Time Interaction Research Articles

Ruthenium-based antivenom attenuates Crotalus atrox venom mediated coagulopathy in rabbits.

The Western diamondback rattlesnake ( Crotalus atrox ) is a medically important venomous snake in the Southwestern United States, injuring humans, and their companion animals. The goals of this investigation were to utilize a rabbit model of subcutaneous envenomation to assess Crotalus atrox venom coagulopathy and determine the efficacy of a ruthenium-containing antivenom (RA) in attenuating it. Sedated New Zealand White rabbits had viscoelastic measurements of whole blood coagulation kinetics obtained from ear artery samples. Crotalus atrox venom (4 mg/kg) was injected subcutaneously and changes in coagulation determined over three hours and compared to samples obtained prior to envenomation. Other rabbits had site-directed RA injected 5 min after venom injection. A significant decrease in the velocity of clot growth and thrombus strength was observed in animals injected with venom alone. Site-directed administration of RA resulted in no change in coagulation over the 3 h following venom injection. The interaction of antivenom administration and time was significantly different in the cases of clot growth velocity and strength. A novel rabbit model was used to define the toxicodynamic profile of coagulopathy of Crotalus atrox venom and demonstrate the efficacy of RA. Future investigation is planned involving other medically important venoms and RA administration.

Jumping Interval Training: An Effective Training Method for Enhancing Anaerobic, Aerobic, and Jumping Performances in Aerobic Gymnastics

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of jumping interval training (JIT) and running high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on the aerobic, anaerobic and jumping performances of youth female aerobic gymnasts. A randomized controlled study was conducted over an 8-week period, involving 73 youth female athletes (16.2 ± 1.3 years old) of aerobic gymnastics. The study comprised two experimental groups (JIT and HIIT) and a control group. Participants in the experimental groups engaged in two additional training sessions per week alongside their regular training regimen, while the control group followed their usual training routine. Before and after the intervention period, gymnasts were assessed for their performance in the countermovement jump test (CMJ), the specific aerobic gymnastics anaerobic test (SAGAT) and the 20-m multistage fitness test. Significant interactions time × group were found in SAGAT (p < 0.001; = 0.495), CMJ (p < 0.001; = 0.338) and 20-m multistage fitness test (p < 0.001; = 0.500). The time × group analysis post-intervention revealed significantly lower scores in SAGAT for the control group compared to the JIT (p = 0.003) and HIIT (p = 0.034). Additionally, significantly higher scores were observed for the JIT group in the CMJ test compared to the HIIT (p = 0.020) and control (p = 0.028) groups following the intervention. Finally, the 20 m multistage fitness test post-intervention revealed significantly lower scores for the control group compared to JIT (p < 0.001) and HIIT (p < 0.001). Both JIT and HIIT are recommended training strategies to adopt in aerobic gymnastics for significantly improving the aerobic and anaerobic performances of athletes. However, JIT may be particularly relevant to use as it offers additional benefits in improving vertical jumping performances.

Increasing Reading Motivation and Vocabulary of South Asian Children in Hong Kong: A Home–Based Intervention

ABSTRACT Research Findings: This study investigated the effectiveness of a home-based intervention in increasing the intrinsic reading motivation and Chinese oral vocabulary of minority South Asian children in Hong Kong. A quasi-experiment was conducted with 78 children (M age = 51.54 months; control: 37 children, intervention: 41 children) and their parents. Intrinsic reading motivation was measured by parent report and oral vocabulary was measured by child direct assessment. The intervention group received picture books, prerecorded stories, and guidance on carrying out home activities over four weeks. The control group received two wordless picture books. After controlling for sociodemographic factors, Multivariate Analysis of Covariance revealed a significant Group X Time interaction. Follow-up tests revealed that children in the intervention group scored higher in posttest intrinsic reading motivation and oral vocabulary than children in the control group. Practice or Policy: These findings support the development of evidence-based interventions to cater for Chinese language learning of South Asian children in Hong Kong and have the potential to inform the design of future intervention programs that aim to enhance the Chinese language proficiency of minority children in Hong Kong and other settings where Chinese is used as a second language.

Effect of acidosis in the late-finishing phase on rumen fermentation in feedlot steers

Abstract The objective was to determine the effects of induced acidosis in the late-finishing phase on rumen fermentation in feedlot steers. Eleven ruminally cannulated steers (body weight = 795 kg ± 54) were blocked into 2 groups based on initial body weight. For 195 d prior to the start of the study, cattle were consuming a basal finishing diet (60% dry rolled corn, 15% modified distillers grains, 15% corn silage, and 10% ground corn-based supplement). Steers were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: control (CON), or induced acidosis (ACD). Both treatments were fasted for 24 h then fed the basal finishing diet. Steers on the ACD treatment received 0.05% of BW of wheat starch via rumen cannula at 0800 h and 2000 h on d 1 and ad libitum refeeding following the fast. On d 1 and 2, CON steers were provided 25% of allotted feed every 6 hours. Rumen fluid was collected every 4 h during the challenge period (h 0 – 48), and 0, 6, and 12 h after feeding during the recovery period (h 54 – 96). Rumen fluid was analyzed for pH, ammonia, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and lactate. Fecal grab samples were collected every 8 h to determine fecal pH. A treatment × day interaction (P = 0.03) was observed for dry matter intake during the challenge period with steers on the ACD treatments consuming more on d 1 than CON steers. Intake was not different on d 2 (P = 0.88). A treatment × hour effect (P < 0.01) was observed for ruminal pH during the challenge period with the ACD steers having a lesser pH than CON from h 12 to 32. Duration of time below a pH of 5.6 during the challenge period was greater (P < 0.01) for ACD steers than CON. During the challenge period, a treatment × time interaction (P = 0.04) was observed for total VFA concentration with ACD steers having greater total VFA concentration from h 12 to 36. Acetate to propionate ratio (A:P) was affected by treatment × hour (P = 0.04) with CON steers having greater A:P from h 28 to 48. Rumen ammonia and lactate concentrations did not differ (P ≥ 0.25) between treatment or the interaction with time. Challenge and recovery period fecal pH were not affected (P ≥ 0.13) by treatment, time, or their interaction. Recovery period ruminal pH was not different (P = 0.99) between treatments. For the recovery period, total VFA and ammonia concentration were not affected by treatment, time, or their interaction (P ≥ 0.07). Ruminal pH and VFA were affected in the initial 48 h of induced acidosis in the late-finishing phase.

Investigation of the effects of an 8-week cross-country skiing exercise program on various reaction time parameters, selective attention and academic achievement in adolescents

Exercise slows or helps reverse the shrinkage of key cognitive brain regions such as the hippocampus, which is important for information processing, learning, reasoning and planning. For this reason, it is thought that regular exercise of individuals, especially during adolescence, which is considered one of the most important processes of development, can increase their performance in areas where cognitive activities are at the forefront. Cross-country skiing, one of the leading branches of winter sports, has a much more complex structure, unlike the branches that are widely preferred today (football, basketball, volleyball, etc.) and is a branch where many motor skills are exhibited at the same time For this reason, the effect of cross-country skiing, which is defined as more complex and difficult in terms of biomotor than other branches, on cognitive activities is a matter of curiosity. Therefore, the aim of the research is; to examine the cognitive effects of cross-country skiing exercise. The study involved 54 (26 male, 28 female) adolescents who had no prior experience in any licensed sports. The average age of the participants was determined as 12.61 ± 1.32. The participants were divided in experimental and control groups. Reaction performances were determined using the ÇAĞIN Hand and Foot Reaction Tests, selective attention performances were evaluated using the Flanker Test and academic achievement was determined using the e-Okul system. Two-way ANOVA revealed significant group × time interactions for hand and foot simple, selective, discriminative reaction time, selective attention and academic achievement (p < 0.05) due to improved values at post-test for the experimental group but not for the control groups. No significant group × time interactions were observed for correct reaction rate for all reaction parameters (p > 0.05). The study concludes that the cross-country skiing exercise, which was applied to adolescents for eight weeks, had a positive impact on the parameters of reaction, selective attention and academic achievement. Therefore, parents are suggested to encourage their children to exercise and engage in sports practices like cross-country skiing to improve cognitive and academic performance during adolescence.

Structured different exercise protocols improve lung function, respiratory muscle strength, and thickness in stroke patients. A randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Background The effect of core stabilization exercises (CSE) alone, or in combination with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and Kinesio taping (KT) on lung function, respiratory muscle strength, and thickness in patients with stroke is not fully known. ObjectivesTo compare the efficacy of NMES and KT applied with CSE on lung functions, respiratory muscle strength, and thickness in stroke. Objective The effect of core stabilization exercises (CSE) alone, or in combination with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and Kinesio taping (KT) on lung function, respiratory muscle strength, and thickness in patients with stroke is not fully known. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of NMES and KT applied with CSE on lung functions, respiratory muscle strength, and thickness in stroke. Methods A total of 45 stroke patients were randomly assigned to the core stabilization exercises (CSE) group, CSE+KT group or CSE+NMES group, respectively. All groups received the training protocol for 30–45 minutes, 3 days a week, for 6 weeks. Lung functions were measured using portable spirometry. Respiratory muscle strength was assessed using an analog manometer to measure maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP). Peak cough flow (PCF) was measured with a peak flow meter. Respiratory muscles thickness were determined using ultrasonography. Results Except for FVC (%pred%) (F = 4.432, p = 0.018, ηp = 0.174), FEV1(%pred%) (F = 3.725, p = 0.032, ηp = 0.151), and MEP (F = 3.861, p = 0.029, ηp = 0.155), the overall group by time interaction for rmANOVA showed that there was no statistically significant difference between groups (p > 0.05). After post hoc analysis, it was determined that there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of FVC (%pred%), FEV1(%pred%) and MEP (p > 0.025). Conclusions The addition of NMES or KT to core stabilization exercises did not appear to provide additional benefit in improving lung function, respiratory muscle strength, and thickness in stroke patients.

#2616 AVF volume blood flow reduction in NYHA III patients—is it too late?

Abstract Background and Aims Heart failure (HF) with preserved / high cardiac output (CO) is a well-known syndrome in patients with high-flow AVF. However, the threshold for classifying an AVF as high-flow is currently undefined. Cardio-fistular recirculation (CFR) is often used as a criterion, with values greater than 25-30% considered cardiotoxic and associated with adverse outcomes. Additionally, CFR is one of the few easily modifiable risk factors through surgical reduction of AVF volume blood flow (Qa). The study aimed to evaluate the extent of involution of heart structural and functional changes following Qa reduction. Method A prospective cohort study included 86 adult HD patients who met the inclusion criteria: HF with preserved / high CO, CFR &amp;gt; 25%, eKt/V &amp;gt; 1.2. Non-inclusion criteria: arrhythmias (except grade I AV block), valvular disease (except mitral regurgitation I-II). Patients were divided into two groups according to the severity of symptoms: NYHA I-II (N = 39) and NYHA III-IV (N = 47). All patients underwent a thorough examination, Qa assessment and ECHO-CG with tissue Doppler on the interdialytic day immediately prior to surgery. Qa reduction was achieved by external PTFE banding, PTFE graft segment placement or aneurysmorrhaphy (in case of coexisting AVF aneurysm). Long-term results were evaluated at 6 months after surgery. As the aim was to evaluate the dynamics, patients who died during follow-up, underwent conversion of KRT, or had a change in vascular access were excluded. Results Table 1 presents the descriptive statistics of the patients prior to surgery. Both groups of patients showed a significant decrease in Qa, CO, cardiac index, end-systolic and end-diastolic volume indices, and LV myocardial mass index, while EF remained unchanged (data not shown). At the same time, there were no significant differences in the dynamics of the above parameters (group*time interaction in the mixed-effects model). Fig. 1 shows that there was a significant group*time interaction: there was a significant difference in CFR before surgery (p = 0.001), but not after (p = 0.958). In both groups, CFR was adjusted to achieve optimal values. The E/A ratio was not different before the surgery (p = 0.209), but it was different after the surgery (p &amp;lt; 0.001). NT-proBNP levels were higher in the NYHA III-IV group both preoperatively (p &amp;lt; 0.001) and postoperatively (p &amp;lt; 0.001). We have observed a similar pattern in the dynamics of the PASP as well (p &amp;lt; 0.001 at both time points). The likelihood of complete weaning from CHF therapy at 6 months after Qa reduction is almost twice as high in the NYHA I-II group (RR = 1.93 [95% CI 1.2; 3.18], p = 0.009). Conclusion Defining AVF as high-flow based solely on Qa value is not accurate. Instead, it is more appropriate to define cardiotoxicity based on both CFR and the severity of clinical symptoms. Patients in NYHA III-IV benefit less from Qa reduction than patients in NYHA I-II and are more likely to retain diastolic dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension. We recommend reducing Qa in the early stages of HF.

#376 Self-efficacy, social support and hemodiafiltration are independently associated with better Self-Reported Health Status over time

Abstract Background and Aims Patients with kidney disease receiving dialysis are a highly vulnerable population. Psychosocial determinants of Self-Efficacy (SE) and Social Support (SS) have been suggested as potentially important outcomes for people with end stage kidney disease. We investigated whether these variables could explain differences in Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL) outcome domains over time independently or in interaction with treatment modality of high-flux hemodialysis (HD) versus high-dose hemodiafiltration (HDF). Method HRQL in 1264 participants from the international multi-centre, prospective, randomized, open label, controlled CONVINCE trial were assessed, using screening and quarterly follow-up data up to 24 months. Measures included the MOS Social Support Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale, and PROMIS short forms for fatigue, physical function, pain interference and intensity, sleep disturbance, anxiety, cognitive function, depression, ability to participate in social roles. SE, SS and interactions with modality were included as independent variables and HRQL domains as dependent variables in a linear mixed effects model with random intercept and slope for SE and SS. Results Participants were 20-92 (M=62.33, SD=13.50) years old, 62.9% were male. Linear mixed effect regression models showed significant main effects for self-efficacy (β = −0.15-1.09, all p &amp;lt; .0001) on all HRQL domains. Significant SE × time interactions were found for all variables (β = −0.02-0.04, all p &amp;lt; .01) but pain intensity. Main effects for SS were found for cognition (β = 0.31, p = .00) and sleep disturbance (β = −0.21, p = .00). A significant SS × time interaction was found for anxiety (β = 0.01, p = .02) and sleep disturbance (β = 0.02, p = .00). Plots for these associations can be found in Figs 1 and 2. Marginal means were plotted and 25%, 50% and 75% quantiles were used to separate the different levels of SE and SS. There were no significant interactions between treatment modality (HDF vs. HD) and SE/SS. Conclusion Our results indicate that higher SE and better SS are independently associated with higher HRQL of dialysis patients over time, showing no significant interactions with HDF. SE had the largest effects on HRQL. This bears the chance to develop targeted psychosocial interventions to improve health outcomes when introducing new therapy options for patients. However, patients achieving higher HRQL over the course of the treatment may also experience higher SE and SS over time. Future research should include longitudinal assessments on these psychosocial determinants to evaluate their effect further.

#1522 Comparative analysis of clinical and pathological traits in IgA nephropathy with nephrotic range proteinuria based on serum albumin level

Abstract Background and Aims Presently, the clinical outcomes associated with IgA nephropathy exhibiting heavy proteinuria and the potential correlation between decreasing serum albumin levels and adverse prognosis have not been conclusively established. The present study was designed to elucidate the clinical and pathological characteristics of IgA nephropathy patients who present with nephrotic-range proteinuria, particularly in relation to serum albumin levels. Method This retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from biopsy-confirmed IgA nephropathy patients presenting with nephrotic-range proteinuria between 2017 and 2022 from eight university-affiliated hospitals in South Korea. Patients were stratified into two groups based on a serum albumin level of 3.0 g/dl. The study involved a comparative assessment of clinical and pathological characteristics across these two groups, as well as an evaluation of clinical prognosis with respect to the end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Results The analysis included a total of 127 patients. Of these, 86 patients had a serum albumin level above 3.0 g/dl (designated as the preserved albumin group, or PA group), while 41 patients had levels below 3.0 g/dl (designated as the reduced albumin group, or RA group). The baseline characteristics of the two groups were found to be statistically similar. The mean age of the patients was 46.46 years, and 46.46% were male. In the laboratory findings, the RA group had significantly elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate compared to the PA group. Additionally, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels were significantly higher in the RA group compared to the PA group. Proteinuria was observed to be significantly higher in the RA group. Pathological examinations demonstrated that in electron microscopy (EM) findings, the RA group exhibited a more pronounced diffuse foot process effacement. Over the course of one year, the trend in creatinine changes exhibited differences between the two groups over time (time x group interaction P = 0.002). Furthermore, it appeared that the reduction in the quantity of proteinuria was more substantial within the RA group (time x group interaction P = 0.001). During a median follow-up period of 25.22 months (ranging from 11.98 to 49.23 months), 14 patients (11.02%) in the PA group progressed to ESKD, compared with 10 patient (24.39 %) in the RA group. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of progression to ESKD (P = 0.330). Conclusion In patients diagnosed with IgA nephropathy presenting with nephrotic-range proteinuria, a decline in serum albumin levels was associated with diffuse foot process effacement, and the decrease in serum albumin was not found to be associated with adverse prognosis.

How Does Time Synchronization Affect Innovation Quality?

How location choice influences innovation in MNCs has been the subject of controversy, and the examination of geographic concentration or dispersion is particularly insufficient. The question is, how will the decentralization or centralization of MNCs affect the communication and management of information among employees. To address this deficiency, this study introduces the concept of time synchronization and attempts to examine the relationship between MNCs location choice and corporate innovation quality from a new perspective. By gathering data from the Chinese internationalized firms, we found that time synchronization between parents and subsidiaries is positively associated with the innovation quality of parent firms, and the degree of digitization strengthens this positive relationship. This study underscores the crucial role of overlapping work time for employee interactions between parents and subsidiaries to acquire information in comprehending and absorbing overseas knowledge to improve the innovation quality of parent firms.

#192 Intradialytic cognitive and physical training to enhance functional capacity: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background and Aims Haemodialysis (HD) patients frequently experience cognitive and physical impairments due to various factors, including age, comorbidities, and the demanding nature of the treatment. This study explores the impact of a 12-week integrated cognitive and physical training program on the functional capacity of HD patients. Method A single-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted with 44 HD patients. Participants were divided into an experimental (EXP) group (n = 22) and a control (CON) group (n = 22). The EXP group underwent 12 weeks of intradialytic cycling and tablet-based cognitive training three times a week, while the CON group received standard care (Fig. 1). Outcome measures were assessed pre- and post the 12-week intervention. Cognitive performance was evaluated using the Trail Making Tests A and B (TMTA and TMTB), while motor performance was assessed with the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Additionally, cognitive-motor interactions were examined using the TUG dual task test (TUG-dual). Results Results showed a significant effect of group*time interaction for TMTA test results (F(1,41) = 16.218, p &amp;lt; 0.001), TMTB test results (F(1,41) = 19.944, p &amp;lt; 0.001) favouring the EXP group. Additionally, a significant interaction was found for TUG test (F(1,40) = 8.854, p = 0.005) and for TUG-dual test (F(1,40) = 8.457, p = 0.006). Within the EXP group we observed significant improvements in cognitive function, as evidenced by decreased TMT completion times (TMTA: −3.6s, p = 0.006; TMTB: −14.0s, p &amp;lt; 0.001; TMTB–TMTA: −10.4s, p = 0.004). In contrast, the CON group experienced a significant decline in TMTA and TMTB (p &amp;lt; 0.009 and p &amp;lt; 0.026). Additionally, the EXP group exhibited enhanced mobility, with reduced TUG completion times (−0.8s, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and improved cognitive-motor performance in the TUG-dual (−1.0s, p &amp;lt; 0.001), while the CON group showed no significant changes (p &amp;gt; 0.05). Conclusion This study demonstrates that a 12-week combined cognitive and physical training program during HD sessions significantly enhances cognitive function and mobility in HD patients. These findings suggest that integrated non-pharmacological interventions can mitigate functional declines in this population and consequently improve their overall quality of life. Further research with larger samples and active control groups is warranted to confirm and expand upon these promising results.

The effect of medium-tension bandage and stump stocking on residual limb maturation in earthquake survivors.

Residual limb maturation is a crucial stage in postamputation care. It was aimed to examine the effect of medium tension bandages and stump stockings on postamputation stump maturation in patients who underwent lower extremity amputations. In this prospective observational study, patients who were earthquake survivors and had undergone emergency amputation of their lower extremities were included. Medium-tension elastic bandage or personalized stump stockings were used for stump maturation. Residual limb volume was measured once a week for 3 weeks. The study included 23 patients and 29 amputated limbs. Because of the larger stump volume of transfemoral amputations and the higher number of these patients in the stocking group (p < 0.001), the stump volume differed across groups before and during the follow-up (p < 0.001). There was no difference in mean volumetric measurement between the bandage and stocking groups over time (p = 0.272). Although the group interaction was significant (p < 0.001), the group × time interaction was not (p = 0.306). Medium-tension bandages and stump stockings had a similar effect on postamputation stump maturation in patients with lower extremity amputations. So, depending on the patient's and physician's preferences, both procedures can be used for stump maturation.

Translanguaging on an English-medium undergraduate research methods course for Vietnamese psychology students learning in their second language: a practitioner enquiry

PurposeTranslanguaging is a language-related pedagogy drawing upon all resources within a learner’s linguistic repertoire, in contrast to conventional monolingual pedagogy. Most research about translanguaging concerns English-language learning in primary schools and secondary schools and overlooks psychology subject matter, higher education and countries in southeast Asia. This article reports a small-scale practitioner enquiry into translanguaging on an English-medium undergraduate research methods course for psychology students in Vietnam and into the usefulness of the Multimodalities-Entextualization Cycle as a conceptual framework for integrating translanguaging into the course.Design/methodology/approachData were collected through semi-structured interviews with students and reflective journaling by the teacher, and the data were analysed in a hybrid deductive-inductive thematic analysis.FindingsThe first theme about teaching and translanguaging consists of the following subthemes: (a) enhanced communication, (b) increased awareness of language use, (c) supported interaction in class and (d) time and workload issues. The second theme about learning and translanguaging is subdivided into the following subthemes: (a) a new approach to learning, (b) beneficial for learning, (c) developing confidence in learning in English and (d) enjoyment of translanguaging. The conceptual framework underpinning the study was useful for designing and implementing translanguaging activities for the course.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to one course and a small group of students in Vietnam learning English as a second language. It addresses limited research on translanguaging in psychology courses, higher education, and southeast Asia.Practical implicationsThe study makes a valuable contribution to the teaching profession by offering practical insights into the application, benefits, and drawbacks of translanguaging for psychology and research methods subject matter.Social implicationsMoreover, the findings lay the groundwork for potential influences on education policy, aligning with broader societal impacts.Originality/valueThe study makes a valuable contribution to the literature by delving into a relatively unexplored domain.

Efficacy and Safety of Ultrasound-Guided Acupotomy Versus Celecoxib in Patients with Thoracodorsal Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided acupotomy (UgA) for the treatment of thoracodorsal myofascial pain syndrome (TDMPS) and monitor its mid-term efficacy at 3 months after treatment. Methods: A 3-week, evaluator-blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted among 100 patients with TDMPS (visual analogue scale [VAS] score > 3) in the outpatient clinic of the Department of Orthopaedics of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, with a 3-month follow-up starting after completion of treatment. These patients were randomly assigned to receive UgA (n = 50) or oral celecoxib (n = 50). Recruitment was conducted between January 2021 and July 2022. The primary outcome was the VAS score, and the secondary outcomes included the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale (PASS), and TNF-α and IL-1β levels. Outcome data were collected at baseline, week 3 (post-treatment) and week 15 (follow-up). Results: Compared with that in the celecoxib group, the pain in the UgA group was alleviated more strongly, with an adjusted mean group difference of -0.69 (95% CI,-1.07 to -0.31 after multiple imputation) at week 3 and -1.96 (95% CI,-2.33 to -1.59 after multiple imputation) at week 15 (p < 0.001 for overall group × time interaction). Both groups exhibited improvements in the ODI and PASS scores at weeks 3 and 15, but these improvements were significantly greater in the UgA group (p < 0.05). At week 3, the TNF-α and IL-1 levels were significantly lower in both groups, but celecoxib was more effective (p < 0.05). Results from analyses with multilevel multiple imputation for missingness were similar. Conclusion: UgA led to greater and safer alleviation of pain, dysfunction, and pain anxiety in patients treated with TDMPS than did celecoxib and had a durable 3-month efficacy but was inferior to celecoxib in reducing the level of inflammatory factors. These findings may prompt clinicians to recommend UgA as an alternative and supplementary therapy for pain management in patients with TDMPS.

The Impact of Group Psychoeducation for Mothers of Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) describes a group of permanent movement and posture disorders resulting from injury to the developing brain, affecting muscle movement and coordination. It causes lifelong physical and cognitive impairments. Objectives: This study examined the effects of a group psychoeducational intervention on anxiety, depression, and quality of life in mothers of children with CP. Methods: This quasi-experimental study involved 50 mothers (25 in the intervention group and 25 in the control group) of children with CP aged 2 - 11 years. Mothers in both groups completed the Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Short Form-36 health survey before and after the interventions. The intervention group received a 5-session (1 hour per session), weekly psychoeducational program that provided information about CP, stress management techniques, problem-solving skills, and social support. The control group received no intervention during this period. Follow-up assessments were conducted at 2 months post-intervention to evaluate outcomes. Results: Psychoeducation significantly reduced anxiety and depression and improved quality of life compared to the control group (P &lt; 0.001). Also, group × time interactions were significant for all dependent variables (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: A brief group psychoeducational intervention effectively decreased anxiety and depression and enhanced the quality of life in mothers of children with cerebral palsy.

Mapping vocal interactions in space and time differentiates signal broadcast versus signal exchange in meerkat groups.

Animal vocal communication research traditionally focuses on acoustic and contextual features of calls, yet substantial information is also contained in response selectivity and timing during vocalization events. By examining the spatiotemporal structure of vocal interactions, we can distinguish between 'broadcast' and 'exchange' signalling modes, with the former potentially serving to transmit signallers' general state and the latter reflecting more interactive signalling behaviour. Here, we tracked the movements and vocalizations of wild meerkat (Suricata suricatta) groups simultaneously using collars to explore this distinction. We found evidence that close calls (used for maintaining group cohesion) are given as signal exchanges. They are typically given in temporally structured call-response sequences and are also strongly affected by the social environment, with individuals calling more when they have more neighbours and juveniles responding more to adults than the reverse. In contrast, short note calls appear mainly in sequences produced by single individuals and show little dependence on social surroundings, suggesting a broadcast signalling mode. Despite these differences, both call categories show similar clustering in space and time at a group level. Our results highlight how the fine-scale structure of vocal interactions can give important insights into the usage and function of signals in social groups. This article is part of the theme issue 'The power of sound: unravelling how acoustic communication shapes group dynamics.'

A resiliency intervention adapted for older women with HIV: Results from a pilot randomized controlled trial in the northeastern US.

Aging with HIV often results in psychosocial and health-related challenges for women; however, no resiliency interventions exist for older women with HIV (WWH). WWH aged ≥50 were randomized to 10 group sessions of an adapted resiliency intervention or time-matched supportive psychotherapy. Assessments were conducted at three timepoints. Feasibility and acceptability metrics were defined a priori; differences in resilience, stress coping, anxiety, and depression across timepoints were assessed. Overall, 44 WWH enrolled; participants were 58 years old on average, and 56.4% identified as Black/African American. Among those who attended any sessions, all feasibility metrics were met, and the intervention was acceptable. The interaction of study arm and time was associated with significant decreases in depression and a trend toward significant decreases in anxiety. The intervention was not associated with changes in resilience or stress coping. Adjusting delivery modality may further reduce barriers to attendance, improving feasibility and clinical outcomes.

Identification of Peripheral Fatigue through Exercise-Induced Changes in Muscle Contractility

The aim of this study was to assess whether tensiomyography is a tool sensitive enough to detect peripheral fatigue. Twenty-six strength-trained men were split into two groups: 1) a fatigued group (FG), who performed a full-squat (SQ) standardized warm-up plus 3 x 8 SQs with 75% 1RM with a 5-min rest interval, and 2) a non-fatigued group (NFG), who only did the SQ standardized warm-up. The countermovement jump (CMJ), maximal isometric force (MIF) in the SQ at 90º knee flexion, and TMG in vastus medialis (VM) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscles were assessed pre- and post-protocols. Data were analyzed through mixed ANOVA, logistic regression analysis, and receiver-operating curves. There were significant group x time interactions (p &lt; 0.01) for CMJ height, MIF, maximal radial displacement (Dm), and radial displacement velocity (Vrd90) since the FG acutely decreased in these variables, while no significant changes were observed for the NFG. The logistic regression showed a significant model for detecting fatigue, whether it used the CMJ or MIF, with only the relative change in VL-Vrd90 as a fatigue predictor. The determination of the area under the curve showed that Dm and Vrd90 had good to excellent discriminative ability. Dm and Vrd90 are sensitive to detect fatigue in VL and VM muscles in resistance training contexts.

Experimental Investigation on Thermal Performance of Solar Air Heater using Nano-PCM

Herein, the performance of a solar air heater (SAH) is experimentally investigated, utilising an array of tubes as the absorbent part. The study evaluates the impact of incorporating Al2O3-paraffin wax as a non-PCM storage medium in comparison to a traditional flat-plate solar air heater, specifically under Najaf-Iraq climate conditions. The SAH is positioned at an inclination of 32.1 degrees with respect to the horizon, allowing it to align optimally with the solar direction. The results reveal notable differences in thermal performance characteristics among the various models. The highest thermal efficiency values are observed for distinct configurations: the proposed model achieves about 55.2%, the wax-supported model reaches 55.9%, and the nano-PCM-reinforced model attains 57.7%, while the traditional model lags at 48.2%. Furthermore, an analysis of different air mass flow rates highlights a crucial finding. Specifically, an air mass flow rate of 0.01 kg/s results in a higher temperature exiting from the system compared to a flow rate of 0.02 kg/s. This is attributed to the extended interaction time between the passing air and the absorbing surface, facilitating enhanced heat exchange. Consequently, the system's thermal efficiency experiences an increase. The study underscores the superior thermal performance and efficiency of the tube array nano-PCM collector type under Najaf city-Iraq climate conditions.

Longitudinal comparisons in health, participation, life satisfaction, and depressive symptoms from pre-to post Covid 19 pandemic among people with spinal cord injuries.

To identify changes in health, healthcare utilization, participation, and life satisfaction and depressive symptoms from pre-pandemic to post-pandemic among ambulatory and nonambulatory participants with spinal cord injury (SCI). Longitudinal study with the first measurement taken within three months prior to pandemic restrictions and two follow-ups at approximately one year intervals. Medical University in the Southeastern USA. 219 adult participants with SCI, including ambulatory (n= 155) and nonambulatory (n= 64). Self-report assessment of health outcomes from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; health service utilization including physician visits, emergency department visits and hospitalizations; items from the Craig Handicap Assessment Reporting Technique; three life satisfaction scales from the Life Situation Questionnaire, and the brief version of the Patient Health Questionnaire. Not applicable. After using a Z score correction for nonnormality, none of the time effects or interaction effects of time by ambulatory status were significant. Six comparisons between ambulatory and nonambulatory were statistically significant. Ambulatory participants reported significantly 3 more days in poor physical health (p = .02) and 2 more days feeling worried, tense, or anxious in the last 30 days (p = .03). They visited emergency department on 0.3 fewer occasions (p = .02), while reporting leaving the house 1 more day every week (p = .02), 2 hours more sitting tolerance (p<.01), and 1 higher score of vocational satisfaction (p = .03). The absence of statistically significant changes from pre- to post-pandemic and the absence of time by ambulatory status interactions suggest stability of outcomes, even in the presence of pandemic challenges.