ABSTRACT We propose a non‐invasive pulse wave monitoring system that integrates a fully printed, partially stretchable ferroelectric electronic tattoo (e‐tattoo) sensor with a soft, elastomer‐encapsulated, partially stretchable data transmission unit (DTU). The DTU includes a rechargeable battery, Bluetooth‐enabled wireless data transmission, and optimized signal conditioning circuitry for the e‐tattoo sensor. We demonstrate: 1) a simple, printing‐based fabrication process for the e‐tattoo sensor and its integration with the DTU; 2) significant improvement in pulse wave index accuracy through optimized electrode material selection used in the e‐tattoo sensor (e.g., reduction in relative error of relative crest time index from 56.3% to 0.2%); 3) enhanced sensitivity via integration of the e‐tattoo on the DTU's soft encapsulation (increased from 25 pC/N to 1277 pC/N); and 4) successful extraction of clinically relevant pulse indices from radial artery of a human study subject.

To investigate glucose-lowering treatment trajectories preceding glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) initiation in UK primary care, while assessing alignment with contemporary UK clinical guidelines, considering calendar time, cardiovascular disease (CVD) history, and obesity status. Using the IQVIA Medical Research Data (IMRD) incorporating data from THIN, a Cegedim Database, we included adults with type 2 diabetes initiating GLP-1RAs in UK primary care between 01 January 2007 and 30 June 2023. We described treatment trajectories from the first glucose-lowering therapy to GLP-1RA initiation, stratified by calendar time (GLP-1RA initiation pre- or post-01 January 2018, when guidelines started recommending sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors [SGLT-2is] for those at high risk or established CVD), CVD history, and body mass index (BMI) ≥35 kg/m2. We included 29 780 GLP-1RA initiators, with 62.2% (n = 18 517) initiating pre-2018 and 37.8% (n = 11 263) post-2018. Consistent over calendar time, most GLP-1RA initiators (63.5%) received their first GLP-1RA as fourth-line (35.4%) or later-line therapy (28.1%), with fewer initiating GLP-1RAs as first- (0.8%), second- (10.5%), or third-line (25.2%) treatments. After 2018, 50.8% of individuals initiating GLP-1RA therapy used SGLT-2is concomitantly, regardless of CVD status (47.8% with established CVD vs. 51.5% without). Individuals with BMI ≥35 kg/m2 initiated GLP-1RA therapy earlier compared to those with BMI <35 kg/m2 (46.3% vs. 29.1% as first-, second-, or third-line treatment). GLP-1RAs were predominantly initiated following ≥3 glucose-lowering agents, consistent with contemporary UK guidance (NG28). Post-2018, most GLP-1RA initiators received SGLT-2is concomitantly. However, CVD history did not influence prescribing patterns, underscoring missed opportunities to optimise the prevention of cardiovascular events and slow the progression of CVD.

Background/Objectives: Family affluence is commonly considered an important contextual determinant of adiposity; however, its relative contribution compared with current lifestyle behaviors during early adulthood remains unclear. This study examined direct associations between family affluence, specific lifestyle indicators (physical activity, sedentary time, and dietary indices), and fat mass index (FMI) in university students. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 418 students (199 males, 219 females). Family affluence (FAS), physical activity (PA), sedentary time (SITT), and dietary behaviors (positive and negative dietary indices) were assessed using standardized questionnaires. To evaluate how family affluence and behavioral variables relate to fat mass index (FMI), a structural equation modeling approach was implemented. Sex-specific models were estimated for males and females independently. Results: In both sexes, physical activity was inversely associated with fat mass index (FMI) and represented the strongest protective factor (males: β = −0.36, 95% CI: −0.46 to −0.26; females: β = −0.35, 95% CI: −0.45 to −0.25; both p &lt; 0.001). The negative dietary index showed a significant positive association with FMI in males (β = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.21 to 0.48; p &lt; 0.001) and females (β = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.42; p = 0.001). Sedentary time was positively associated with FMI only in females (β = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.28; p = 0.022). No statistically significant direct effect of family affluence on FMI was observed in either males or females. The SEM models explained 30% of FMI variance in males and 37% in females. Conclusions: In this cross-sectional university sample, proximal lifestyle indicators showed stronger direct associations with FMI than family affluence. These findings suggest that interventions targeting physical activity and unhealthy dietary behaviors may be particularly relevant for adiposity prevention in early adulthood, although longitudinal research is required to clarify causal pathways.

ABSTRACT With global climate change and human activities, environmental uncertainties are increasing, and extreme flood events are occurring more frequently. The reliability of traditional hydrological frequency analysis theories, based on the assumption of stationarity, is being increasingly questioned. This study aims to develop a non‐stationary flood frequency analysis model using the Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale, and Shape (GAMLSS) framework, with time and climate indices as covariates. The model calculation and frequency analysis are conducted using 2000 years of climate indices reconstructed by the Paleo Hydrodynamics Data Assimilation product (PHYDA). Design floods for different return periods are then quantified based on the reconstructed data. The results show that the nonstationary model established with climate indices as covariates can accurately identify the trend of first decreasing and then increasing flood series at the FP and ZJG stations in the Daqing River Basin, achieving the best model performance. Moreover, using the PHYDA‐reconstructed climate indices from the past 2000 years to extrapolate floods and calculate design floods provides higher safety for certain return periods than observed series. However, under longer return periods, the design values are smaller than those of the existing observed series. Overall, the nonstationary model proposed in this study can serve as a tool for flood frequency analysis under climate change. Additionally, incorporating the climate indices from the past 2000 years into nonstationary flood frequency analysis provides design results that can offer valuable references for regional water infrastructure design.

This network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed to investigate which hypnotics are associated with the most favorable sleep architecture and respiratory outcomes in adults with obstructive sleep apnea. Primary outcomes included total sleep time (TST) and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) during TST. Other outcomes were rapid eye movement (REM) sleep time, latency to persistent sleep (LPS), wake after sleep onset (WASO), sleep efficiency (SE), AHI during non-REM or REM sleep, mean peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) during TST, mean SpO2 nadir during TST, arousal index (AI), all-cause discontinuation, adverse event-related discontinuation, and incidence of individual adverse events. Effect sizes with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. This systematic review included 32 RCTs (n = 1871, average age = 51.60 years, 62.52% male, mean AHI = 23.60). Our network meta-analysis evaluated brotizolam, daridorexant, eszopiclone, flurazepam, lemborexant, nitrazepam, ramelteon, temazepam, triazolam, zaleplon, zolpidem, zopiclone, and placebo. Compared with placebo, lemborexant increased TST, REM sleep time, and SE and decreased LPS and WASO, whereas both daridorexant and zolpidem increased TST and SE and decreased WASO. These three medications demonstrated respiratory safety and discontinuation profiles similar to those of placebo. Eszopiclone increased TST and SE and decreased LPS, WASO, AHI during TST, and AI, but its effects on LPS, WASO, AHI during TST, and AI disappeared in the sensitivity analysis, excluding continuous positive airway pressure titration studies. Our network meta-analysis identified different effects of various hypnotics on sleep architecture and respiratory parameters; however, the lack of data prevented a formal synthesis of subjective outcomes. Therefore, these results should be interpreted with caution in clinical practice.

To assess the relationship between left ventricular remodeling as evaluated by strain echocardiography and conventional echocardiography before and after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in patients with severe heart failure. A cross-sectional descriptive study with follow-up comparison before and after CRT. The study included 33 heart failure patients indicated for CRT at the Vietnam National Heart Institute, Bach Mai Hospital from late 2015 to December 2021. Left ventricular end-systolic volume and end-diastolic volume significantly decreased after three months of follow-up (p < 0.001) and showed a strong inverse correlation with QRS recovery (r = 0.65). A positive correlation was observed between changes in left atrial volume index (LAVI) and 4B strain (r = 0.96, p < 0.05). After three months of CRT implantation, positive correlations were observed between isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) and left atrial volume index (LAVI), and between left atrial volume and E/e' obtained from tissue Doppler imaging (r = 0.53, p < 0.05). No correlation was found between E/e' and total EF, between 2B strain and total EF, or between 2B strain and LAVI. Strain echocardiography represents an important tool for diagnosing, assessing risk factors, and monitoring heart failure. After three months of CRT implantation, significant improvement in left ventricular volume and ejection fraction was observed, indicating improved treatment effectiveness.

This study evaluated the effect of turmeric leaf phenolic extract (TLP) on lipid oxidation and physicochemical properties of oil-in-water emulsions. The dried leaves were first extracted using hydroethanolic solvents (0, 30, 50, 70%, w/w ethanol), and the total phenolic content and antioxidant properties were evaluated. Then, TLP was incorporated into emulsions at concentrations of 0, 250, 500, and 1000 µM (0, 0.46, 0.92, and 1.84 mg extract/mL emulsion). The characteristics, including appearance, size, polydispersity index, charge, lipid oxidation, viscosity, and microstructure, were evaluated both before and after heating at 85 °C. The results showed that all emulsions were stable up to 6 h at 85 °C. All fresh emulsions were nanosized with high negative zeta potential (-45.59 to -48.76 mV). With longer incubation time (6 h), the size (264-523 nm) and polydispersity index (0.32-0.43) increased, and the zeta potential decreased (-29.34 to -31.78). The oxidation values after 6 h were highest for the control (16.33 meq/kg oil and 7.03 mg MDA/kg oil) and lowest for the 1000 µM TLP emulsion (7.20 meq/kg oil, 0.74 mg MDA/kg oil). The samples containing 500 µM BHT showed the lowest oxidation and were comparable to the 1000 µM TLP emulsion. The polymerization and oxidation of the oil increased the viscosity during incubation, and the droplet size increased as observed in the CLSM images. Finally, it can be concluded that turmeric leaves, a major agricultural waste, are a potent source of antioxidants, capable of preventing oxidation and preserving the physicochemical properties of emulsions.

A new type of CT-guided puncture device (CT-GPD) has been developed. We aimed to evaluate and compare the puncture accuracy and stone-free rates (SFRs) for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) between the CT-GPD puncture group, the X-ray-guided group, and the free-hand CT-guided (FH-CTG) group. From September 2023 to September 2024, 51 patients were divided into CT-GPD, FH-CTG, and X-ray-guided groups to perform PCNL. Basic patient data, procedure details, radiation exposure, puncture time, complications, and SFRs were recorded and analyzed. There was no significant difference in the patients' demographics, including age, sex, body mass index, and stone characteristics, among the three groups. The indices of puncture time, puncture success rate, and the number of punctures in the CT-GPD group were 10.88 ± 2.07 minutes, 100%, and 1.82 ± 0.73, respectively, which were significantly better (p < 0.05) than the other two groups. Compared with the FH-CTG group, the effective dose and the number of CT scans in the CT-GPD group were reduced by 11.2% (p = 0.006) and 23.6% (p = 0.006), respectively. CT-GPD is a valuable tool for establishing PCNL access. It may increase puncture accuracy, reduce radiation exposure, and avoid injury to the renal vascular and surrounding soft tissue without sacrificing the SFRs. This device may be especially beneficial for novices in PCNL.

Adaptive non-stationary frequency enhanced transformer for prediction of disturbance storm time index

Prescription stimulant misuse is prevalent among college students for cognitive, academic, and mood enhancement purposes. While prior research demonstrates placebo effects for subjective mood and drug effects, objective cognitive enhancement placebo effects have been less reliably produced in the laboratory, perhaps because lack of ability to choose to use a drug decreases ecological validity. This study examined whether prescription stimulant placebo effects were modulated by the ability to choose whether to use a drug. College students (N = 183; Mage = 19.48, 92.9% White non-Hispanic, 77.0% female) were randomized into choice (n = 95; ability to choose to ingest 10 mg Adderall [actually placebo]) or no-choice (n = 88; randomly assigned to receive drug [actually placebo] or no drug) conditions before completing subjective effect measures and cognitive tasks. Nearly, all choice participants (n = 90) decided to ingest drug (actually placebo), and were compared against no choice-expect drug (n = 40) and no choice-no drug (n = 48) participants. Replicating prior research, participants who believed they ingested drug indicated subjectively enhanced mood and drug effects on several indices compared to those who did not expect drug; this was not affected by choice. With one exception on a specific reaction time index, there were no placebo effects on objective cognitive tasks, and cognitive performance was similarly not affected by choice. These results provide further evidence of medium-large placebo effects for subjective, but not objective, outcomes following expected prescription stimulant use. Considerations surrounding methodological alterations to laboratory procedures which improve ecological validity are recommended to better understand the influence of both choice and prescription stimulant placebo effects. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Background & objectives Living at high altitudes causes chronic exposure to hypoxia, which triggers various physiological and autonomic adaptations, and many residents show successful acclimatization. Long-term exposure leads to time-dependent alterations in autonomic nervous system function, even in healthy individuals. Heart rate (HR) variability has long been a valuable tool for assessing autonomic activity, yet only a few studies have examined its association with altitude in healthy populations. This study assessed the impact of altitude on cardiac autonomic activity through HR variability analysis in healthy Sikkimese natives. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among the Sikkimese population residing at high, intermediate and low altitudes of Sikkim. Two areas from each altitude category were selected. Based on the population of the selected areas, the sample size was distributed using probability proportional to size, sampling. Systematic random sampling was then used to select participants. For each participant, a 5-min ECG was recorded using lead II of a Power Lab system. HR variability analysis was performed to derive time and frequency-domain indices from spectral analysis of successive R-R intervals. Results We found significantly higher values of time domain HR variability indices including standard deviation of all normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN) and root mean square of successive differences between normal heartbeats (RMSSD) among the people residing at higher altitudes in Sikkim (P<0.001). Interpretation & conclusions Residents living at high altitudes exhibit enhanced parasympathetic cardiac activity compared to those residing at lower and intermediate elevations, reflecting a possible adaptive response to chronic hypobaric hypoxia.

Hypertrophic scarring from burns can lead to sleep disturbances in children and significantly impact their quality of life and that of their caregivers. This study investigated the sleep quality of nine pediatric patients with hypertrophic scars who underwent CO2-AFL surgery. Electrocardiography was recorded before the first CO2-AFL treatment and after the final treatment. Cardio-pulmonary coupling software was used to automatically generate sleep reports, including total time in bed, total sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep latency time, deep sleep time, light sleep time, rapid eye movement sleep time, wake time, and apnea-hypopnea index. This study found that pediatric patients with hypertrophic scars commonly experience sleep disorders, and CO2-AFL surgery could improve sleep quality, including sleep efficiency, deep sleep duration, awakening time, and apnea-hypopnea index. This study provides preliminary objective evidence that CO₂-AFL treatment is associated with improvements in sleep quality parameters in pediatric patients with hypertrophic scars.

Abstract Background Anthracyclines are very efficient in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment resulting in promising survival rates. Anthracycline related cardiotoxicity has been detected by the diastolic and systolic cardiac impairment in the follow-up of adult oncological patients and childhood cancer survivors. The data for children on echocardiographic detection of early anthracycline induced diastolic dysfunction is lacking. Purpose We aim to present preliminary results of the study on left ventricle diastolic function evaluation among children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia before initiation of anthracycline treatment and after induction and intensification of the therapy. Methods For this prospective study, consecutive pediatric patients diagnosed with ALL were enrolled. Transthoracic echocardiography was conducted following diagnosis and prior to the initiation of anthracycline therapy (first assessment), and after the completion of induction and intensification therapy (second assessment)(fig 1). All studies were performed on the same echocardiographic machine and were obtained from at least 2 cardiac cycles. The echocardiography included conventional 2D diastolic function assessment with tissue doppler imaging and the left atrial (LA) strain. Interobserver reliability of the data was assessed by two echocardiographers. Results The preliminary study group included 25 children (13 females, 12 males) aged between 1-16 years (mean age 5,8±3,7years). All of the children were diagnosed with ALL type C and were treated with the same treatment protocol. Mean dosage of anthracycline equivalent was 107,4±45 mg/m2(min. 26.4 - max 216.0 mg/m2), 7 children received &amp;gt;120 mg/m2 and 1 child &amp;gt;200mg/m2 of anthracycline equivalent. Mean time between the first and second assessment was 214±42 days(~7 months). Diastolic left ventricle function assessed by the E/A ratio, deceleration time, tissue Doppler and left atrial volume index (LAVI) was not significantly different between the first and the second assessment (table 1). However, the LA conduit strain at end diastole (LAScd ED)(-36.6 ± 16.0 vs -25.8 ± 12.0, p=0.028) as well as at atrial contraction(LAScd AC)(-33.4 ± 14.1 vs -23.1 ± 10.9, p=0.016) were significantly reduced after the anthracycline therapy. Other left atrial strain parameters including LA strain during reservoir at end diastole(LASr ED) and at atrial contraction(LASr AC), in the contraction phase at end diastole(LASct ED) and at atrial contraction(LASct AC) did not differ significantly between the assessments. The systolic function of the left ventricle were within norms at both measurements(table 1). Conclusions Early anthracycline induced LV diastolic dysfunction may not be detectable by the conventional echocardiographic methods in children treated for ALL. Subclinical dysfunction may be identified by close echocardiographic monitoring with the left atrial strain.

Aim of study: To identify and characterize flash droughts (FD) in areas with rainfed cereal crops under Mediterranean conditions, analyzing their effects on cereal gross primary productivity (GPP), yield, and phenology from 2000–2023. Area of study: The main Mediterranean cereal-producing regions of Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy. Material and methods: FD were identified using soil moisture from the ERA5-Land reanalysis database and characterized in terms of frequency, duration, and severity. GPP sensitivity to FD was analyzed using two response time indices. To evaluate the impact of FD on wheat and barley yield, the percent yield reduction during FD years was calculated, while the effect of FD on cereal health and phenology was assessed using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). GPP and NDVI data were obtained from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). Main results: FD had a significant impact on cereal under Mediterranean conditions, with higher frequency and intensity during months critical for cereal development. Cereals responded rapidly to FD, experiencing peak stress during critical months. FD reduced wheat and barley yields by up to 33%, led to poorer cereal health compared with years without FD events, and caused a slight advancement in the phenological phases. Research highlights: These results warn about the effects of FD on cereal crops under Mediterranean conditions and in water-limited regions in general, highlighting the potential consequences that are already affecting these crops. This knowledge helps identify response patterns that determine crop resilience to FD, facilitating the development of strategies to cope with future adversities under climate change scenarios.

Background: Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) tracers offer a radiation-free technique for sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNB) in early breast cancer (eBC). However, the data on optimal administration in daily practice, such as the optimal tracer volume and injection method, are still lacking. Methods: In this real-world data analysis, patients with clinically node-negative eBC who underwent SNB with SPIO (Magtrace®) between January 2020 and December 2022 were included. Primary endpoint was the impact of tracer volume on the detection rate. Secondary endpoints evaluated number of removed sentinel lymph nodes, surgical time and the impact of tracer timing and body mass index (BMI) on detection rate. Results: A total of 456 patients were included in the study. 223 patients received 1 mL and 232 patients 2 mL of SPIO. The median time of tracer application was 4 days. Detection rates were similar between both groups (95.5% for 1 ml vs. 96.1% for 2 ml; p=0.707), with a median of 2.0 sentinel nodes removed in both groups (p=0.205). The median time of surgery was 70 minutes in the 1 ml group and 72 minutes in the 2 ml group, p=0.972. The detection rate was 97.3% and 95.3% when tracer was injected before and after the median time of application, respectively (p=0.286). BMI of  25 kg/m² led to a detection rate of 94.9% in the 1ml group and 94.2% in the 2 ml group (p=0.520). Conclusions: In this large real-world analysis 1ml and 2 ml were similar in the clinical performance of SNB in eBC. High detection efficacy was found regardless of tracer timing and BMI. This real-world analysis reinforces SPIO’s role as an effective and adaptable alternative to conventional tracers in SNB for eBC.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. As global screening programs expand, there is an increasing need for validated tools that ensure colonoscopy competence before trainees perform procedures on patients. This study examined validity evidence for a simulation-based colonoscopy test using a novel colon phantom with automated performance metrics. In this prospective observational study, 42 participants from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden were categorized as novice (0 procedures), intermediate (1-999), or experienced (>1000). Each completed three colonoscopy cases (EASY, STANDARD, ADVANCED 1) using the Mikoto simulator, which combines realistic haptics with automatic recording of key metrics: time to reach the caecum and the Sigmoid-Colon Elongation Index, a refined measure of unnecessary force and excessive stretching during scope advancement-reflecting the gentleness and finesse of scope manipulation. After successful intubation, participants performed a mucosal inspection scored by the PolypTumor Detection Score. Validity evidence was evaluated following Messick's framework, and pass/fail standards were set using the contrasting groups' method. Inter-case reliability was excellent (Cronbach's α = 0.93 for time; 0.83 for elongation index). Simulator metrics clearly discriminated between experience levels (p < 0.001), and strong inverse correlations were observed between time and elongation index (r = -0.78 to -0.89), indicating that the fastest participants were also the gentlest. None of the novices passed, while 36% of intermediates and 67% of experts met all non-compensatory pass criteria. The Mikoto colon phantom offers objective, reliable, and automated assessment of colonoscopy competence, integrating both efficiency and tissue-friendly technique. Strong validity evidence supports its use for proficiency-based training and skills maintenance, as failure among many experienced endoscopists highlights its potential for periodic re-evaluation and continued professional development.

Malaria remains a major global health concern due to failing chemotherapy. This necessitates the continuous search for more effective antimalarial agents. This study investigates the potential antimalarial activity of Senna alata, a herb commonly used in the Nigerian tradomedicine system, and its impact on hepatic oxidative damage and expression of caspase-3 and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) molecules. Thirty mice, divided into 6 groups (n = 5/group), were used for the study. Group 1 served as the negative control and received 0.2 mL of normal saline. Groups 2-4 constituted the test groups, which received doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of the leaf ethanol extract of Senna alata (EESa), respectively. Group 5 served as the standard drug control that received 20 mg/kg of LonartDS (artemether-lumefantrine). Group 6, the naïve group, were neither infected nor treated (NINT). Mice were treated for 4 consecutive days after confirming parasitaemia following inoculation. At the end of the 6th day post treatment, the animals were euthanized, and then blood samples and liver tissues were collected for analysis using documented methods and standard procedures. Results of the malaria curative test for Plasmodium berghei (NK 65) in murine model indicated that EESa significantly suppressed parasitaemia in treated groups, although not in a dose-dependent manner, but values compared well with the standard drug treatment and EESa also improved the mean survival time (MST) and haematological indices of infected mice. Furthermore, EESa significantly reduced the hepatic expression of caspase-3 and NF-κB p65 molecules, suggesting its potential involvement in regulating apoptosis and inflammation in hepatic cells, as evidenced by the associated low histological grading. Put together, the demonstrated antimalarial activity of EESa protected the liver from the inflammatory and apoptotic damages caused by malarial infection in experimental mice. This study supports the use of S. alata in the traditional treatment of malaria.

This study investigates the warm straight-groove incremental sheet forming (ISF) behavior of AZ31 magnesium alloy using an integrated experimental, statistical, and machine learning approach. To test the effect of forming temperature, step-down, spindle speed and feed rate, a Taguchi L27 design was used to study the effect of above variables on forming time and forming force. TOPSIS multi-response optimization was used to find the most balanced parameter combination to result in low force and high process efficiency. The statistical result showed that temperature and step-down were the most prevailing factors that controlled the deformation behaviour at warm forming conditions. A Random Forest regression model was constructed in order to increase the predictive ability, and it was able to successfully recreate the trends in the forming time, forming force, and performance index. The fractographic analysis of the fractured wall of the groove proved the presence of a ductile failure mechanism in which voids and localisation of shear dominate. The combined DOE-TOPSIS-ML-SEM analysis offers a very powerful procedure of comprehending and optimizing the warm incremental sheet forming of lightweight AZ31 magnesium alloy.

Sleep bruxism (SB) has been reportedly associated with temporomandibular disorder (TMD); however, solid evidence is lacking. Previous studies have primarily used traditional metrics, such as the masticatory muscle activity (MMA) index and bruxism time index (BTI) to investigate the link between SB and TMD. However, we aimed to examine how the electromyography (EMG) frequency spectrum is associated with TMD in SB participants. We hypothesised that the EMG signal frequencies during MMA events would be lower in SB participants with TMD pain compared to those without TMD pain. In this exploratory study, we retrospectively analysed home polysomnography data from 44 participants who indicated possible SB. The median signal frequencies and absolute power were calculated using the Fast Fourier Transform of the EMG signals during MMA events. Moreover, the MMA index and BTI were calculated, and all parameters were compared between SB participants with and without TMD pain. The results showed that the absolute power and median frequencies were significantly lower in SB participants with TMD pain compared to those without TMD pain (p < 0.05), whereas the MMA index and BTI did not differ between the groups (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that masticatory muscles are getting fatigued in TMD participants with SB and therefore, EMG frequency-based analysis may provide a promising direction for future assessment of TMD consequences of SB. However, these preliminary results should be validated in future studies involving a larger and more heterogeneous pool of participants.

The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the trends and factors that determine the consumer behavior of the population of the Russian Federation and its regions in 2018–2023, to identify disproportions and justify the directions of socio-economic policy aimed at improving the living standards of the population. Methodology of the research relies on a system of statistical methods, including time series analysis, structural, index, variance, and correlation analysis. The coefficient of variation and the coefficient of stock differentiation are used to assess regional inequality. The results demonstrate the following findings: despite the outpacing growth of GDP per capita over the period, the growth rate of consumer spending lagged behind the dynamics of average per capita income. A steady decrease in inter-regional inequality in the consumption of the population of the regions of the Russian Federation has been established. It has been determined, that territorial affiliation is a key factor for about 50 per cent of the variation in consumer spending. Practical implications: the study can be used to develop the measures of socio-economic policies aimed at reducing regional income inequality of population, stimulating consumer demand, and improving quality of life indicators by means of increasing real incomes and optimising the structure of consumer spending.