicated comparable antibacterial activity of AHP, ESM, and CC sealers against E. faecalis in infected dentinal tubules after 30 days.

The Effects of Flywheel Training with a Portable Device on Physical Performance in Soccer Players

Soccer is a team sport in which players expend high-intensity intermittent efforts that require the production of sprints, accelerations, decelerations, changes of direction, and jumps. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of training with portable and low-cost flywheel devices, using multi-directional exercises over 8 weeks, on the performance of linear sprint, curve sprint, and change of direction in senior soccer players. Thirty-three players participated in the research, divided into a control group and an experimental group. The latter group performed the training protocol in addition to the technical–tactical soccer training. Before and after the application of the training protocol, the linear and curve sprint and change of direction (V-cut) were evaluated. At the end of the training program, significant improvements (p &lt; 0.05) were found in change of direction and in curve sprint with respect to the control group. The results suggested that resistance training with flywheel devices with low training volumes improves performance in change of direction and in curve sprint, which are key performance variables in soccer. Therefore, this type of training could be added to technical–tactical soccer training to enhance the variables that are essential to reach high-performance metrics in soccer.

In Silico and In Vitro Verification of the Effects of Chemotherapeutic Doxorubicin and 5-Fluorouracil in Combination With Curcumin and Vitamin C on MCF-7 Cells.

Breast cancer ranks among the most prevalent cancers. Enhancing the effectiveness of chemotherapy and patient survival is the objective of many studies. In the literature, no study has investigated the combined effect of vitamin c and curcumin with chemotherapy drugs on cell viability in the MCF-7 cell line, nor the mechanism of inflammation induced by cancer drugs, both in vitro and in silico. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the synergistic effect of curcumin and vitamin c in combination with the chemotherapy drugs 5-fluorouracil and doxorubicin. The cytokine hub genes of the Toll-like receptor pathway for the administered drugs were identified using the Cytoscape program, and docking studies were conducted via the Cb Dock2 website. In silico analyses indicated that doxorubicin and curcumin displayed comparable characteristics, achieving the highest interaction scores (-10) with marker proteins, whereas 5-fluorouracil and vitamin c showed lower interaction scores. Cell viability was evaluated through MTT analysis and AO/PI staining, while the expression of inflammation-related markers IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α proteins determined using the ELISA method. After 24 h, the cell viability of the chemotherapeutic drugs administered in combination with curcumin decreased by up to 28%. Subsequently, applications at 48 and 72 h were performed. These results indicate that the effect of curcumin on cell viability is significant when combined with chemotherapy drugs. In the ELISA test, a 52% expression of IL-6 was noted in MCF-7 cells treated with curcumin, whereas the IL-6 level decreased to 15% in the other experimental groups. An increase was observed in the TNF-α expression with 5-fluorouracil and doxorubicin compared to the control, while a notable decrease was recorded in the applications with vitamin c and curcumin (p < 0.05). This study demonstrates that vitamin c and curcumin exhibit a synergistic effect with chemotherapeutic agents in the inflammatory system.

The effect of cold water on the transitional speed and agility of basketball players

In recent years the researches focus on recovery strategies to boost the rebuild of physiological processes and improving performance in training and competition, and ice-bath is one of the modern scientific methods to fatigue phenomenon and refresh athletes in addition to active neuromuscular cells. The game of basketball features by rapid and intense movements such as jump, footwork, sprint and intense motion repetition with short recovery time periods. Therefore, players need speed, power and motion endurance such as (sprint, jump, changing direction and footwork) despite the ability of maintaining high level performance during the game. The study aims to identify the effect of ice-bath on speed and agility of basketball players. The research sample consists of Qala sport club players in Erbil province numbered (10) players divided into to equal groups of (5) participants (control group and experimental group). The statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) used for data analysis. The results show no significant differences in speed and agility tests, as speed require long resting periods to be fully recovered. The researchers recommend conducting further researches and studies on ice-bath in different sports to determine the its advantages for muscle recovery after trainings and games.

Effect of composite yeast culture on the jejunal barrier function, inflammatory response, and microbial community structure of laying hens during the late stage of egg production

During the late laying period, the intestinal barrier of laying hens is susceptible to damage, resulting in enteric infections and even systemic inflammatory responses, posing a major challenge for the poultry industry. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate methods for addressing intestinal inflammation in late laying hens. In order to maximize the production potential of egg laying chickens, farmers usually use various feed additives to prevent damage to the intestinal barrier. Composite yeast cultures have shown advantages in broiler applications. This study aims to assess the impact of composite yeast culture (CYC) on the intestinal barrier function, inflammatory cytokines, and microbial community structure of Hy-Line Brown laying hens. A total of 160 healthy Hy-Line Brown hens, aged 58 weeks and of similar weight, were randomly assigned to two groups, with four replicates per group and 20 hens in each replicate. The control group was fed a basal diet (Con), while the experimental group was provided with a diet supplemented with 40 g/kg of composite yeast culture (CYC). The test period was 25 days. The results indicated that: compared to the control group, CYC significantly improved the egg production rates of hens during days 11–15, 16–20, and 21–25 (p &amp;lt; 0.05). CYC significantly enhanced the relative mRNA expression levels of occludin, claudin-1, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), and mucin 2 (Muc2) in the intestinal tract (p &amp;lt; 0.05), while reducing the relative expression levels of pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α and IFN-γ (p &amp;lt; 0.05), and increasing the levels of anti-inflammatory factors IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β1 (p &amp;lt; 0.05). CYC significantly increased the abundance of Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in the intestine. These findings suggest that the composite yeast culture (CYC) can improve the structure of the intestinal microbial community. In conclusion, CYC may enhance egg production rates, reduce inflammatory responses, and strengthen intestinal barrier function by modulating the composition of the intestinal microbiota in late laying hens.