Human Body Research Articles

Introduction: Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as a promising tool in healthcare education, offering immersive experiences to support learning and professional development. At Sheffield Hallam University, VR was integrated into the BSc Physiotherapy curriculum to enrich simulated placement experiences. The initiative targeted key educational domains such as Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), human anatomy, and soft skills. This study investigates the impact of VR on student engagement, learning, and skill application using the Kirkpatrick Evaluation Model [1]. Methods: The study employed a mixed-methods evaluation of VR integration across three modules—Anatomy VR, Travelling While Black, and BodySwaps. Data were collected through student feedback surveys and reflections, focusing on the four levels of the Kirkpatrick Model: Reaction, Learning, Behaviour, and Results. Additional insights were gathered from the VR facilitation team and reviewed alongside supporting literature to inform improvements [2,3]. Results: Reaction: 36% of students responded positively to the VR sessions, while another 36% remained neutral, and 28% reported dissatisfaction. Technical issues and discomfort, particularly with BodySwaps, were common concerns. Learning: Travelling While Black and Anatomy VR sessions were effective in promoting EDI awareness and anatomical understanding, respectively. BodySwaps yielded limited success in enhancing communication and active listening. Behaviour and Results: While 48% of students reported confidence in applying VR-acquired skills to clinical placements, 36% did not, highlighting inconsistencies in perceived transferability of learning. Preliminary Recommendations: Pre-briefings, content alignment with real-world scenarios, and improved accessibility are expected to enhance future VR effectiveness. Discussion: VR holds significant potential to augment physiotherapy education by fostering experiential learning and addressing EDI and communication competencies. However, to maximise impact, sessions must be better tailored to learners’ needs and technological limitations addressed. The mixed reception to BodySwaps indicates the importance of context and clarity in simulation design. Future work will assess the impact of the proposed recommendations on student outcomes and engagement. Ethics Statement: As the submitting author, I can confirm that all relevant ethical standards of research and dissemination have been met. Additionally, I can confirm that the necessary ethical approval has been obtained, where applicable

Background: How the human body coordinates cerebral blood flow (CBF) and multi-organ inflammation during recovery of an acute myocardial infraction (AMI) is difficult to study and poorly understood. This is in part due to a lack of noninvasive measuring techniques for both blood flow (BF) and total-body (TB) inflammation per organ in treated survivors. Conventional PET imaging can either resolve organ-specific BF or tissue inflammation with a singular tracer injection but not both. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that early kinetics and delayed static images from a single tracer injection for PET scans will simultaneously evaluate and connect, for the first time, CBF abnormalities and remote vascular (i.e. aorta) and/or solid organ inflammation at a singular time point. Methods: Here, we expand our prior work on multiparametric TB-PET with high-temporal resolution dynamic imaging (1-2 s/frame for the first ~2 mins of scanning) for CBF modeling with a no-flow radiotracer (i.e. 18 F-FDG) based on early vascular transit time (VTT) in the gray and white matter, brainstem, and cerebellum. The whole aorta, by target–to–blood pool ratio (TBR) at 40-60 min, and solid organs, by standardized uptake value (SUV) at 60-90 min, were evaluated for inflammation based on glucose uptake. Result: Eleven revascularized survivors (~10 days post event) and 22 non-AMI subjects were studied. CBF was primarily reduced, when compared to controls, in subcortical gray matter (0.353 vs. 0.434 mL/min/cm 3 , p=0.0121) with a lesser reduction trend in cortical gray matter (0.414 vs. 0.449, p= 0.0677). This was accompanied by a gray matter subcortical increase in mean VTT (6 vs. 4.3 sec, p=0.0121) and to a lesser extend a cortical increase (5.5 vs. 4.5 sec, p=0.0253). The TBR and SUVs of extra-cardiac, non-cerebral organs were increased 1.9 vs. 1.23, p<0.0001 in the whole aorta, 2.9 vs. 2.2 p=0.0435 in the bone marrow and 3.1 vs. 2.1 p=0.0015 in the spleen respectively. Conclusion: When simultaneously evaluating extra-cardiac organs in survivors, we found a widespread pattern of multi-organ inflammation and a restricted-to-regional hypoperfusion of subcortical > cortical gray matter using dynamic and static total-body 18 F-FDG PET/CT imaging per organ, per patient and with a singular non-flow tracer injection. Hence, future longitudinal PET imaging on AMI survivors as shown offers a unique opportunity to unravel the complex process of recovery and the multiorgan contribution to resilience post MI.

TRPV4 (transient receptor potential vanilloid 4) is a non-selective, multifunctional cationic channel that is expressed in numerous cells in the body. It can be activated by temperature, mechanical forces, and chemical and biochemical molecules. Functionally, TRPV4 participates in maintaining osmotic homeostasis, blood pressure, and hypoxic preconditioning. As far as we know, the presence of TRPV4 has never been reported in the carotid body despite the overlap that exists between some biological functions of TRPV4 and the physiology of the carotid body. In the present work, immunofluorescence associated with confocal laser microscopy, associated with quantitative analysis (area occupied by immunofluorescence), has been used to examine the occurrence of TRPV4 in the human carotid body. The results demonstrated the presence of TRPV4 in a subpopulation of chemoreceptor type I cells (approximately 65–68%), a subpopulation of type II supporting cells, and in nerve terminals in the human carotid body. Its function, if any, in this multisensory organ must be demonstrated, but it is in line with the functions attributed to the carotid body.

In an era of rapid digitisation, our physical traits—faces, fingerprints, eyes—are increasingly treated as master keys to our identity. From unlocking smartphones with a glance to nationwide biometric ID programmes, the message is that our bodies can serve as passwords. This premise is dangerously flawed. Unlike a password, you cannot change your face or fingerprint once it is compromised. And when we allow machines to determine and verify who we are, we risk grave consequences for privacy, civil liberties, and even basic justice. The human body should never be a password—and machines must never have the final say in who we are.

In this study, six common fused filament fabrication (FFF) polymers—PEEK, PLA, PETG, ABS, Nylon, and TPU—were acclimatized at 15%, 45%, and 95% relative humidity (RH) to characterize tensile behavior, including Young’s modulus, maximum strain, and ultimate tensile strength. Separately, mechanical metamaterial samples at relative densities (RD) of 25%, 35%, and 45% were tested in compression at the same RH levels to evaluate stiffness, strength, and Poisson’s ratio. The water absorption process can generally be divided into different stages—rapid uptake (0–12 h), a plateau (12–60 h), and a late rebound (60–100 h)—with a total uptake ranking of Nylon > PETG > PLA ≈ ABS > TPU ≈ PEEK. Samples under tensile and compressive tests show a great difference between properties at different RD and RH levels. Poisson’s ratio indicates that material responses remain predictable at low-to-moderate RH, whereas high RH serves as a critical threshold inducing abrupt Poisson’s ratio behavioral shifts. This study provides systematic validation for the application of 3D-printed metamaterials under varying humidity conditions, such as biomedical implants in human body.

The aim of this contribution is to give an outline of Henri Lefebvre’s project to articulate thinking on space with critical sociopolitical theory, and more specifically with the critique of the neo-capitalist society. Foundational to this project is the idea of the production of (social) space, which involves Lefebvre’s opposition to an understanding of space as a “container”, in favour of its conception as a relational phenomenon, grounded on an ontological bond with the human body, as well as indissolubly linked to time. The analysis of this idea shows that space is not a mere stage for what takes place in the social realm, but is instead an important part of it, and thus possesses an inherent political dimension. This importance and dimension, though, has significantly increased within contemporary society and the space that it has produced, “abstract space”, because of the fact that space has been rendered an instrument of control at all levels: economic, political, ideological. However, this control of space and through it, though unprecedented in history, cannot be total, since “abstract space” itself creates new contradictions which escape the controlling forces.

The oral cavity harbors one of the most diverse microbial ecosystems in the human body, second only to the gut. Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease arising from oral microbiota dysbiosis, has been increasingly associated with systemic disorders such as diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and neurodegenerative conditions. Although hematogenous dissemination of oral pathogens and inflammatory mediators has long been proposed as a mechanistic link, emerging evidence identifies the oral–gut axis as a novel bidirectional pathway. Swallowed oral pathobionts, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum, can colonize the gut, disrupt the intestinal barrier, and induce dysbiosis, immune imbalance, and metabolic alterations that aggravate systemic inflammation and disease progression. In contrast, gut dysbiosis, especially in obesity or high-fat-diet models, can exacerbate periodontal tissue destruction through hyperuricemia, altered bone metabolism, and Th17/Treg immune imbalance. Experimental and clinical studies further support this reciprocal relationship, implicating microbial, metabolic, and immune crosstalk in both oral and systemic pathology. Understanding this oral–gut–systemic axis offers a paradigm shift in diagnostics and therapeutics, focusing on precision interventions such as microbiome modulation, probiotics, and integrated oral care to mitigate systemic inflammatory burden and improve overall health outcomes.

Background/Objectives: Decreased ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM) is thought to negatively impact lower extremity flexion patterns, which use the coordinated flexion of the hips, knees, and ankles in activities such as the eccentric phase of a squat and landing from a jump. However, the results from experiments using human subjects to ascertain the relationship between DFROM and the mechanics of these flexion patterns are not clear. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the relationship between DFROM and the depth of the flexion pattern via computer simulations. Methods: The human body was represented as a planar model with four segments connected by three revolute joints. The ankle, knee, and hip angles that feasibly achieve three depths (25%, 50%, and 75% of the model’s leg length) were determined, and solutions that did not satisfy the constraints to create a realistic flexion pattern were removed. Results: There were a large number of solutions at each depth, but the number of solutions decreased with increasing depth. For a given depth, increasing DFROM required an increase in knee flexion and a decrease in hip flexion. Increasing depth required an increase in all three flexion angles. The relationships between joint angles and depth and between joint angles for a given depth were significant, but the standard errors of the estimate and the coefficients of variation were large. Conclusions: The relationship between DFROM and lower extremity flexion depth is obscured by the multiple combinations of ankle, knee, and hip angles that can achieve a particular depth and their interdependencies.

Recently, the photorealism of generated images has improved noticeably due to the development of AI algorithms. These are high-resolution images of human faces and bodies, cats and dogs, vehicles, and other categories of objects that the untrained eye cannot distinguish from authentic photographs. The study assessed how people perceive 12 pictures generated by AI vs. 12 real photographs. Six main categories of stimuli were selected: architecture, art, faces, cars, landscapes, and pets. The visual perception of selected images was studied by means of eye tracking and gaze patterns as well as time characteristics, compared with consideration to the respondent groups’ gender and knowledge of AI graphics. After the experiment, the study participants analysed the pictures again in order to describe the reasons for their choice. The results show that AI images of pets and real photographs of architecture were the easiest to identify. The largest differences in visual perception are between men and women as well as between those experienced in digital graphics (including AI images) and the rest. Based on the analysis, several recommendations are suggested for AI developers and end-users.

Marriage is the union of a man and a woman who are not mahram (unmarriageable kin). Early marriage refers to the marriage of a man and a woman who are still considered young in age. This study is prompted by the concerning situation in Indonesia today, where many young people have fallen into acts of fornication. Test results show that many young women are no longer virgins and that a significant number have become pregnant outside of marriage. This study seeks to explore one possible solution to the issue of fornication by referring to Islamic teachings, specifically through the book authored by Abuya Prof. Dr. As-Sayyid Muhammad bin As-Sayyid Alwi Al-Maliki Al-Hasani Ra, who is more commonly known as Abuya Maliki Ra. This study employs a qualitative research method, specifically a type of library research. Data collection is carried out by identifying key points relevant to the main issue, followed by analysis of the findings through translation and interpretation. The results are then presented in a discussion that relates directly to the core problem. First, Abuya Maliki wrote this book in response to the various problems occurring within marriage. Second, he structured the book in stages that are easy to understand, explaining each issue individually along with its solution. Third, Abuya Maliki authored the book because the problems addressed in the study had already existed, and have now become even more serious-like a dangerous virus attacking the human body. This study is expected to provide a deeper understanding of the importance of encouraging early marriage, in order to prevent acts of fornication within society.

Body shaming represents a global issue shaped by social constructions and media portrayals of the human body. Individuals who experience body shaming often feel humiliated and intimidated, leading to low self-image and diminished gratitude for their bodies. This study aimed to examine the effect of body shaming education on adolescents’ knowledge levels at SMP Futuhiyah Mranggen. The research employed a quasi-experimental design with a one-group pretest–posttest approach. The population included all 41 male and female seventh-grade students, selected through total sampling. Researchers used a validated knowledge questionnaire delivered through a PowerPoint presentation as the data collection instrument. Data analysis applied the Wilcoxon test. The conclusion of this study is that there is an influence of body shaming education on the level of knowledge of adolescents at SMP Futuhiyah Mranggen with a p-value of 0.000 because it is less than 0.05. The suggestion that will be put forward is that it is hoped that all adolescents can increase their understanding of body shaming, to find out the level of knowledge about body shaming in adolescents who are given intervention, and awareness of the impact of body shaming and handling of body shaming in adolescents at SMP Futuhiyah Mranggen, adolescents who are given education related to body shaming and surrounding adolescents.

Abstract Flexible tactile sensors are an essential medium for human‐machine interactions (HMI). However, traditional flexible tactile sensors lead to challenges such as structural redundancy and complex data processing. This paper presents a biomimetic multi‐mode flexible tactile sensor (B‐MTS) based on biomimetic strategies. This B‐MTS consists of a pressure‐sensing layer and a positioning layer. The B‐MTS exhibits high sensitivity (484.6 kPa −1 ) owing to the bionic crack structures. The positioning layer utilizes the alternating current (AC) signal generated by the coupling of the power‐frequency electric and magnetic fields with the human body as a signal source. With only two interfaces, it can achieve rapid identification of the touch position (<10 ms). Thanks to its ability to sense both pressure and position simultaneously (≤250 Pa), B‐MTS is successfully integrated into encrypted cryptographic devices, ensuring robust privacy protection. Additionally, B‐MTS is applied in piano performance and UAV control, opening new possibilities for the development of secure identification and intelligent interaction technologies.

Skin is the largest organ of the human body which is affected by aging. The objective of this review paper is to briefly highlights the factors responsible for skin changes in aging and the role of nutraceutical synergies in counteracting the signs of aging. Ageing is a multifaceted biological process impacting skin health through intrinsic genetic programming and extrinsic environmental factors. Intrinsic ageing, characterized by hormonal changes and fibroblast dysfunction, and extrinsic factors, such as reactive oxygen species and advanced glycation end-products, compromise skin structure and function. Modern lifestyles, including poor nutrition, environmental pollutants, and UV exposure exacerbate oxidative stress and accelerate skin ageing. Nutraceutical interventions demonstrate significant potential in mitigating these effects, including collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, nicotinamide mononucleotide, and trace elements like zinc and copper. These bioactive compounds promote collagen synthesis, enhance hydration, and reduce oxidative stress, improving skin elasticity, hydration, and resilience. This study emphasizes the efficacy of a multi-nutraceutical approach, which synergistically addresses ageing pathways, providing a promising avenue for personalized, effective anti-ageing strategies. Future research is recommended to focus on long-term, populationdiverse studies to validate these findings and expand their applicability. BJMS, Vol. 24 No. 04 October’25 Page : 1072-1078

Exploring bacteriophages to combat gut dysbiosis: A promising new frontier in microbiome therapy.

3D-1D modelling of cranial mesh heating induced by low or medium frequency magnetic fields.

The cGAS-STING pathway in aging and neurological diseases: From mechanisms to treatment.

Cadmium (Cd), a nonessential element with potential adverse health consequences, enters the human food system predominantly through plant uptake from soils. In the United States, some regions that are known to have elevated levels of Cd are otherwise ideal for the production of fresh produce, including spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) and carrots (Daucus carota L.). Given the considerable nutritional benefits of these commodities, they are often incorporated into the diets of infants and young children, either as processed ingredients or as those eaten whole. To reduce levels of dietary Cd and support the US Food and Drug Administration’s Closer to Zero initiative, it is important to understand factors that affect the Cd uptake by crops (i.e., phytoavailability) and the ability of Cd to be absorbed by the human body (i.e., bioavailability) from crops such as carrots and spinach. The state of knowledge of factors that affect the phytoavailability of Cd in these two crops and potential mitigation strategies to benefit growers as they consider their individual soils, crops, and circumstances are summarized. These include amending soil (with organic amendments, such as manures, composts, or biosolids, chloride, or elements such as zinc), the potential use of cultivars with lower rates of uptake, and the use of novel methods such as phytoextraction. The impact of some of these mitigations on microbial food safety efforts is also noted.

Human exposure to persistent organic pollutants in Switzerland: The role of diet, age, smoking, and body composition.

Algal nutraceuticals have emerged as the valuable bioresources due to their various chemical compositions and potential health benefits. Algae contain many bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, polysaccharides, omega-3 fatty acids, pigments, and vitamins, which are vital for the various biological processes in the human body. Understanding these complex metabolites is essential for their application in functional foods, dietary supplements, and pharmaceuticals. In this context, metabolomics provides a comprehensive approach for analyzing algal metabolic profiles and their nutritional and medicinal values. This review explores the role of metabolomics in the evaluation and development of algal nutraceuticals. It focuses particularly on the identification and characterization of small-molecule metabolites in algae, offering insights into their functional properties and bioactivities. This review also discusses the integration of metabolomics with other omics technologies to achieve a holistic understanding of the metabolism of algae. Metabolomic studies have successfully explored a wide range of bioactive compounds in algae with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, and neuroprotective activities. Techniques such as mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy have advanced the detection and quantification of metabolites with high sensitivity and resolution, respectively. Additionally, metabolomics aids to determine the quality biomarkers and the assessment of algal nutritional content. Integrating metabolomics with genomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics will further elucidate the metabolic pathways and regulatory networks in algae. This review highlights the critical role of metabolomics in maximizing the utilization of algae for health benefits.

Cadmium (Cd), a nonessential element with potential adverse health consequences, enters the human food system predominantly through plant uptake from soils. In the United States, some regions that are known to have elevated levels of Cd are otherwise ideal for the production of fresh produce, including spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) and carrots (Daucus carota L.). Given the considerable nutritional benefits of these commodities, they are often incorporated into the diets of infants and young children, either as processed ingredients or as those eaten whole. To reduce levels of dietary Cd and support the US Food and Drug Administration’s Closer to Zero initiative, it is important to understand factors that affect the Cd uptake by crops (i.e., phytoavailability) and the ability of Cd to be absorbed by the human body (i.e., bioavailability) from crops such as carrots and spinach. The state of knowledge of factors that affect the phytoavailability of Cd in these two crops and potential mitigation strategies to benefit growers as they consider their individual soils, crops, and circumstances are summarized. These include amending soil (with organic amendments, such as manures, composts, or biosolids, chloride, or elements such as zinc), the potential use of cultivars with lower rates of uptake, and the use of novel methods such as phytoextraction. The impact of some of these mitigations on microbial food safety efforts is also noted.