Strength Measurements Research Articles

Balance and strength measures are associated with incident dementia in older men

BackgroundAs people age the risk of dementia increases. Balance and strength deteriorate with ageing, but their associations with dementia are not clear. We aimed to determine relationships of balance and strength performance with incident dementia in the Health in Men Study (HIMS) cohort. MethodsWe used wave 4 of the HIMS as baseline for analyses (2011–2013), following 1261 men until December 2017 via data linkage to determine incident dementia. Balance was measured using a modified Balance Outcome Measure for Elder Rehabilitation (mBOOMER) Score and strength with the knee extension test. Cox proportional hazards regression was used, adjusting for sociodemographic and health data. Strength and balance scores were analysed non-linearly using restricted cubic splines. Results13.7% of men were diagnosed with dementia over a mean period of 4.7 (SD 1.5) years. Higher baseline mBOOMER scores were associated with a reduced risk of incident dementia, with greater changes in risk at higher mBOOMER scores (9 vs 8: HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.73–0.88; 12 vs 11: 0.49, 95% HR 0.36–0.68). Higher baseline lower limb strength was associated with a reduced risk of incident dementia, with greater changes occurring at lower scores, plateauing at around 25 kg (5 vs 4: HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.89–0.98; 25 vs 24: HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.95–1.03). ConclusionsThis study demonstrated a non-linear association of better performance in both strength and balance with reduced likelihood of incident dementia. These results raise the hypothesis that strategies to improve strength and balance could reduce the incidence of dementia in older men.

Sonographic Features of Rectus Femoris Muscle in Patients with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease and Their Correlation with Body Composition Parameters and Muscle Strength: Results of a Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aimed to describe sonographic features of rectus femoris muscle (RFM) in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) and their correlation with body composition parameters and muscle strength. A total of 67 patients with MASLD underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), bioimpedance analysis (BIA), muscle strength measurement (grip strength [GS] and chair stand test [CST]), and ultrasound (US) investigation of the RFM in the dominant thigh using a 4 to 18 MHz linear probe. MASLD patients exhibited increased RFM echogenicity, possibly due to fatty infiltration. We confirmed that the greater the subcutaneous fat thickness, the smaller was the muscle mass (p < 0.001), and the lower was the muscle strength (p < 0.001 for GS and p = 0.002 for CST). On the contrary, the greater the anteroposterior diameter (APD) of RFM, the higher was the muscle mass (p < 0.001), and the greater was the muscle strength (p < 0.001 for GS and p = 0.007 for CST). In addition, APD of the RFM and stiffness of RFM exhibited direct correlation with bone mineral density values of the lumbar spine (p = 0.005 for both GS and CST). We concluded that US investigation of the RFM in the dominant thigh can be helpful in identifying MASLD patients at a high risk of musculoskeletal disorders given repeated point-of-care clinical evaluations.

Field Application of an Innovative Approach to Assess Honeybee Health and Nutritional Status.

Environment, forage quality, management practices, pathogens, and pesticides influence honeybee responses to stressors. This study proposes an innovative approach to assess colony health and performance using molecular diagnostic tools by correlating hemolymph proteins with common measures of colony strength, prevalent honeybee pathogens (Varroa destructor and Nosema spp.), and essential trace elements (iron, zinc and copper). Colonies were selected from four apiaries located in different environmental and foraging conditions in the province of Bologna (Italy). Hemolymph samples were taken from June to October 2019. The Varroa infestation of the colonies was estimated by assessing the natural mortality of the mites, while the bees were tested for Nosema spp. spores using a microscopic method. Hemolymph proteins were quantified and separated using SDS-PAGE, and colony performance was assessed by determining adult bees, total brood, honey, and pollen reserves. The biomarkers measured proved to be useful for monitoring changes in performance and trophic conditions during summer and early autumn. Significant correlations were found between hemolymph proteins and colony performance measures. A positive correlation between pollen reserves, vitellogenin, and hexamerin 70a highlights the importance of these proteins for successful overwintering. In October, Varroa infestation was negatively correlated with total proteins, vitellogenin, apolipophorin II, transferrin, and hexamerin 70a, with negative implications for overwintering; furthermore, Varroa infestation was also negatively correlated with iron content, potentially affecting iron homeostasis.

The Use of Clot Strength as a Predictor of Thrombosis in Peripheral Artery Disease

ObjectivesGraft/stent thrombosis is the leading cause of amputation in patients over 60, and while dual antiplatelet therapy is the standard of care, there is a significant variability in platelet response and limited guidance on measuring effectiveness. Thromboelastography with platelet mapping (TEG-PM) can objectively detail an individual’s coagulation profile, namely the strength of the clot and its response to antiplatelet medication. Although TEG-PM has been used for predicting postoperative bleeding and assessing platelet dysfunction in TBI, its application in thrombosis diseases such as peripheral artery disease (PAD) remains unexplored. The aim of this observational study was to determine if objective measures of clot strength could predict a high clinical risk of thrombosis. MethodsPatients > 60 years with peripheral artery disease (PAD) undergoing revascularization were prospectively evaluated from 2021-2023. They were clinically followed for one year to detect any thrombotic events. TEG-PM was used to objectively evaluate coagulation profiles in patients at 1, 3, 6, and 9 months. These follow-up periods were chosen based on studies showing that 1-3 month intervals in the first year after lower extremity revascularization (LER) optimize therapy and risk control. The TEG-PM data preceding a thrombotic/stenotic event in patients with thrombosis was compared to the last known well TEG-PM event in those without a thrombotic/stenotic event. We stratified the groups based on the occurrence of thrombosis/stenotic events. Descriptive statistics were applied to characterize each group and a chi-square test was conducted to assess the variance between both groups. An unpaired t-test was ran to identify differences in platelet function. ROC analysis was performed to determine the optimal TEG-PM cutoff for predicting a higher risk of thrombosis. ResultsOne hundred and fifty-eight patients were analyzed, from whom 28 (17.7%) experienced a thrombotic event. The thrombosis cohort exhibited significantly greater MAADP, MAFibrin, and MAThrombin [50.2 vs. 40.0, p<0.05], [18.19 vs. 14.64, p<0.05] and [63.8 vs. 58.5, p<0.05] respectively indicative of greater clot strength. By ROC analysis, the optimal predictor cutoff for MAADP, indicating a higher risk of thrombosis, was >42mm [p<0.05] with 82% sensitivity and 50% specificity. ConclusionsAn increase in clot strength was found to be predictive of thrombosis/stenosis within 30 days. Using a MAADP cutoff greater than 42mm might serve as an alternative approach to tailor the use of antiplatelet medication, potentially reducing the risk of thrombosis.

Verification of grip strength as an evaluation tool for locomotive syndrome in rheumatoid arthritis

ObjectivesLocomotive syndrome (LS) leads to reduced physical function and a high risk of becoming bedridden. Grip strength serves as an indicator of upper limb and overall physical function. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with reduced grip strength frequently show finger and wrist joint inflammation. The purpose of this study was to verify grip strength as an evaluation tool for physical function and LS in RA patients. MethodsAs part of an ongoing multicenter observational study, 591 consecutive RA patients whose background information was available, including data for the 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS-25) and grip strength, were examined. LS was defined as a GLFS-25 score ≥ 16 points. Finger and wrist joint inflammation were defined as tender or swollen joints. ResultsAmong the 591 patients, 244 (41.3%) patients had LS, and 167 (28.3%) were male. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis yielded cut-off values of grip strength for LS of 24 kg (specificity 72.2%; sensitivity 62.7%) for males and 17 kg (specificity 65.7%; sensitivity 67.6%) for females. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association of grip strength with LS, even after adjusting for finger and wrist joint inflammation. ConclusionsLS was significantly associated with grip strength, even after adjusting for the presence of finger and wrist joint inflammation. We recommend adopting grip strength measurement as a screening tool for evaluating LS and guiding interventions.

Interfacial strength and its regulation in the carbon monofiber/epoxy binder system

The strength of polymer composite materials (CMs) is largely determined by the strength of interfacial interactions at a fiber/matrix interface. In this work the strength in a unit cell of CM carbon monofiber/cured epoxy matrix is investigated. The relevance of the work is due to direct measurements of strength at the monofiber/matrix interface, excluding defects of micro-droplet and technological errors associated with impregnation in a traditional assessment of polymer composite materials strength. Changes of surface morphology and energy characteristics of fibers in plasma chemical treatment process is shown. The study of fiber surface energy and formation of carbon monofiber/epoxy matrix interface of carbon fiber reinforced composite unit cell was carried out on the specially developed original device Drop-Sting test. Micro pull-out test was used to investigate the shear mechanical properties of interface and to determine the strength of carbon fiber reinforced composite unit cells before and after treatment in oxygen discharge plasma. It is shown that the increase in the strength of the monofiber/matrix interfacial interface after the treatment of carbon fiber in plasma occurs due to the increase in the surface energy and wettability of monofibers.

Eggshell membrane and green seaweed (Ulva lactuca) micronized powders for in vivo diabetic wound healing in albino rats: a comparative study

BackgroundNonhealing diabetic wounds are a serious complication associated with extremely lethargic wound closure and a high risk of infection, leading to amputation or limb loss, as well as substantial health care costs and a poor quality of life for the patient. The effects of either eggshell membrane (ESM) and green seaweed (Ulva lactuca) extracts alone or in combination were evaluated for in vivo skin wound healing in a rat model of induced diabetes.MethodsMicronized powders of waste hen ESM, Ulva lactuca, and their 1:1 mixture were prepared using regular procedures. The mechanical, electrical, and surface morphology characteristics of powders were examined using direct compression, LCR-impedancemetry, and scanning electron microscopy. The effect of ESM, Ulva lactuca, and their mixture as compared to standard Dermazin treatments were evaluated on wounds inflicted on male Wistar Albino rats with induced diabetes. Quantitative wound healing rates at baseline and at 3, 7, 14, and 21 days of treatments among all rat groups were conducted using ANOVA. Qualitative histological analysis of epidermal re-epithelization, keratinocytes, basement membrane, infiltrating lymphocytes, collagen fibrines, and blood vessels at day 21 were performed using Image J processing program.ResultsCompressive strength measurements of tablets showed a Young’s modulus of 44.14 and 27.17 MPa for the ESM and ESM + Ulva lactuca mixture, respectively. Moreover, both samples exhibited relatively low relative permittivity values of 6.62 and 6.95 at 1 MHz, respectively, due to the porous surface morphology of ESM shown by scanning electron microscopy. On day 21, rats treated with ESM had a complete diabetic wound closure, hair regrowth, and a healing rate of 99.49%, compared to 96.79% for Dermazin, 87.05% for Ulva lactuca, 90.23% for the mixture, and only 36.44% for the negative controls. A well-formed basement membrane, well-differentiated epithelial cells, and regular thick keratinocytes lining the surface of the epidermal cells accompanied wound healing in rats treated with ESM, which was significantly better than in control rats.ConclusionGround hen ESM powder, a low-cost effective biomaterial, is better than Ulva lactuca or their mixture for preventing tissue damage and promoting diabetic wound healing, in addition to various biomedical applications.

Quantitative estimation of the effective elastic thickness around the Burma Plate and correlation analysis of its influencing factors

The Burma Plate is a microplate that extends along the boundary between the Indian and Eurasian plates. It is characterized by an extraordinarily complex lithospheric tectonic setting, resulting from the continental collision in the north, the oceanic crustal subduction in the south, and the large amount of sediment from the Tibetan Plateau. The lithospheric strength is a key to understanding the tectonic evolution of the Burma Plate. In this study, we use topography and gravity disturbance data to estimate the spatial distribution of effective elastic thickness Te, which is a measure of lithospheric strength. The Tevalues range from ∼10 km to 80 km, with higher values in the Indian Plate than those in the other regions. The non-isostatic flexural effects of sediment loading and subducting slab pull can bias the Te estimation, with maximum reductions of ∼50 km and ∼10 km, respectively. The consistent distributions of the Te and the shear wave velocity anomaly ΔVsat 100 km depth suggest that the lithospheric strength is generally controlled by the thermal structure of the upper mantle. Meanwhile, the Te variations are highly related to the geometry of the subducting Indian Plate along the collision and subduction zones, indicating that the plate tectonics play a dominant role in determining the lithospheric strength of the Burma Plate.

Light-curable urushiol enhanced bisphenol A glycidyl dimethacrylate dentin bonding agent

ObjectivesThe low durability of composite resin restorations can be attributed to the degradation of the resin dentin bonding interface. Owing to the presence of hydrophilic components in the adhesive, the integrity of the resin dentin bonding interface is easily compromised, which, in turn, leads to a reduction in bond strength. The hydrophilic nature of the adhesive leads to water sorption, phase separation, and leaching of the resin component. Therefore, hydrophobic adhesives could effectively be used to stabilize the integrity and durability of the resin dentin bonding interface. MethodsWe synthesized a novel hydrophobic dentin adhesive by partially replacing bisphenol A glycidyl dimethacrylate (Bis-GMA) with a light-curable urushiol monomer. The properties of the produced adhesive, including the degree of conversion, viscosity, contact angle, water sorption/solubility, and mechanical strength, were comprehensively examined and compared to those of the commercially adhesive Adper Single Bond2 as a positive control. The adhesive properties were determined using microtensile bond strength measurements, laser confocal microscopy, scanning electron microscopy observations, and nanoleakage tests. Finally, the novel adhesive was subjected to biocompatibility testing to determine its potential cytotoxicity. ResultsAt a light-curable urushiol content of 20 %, the synthesized adhesive exhibited high degrees of conversion and hydrophobicity, low cytotoxicity, good mechanical properties, and outstanding adhesive strength. ConclusionsThe introduction of the light-curable urushiol into dentin adhesives can significantly enhance their hydrophobic, mechanical, and bonding properties, demonstrating potential to significantly improve restoration longevity. Clinical significanceThe integration of light-curable urushiol has endowed the experimental adhesives with several enhanced functionalities. These notable benefits underscore the suitability of this monomer for expanded applications in clinical practice.

Social tension after grooming in wild Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata yakui) is sex specific and sensitive to social relationships.

Changes in the rate of self-directed behavior-a proxy for social tension-offer valuable insights into individuals' experiences of social interactions. Many studies have tested the tension-reduction hypothesis, whereby grooming is expected to reduce social tension in the grooming partners. However, it is still unclear whether responses to grooming are affected by social factors such as an individual's role or social relationship with their partner, and whether responses are similar for females and males. Focussing on same-sex grooming in Yakushima Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata yakui), we analyzed the effects of two social factors on the change in the rate of self-scratching after receiving grooming: sitting in contact with their partner outside of grooming contexts (as a measure of relationship strength) and rank distance. We collected 10-min postgrooming and matched-control focal samples on recipients of grooming. After controlling for postinhibitory rebound effects, grooming reduced scratching in females (suggesting that grooming was relaxing for the receiver), but not in males. In females, this reduction was associated with increased sitting in contact and increased rank distance: being groomed was more tension-reducing if the grooming partners spent time together outside of grooming contexts, or if their difference in rank was greater and therefore more conspicuous. The reduction effect was mediated by sitting in contact only when females had a higher-ranking-that is, more dominant and potentially aggressive-groomer. Our findings suggest that not all grooming interactions are perceived as equal, which has implications for its use as an index of relationship quality. To our knowledge, this represents the first study of postgrooming social tension in male Japanese macaques and our results highlight the need for caution when generalizing findings from only one sex to the species level.

The Association between Body Composition and the Parameters of Muscle Fitness in Selected Young Judokas

This study aimed to determine the influence of body composition on the muscle fitness of selected judokas. This study was conducted on a sample of 23 judokas (cadets n = 12, juniors n = 11), members of the male national team of Serbia. The assessment of body composition was performed using the InBody 720 (Biospace Co., Ltd., Seoul, Republic of Korea) and calipers. Muscle fitness was assessed using “Optojump” (Microgate, Bolzano, Italy), Fitrodine Premium (Fitronic, Bratislava, Slovakia), and a digital force instrument IMADA Z2H-1100 (Imada Inc., Northbrook, IL, USA). Regression analysis revealed a notable association between muscle mass and measures of explosive strength (countermovement jump (CMJ) p = 0.023; drop jump (DJ) p = 0.026). Moreover, this study’s results showed that back extension (p = 0.006; R2 = 0.61) and hand grip (p = 0.009; R2 = 0.52) provide a strong positive association with muscle mass. The findings suggest that tailored training and nutritional strategies that improve muscle mass might significantly enhance muscle fitness in young judokas, optimizing their performance.

Unveiling the influence of hip isokinetic strength on lower extremity running kinematics in male national middle-distance runners: a correlational analysis

BackgroundThe relationship between hip strength deficiency in various planes and musculoskeletal injuries within the movement system has been well-established in numerous studies. The present study sought to explore the relationships between hip strength and specific aspects of lower extremity running kinematics.MethodologyTo achieve this objective, the three-dimensional running kinematics of 21 male elite middle-distance runners (mean age: 19.7 ± 1.2 years; mean experience 6.5 ± 1.0 years) were assessed using nine high-speed cameras on a treadmill at a speed of 16 km·h⁻¹. Concurrently, isokinetic hip strength was measured at a speed of 60 deg·s⁻¹ in both the dominant and non-dominant legs. The Pearson correlation coefficient and Paired Samples t-test were utilized.ResultsWhile no significant differences were found in several isokinetic strength measurements, notable differences in running kinematics were observed. Specifically, pelvic drop at midstance (MS) was significantly lower in the DL (5.79 ± 3.00°) compared to the NDL (8.71 ± 1.39°) with a large effect size (t=-4.04, p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.25). Additionally, knee adduction at maximum showed a moderate effect size difference, with the DL at 2.99 ± 1.13° and the NDL at 3.81 ± 1.76° (t=-2.74, p = 0.03, Cohen’s d = 0.55). Results indicated a moderate to highly positive association between running knee adduction in the dominant leg and hip external rotation (r = 0.67, p < 0.05), concentric extension (r = 0.77, p < 0.05), and concentric abduction (r = 0.78, p < 0.05). Additionally, the running tibial external rotation angle in the dominant leg exhibited an inverse relationship with all strength measurements, with statistical significance observed only for concentric extension force (r=-0.68, p < 0.05). Furthermore, hip internal rotation force demonstrated a highly inverse correlation with foot pronation in the dominant leg (r=-0.70, p < 0.05) and anterior pelvic tilt in the non-dominant leg (r=-0.76, p < 0.05).ConclusionsThese findings underscore the interrelation between hip strength and running kinematics, particularly on the dominant side. In light of these observations, it is imperative to consider hip strength exercises as integral components for correcting running kinematics. Coaches should also be mindful that kinematic deviations contributing to running injuries may manifest unilaterally or specifically in the dominant leg.

Do functionality, strength, vascularization, inflammatory and biopsychosocial status improve by biopsychosocial model-based exercise in SSc?

This study aimed to investigation of the effects of the Cognitive Exercise Therapy Approach (Bilişsel Egzersiz Terapi Yaklaşımı-BETY), a supervised biopsychosocial model-based exercise intervention, on functionality, muscle strength, vascularization, anti-inflammatory and biopsychosocial status in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) patients. Thirty-seven SSc patients were included. Twenty of them were recruited into the study group (SG) undergoing BETY group exercise sessions three times a week for three months and 17 were in the control group (CG) following a home exercise program. Assessments tools were the Modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS), Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire (SHAQ), Modified Hand Mobility in Scleroderma (mHAMIS), Duruoz Hand Index (DHI), Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT), skeletal muscle strength measurements using an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex System 3 Pro), Shear Wave Elastography (SWE), ELISA kits (for tumor necrosis factor-alpha, Interleukin-6, IL-10, serum irisin level), BETY-Biopsychosocial Questionnaire (BETY-BQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Short Form-36 (SF-36). The SG demonstrated improvements in SHAQ, mHAMIS, 6MWT, BETY-BQ, HADS, and SF-36 values, excluding the DHI scores (p < 0.05). In contrast, CG showed worsening in SHAQ-general scleroderma symptoms and HADS scores compared to SG (p < 0.05). IL-10 and TNF-alpha increased in both groups, also various vascular parameters were significantly different changed in SG than CG (p < 0.05). Muscle strength values improved in the SG but decreased in the CG however this was statistically not significant (p > 0.05). BETY can be recommended as a nonpharmacologic approach to the disease management of SSc patients.

Effect of a 12-Week Strength Training Program on Muscle Strength Measures of Institutionalized Older Adults-A Pilot Study.

Institutionalized older adults are characterized by high levels of dependence and low levels of physical activity compared to those living in the community. This combination of factors leads to an increased risk of loss of muscle mass. Sarcopenia can be countered through strength training. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a strength training program on the physical fitness of institutionalized older adults. This study included a sample of 31 institutionalized older adults (20 females, 11 males) aged between 65 and 96 years (M = 81.64, SD = 8.67). Participants reported an average institutionalization duration of 2.43 years (SD = 2.20), ranging from half a year to ten years. A 12-week strength training program was implemented, with sessions held twice a week. Strength fitness was assessed through the following parameters: handgrip strength, upper limb muscular endurance, lower limb muscular endurance, agility and balance, body mass index, and waist circumference. The results demonstrated that a 12-week strength training program improved physical fitness in terms of lower limb muscular endurance, upper limb muscular endurance, agility, and dynamic balance (p < 0.05).

Hygrothermal Degradation of Epoxy Electrical Insulating Material-Testing and Mathematical Modeling.

The degradation of electrical insulating materials has been a subject of interest for decades as they are commonly applied in many fields of electrical engineering. Suitably modeling such a process is important since the known and well-described degradation process reveals the effect of ambient conditions, and this allows us to possibly estimate a material's remaining useful life. However, not many studies are dealing with the effect of the hygrothermal degradation of impregnating mono-component epoxy resins in the context of electrical engineering. Therefore, this study deals with this issue and discusses both the dielectric response (based on the measurement of relative permittivity, dissipation factor, and dielectric strength) and the mechanical response (based on measurements of tensile strength and Shore D hardness) to a hygrothermal degradation experiment. In addition, the results of thermal analyses are presented for the evaluation of the pristine specimen manufacturing process and possible post-curing processes. Furthermore, this study presents several methodologies for modeling the degradation process, including a novel methodology in this area based on Bayesian experimental design. As an outcome, mechanical parameters are proven to be specific in terms of the actual condition of the material and the Bayesian enhanced degradation model seems to be superior to the conventional evaluation methods in this particular study.

Risk of drug-induced angioedema: a pharmacovigilance study of FDA adverse event reporting system database.

The purpose of this study is to explore and analyze the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database to identify drug adverse reaction signals associated with angioedema. The findings aim to provide valuable insights for clinical drug safety considerations. The Open Vigil 2.1 data platform was utilized to collect adverse event reports related to angioedema from the first quarter of 2004 to the fourth quarter of 2023. The reporting odds ratio (ROR) and proportional reporting ratio (PRR) were employed as disproportionality measures to detect adverse reaction signals Sof drugs associated with angioedema. A total of 38,921 reports were retrieved, with the majority being reported by healthcare professionals. The analysis included predominantly adult patients (≥18years of age), with slightly higher representation of females compared to males. Among the top 30 drugs associated with the occurrence of angioedema, 24 drugs showed positive signals in the risk analysis. Based on the individual drug reporting odds ratio (95% confidence interval) as a measure of risk signal strength, the top five drugs are as follows: lisinopril [ROR (95% CI): 46.43 (42.59-50.62)], enalapril [ROR (95% CI): 43.51 (39.88-47.46)], perindopril [ROR (95% CI): 31.17 (27.5-35.32)], alteplase [ROR (95% CI): 29.3 (26.95-31.85)], ramipril [ROR (95% CI): 20.93 (19.66-22.28)]. After categorizing the drugs, the strongest positive signal was observed in the antithrombotic agents [ROR (95% CI): 22.53 (21.16-23.99)], following that, cardiovascular drugs [ROR (95% CI): 9.17 (8.87-9.48)], antibiotics [ROR (95% CI): 6.42 (5.91-6.96)], immunosuppressors [ROR (95% CI): 5.95 (5.55-6.39)], anti-inflammatory analgesics [ROR (95% CI): 4.65 (4.45-4.86)], antiallergic drugs [ROR (95% CI): 4.47 (3.99-5)], antiasthmatics [ROR (95% CI): 2.49 (2.14-2.89)], blood sugar control drugs [ROR (95% CI): 1.65 (1.38-1.97)], and digestive system drugs [ROR (95% CI): 1.59 (1.45-1.74)] exhibited progressively decreasing ROR values. Many medications are associated with a high risk of angioedema. These medications play a crucial and potentially preventable role in controlling the occurrence of angioedema. It is essential to consider the risk level of drug-induced angioedema in clinical practice to optimize medication therapy.

Evaluation of Physical Properties in Carboxymethyl Chitosan Modified Glass Ionomer Cements and the Effect for Dentin Remineralization: SEM/EDX, Compressive Strength, and Ca/P Ratio.

The aim of this article was to evaluate the effects of modifying glass ionomer cement (GIC) with carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) on surface morphology and remineralization outcomes by examining dentin morphology and calcium ion composition changes. Thirty holes in a cylindrical acrylic mold were filled with three groups of restorative materials: GIC, GIC modified with CMC (GIC-CMC) 5%, and GIC-CMC10%. The surface morphology of each group's materials was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The compressive strength measurement was performed using a universal testing machine. The dentin remineralization process was performed by applying GIC, GIC-CMC5%, and GIC-CMC10% materials for 14 days on demineralized dentin cavities treated with 17% ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) for 7 days. A morphological evaluation was conducted using SEM. The calcium ion composition and calcium-to-phosphorous (Ca/P) ratio were examined using an energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX). The Kruskal-Wallis and post-hoc Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to compare all four groups of calcium ions (p < 0.05). The modification of GIC with CMC affected the morphological changes in the materials in the form of reduced porosity and increased fractures. A significant difference was found in compressive strength between the GIC-CMC modification materials of GIC-CMC5% and GIC-CMC10% and the GIC control group. The dentin tubule morphology and surface changes were observed after applying GIC, GIC-CMC5%, and GIC-CMC10% materials for 14 days, as evaluated by SEM. The EDX examination showed an increase in calcium ion content and hydroxyapatite formation (Ca/P ratio) after applying the GIC-CMC10% material. The surface porosity of the GIC modification material with the addition of CMC tended to decrease. However, an increase in cracked surfaces that widened, along with the rise in CMC percentage, was found. This modification also reduced the compressive strength of the materials, with the lowest average yield at 10% CMC addition. Therefore, the modification of GIC with CMC affects changes in morphology, calcium ion composition, and Ca/P ratio in demineralized dentin.

The Effectiveness of an Exercise Program on Muscle Strength and Range of Motion on Upper Limbs, Functional Ability and Depression at Early Stage of Dementia.

Background: Dementia involves the loss of cognitive abilities and represents a decline from the prior level of function, which impairs functional abilities in day-to-day life. The purpose of the present study is to examine the effectiveness of an exercise program on the muscle strength and range of motion of the upper limbs, the functional status, and the depression of elderly people with early stage dementia. Methods: The sample consisted of 60 elderly people with early stage dementia who were randomly divided into a control and an experimental group of 30 participants each. The experimental group received a 12-week Otago exercise program with 45 min duration of each session. The control group received usual care without doing exercise. The outcome measures of muscle strength and range of motion of the upper limbs, the functional status, and the depression were assessed by valid instruments and tests at the beginning and at the end of the intervention program. Repeated measures one-way ANOVA and Mann-Whitney tests examined the differences between the two groups at the end of the 12-week exercise program. Results: Statistically significant differences were found between the experimental and control groups in the entire outcome measures (functional ability F = 9.35 p < 0.05; muscle strength right hand F = 32.33, p < 0.05 left hand U = 95.50 p < 0.01; e.g., range of motion shoulder extension U = 104.00 p < 0.01), except depression. Conclusions: Both muscle strength and range of motion of the upper limbs, as well as the functional ability, were improved by the exercise program. Further research is needed to investigate the present results, in particular to explore the long-term cognitive, behavioral, and functional status outcomes of exercise in the early stages of dementia.

Influence of boron incorporated biphasic calcium phosphate on mechanical, thermal, and biological properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride) membrane scaffold

AbstractIn this paper, boron (B)‐doped biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP)/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membrane scaffolds were developed by the combination of non‐solvent induced phase separation and lyophilization processes. In addition, the effects of the synthesized B‐incorporated BCP powders on the properties of the fabricated scaffolds were investigated. The physicochemical and morphological properties of the scaffolds were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy. The physical properties were evaluated by surface wettability and swelling measurements, whereas the mechanical properties were investigated by tensile strength measurements. The thermal behavior was determined by differential scanning calorimetry, the β‐crystallization ratio was calculated by FTIR, and the β‐phase structure was characterized by X‐ray diffraction. The bioactivity was evaluated in the simulated body fluid, and the cytotoxicity of the scaffolds was also investigated by performing in vitro cell culture experiments. The results showed that the incorporation of B into the PVDF matrix improved the hydrophilicity while reducing the degree of swelling of the scaffolds. Tensile strength was slightly reduced by the powder content, but yet the strength of all scaffolds was mechanically compatible with native bone. Increasing the B content up to 0.5 and 1 wt.% was improved the thermal properties, the β‐crystalline phase fraction, and thus the piezoelectricity. Furthermore, B‐doped BCP/PVDF‐based scaffolds significantly promoted bioactivity, cell viability, and proliferation without cytotoxicity, compared to the PVDF scaffold, depending on the B content. In conclusion, our results indicate that the PVDF‐based composites in the form of membrane scaffolds that support bone growth have the potential to be highly sought‐after candidates in the field of biomedical applications.

Serial Range of Motion and Grip Strength Measurements, Patient-Reported Outcomes, and Radiographic Thresholds Associated With Less Satisfactory Outcomes After Low-Energy Distal Radius Fracture in Women Aged 50 Years and Older

To document the change of clinical (wrist motion and grip strength) measurements and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) scores at 9 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months after distal radius fracture (DRF) in women 50 years and older with exclusively isolated, displaced, and low-energy DRFs treated by either closed and/or open reduction and to relate these outcomes to their radiographic results. In this retrospective single-institution cohort study, patients' post-DRF clinical measurements and PRWE scores were prospectively collected from December 2007 through September 2018 and stratified according to their final radiographic values of volar/dorsal tilt, ulnar variance, and radial inclination. Of the 1,319 women identified, 1,126 (85%) were treated nonsurgically, and 193 (15%) were treated operatively. At 12 months, patients averaged restoration (ratio of injured and uninjured sides' values) of 96% pronation, 95% extension, 91% supination, 81% flexion, and 80% (77% nondominant, 85% dominant) grip strength. The mean PRWE score was 39.5 at week 9 and 14.4 at 12 months with 54% of patients scoring <10 and 13% scoring zero. The mean volar/dorsal tilt, ulnar variance, and radial inclination values in those treated nonsurgically were 1.4° dorsal,+3.9 mm, and 18.0°, respectively. Analogous values in patients treated surgically were 6° volar,+2.6 mm, and 22°, respectively. Volar tilt ≥25°, dorsal tilt >10°, ulnar variance >+7.5 mm, and radial inclination ≤13° were thresholds beyond which motion and grip strength were reduced and/or PRWE scores increased. In general, older patients experienced more residual deformity and were less likely to have undergone surgery. Generally, outcomes were satisfactory for patients with radiographic results within identified thresholds for acceptable fracture reduction. Outcomes were significantly less favorable for patients with radiographic results beyond these thresholds; for these patients, early surgical intervention should be considered. Low-energy DRFs should prompt bone density investigation. Therapeutic 2b.