Objective Parameters Research Articles

We like to move it - patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders are impaired in estimating their physical fitness levels and benefit from individualized exercise.

People with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) engage less in physical activity than healthy individuals. The impact of subjectively assessed physical fitness levels on motivation for sports engagement and its relation to objective fitness parameters in SSD is unclear. 25 patients with SSD (P-SSD) and 24 healthy controls (H-CON) participated in a randomized controlled study. Individual anaerobic thresholds (AT) were determined by an incremental exercise test and on separate days, aerobic exercise (cycling at 80% of workload at AT) and non-exercise control (sitting on an ergometer without cycling) sessions were performed. Demographic, clinical and objective physical fitness data (i.e., weekly physical activity, workload at AT, heart rate) were collected. Subjective physical fitness parameters were assessed before and after exercise and control sessions. Weekly physical activity in P-SSD was lower than in H-CON (p < 0.05) attributed to reduced engagement in sport activities (p < 0.001). Workload and percentage of predicted maximal heart rate at AT were also reduced in P-SSD compared to H-CON (both p < 0.05). Although objective and subjective physical fitness parameters were related in H-CON (p < 0.01), this relationship was absent in P-SSD. However, during exercise sessions subjective physical fitness ratings increased to a stronger extent in P-SSD than H-CON (p < 0.05). The missing relationship between subjective and objective physical fitness parameters in people with SSD may represent a barrier for stronger engagement in physical activity. Accordingly, supervised exercise interventions with individually adjusted workload intensity may support realistic subjective fitness estimations and enhance motivation for sports activity in individuals with SSD.

Ayurveda management of Savrana Shukla (superficial punctate keratitis): a case study

Abstract Savrana Shukla is one of the Krishnagata Rogas (corneal pathologies) mentioned in Ayurvedic texts. The Lakshanas of Savrana Shukla can be correlated with the clinical features of superficial punctate keratitis. Superficial punctate corneal keratitis is characterized by multiple, spotty lesions in the outermost layer of the cornea. A 30-year-old male approached the Shalakya Tantra outpatient department with complaints of foreign body sensation, mild pricking pain, redness, and watering of the left eye for 4 days. On history taking and slit lamp examination, it was revealed that the patient had superficial punctate keratitis due to trichiasis. Seka (pouring medicine on the closed eyes) and Vidalaka (application of medicated paste on the outer part of the eyes) were given as treatment for 5 days and epilation was done considering the cause (trichiasis). The subject had significant improvement for both subjective and objective parameters. The clinical features in this subject correspond to Prathama Patala Savrana Shukla Lakshanas (epithelium and Bowman’s membrane involvement) and are Sadhya (curable) according to Acharya Vagbhata. This case report highlights the efficacy of Kriyakalpa treatments in managing Savrana Shukla.

Decision-Making in Healthcare Resources Optimal Management: the Case of Inpatient Bed Occupancy and Associated Costs

The aim of this paper is to explore how efficient is the \textit{Fish School Search} (FSS) algorithm in building a \textit{Decision Support System (DSS)} for healthcare facility managers in order to optimize both the number of beds in their facilities and their budget. We have used a finite capacity queueing model with phase-type service distribution combined with a compartmental model and associated cost model. The \textit{Fish School Search} algorithm was used to optimize the queueing model. To illustrate the proposed approach, we used the available data reported by a department of geriatric medicine of a hospital. Our findings showed that by encoding the whole information provided by the queueing system and the cost model in a fish, the Fish School Search is a potentially beneficial tool for optimizing healthcare resources and the facility's budget. The model can be extended to different medical facilities with respect to the objective parameters.

The Feasibility of Assessing Perfusion of the Bone Using Quantitative ICG Fluorescence Imaging

Abstract Background Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging using indocyanine green (ICG) allows perfusion to be visualized and objective perfusion parameters can be provided after additional measurements. Therefore, it has great potential in predicting adequate tissue perfusion. However, regarding bone tissue, evidence of the feasibility and usefulness of NIRF imaging using ICG is very limited. Methods A prospective monocentric pilot study was carried out at a tertiary hospital in the Netherlands. Patients undergoing autologous breast reconstruction from August 2021 to August 2022 were included. During surgery, ICG (0.1 mg/kg) was injected intravenously and a fluorescent angiogram of 4 minutes was made directly after injection. Post hoc time-intensity curves were generated for a 5-mm region of interest (ROI) positioned on the cross-sectional lateral surface of the rib. The first moment of increase of intensity was defined as t0. Fluorescent parameters included ingress and egress of ICG. Results Nine patients and 11 ribs were included for further analysis. Time-intensity curves were generated for endosteal measurement in 10 ribs. Three of the curves showed a steep and well-defined ingress and egress. In all other patients, the curves showed a much more flattened ingress and egress. Periosteal measurement was performed in nine ribs. No adverse events related to the ICG injection were observed intraoperatively. Conclusion This feasibility study suggests that quantitative NIRF imaging using ICG can provide objective parameters of endosteal rib perfusion. Larger prospective series are needed to investigate the value of NIRF imaging using ICG to assess bone perfusion intraoperatively and to establish cutoff values for adequate bone perfusion.

Assessment of Dynamic States of Railway Vehicles: Structural Mathematical Modeling

Introduction. The speed rise of railway transport and an increase in the loads on the axles of wheelsets necessitate the modernization of the existing fleet. Scientific studies in the field of rolling stock dynamics are aimed at taking into account the oscillatory processes that occur during the movement of railway vehicles in a traditional design. The attachment of supplementary elements was considered at the coupling level of two cars and the attachment of a third trolley in the center of gravity of the railway platform. The scientific literature has not paid enough attention to the construction of mathematical models that make it possible to assess the dynamic states of such constructive solutions. The objective of this study is to create a method for evaluating the dynamic conditions of a car. The situation is considered when an additional set of mass-inertial and elastic elements is introduced into its structure, and the general dynamic condition of the vehicle depends on the adjustment of their parameters.Materials and Methods. The basic research tool is the structural mathematical modeling, which is based on an approach where the source design scheme is a mechanical oscillatory system in the form of a solid body on elastic supports with supplementary typical elements introduced into its structure. The dynamic analogue of the calculation scheme used is the block diagram of the automatic control system, the use of which provides detailing the connections between typical elastic and mass-inertia elements.Results. A method for estimating the dynamic states of railway vehicles is proposed. It is based on the construction of mathematical models, taking into account the introduction of an additional structure of mass-inertia and elastic elements. The impact of additional parameters on the dynamic condition of the vehicle is investigated. Analytical relations have been obtained that provide reducing the dynamic loads on the major structural elastic elements when changing the corresponding parameters of a technical object. The transfer function of interpartial relations is given, which provides controlling the interaction between the coordinates of the vehicle movement under the action of two kinematic disturbances of the in-phase type.Discussion and Conclusion. The generated mathematical model provides for assessment, monitoring and control of the dynamic state of the vehicle under conditions of kinematic disturbances. The research results can be used to modernize existing vehicles and create new ones with improved dynamics.

Comparative evaluation of efficacy of Trayodashang Guggul versus Rasona Pinda as an adjuvant with Katibasti in the management of Grudhrasi (Sciatica): A randomized controlled trial

Background In ayurveda, sciatica can be correlated to ‘Grudhrasi’ under Vata Nanatmaja-Vyadhi (neurological disorders caused by Vata, one of the bodily humour). In this mainly bodily humours vata and kapha are vitiating producing symptoms like piercing pain, stiffness, twitching, numbness and pain radiating from lumbosacral region to lower limb up to the foot. Therapeutic plan includes stabilizing and bringing back the vitiated vata and kapha humours to equilibrium. The prevalence of sciatica varies considerably ranging from 3.8% in the working population to 7.9% in the nonworking population. Aim Comparative evaluation of efficacy of Rasonapinda and Trayodashang guggul as an adjuvant to katibasti (oil pooling therapy) in the management of Grudhrasi (Sciatica). Objectives To assess the efficacy of Rasonapinda as an adjuvant to katibasti in subjective and objective parameters of Grudhrasi (Sciatica). To assess the efficacy of Trayodashang guggul as an adjuvant to katibasti in subjective and objective parameters of Grudhrasi (Sciatica). To compare the efficacy of Rasonapinda and Trayodashang guggul as an adjuvant to katibasti in subjective and objective parameters. Standardisation of Rasonapinda (modified formvati). Methods In this study, a total of 60 patients will be enrolled and divided equally into two groups. In group A, Trayodashang Guggul 500 mg twice a day after meal with warm water for 30 days adjuvant with katibasti for the initial 7 days will be given. In group B, Rasonapinda 500 mg twice a day after meal with warm water adjuvant with katibasti for the initial 7 days will be given for 30 days. Result The result will be assessed on baseline of subjective and objective parameters and data will be compared after treatment. Conclusions It will be based on observations and results obtained. Trial registration CTRI No. - CTRI/2022/12/048534 Dated – 27/12/2022.

Variable data structures and customized deep learning surrogates for computationally efficient and reliable characterization of buried objects

In this study, in order to characterize the buried object via deep-learning-based surrogate modeling approach, 3-D full-wave electromagnetic simulations of a GPR model have been used. The task is to independently predict characteristic parameters of a buried object of diverse radii allocated at different positions (depth and lateral position) in various dispersive subsurface media. This study has analyzed variable data structures (raw B-scans, extracted features, consecutive A-scans) with respect to computational cost and accuracy of surrogates. The usage of raw B-scan data and the applications for processing steps on B-scan profiles in the context of object characterization incur high computational cost so it can be a challenging issue. The proposed surrogate model referred to as the deep regression network (DRN) is utilized for time frequency spectrogram (TFS) of consecutive A-scans. DRN is developed with the main aim being computationally efficient (about 13 times acceleration) compared to conventional network models using B-scan images (2D data). DRN with TFS is favorably benchmarked to the state-of-the-art regression techniques. The experimental results obtained for the proposed model and second-best model, CNN-1D show mean absolute and relative error rates of 3.6 mm, 11.8 mm and 4.7%, 11.6% respectively. For the sake of supplementary verification under realistic scenarios, it is also applied for scenarios involving noisy data. Furthermore, the proposed surrogate modeling approach is validated using measurement data, which is indicative of suitability of the approach to handle physical measurements as data sources.

The impact of forced awakening on morning blood pressure surge

BackgroundPoor sleep quality can cause an increase in morning blood pressure surge (MBPS), an independent risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. Awakening induced by external factors such as alarm clocks, may also contribute to increased MBPS. ObjectivesTo (1) compare the MBPS and sleep quality parameters between natural and forced awakenings and (2) examine the potential impact of forced awakening on MBPS, independent of sleep quality. MethodsThirty-two healthy adults participated in this pilot study, which included one night of natural awakening and one night of forced awakening (i.e., sleep was interrupted by an alarm after five hours). Objective and self-reported sleep quality parameters were measured using a multisensory wristband and sleep diaries, respectively, and beat-to-beat blood pressure variability was assessed using a continuous blood pressure monitor. Analyses included a paired t-test (objective 1) and linear mixed models (objective 2). ResultsParticipants predominantly consisted of young, healthy, and highly educated Asian adults. During the night of sleep with forced awakening, significantly higher MBPS, lower objective wakefulness after sleep onset, and lower self-reported sleep latency were observed, compared to the night with natural awakening. Forced awakening was significantly associated with increased MBPS after controlling for age, sex, mean arterial pressure, and sleep quality. ConclusionsForced awakening may significantly increase MBPS, consequently heightening the risk of CVD events. Study findings should be validated in a larger sample. Further research is also warranted to examine the impact of forced awakening on MBPS in individuals with CVD.

Prostate volume: does it predict patient outcomes following prostate artery embolisation? A retrospective cohort study

Prostate artery embolisation (PAE) is a minimally invasive procedure commonly performed to treat lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia. International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) is a validated patient questionnaire quantifying LUTS and is used for patient selection for PAE, but it is largely subjective. Prostate volume is an easily estimated objective parameter across multiple imaging modalities. No strict threshold of prostate volume is established as a selection criterion for PAE, but it is generally accepted that prostate volume should be over 40 to 50 mL.We looked at a sample of 65 cases performed at a large teaching hospital between 2017 and 2019 with a minimum of four years follow up. Embospheres between 100 to 500 microns were injected into the prostatic arteries bilaterally (if technically feasible). A ‘bullet shape’ model was used to estimate prostatic volume from initial CT. N = 13 had an estimated volume < 51 mL (range 31-50 mL). IPSS before and at 3 months post-procedure were collected.80% of patients indicated a beneficial response to PAE (IPSS improvement > 5). 23% of patients required further PAE procedure or surgery. No major complications were recorded. The mean change in IPSS under 51 mL compared to over 51 mL cohort was 10.2 versus 11 (standard deviation 7.5 versus 7.3) (p = 0.44, 2 tailed Student’s T-test).There was no statistically significant difference in the IPSS improvement or outcome of small volume prostates under 51 mL compared to large volume. Our results suggest that prostate volume should not be used to exclude patients for PAE.

Safety and Efficacy of Photocatalytic Micro-Mist Desktop Humidifier for Dry Eye Caused by Digital Environment: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background/Objectives: Modern life is inconceivable without visual display terminal (VDT) work, including smartphones, computers, and games for both children and adults. VDT work under air conditioning and low humidity poses a high risk of dry eye and digital eye strain. Methods: Thirty-one participants were randomly divided into two groups using a desktop humidifier with photocatalytic technology, namely the "with mist" (humidifier) group and "without mist" (control) group. Participants performed VDT tasks using the humidifier with or without mist for 1 h. Ocular subjective symptoms and objective tear film parameters were assessed before, immediately after, and 1.5 h after the VDT task with or without mist. (Registry ID: UMIN000054379) Results: Ocular symptom scores improved significantly in the humidifier group immediately after the VDT task and up to 1.5 h later compared to before the task (p < 0.001, =0.006, respectively). Immediately after the VDT task, tear meniscus height was significantly higher and non-invasive breakup time was significantly longer in the humidifier group than in the control group (p < 0.001, =0.040, respectively). Plugging of the meibomian gland orifices was significantly reduced only in the humidifier group immediately after the VDT task compared to before the VDT task and remained significantly reduced up to 1.5 h later (p = 0.004, 0.016, respectively). Conclusions: The use of the photocatalytic desktop humidifier during VDT task resulted in significant improvements in the tear film parameters and subjective symptoms. The photocatalytic desktop humidifier could be effective in alleviating dry eye and eye strain in computer users in a modern office environment.

A Ranking Tool for "Category Killer" Microbial Biobanks.

Microbial biobanks preserve and provide microbial bioresources for research, training, and quality control purposes. They ensure the conservation of biodiversity, contribute to taxonomical research, and support scientific advancements. Microbial biobanks can cover a wide range of phylogenetic and metabolic diversity ("category killers") or focus on specific taxonomic, thematic, or disease areas. The strategic decisions about strain selection for certain applications or for the biobank culling necessitate a method to support prioritization and selection. Here, we propose an unbiased scoring approach based on objective parameters to assess, categorize, and assign priorities among samples in stock in a microbial biobank. We describe the concept of this ranking tool and its application to identify high-priority strains for whole genome sequencing with two main goals: (i) genomic characterization of quality control, reference, and type strains; (ii) genome mining for the discovery of natural products, bioactive and antimicrobial molecules, with focus on human diseases. The general concept of the tool can be useful to any biobank and for any ranking or culling needs.

Ambisonics’ setup quality assessment through measurements and computations based on ITD and ILD functions using subbands and a Gammatone Filter Bank

Poznan Supercomputing and Networking Center (PSNC) developed an ambisonic installation and workflow as part of audio-visual 8K VR 360° immersive media experiments. This work aimed to investigate the quality of performance of the PSNC setup through both subjective tests as well as simulations providing objective parameters of interaural characteristics in a real-life scenario of PSNC studio. For the objective part, an algorithm for angle estimation has been proposed and computations were performed.

Geometric Parameters to Enhance the Perception of Architectural Spaces

The challenge in obtaining objective parameters for evaluating the aesthetic appeal of buildings is what we try to explain through a case study, presenting a pioneering methodology that can be applied and adapted to different architectural styles. Our focus is on a substantial investigation of Romanian Orthodox churches in the Wallachia region, which exhibit striking similarities from their early stylistic developments in the 16th century to contemporary examples. By examining the geometric relationships within their interior spaces, we aim to derive objective insights that enable an alternative classification. This classification, in turn, helps us measure the emotional impact these spaces have on users or visitors, influencing emotions based on spatial proportions. Through these relationships, we can evaluate the importance of different buildings of the same category, classify them and, objectively explain their differences. Applying the findings of this study, along with specific variables, to other architectural contexts allows us to address user preferences more effectively to enhance architectural designs by improving comfort and the quality of life.

Characteristics of rehabilitation for patients with severe asymmetric jaw deformities resulting from temporomandibular joint pathology

Relevance. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pathology, along with the resultant facial asymmetry, is a common condition within maxillofacial disorders. Addressing the rehabilitation of these patients within specialised medico-social care is a crucial and challenging task.Purpose. To develop a comprehensive rehabilitation protocol for patients with severe asymmetric jaw deformities caused by TMJ pathology.Materials and methods. From 2018 to 2023, ten patients with defects and deformities of the TMJ condylar process, presenting with severe asymmetric jaw deformities, were treated. An assessment of subjective and objective facial aesthetic parameters was conducted based on photographic protocols, as well as 2D and 3D cephalometric facial measurements. Comprehensive preparation for orthognathic surgery with simultaneous endoprosthesis replacement was performed based on the collected data. A regimen of postoperative therapeutic procedures was prescribed following the surgery.Results. All patients achieved the intended statistically significant outcomes: in the sagittal plane, an improvement in facial profile was noted based on the position of the chin (Pog) relative to the true vertical line passing through the subnasale point. In the frontal plane, alignment of the occlusal plane and normalization of the central line of the upper and lower incisors relative to the midline of the face were observed.Conclusion. The algorithm for the comprehensive preparation of patients with asymmetric jaw deformities, developed during growth, prior to performing orthognathic surgery with simultaneous TMJ endoprosthesis replacement should include: orthodontic treatment aimed at aligning teeth position and dental arches, eliminating rotations and pathological inclinations of teeth using a bracket system, fully restoring interocclusal height with temporary implant-supported structures, using occlusal splints and temporary composite restorations, as well as employing separating orthodontic plates. These stages enabled the achievement of good aesthetic results and improved patients' quality of life.

Application of a New Device for Vision Relaxation in Computer Users.

This study aims to explore the potential of a novel EYE ROLL device designed to facilitate guided vision relaxation exercises in an open space. A prospective study was performed on 89 participants who perform screenwork for at least four hours daily. All participants were randomly divided into three groups: a Control group with no exercising, a Manual group undertook manual vision relax ation exercises, and an Eyeroll group engaged in EYE ROLL device-assisted vision relaxation exercises. Each participant underwent three evaluations (an initial baseline assessment, a 4-week follow-up, and an 8-week follow-up) with four assessment tools: a comprehensive vision examination, an in-depth questionnaire, saccadic eye movement recordings, and objective accommodation measurements. There was a statistically significant decrease (35% and above) in complaint scores at the 4-week follow-up in both training groups. Although statistically insignificant, complaints continued to decrease after an 8-week period. No significant changes were observed in clinical or objective accommodative parameters. Some variation of visual functions was observed in all groups due to repeated measures. Vision relaxation exercises combined with proper vision ergonomics and working habits can reduce asthenopic complaints. The EYE ROLL device presents a promising tool for integrating these exercises into the working environment.

Software advancements in automatic epilepsy diagnosis and seizure detection: 10-year review

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that may be diagnosed and monitored using routine diagnostic tests like Electroencephalography (EEG). However, manual introspection and analysis of EEG signals is presently difficult and repetitive task even for experienced neuro-technologists with high false-positive rates and inter- and intra-rater reliability. Software advancements using Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms have the potential to early detect and predict abnormal patterns observed in EEG signals. The present review focuses on systematically reporting software advancements and their implementation using hardware systems in automatic epilepsy diagnosis and seizure detection for the past 10 years. Traditional, hybrid, and end-to-end AI-based pipelines and associated EEG datasets have been discussed. The review summarizes and compares reported articles, datasets, and patents through various subjective and objective parameters in this field. Latest advancements demonstrate that AI-based pipelines can reduce the introspection time by at least 50% without compromising the diagnostic accuracy or abnormal event detection. A significant rise in hardware implementation of software-based pipelines, end-to-end deep learning architectures for real-time analysis, and granted patents has been noticed since 2011. More than twenty-eight datasets have been developed to automatically diagnose epileptic EEG signals from 2001 to 2023. Extensive analysis using explainability tools, cross-dataset generalizations, reproducibility analysis, and ablation experiments can further improve the existing AI-based pipelines in this field. There is a need for the development of standardized protocols for data collection and its AI pipeline for a robust, inter- and intra-rater reliability-free, and real-time automatic epilepsy diagnosis.

Analysis of Cephalometric Differences of the Midface and Upper Face in Males and Females: A Radiographic Study.

Gender affirmation facial surgery (GAFS) is an important component in treating gender dysphoria among transgender individuals by addressing gender incongruence of the face. There is a paucity of literature describing objective characterizations of the anatomic differences between male and female faces. In this study, cephalometric measurements were taken on routine CT imaging performed on cisgender patients between 2017 and 2020. Specifically defined cephalometric landmarks of the upper and midface were measured and compared between male and female cohorts. Thirty-eight patients, 19 male and 19 female, were identified for this study. Significant differences were identified in the frontal prominence, orbital size, malar height, bizygomatic width, nose, and upper lip, with moderate rates of specificity for each gender. Some important ratios are also presented. Differences in the malar region and the orbit highlight the importance of these areas as a point of focus for GAFS. These cephalometric findings provide objective evidence and parameters for perceived anatomic differences in male and female faces. In addition, they help both corroborate current surgical techniques as well as guide future approaches to GAFS.

Viability assessment and transplantation of extended criteria donor liver grafts using normothermic machine perfusion

BackgroundThe scarcity of available liver grafts necessitates the use of organs from extended criteria donors, a practice associated with an increased risk of graft failure. A notable percentage of deceased donor liver allografts are rejected due to subjective criteria. Normothermic machine perfusion holds promise for introducing objective parameters into this decision-making process. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of standard criteria and extended criteria donor allografts after liver transplantation, following viability assessment, using normothermic machine perfusion. MethodsLiver allografts preserved by normothermic machine perfusion before liver transplantation at the University Hospital of Münster were retrospectively analyzed. Organs were stratified according to the Eurotransplant Donor Risk Index. In total, 101 liver grafts were included in this study and divided into 2 groups: (1) standard criteria donors with a Donor Risk Index <1.8 (DRI-low) and (2) extended criteria donors with a Donor Risk Index ≥1.8 (DRI-high). ResultsAn increased risk profile of donor livers, as assessed by the Eurotransplant Donor Risk Index, did not correlate with patient or graft survival. High-risk liver grafts were effectively transplanted into recipients with different risk levels after viability assessment by normothermic machine perfusion. However, the recipients’ model for end-stage liver disease scores showed a significant association with both overall patient and graft survival. ConclusionThe use of normothermic machine perfusion for viability assessment allows safe transplantation of high-risk donor livers and effectively addresses the disparity between donor liver availability and transplantation demand.

Interstitial electrical stimulation for middle-aged, and elderly adults with early stages of knee osteoarthritis

Introduction The adequate, pathogenetically substantiated pain management is essential for treatment of early stages of deforming osteoarthritis of the knee joint. There is a need to explore the effectiveness and mechanisms of modern methods of electrical therapy and their impact on the quality of life due to close cause-and-effect relationship between the pain, inflammatory and destructive components of osteoarthritis (OA) as one of the most common conditions.The objective was to evaluate the effect of interstitial electrical stimulation (IES) as a monotherapy in the course of conservative treatment of early stages of gonarthrosis based on clinical and biochemical findings.Materials and methods Radiographic findings, skin electrometry (objective parameters of pain intensity), limb weight-bearing capacity, biochemical parameters of connective tissue matrix degradation in blood serum and 24-hour urine samples, and treatment satisfaction were explored in 43 patients. Patients who received a course of IES were assigned to the treatment group (n = 22) and patients who received standard treatment without IES constituted the control group (n = 21).Results Electrometric analysis showed a higher effectiveness of pain relief in the treatment group compared to the controls with asymmetry coefficient measuring 3.2 ± 0.31 versus 1.9 ± 0.4 at p &gt; 0.05. The weight‑bearing scored 3.59 ± 0.34 versus 3.26 ± 0.2 at p &gt; 0.05. The treatment group showed shorter treatment length with 13.21 ± 1.2 days versus 18.3 ± 1.2 days in the control group at p &gt; 0.05 and a higher degree of satisfaction with outcomes scored 96.2 ± 2.59 in the treatment group versus 86.2 ± 3.17 in the control group. A statistically significant difference (p &gt; 0.05) was established in the levels of free and total hydroxyproline characterizing the different intensity of collagen breakdown in the groups at the end of treatment.Discussion The IES used as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory therapy was shown to be highly effective with changes in the hydroxyproline level in the media suggesting a chondroprotective effect. The analysis and comparison of objective parameters demonstrated high effectiveness of IES in the treatment of early stages of gonarthrosis in middle-aged and elderly adults.Conclusion The IES used for treatment of early stages of gonarthrosis helps pain reducing the intensity of collagen destruction and improving weight-bearing.

Inclusivity of thermal performance parameters for evaluation of solar cookers and the necessity of uniformity in the appraisal using generalized test procedure for different designs

Solar cookers play a vital role in decentralized energy solutions. Therefore, their appropriate rating is essential. The present work reviews and emphasizes the usefulness of thermal performance parameters (TPPs) for assessing solar cookers, such as box type, parabolic dish, panel type, Fresnel lens-based, and their hybrids. Although the TPPs are extensively used for testing solar cookers, several research studies depicted ambiguities, non-uniformities, and inconsistencies in their use. Interestingly, Cooker Opto-Thermal Ratio (COR) is one of the most generalized and, hence, useful TPP for the optical and thermal performance evaluation and rating/grading of multiple designs of solar cookers. In view of non-uniformities and inconsistencies found in determining TPPs, current work provides crucial insights into the existing TPPs, including COR, corresponding test standards/protocols, and quantification of test load(s) for solar cookers. Also, this work justifies the appropriate use of the different TPPs for solar cookers, and the usefulness and robustness of COR determined using linear regression fit of experimental data and derivate COR-dependent objective parameters. Finally, it includes insightful information for researchers, designers, and manufacturers on the future research pathways based on COR and corresponding test procedure and provide useful visions to avoid its deceptive, inconsistent, and inappropriate use.