End Of Week Research Articles

Assessment of the Short-Term Efficacy of a Wet-Cupping Therapy Session in Alleviating Symptoms of Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Single-Arm Clinical Trial

Fibromyalgia holds significant importance in both primary care and physical treatment settings due to its high prevalence and the challenges associated with its diagnosis and management. This study aims to assess the short-term efficacy of a wet-cupping therapy session in alleviating symptoms of Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS). This study employed a prospective, single-arm intervention design. Baseline and post-treatment evaluations encompassed a comprehensive battery of assessment tools: Socio-Demographic Questionary, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for Pain, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Beck Depression Scale (BDS), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). A total of 20 eligible individuals were enrolled in the study. Significant alterations in pain perception, as measured by the VAS, were evident both prior to treatment and at the end of the first week of treatment (p < 0.001). Additionally, significant favorable effects of the treatment were observed on FSS and BDS levels during the initial week of therapy (p = 0.001, p = 0.01; respectively). Moreover, a marked improvement was identified in FIQ scores after treatment compared to baseline (p < 0.001). Across all evaluated clinical indicators, cupping therapy exhibited a significant positive influence on FMS. In conclusion, wet cupping therapy yields favorable outcomes in terms of pain perception, fatigue reduction, mood enhancement, and the overall impact of fibromyalgia syndrome. Thus, it offers a promising avenue for therapeutic intervention among individuals afflicted by this condition.

The fluoroquinolones may positively affect tendon healing after surgical repair.

This study aimed to evaluate the biomechanical and histological effects of fluoroquinolones on surgically repaired tendon healing. The Achilles tendons of 40 Wistar rats (mean weight: 213.5 g; range 201 to 242 g) were bilaterally surgically cut and repaired. The rats were randomly divided into four groups: the first and third groups were designated as control groups and did not receive drug therapy, whereas the second and fourth groups received 300 mg/kg ciprofloxacin for a week after the surgical procedure. The first and second groups had both tendons dissected at the end of the first week, while the third and fourth groups were dissected at the end of the third week. The left tendons were examined biomechanically, while the right tendons were examined histologically. Statistical analysis revealed that the mean maximum tensile forces of tendons in the first and second groups were 5.2±1.84 N (range, 2.9 to 8.5 N) and 11.1±2.65 N (range, 7.3 to 13.9 N), respectively, which was found to be statistically significant (p< 0.05). At the end of the third week, mean maximum tensile forces of the third and fourth groups were determined to be 20.7±5.0 N (range, 22.1 to 29.8 N) and 28.7±4.6 N (range, 22.1 to 36.8 N), respectively, which was also statistically significant (p< 0.05). Histologically, our results were compatible. This study demonstrated that ciprofloxacin did not exhibit the expected adverse effects on surgically repaired tendon healing in the early stages but likely contributed to healing in the short term by affecting the inflammatory phase.

Development of the Interosseous Muscles of the Human Hand: Morphological and Functional Aspects of the Terminal Insertion.

To date, there have been no studies conducted on the development of interosseous muscles (IO) in the human hand. This study aimed to investigate the development of these muscles in order to clarify their terminal insertions and their relationship with the metacarpophalangeal joints. Serial sections of 25 human specimens (9 embryos and 16 fetuses) between the 7th and 14th weeks of development, sourced from the Collection of the Department of Anatomy and Embryology at UCM Faculty of Medicine, were analyzed bilaterally using a conventional optical microscope. Our findings revealed that, during the 7th week of development, the metacarpophalangeal interzone mesenchyme extended into the extensor apparatus of the fingers. Furthermore, we observed that the joint capsule and the tendon of the IO derive from the articular interzone mesenchyme. By the end of the 7th week, corresponding to Carnegie stage 21, the myotendinous junction appeared, initiating cavitation of the metacarpophalangeal joint. During the fetal period, the terminal insertions of the IO were identified: both the dorsal interosseous (DI) and palmar interosseous (PI) muscles insert into the metacarpophalangeal joint capsule and establish a connection with the volar plate located at the base of the proximal phalanx and the extensor apparatus. Some muscle fibers also attach to the joint capsule at the level of the proximal synovial cul-de-sac. The functional implications of these findings are discussed within this work. This study provides the first detailed description of the development of the interosseous muscles in the human hand.

A randomized phase 2b trial examined the effects of the glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucagon receptor agonist cotadutide on kidney outcomes in patients with diabetic kidney disease

Cotadutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucagon receptor agonist that may improve kidney function in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this phase 2b study, patients with T2D and CKD ,estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] of 20 or more and under 90 mL/min per 1.73 m2 and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio [UACR] over 50 mg/g) were randomized 1:1:1:1:1 to 26 weeks treatment with standard of care plus subcutaneous cotadutide up-titrated to100, 300, or 600 μg, or placebo daily (double-blind), or the GLP-1 agonist semaglutide 1 mg once-weekly (open-label).The co-primary endpoints were absolute and percentage change versus placebo in UACR from baseline to the end of week 14. Among 248 randomized patients, mean age 67.1 years, 19% were female, mean eGFR was 55.3 mL/min per 1.73 m2, geometric mean was UACR 205.5 mg/g (coefficient of variation 270.0), and 46.8% were receiving concomitant sodium–glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors. Cotadutide dose-dependently reduced UACR from baseline to the end of week 14, reaching significance at 300 μg (−43.9% [95%confidence interval −54.7 to −30.6]) and 600 μg (−49.9% [−59.3 to −38.4]) versus placebo; with effects sustained at week 26. Serious adverse events were balanced across arms. Safety and tolerability of cotadutide 600 μg were comparable to semaglutide. Thus, our study shows that in patients with T2Dand CKD, cotadutide significantly reduced UACR on top of standard of care with an acceptable tolerability profile, suggesting kidney protective benefits that need confirmation in a larger study.

Hongjin Xiaojie Capsule, a Chinese patent medicine, for treating moderate to severe cyclical breast pain: A single-blind randomized controlled trial

BackgroundModerate to severe breast pain has major effects on the quality of life for patients. Patent Chinese medicines are widely used in the treatment of breast pain due to their stable dosage form and good efficacy. ObjectiveTo evaluate the beneficial effects and safety of Hongjin Xiaojie Capsule (HJXJC), a Chinese patent medicine, for the treatment of cyclical breast pain. Design, setting, participants and interventionThis is a multicenter, single-blind randomized controlled trial conducted in 3 medical centers in China from 2019 to 2021. Patients with moderate to severe cyclic breast pain were randomly divided into the intervention group (who took HJXJC, four capsules per dose, three times a day for 12 weeks) and the control group (waiting for the treatment) in a 1:1 ratio. Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome was pain duration, and the patients recorded measurements at baseline and at the end of weeks 4, 8, 12 and 16 on a patient log card. ResultsThe full analysis set (FAS) population included 298 participants (intervention group, n = 150; control group, n = 148), while the per-protocol analysis set (PPS) included 274 participants. After 12 weeks, the duration of breast pain was significantly shorter in the intervention group (FAS: mean difference, –6.69; 95% CI, –7.58 to –5.80; P < 0.01, vs control. PPS: mean difference, –7.09; 95% CI, –8.01 to –6.16; P < 0.01, vs control). The Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) scores were significantly lower in the intervention group (FAS: mean difference, –12.55; 95% CI, –13.90 to –11.21; P < 0.01, vs control. PPS: mean difference, –13.07; 95% CI, –14.48 to –11.66; P < 0.01, vs control). The above indicators continued to be significantly different through week 16. Moreover, in the intervention group, breast lumps shrank after 12 weeks and the size of breast lumps was statistically smaller than that in the control group (P < 0.05), whereas the sizes of breast nodules and uterine fibroid showed no statistically significant difference compared with the control group (P > 0.05). At weeks 8 and 12, the dysmenorrhea scores in the intervention group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). No obvious adverse reactions were observed in any group. ConclusionHJXJC can significantly shorten the duration of breast pain, reduce breast pain, reduce the size of breast lumps, and relieve dysmenorrhea. However, it has no significant effect on the size of breast nodules or uterine fibroid. Trial registrationThis trial has been registered at the ISRCTN Registry. Number: ISRCTN44184398. Please cite this article asZhang Q, Fan YY, Wu XQ, Huo YD, Wang CH, Liang SB, Wang T, Zhong R, Wang X, Lai BY, Pei XH, Liu JP. Hongjin Xiaojie Capsule, a Chinese patent medicine, for treating moderate to severe cyclical breast pain: A single-blind randomized controlled trial. J Integr Med. 2024; 22(5): 552–560.

Protective Effect of Tertiary Butylhydroquinone against Obesity-induced Skeletal Muscle Pathology in Post-weaning High Fat Diet Fed Rats.

Obesity deleteriously affects skeletal muscle functionality starting from infancy to adulthood, leading to dysfunctional skeletal muscle. This study, therefore, evaluated the protective action of tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) against obesity-induced skeletal muscle pathology in high-fat diet (HFD) fed rats. Twenty post-weaning male albino rats were randomized into four groups of five rats each as: Group 1 (control), Group 2 (HFD), Group 3 (orlistat) and Group 4 (tBHQ). Group one received rat pellets for 12 weeks, while groups 2 to 4 received HFD for 12 weeks. At the end of week 8, obesity was confirmed with Lee Obesity Index and body mass index values of ≥ 303 and ≥ 0.68 gcm2, respectively. Group 3 was given oral administration of orlistat (10 mg/kg, once daily), while group 4 was given oral administration of tBHQ (25 mg/kg, once daily). Administration of orlistat and tBHQ commenced from week 9 to the end of the experiment. Chronic exposure of post-weaning rats to HFD led to their development of the metabolic syndrome phenotypes in adulthood, characterized by obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidaemia, hyperinsulinaemia, insulin resistance as well as induction of oxidative stress and alteration of skeletal muscle markers, which were mitigated following supplementation with orlistat and tBHQ. The study showed the anti-obesity potentials of tBHQ and its protective action against HFD obesity-induced skeletal muscular pathology.

Accumulation of self-reported restorative effects of natural sounds: A seven-day intervention indoors

This study investigated the restorative effects of repeated listening to natural sounds indoors in real-life settings. Previous studies have mainly been cross-sectional and laboratory studies. We designed an online field experiment lasting seven days, in which we assigned 166 university students to one of four intervention groups: (1) listening to natural sounds, (2) sitting in silence (i.e., another means of restoration), (3) reading news online (i.e., a prevalent but not necessarily restorative activity), or (4) no intervention (i.e., the control). Self-reported restorative experience was measured both before and after the daily intervention (but once a day in the no-intervention group), and the weekly-measured perceived stress and state mindfulness were assessed at the beginning and end of the intervention week. Linear hypothesis tests based on a linear mixed-effects model (LMM) showed that, at the day level, natural sounds were the most restorative, followed by silence, while reading news proved not to be restorative. In addition, the daily restorative effect of natural sounds was carried over to later days and its seven-day accumulation was half as great as the general daily restorative effect, although the within-day pre-post change ostensibly diminished over time. An ANCOVA and paired t-tests revealed that a reduction in the weekly-measured perceived stress and an increase in the weekly-measured mindfulness took place after listening to natural sounds or sitting in silence, with the former intervention type having stronger effects, aligning with the results for the restorative experience. Our findings suggest that the carryover effect of repeated listening to natural sounds for psychological restoration may more than compensate for the diminishing returns in within-day pre-post changes over the course of a week.

Comparative Evaluation of Effects of Oral Diltiazem and Topical Diltiazem (2%) Ointment in the Treatment of Chronic Anal Fissure: A Prospective Randomized Study.

Fissure-in-Ano is a common condition of the anorectal region. Most of the time, it is managed non-surgically. There are various drugs used for the treatment of anal fissures. Calcium channel blockers are one of them that reduce the tone of sphincter muscles. The present study compares the efficacy of oral diltiazem and topical 2% diltiazem ointment in patients with chronic anal fissures. Patients were randomized into two groups. Group A (n=25) received treatment in the form of oral diltiazem, while group B (n=25) received treatment in the form of 2% (weight/volume) diltiazem ointment for local application in addition to other conservative methods like sitz bath and stool softeners. Outcomes in the form of success of treatment and complications were assessed. Statistical analysis was done using MedCalc software version 14.0. P value of<0.05 was considered significant. The mean age of patients was 32.00±10.67 years in group A and 30.64±9.53 years in group B. Pain relief was significantly better in group B than in group A at the end of the first week (P=0.00018), but at the end of 6th week, no significant difference was observed. Fissure healing was more significant in group B than in group A after 6 weeks (P=0.0152). Local diltiazem ointment is a better option than oral diltiazem for anal fissures with respect to better outcomes and lesser complications.

Study of different pre-treatments in the comparison of the efficacy of photodynamic therapy for moderate to severe acne vulgaris

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of CO2 fractional laser and microneedling pretreatment combined with ALA-PDT for moderate-to-severe acne, aiming to optimize clinical treatment. MethodsPatients were randomly divided into three groups: Group A (CO2 fractional laser + ALA-PDT), Group B (microneedling + ALA-PDT), and Group C (ALA-PDT). Each group underwent photodynamic therapy once a week for 3 weeks. Efficacy was assessed at the end of the 4th week, and recurrence was assessed at the end of the 12th week. ResultsA total of 150 patients with moderate to severe acne were included in this study, with 50 patients in each group. Four weeks after the end of treatment, the effective rates were 88 % for Group A, 62 % for Group B, and 36 % for Group C. Statistically significant differences were found between the groups (P < 0.05), with Group A showing superior efficacy compared to Group B (P < 0.05). No serious systemic or local adverse reactions were observed in any group. No recurrence was seen in any group 12 weeks after the end of treatment, and some patients continued to show improvement in skin lesions over time. ConclusionBoth the CO2 fractional laser group and the microneedling group improved the efficacy of photodynamic therapy for moderate to severe acne compared to the control group, with the CO2 fractional laser group demonstrating better efficacy and fewer adverse effects.

Viral metagenomics combined with non-targeted serum metabolomics reveals the role of enteroviruses in a mouse model of coronary heart disease

BackgroundCoronary heart disease (CHD) is a common cardiovascular disease that is associated with altered gut microbiota. Enteroviruses, an essential component of the gut microbiome, may play an important role in disease progression. However, the relationship between enteroviruses and CHD remains unclear. The development of high-throughput sequencing technologies has facilitated research on the interconnections between viruses and disease-related metabolites.Methods and resultsMice were fed a high-fat diet (CHD group) or chow diet (Sham group) for 12 weeks, and ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery was performed at the end of week 8. After 4 weeks, all animals were euthanised. Subsequently, the animals were evaluated for basic haemato-biochemical parameters and cardiac function, and aorta staining was performed. Based on enteroviral metagenomics and serum UPLC–MS/MS metabolomics analyses, we evaluated the association between enteroviral groups and serum metabolites of CHD mouse model. A high-fat diet and coronary ligation enabled the establishment of the CHD mouse model. Notably, the enterovirus spectrum of the sham group was significantly different from that of the CHD group, with 24 viral communities of different family and species classification, such as Tsarbombavirus, Mingyongvirus, Claudivirus, and Firehammervirus, exhibiting significant differences. In addition, 731 Differential metabolites were detected in the serum of both groups of mice. Correlation network analysis revealed a close relationship between various metabolites related to lipid metabolism and different viruses, including Tsarbombavirus, Mingyongvirus, Claudivirus, and Firehammervirus.ConclusionsAn animal model of CHD, characterised by lipid disturbance and myocardial ischaemia, was established using a high-fat diet and ligation of the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery. Tsarbombavirus, Firehammervirus, Mingyongvirus, and Claudivirus were associated with metabolites in the lipid metabolism pathway. The results indicate that Tsarbombavirus may be the main genus interacting with CHD-related metabolites in mice. Conclusively, the findings of our study provide novel insights into the potential relationship enterovirus groups and metabolites associated with CHD.

Efficacy and safety of levilimab in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Evaluation in real clinical practice of the effectiveness and safety of levilimab therapy in patients with highly and moderately active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A prospective observational study (6 months) involving 35 patients with RA (29 women and 6 men, mean age 53.17±13.2 years) who were treated at the Ochapovsky Regional Clinic Hospital of Krasnodar Region. All patients included in the study were prescribed the drug levilimab (Ilsira). After 1 month of observation, there was a decrease in the clinical and laboratory activity of the process in the form of a decrease in the number of painful joints - 17.0 (14.0; 20.0) vs 8.0 (6.0; 10.0); p=0.000001, number of swollen joints - 3.0 (2.0; 4.0) vs 0.0 (0.0; 0.0); p=0.000002, reduction in pain intensity according to visual analog scale - 60.0 (60.0; 70.0) mm vs 30.0 (20.0; 40.0) mm (p=0.000001). Also, by the end of the first month of therapy, there was a decrease in clinical activity indices DAS28-ESR by 43%, SDAI by 60%, CDAI by 55%. Positive dynamics of laboratory parameters were noted - a decrease in erythrocyte sedimentation rate by 76%, a decrease in C-reactive protein level by 98%. By the 6th month of therapy, a decrease in RF by 36% and ACCP by 11% was recorded, but the dynamics of these indicators did not reach statistical significance. By the end of 4 weeks of treatment, 24 (68.6%) patients showed an increase in the level of total blood cholesterol - 5.1 (3.91; 6.0) mmol/L vs 6.1 (4.99; 7.07) mmol/L (p=0.000006), while 11 (45.8%) patients from this group had initially elevated cholesterol levels (6.4±0.6 mmol/L). In 5 (14.3%) patients, an increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was recorded in the 4th week - 17.0 (11.0; 25.0) U/L vs 32.0 (22.0; 43.0) U/L (p=0.000062) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) - 19.0 (14.0; 24.0) U/L vs 25.0 (18.0; 36.0) U/L (p=0.000171), in 1 (2.85%) of the patient, an increase in ALT and AST above normal was noted (ALT 144 U/L, AST 52 U/L), which required discontinuation of levilimab. In 2 (5.7%) patients, by the end of the 4th week a decrease in the absolute number of neutrophils was registered - 3.2 (2.6; 4.0)×10E9/L vs 2.3 (2.0; 2.5)×10E9/L (p=0.002), which did not require discontinuation of treatment, since the number of cells remained more than 1×10E9/L. During treatment with levilimab 162 mg subcutaneously once a week, the proportion of patients taking prednisolone decreased from 46% at the start of therapy to 11% at the end of 6 months of therapy. Levilimab is a highly effective drug for the treatment of patients with highly and moderately active RA and has a favorable tolerability and safety profile.

Effect of selective androgen receptor modulator RAD140 on prostate and testosterone levels in Wistar strain rats with bilateral orchidectomy

BACKGROUND Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) have been investigated as a potential treatment for hypogonadism, a condition characterized by low testosterone levels in men. The idea is to provide therapeutic benefits similar to traditional testosterone replacement therapy. However, research in this area is still in its early stages, and more extensive studies are needed to establish the efficacy of SARM. This study aimed to determine the impact of SARM RAD140 on testosterone levels, fibromuscular stroma, and prostate mass in rats undergoing bilateral orchidectomy. METHODS This was an in vivo study using posttest-only control group design in rats (Rattus norvegicus). The positive and negative control groups consisted of rats with and without bilateral orchidectomy, respectively. The treatment groups were rats given SARM RAD140 with and without orchidectomy. Testosterone levels, histopathology, and prostate mass were examined at the end of week 6, and the quantitative data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. RESULTS This study found no difference in prostate mass (0.598 [0.05] g versus 0.590 [0.07] g, p = 0.984), fibromuscular stroma ratio (0.483 [0.094] versus 0.463 [0.057], p = 0.984), and testosterone level (0.006 [0.005] ng/dl versus 0.014 [0.004] ng/dl, p = 0.098) compared to positive control with orchidectomy and SARM RAD140 administration 6 weeks after treatment. CONCLUSIONS There were no differences in testosterone levels, prostate mass, or the ratio of fibromuscular stroma to epithelium area in rats undergoing bilateral orchidectomy and placebo surgery with the administration of SARM RAD140.

Spesolimab for generalized pustular psoriasis: a review of two key clinical trials supporting initial US regulatory approval.

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a chronic, rare, and potentially life-threatening inflammatory disease, characterized by the rapid and widespread eruption of small, sterile pustules with surrounding skin erythema. Abnormal signaling of the interleukin-36 (IL-36) pathway appears to have a central role in GPP immunopathology, and provides a rational therapeutic target. Spesolimab is a first-in-class humanized monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to the IL-36 receptor, and antagonizes IL-36 signaling. Spesolimab obtained regulatory approval in the United States (US) in September 2022 for use in the treatment of GPP flares in adults, and was subsequently approved for GPP flare treatment in many other countries across the world. Recently, regulatory approval was granted for subcutaneous dosing of spesolimab for treatment of GPP when not experiencing a flare. Here, we review data from two key clinical trials that supported the initial US regulatory approval; namely, the phase 1 proof-of-concept trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID, NCT02978690), and Effisayil™ 1 (NCT03782792), which remains the largest and only randomized clinical trial in patients experiencing GPP flares published to date. In the phase 1 proof-of-concept trial, a Generalized Pustular Psoriasis Physician Global Assessment (GPPGA) score of 0 or 1 (clear or almost clear skin) was attained in 5/7 (71%) patients by week 1 and in all 7 patients by week 4; and the mean percent improvement in the Generalized Pustular Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (GPPASI) score from baseline was 59.0% at week 1, 73.2% at week 2, and 79.8% at week 4. In Effisayil™ 1, a GPPGA pustulation subscore of 0 (no visible pustules) was achieved in 19/35 (54%) patients receiving spesolimab at the end of week 1, versus 1/18 (6%) receiving placebo (difference, 49 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI], 21 to 67; P<0.001); and a GPPGA total score of 0 or 1 was achieved by 15/35 (43%) patients in the spesolimab group, versus 2/18 (11%) patients in the placebo group (difference, 32 percentage points; 95% CI, 2 to 53; P = 0.02). Infections at week 1 were reported in 6/35 (17%) patients receiving spesolimab and in 1/18 (6%) patients receiving placebo. These data demonstrate the efficacy and safety of spesolimab in providing rapid and sustained clinical improvement for patients with GPP flares, which translates into improved quality of life, by offering a targeted therapy for GPP.

The effect of laughter therapy on self-efficacy and psychological well-being in nursing students

BackgroundAcademic self-efficacy and psychological well-being play a crucial role in the mental health of nursing students and influence whether they decide to remain in the nursing profession. AimsThis study aimed to determine the effect of laughter therapy on self-efficacy and psychological well-being in nursing students. MethodsIn this randomized controlled study, 208 nursing students were randomly assigned to an experimental (n = 102) and a control (n = 106) group. The experimental group received laughter therapy face-to-face once a week for eight weeks. No intervention was applied to the control group. In both groups, data were collected at the beginning of the study and the end of the eighth week using a Sociodemographic Questionnaire Form, the Academic Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Psychological Well-Being Scale. ResultsIn the post-study group comparisons, there was a statistically significant difference in the scores for the total Academic Self-Efficacy Scale, the external emotion management and collegiality subscales, and the total Psychological Well-Being Scale (p > 0.05). With regard to all the scale scores, no statistically significant difference was found in the groups in the pre- and post-comparisons (p > 0.05). ConclusionsIt was determined that laughter therapy increased the mean psychological well-being score in the experimental group. It was also found that after the laughter therapy, distraction and loss of interest in lectures decreased, stress and anxiety levels decreased, eating and sleeping habits were regulated, and social media use decreased. Laughter therapy can be used to increase self-efficacy and psychological well-being.

The effect of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation on pain in somatic symptom disorder with predominant pain: A randomized single-blind sham-controlled crossover study

Somatic symptom disorder with predominant pain (SSD-P) is a commonly encountered disorder, yet treatment options often yield unsatisfactory outcomes. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has proven useful in chronic pain conditions and may hold potential for treating somatoform pain. High-definition tDCS (HD-tDCS) offers more precise cortical stimulation than conventional tDCS. However, this modality has not been extensively studied in SSD-P. Consequently, this study aims to assess the effects of a novel HD-tDCS protocol on pain and other associated variables in patients with SSD-P. The Institute Ethics Committee approved the study, which was also registered in the Clinical Trials Registry of India. A single-blind, sham-controlled, crossover study design was employed. Thirty right-handed patients with DSM-5 diagnosis of SSD-P, aged 18 &amp;ndash; 60 years and receiving stable treatment, were enrolled through consecutive sampling. After simple randomization, two repeated, short-interval sessions (2 mA, 20 min each) of either active or sham HD-tDCS were administered, followed by a washout period of 7 days and a subsequent crossover. Assessments were conducted at baseline, week 1, and week 2. Participants in active and sham arms were comparable on all baseline parameters. At the end of the 1st week, patients in the active group showed significant improvement in the study variables compared to the sham group. By week 2, all participants, irrespective of being in the active or sham arm, demonstrated a statistically significant difference (Cohen&amp;rsquo;s d &gt; 0.8) in pain and associated parameters such as depression, anxiety, pain-related interference, burden, and disability (P &lt; 0.01). Transient mild local side effects such as burning, pain, and itching were noted, with no cognitive side effects reported. In conclusion, this novel HD-tDCS protocol is effective in reducing pain in patients with SSD-P, with sustained effects up to 1 week.

Metabolic disruptions in Biomphalaria glabrata induced by Heterorhabditis bacteriophora HP88: Implications for entomopathogenic nematodes in biological control

Research on the use of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) as a potential tool for the biological control of invertebrates has been growing in recent years, including studies involving snails with One Health importance. In this study, the effect of exposure time (24 or 48 h) of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora HP88 on the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), as well as the concentration of total proteins, uric acid, and urea in the hemolymph of Biomphalaria glabrata, were investigated. The concentrations of these metabolic markers were measured weekly until the end of the third week after exposure. Along with a significant reduction in total protein levels, a significant increase (p < 0.01) in uric acid and urea contents in the hemolymph of B. glabrata exposed to H. bacteriophora was observed. The accumulation of urea in these mollusks could lead to deleterious effects due to its high toxicity, inducing significant cell damage. Variations in transaminase activities were also observed, with snails exposed to EPNs showing significantly higher values (p < 0.01) than individuals in the control group, both for ALT and AST. These results indicate that experimental exposure to infective juveniles of H. bacteriophora causes significant alterations in the metabolic pattern of B. glabrata, compromising the maintenance of its homeostasis. Finally, exposure for 48 h caused more damage to the planorbid in question compared to snails exposed for 24 h, suggesting that the exposure time may influence the intensity of the host's response.

Earned Value Analysis Terhadap Waktu dan Biaya Pada Proyek Pembangunan Gedung Pasar Padang Panjang

Along with the population and economic growth of West Sumatra, especially in Padang Panjang City, West Padang Panjang District, the need for public facilities is urgently needed, one of which is the Padang Panjang market. In a project, planning and controlling costs and time is part of overall project management, especially at the implementation stage of the case study reviewed by researchers, namely the Padang Panjang market building construction project. In this research regarding time and cost control, the earned value method is one method that can monitor project performance in terms of time and cost. Which aims to determine project performance in terms of time and costs each week and predict the time and costs to complete the remaining work. So that we can get corrective actions to be taken next to progress the project. In this research, to obtain a basic basis for writing, secondary data collection is used as supporting data for the analysis of the results themselves. The analysis and discussion carried out were calculating the BCWS value, BCWP value and ACWP value in order to obtain the time variance value (SV), cost variance value (CV), calculating the productivity index, calculating project performance and calculating the estimated analysis of total project costs and completion time. The results of the research carried out are, the overall BCWS value of the Padang Panjang market project is IDR 96,213,315,046.3, for the BCWP value at the end of the 22nd week of review IDR 12,688,575,967, the ACWP value at the end of the 22nd week of review is IDR. 12,389,476,444.2 . As for the analysis results obtained from several existing indicators, the SPI value was 1.384 &gt; 1, while the CPI was 1.003 &gt; 1, which means that the project was accelerated in terms of schedule but incurred actual costs that were smaller than the work that had been carried out. The ETC value is IDR 84,134,151,328.9 and the EAC value is IDR 96,523,627,773.1, while the ECD value is 373 days for the project completion time.

Physio-biochemical Changes during Adventitious Root Formation in Gmelina arborea Roxb. Bud Sprout Cuttings

Changes in the endogenous moisture content and biochemical viz., soluble sugar), phenols, o-phenol and peroxidase activity at different stages of adventitious rooting in auxin-treated (5 mM IBA) and non-treated miniature bud sprout cuttings of Gmelina arborea Roxb. were investigated at 0 h, 24 h, 3 days, 7 days, 2 weeks and 3 weeks of planting to elucidate the process of adventitious root formation at physio-biochemical level. Simultaneously adventitious rhizogenesis parameters viz., proportion of live green sprouts (%), callusing (%) and rooting (%) were recorded. Two weeks after planting, the marked difference for adventitious rhizogenesis was noticeable between treated and non-treated sprout cuttings. More than 20% rooting and 75% callusing were recorded in treated sprout cuttings. In contrast, only 7.4% non-treated sprout cuttings exhibited callusing. At the end of Week 3, more than 90% rooting was observed in treated sprout cuttings while it was absent in non-treated ones. All biochemicals exhibited changes in the first 24 h, indicating early incidence of consequential process(s), which influenced the differential response of cuttings to adventitious rhizogenesis in auxin-treated and non-treated state. Overall, the results indicate two possible phases of adventitious rhizogenesis – Phase I of Induction -the initial phase exhibiting low endogenous moisture and o-phenol but elevated phenol and peroxidase activity and Phase II of Initiation – the later phase coinciding with higher endogenous moisture and low phenol content and peroxidase activity. Both phases appear to be separated by an intervening unstable duration (Gap Phase of Stabilization) which may vary among different types of cuttings/species.

Levels of Corticosterone and Glucose in Blood of Rats under Conditions of Chronic Unpredictable Stress of Different Duration

INTRODUCTION: Mammals are almost constantly exposed to a variety of stressors. The changes in the concentration of corticosterone and the level of glucose in blood of animals under such conditions seems relevant for understanding the influence of repeated stress effects on endocrine and metabolic processes. AIM: To study the concentrations of corticosterone and glucose in blood of rats in different time periods of prolonged low-intensity unpredictable stress. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experiments were carried out on 42 male Wistar rats. Individuals of the experimental groups were subjected to 7-day cycles of alternating stressors using a modified model of chronic unpredictable mild stress with presentation of different stressors. The concentration of corticosterone and glucose in blood was determined at 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks of observation. RESULTS: A pronounced decrease in corticosterone levels was found in rats at 1 week of stress exposure, followed by a slow recovery by the end of 4th week. Blood glucose level increased at 2 weeks of exposure. CONCLUSION: The data obtained illustrate the specificity of changes in the levels of glucose and corticosterone in the blood of mammals in different time periods of chronic stress. These changes characterize the dysregulation of the integrative physiological systems in relatively early periods of chronic stress with the subsequent development of adaptation in the later stages of repeated stress exposures.

THE EFFECT OF HIGH FLUORIDE INTAKE ON SODIUM, AND POTASSIUM AND CALCIUM LEVELS IN SHEEP BLOOD SERUM

This experiment was carried out to investigate levels of sodium, potassium and calcium in ovine blood serum for 12 weeks during which fluoride (100 ppm) was added to the ration. The rams remained physically in good condition and there were no lesions in the teeth, gums and joints. With the exception of an increase in sodium at the end of the first week, sodium and potassium levels were not influenced. This finding could point out to the possibility of failure of the added fluoride to induce significant changes in kidney and aldosterone functions regarding regulation of these two ions in blood. There was a general tendency of the total calcium level to decrease which reached statistical significance in samples of three weeks. Such decrease could be due to a decline in calcium intestinal absorption and an increase in bone deposition and excretion with urine.