Search Results (2,845)

This umbrella review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the available evidence on the relationship between digital device use and adolescent sleep. It summarizes results from systematic reviews and meta-analyses, presenting the magnitude and direction of observed associations. A total of seven systematic reviews, including five qualitative reviews and two meta-analyses, were included, comprising 127 primary studies with a combined sample of 867,003 participants. The findings suggest a negative impact of digital device use on various sleep parameters, including sleep duration, bedtime procrastination, and sleep quality. Devices such as smartphones and computers were found to have a greater adverse effect, while television use showed a weaker association. The most significant disruptions were observed in relation to social media and internet use, with problematic usage leading to delayed bedtimes, shorter sleep duration, and increased sleep onset latency. The review also highlights the role of timing and duration of device use, with late-night use particularly contributing to sleep disturbances. Biological, psychological, and social mechanisms are proposed as potential pathways underlying these effects. Despite moderate evidence supporting the negative impact of digital media on sleep, there is considerable heterogeneity across studies, and many relied on self-reported data, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Future research should aim to standardize exposure and outcome measures, incorporate objective data collection methods, and explore causal relationships through longitudinal studies. This umbrella review underscores the importance of developing targeted public health strategies, parental guidance, and clinical awareness to mitigate the potential adverse effects of digital device use on adolescent sleep and mental health. Full article

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is characterized by disruptions in central nervous system functioning and existential crises, yet the mechanistic links between neurobiological processes and dimensions of life meaning and identity remain underexplored. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between stress biomarkers (serotonin, cortisol, noradrenaline, and interleukin-12 [IL-12]) and existential attitudes (measured using the Life Attitude Profile (Revised) [LAP-R]) in mining rescuers, considering PTSD duration and participant age. This cross-sectional study included 92 men aged 18–50 years, divided into three groups: no PTSD (n = 28), PTSD ≤ 5 years (n = 33), and PTSD > 5 years (n = 31). Serum levels of four biomarkers and LAP-R scores across eight domains were evaluated. Statistical analyses employed nonparametric tests, including the Kruskal–Wallis test for overall group differences (with Wilcoxon r effect sizes for pairwise comparisons, Mann–Whitney U tests for post hoc pairwise comparisons, and Spearman’s rank correlations for biomarker–LAP-R associations. Age effects were assessed in two strata: 18–35 years and 36–50 years. Kruskal–Wallis tests revealed significant group differences (p < 0.001) for all biomarkers and most LAP-R domains, with very large effect sizes (r > 0.7) in pairwise comparisons for serotonin (control median: 225.2 ng/mL vs. PTSD ≤ 5y: 109.9 ng/mL, r = 0.86; vs. PTSD > 5y: 148.0 ng/mL, r = 0.86), IL-12 (control: ~8.0 pg/mL vs. PTSD ≤ 5y: 62.4 pg/mL, r = 0.86; vs. PTSD > 5y: ~21.0 pg/mL, r = 0.69), and LAP-R scales such as Life Purpose (control: 54.0 vs. PTSD ≤ 5y: 39.0, r = 0.78; vs. PTSD > 5y: 20.0, r = 0.86) and Coherence (control: 53.0 vs. PTSD ≤ 5y: 34.0, r = 0.85; vs. PTSD > 5y: 23.0, r = 0.86). The PTSD ≤ 5y group exhibited decreased serotonin, cortisol (median: 9.8 µg/dL), and noradrenaline (271.7 pg/mL) with elevated IL-12 (all p < 0.001 vs. control), alongside reduced LAP-R scores. The PTSD > 5y group showed elevated cortisol (median: ~50.0 µg/dL, p < 0.001 vs. control, r = 0.86) and normalized IL-12 but persistent LAP-R deficits. Older participants (36–50 years) in the PTSD ≤ 5y group displayed improved existential attitudes (e.g., Life Purpose: 47.0 vs. 27.5 in 18–35 years, p < 0.001), whereas in PTSD > 5y, age exacerbated biological stress (cortisol: 57.6 µg/dL vs. 36.1 µg/dL, p = 0.003). Spearman correlations revealed stage-specific patterns, such as negative associations between cortisol and Death Acceptance in PTSD > 5y (ρ = −0.49, p = 0.005). PTSD alters biomarker levels and their associations with existential dimensions, with duration and age modulating patient profiles. These findings underscore the necessity for integrated therapies addressing both biological and existential facets of PTSD. Full article

Background: Several prognostic factors, including the early recovery pattern of acute low back pain (ALBP), are related to the chronicity of LBP. However, the association between systemic symptoms and ALBP remains underexplored from a holistic perspective. Hence, this study aimed to investigate this relationship and identify novel clinical prognostic predictors for LBP. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included patients with ALBP admitted to the Department of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation at the Dongguk University Bundang Hospital between 1 January 2021 and 30 April 2025. Data extracted from medical records included demographics, treatment-related information, pain characteristics, past medical history, and systemic symptoms. Statistical analyses included independent t-tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, chi-squared tests, Fisher’s exact tests, correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression models. Results: A total of 194 patients with ALBP were included in the analysis. Among systemic symptoms, dyspepsia was significantly associated with higher pain at discharge and smaller absolute and relative pain changes. Although sleep disturbance and constipation showed associations with higher pain at discharge in univariate analyses, these associations were not statistically significant in regression models. Beyond systemic symptoms, alcohol consumption was significantly associated with lower pain at discharge and greater relative pain change, while hospitalization and symptom duration exhibited non-linear relationships. These findings remained robust in sensitivity and subgroup analyses. Conclusions: Systemic symptoms, especially dyspepsia, may serve as prognostic factors impeding ALBP recovery, representing potential early markers for identifying patients at risk of chronicity. The findings highlight the prospect of multidimensional strategies in reducing pain and enhancing patients’ quality of life in clinical practice. Full article

Background/Objectives: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a chronic inflammatory disease with a high prevalence, affecting various aspects of patients’ lives. Psychosocial factors may influence disease management and outcomes, including perceived stress, locus of control, and self-efficacy. This study examines the presence of these factors in ACD and their association with disease severity and patient characteristics. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 225 adults with ACD and 225 healthy controls. Exclusion criteria were other skin diseases, psychiatric disorders, or intellectual disabilities. Sociodemographic and clinical variables, such as disease duration and severity, were recorded. Perceived stress, locus of control, and self-efficacy were assessed using validated questionnaires. Statistical analyses, including t-tests and multiple linear regression, were performed to explore group differences and predictors of clinical and psychosocial outcomes. Results: ACD patients exhibited higher perceived stress than controls (M = 39.36 vs. 24.74, p < 0.001), with stress levels correlating with disease severity (B = 0.062, 95% CI [0.050, 0.074], p < 0.001). Female sex (B = −5.896, p < 0.001) and lower education (B = −2.606, p = 0.035) predicted higher stress. Locus of control and self-efficacy showed statistically significant but modest differences between groups. Conclusions: Perceived stress was significantly associated with the severity of ACD, highlighting the necessity of incorporating psychological interventions into disease management. Programs focused on stress reduction and patient education should be integrated into clinical care to enhance outcomes. Longitudinal research is essential to establish causal relationships and evaluate the long-term benefits of tailored psychological support on disease progression and patient well-being. Full article

Background: Preoperative clear fluid fasting is intended to reduce aspiration risk, but prolonged abstinence may impair hydration, comfort, and cardiovascular stability. Arterial hypotension during anesthesia induction is a common perioperative complication, and its association with fasting duration has become an important concern. The objective of this review was to evaluate the relationship between the duration of preoperative clear fluid fasting and the risk of arterial hypotension during anesthesia induction in both adult and pediatric populations. Methods: A structured PubMed search identified 17 studies, including randomized controlled trials, prospective cohorts, registry-based analyses, and interventional imaging investigations. Data were extracted on patient age, fasting duration, hypotension definitions, and monitoring modalities. Subgroups included adults, pediatric patients, and studies employing echocardiography or ultrasound to evaluate preload. Results: A total of 96,017 patients were included (77,978 adults; 17,685 children). In adults, fasting beyond two hours was associated with hypovolemia and a greater incidence of post-induction hypotension, while fasting of ≤2 h improved hemodynamic stability without increasing aspiration risk. Pediatric studies demonstrated fasting durations often exceeding 6–10 h, correlating with higher odds of hypotension and metabolic derangements. Liberalized regimens, including carbohydrate-containing fluids, were consistently safe. Ultrasound-based studies revealed increased inferior vena cava collapsibility and reduced ventricular filling after prolonged fasting, providing a mechanistic explanation for blood pressure instability. Conclusions: Prolonged preoperative fasting was not consistently an independent predictor of peri-induction hypotension in all populations; however, data from large adult and pediatric studies demonstrate that extended fasting increases hypotension risk through volume and metabolic depletion. These findings support the importance of liberalized fasting policies and proactive fluid optimization to reduce early hemodynamic instability during anesthesia induction. Full article

During the grinding process of K9 glass, various forms of surface damage—such as indentations and pitting—as well as subsurface damage—including cracks and residual stress—are generated. This paper focuses on the planetary grinding method utilizing bonded abrasives for both process research and subsurface damage detection. It examines the timeliness of grinding duration and analyzes the effects of abrasive grain size and grinding pressure on surface quality. Building upon the principle of differential etching, an improved HF chemical etching method is proposed to establish a relationship model that correlates the depth of subsurface damage with abrasive grain size, applied pressure, and surface roughness. Full article

Camelina (Camelina sativa) is an oilseed crop of increasing importance, valued not only for its adaptability to diverse environmental conditions and potential for sustainable agriculture but also for its economic advantages, including low input requirements and suitability for biofuel production and niche markets. This study examines the relationship between camelina yield and climatic variables—specifically temperature and precipitation—based on a ten-year field experiment conducted in Poland. To capture the temporal dynamics of weather conditions, Functional Data Analysis (FDA) was applied to daily temperature and precipitation data. The analysis revealed that yield variability was strongly influenced by the length of the vegetative period and specific weather patterns in April and July. Higher yields were recorded in years characterized by moderate spring temperatures, elevated temperatures in July, and evenly distributed rainfall during the early generative growth stages. The Maximal Information Coefficient ($\mathrm{M}\mathrm{I}\mathrm{C}$) confirmed the relevance of these variables, with the duration of the vegetative phase showing the strongest correlation with yield. Cluster analysis further distinguished high- and low-yield years based on functional weather profiles. The FDA-based approach provided clear, interpretable insights into climate–yield interactions and demonstrated greater effectiveness than traditional regression models in capturing complex, time-dependent relationships. These findings enhance our understanding of camelina’s response to climatic variability and support the development of predictive tools for resilient, climate-smart crop management. Full article

Scopula subpunctaria (Herrich-Schaeffer), is a significant insect pest affecting tea plantations in China; however, its thermal developmental characteristics remain inadequately understood. This study examined the immature developmental stages of S. subpunctaria under eight constant temperature regimes (13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, and 33 °C) in controlled laboratory conditions. Results indicated an inverse relationship between temperature and the total duration of the immature stages (egg to pupa), with developmental time decreasing from 105.8 days at 13 °C to 29.3 days at 31 °C. Specifically, the developmental durations for eggs, larvae, and pupae ranged from 5.4 to 20.3 days, 15.4 to 52.3 days, and 8.1 to 33.3 days, respectively, in 13 °C to 31 °C temperature range. Using an ordinary linear model, the estimated lower developmental threshold temperatures were 8.61 °C for eggs, 8.40 °C for larvae, 9.39 °C for pupae, and 8.85 °C for the total immature stage, with corresponding thermal constants of 114.94, 302.11, 149.93, and 558.99 degree-days (DD), respectively. Comparative analysis of eleven nonlinear models revealed substantial variation in estimates of lower and upper temperature thresholds, while estimates of optimal temperatures showed minor differences. Based on statistical criteria and biological relevance, the Briere-2 model was selected to characterize egg development, the Lactin-1 model for larval development, and the Briere-1 model for pupal and total immature stages. Stage transition models for eggs, larvae, pupae, and the total immature period were constructed using a two-parameter Weibull function integrated with the respective nonlinear models. This study provides foundational insights into the thermal developmental characteristics of S. subpunctaria and offers predictive tools for forecasting stage-specific emergence in tea plantations. Full article

Auxiliary frequency modulation (FM) for coal-fired units has been recognized as a promising approach through multiple batteries, which is due to their rapid charging and discharging characteristics. However, long-period engineering application needs continuous optimization of operational strategies to resist the decay characteristics of the battery, which greatly increases the difficulty of promotion. Hence, two replacement strategies of the battery were first proposed in this work, and they are characterized by simple operation. To test their feasibility, a lead–acid battery was selected as one study example, and the corresponding relationship between the duration day and the replacement scheme was emphatically analyzed, according to the AGC instruction and the self-adjustment capacity of coal-fired units. Results showed that the replacement capacity of the battery is nearly linear in the duration day, while the difference from the discharge depth is negligible in this study. In addition, the capacity ratio of 1.3 to 5 is considered to have the best application potential because of the same duration days between old and new batteries. The commutative replacement can immortally extend the duration day, and obviously, the replacement process of old and new batteries always maintains that two battery groups work. Conclusively, the case analysis for two replacement strategies showed that they deeply lowered the initial capacity of the battery, which can reduce the investment costs. In a word, two replacement strategies for the battery proposed in this study provide a reference for the economic evaluation and optimization of battery use for auxiliary FM. Full article

Background/Objective: Chronic constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder that can be caused by a variety of factors, such as demographic, lifestyle, and medical disorders like hypothyroidism. Its prevalence varies worldwide, affecting quality of life and leading to specialized management strategies. To explore hypothyroidism patients’ knowledge and practice regarding constipation and evaluate the perceived effectiveness of pharmacological and non-pharmacological management approaches. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used to collect the data from a private hospital in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia from January to May 2025. A convenient sample of 300 individuals with hypothyroidism completed the Bowel Habits Questionnaire. Results: Most participants knew that hypothyroidism could cause constipation, but they reported that they did not have more knowledge about it. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, especially increase water intake, fiber intake, and exercise, were commonly used by the participants, and they perceived these approaches to be effective. There were strong correlations between constipation frequency and age, disease duration, and the use of constipation management methods. A strong association was found between constipation management strategies and treatment effectiveness. Conclusion: Age, disease duration, and constipation management strategies significantly affect constipation in hypothyroidism patients. Drinking plenty of water and eating more fiber are two very effective non-pharmacological strategies. It is recommended that nurses who integrate routine bowel health education and lifestyle guidance into care plans consider the gap in patient knowledge regarding the relationship between hypothyroidism and constipation, to enhance patients’ self-management and contribute to better health outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Skull vibration-induced nystagmus (SVIN) is a rapid bedside test that reveals vestibular asymmetry. Its clinical utility in Ménière’s disease (MD) remains controversial, particularly regarding its association with radiological endolymphatic hydrops (EH). This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between SVIN, audiovestibular parameters, and EH severity in patients with unilateral definite MD. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary academic referral center and included patients with unilateral MD who underwent SVIN testing (SVT), audiovestibular evaluation (PTA, cVEMP, oVEMP, vHIT, and caloric testing), and 3T MRI with gadolinium-enhanced 3D-FLAIR sequences to quantify EH. Results: In total, 84 patients were included in the study. SVIN was present in 57.14% of patients (n = 48), with ipsilesional nystagmus being the most frequent subtype (64.58%). Patients with SVIN had significantly higher vestibular EH (p = 0.017) and vestibular endolymphatic ratio (REL) in the affected ear (p = 0.019). Disease duration (p = 0.026) and shorter time since last vertigo spell (p = 0.018) were also associated with SVIN presence. REL correlated moderately with disease duration (r = 0.390, p < 0.001), PTA (r = 0.576, p < 0.001), and number of vertigo spells (r = 0.236, p = 0.031), but not with time since last crisis (r = −0.127, p = 0.252). ROC analysis yielded an AUC of 0.735 for REL in predicting SVIN. Conclusions: SVIN correlates with the severity of vestibular EH. This finding indicates a stimulus-locked response of a vestibular asymmetry rather than a purely structural alteration. Full article

To address the issues of quadrature component attenuation and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) degradation caused by carrier phase delay in Phase-Generated Carrier (PGC) demodulation, this paper proposes a phase delay compensation method based on sampling-point shift pre-calibration. By establishing a discrete phase offset model, we derive the mathematical relationship between sampling point shift and carrier cycle duration, and introduce a compensation mechanism that adjusts the starting point of the sampling sequence to achieve carrier phase pre-alignment. Theoretical analysis demonstrates that this method restricts the residual phase error to within Δθ_max = πf₀/f_s, thereby fundamentally avoiding the denominator-zero problem inherent in traditional compensation algorithms when θ approaches 45°. Experimental validation using an Extrinsic Fabry–Perot Interferometric (EFPI) ultrasonic sensor shows that, at a sampling rate of 10 MS/s, the proposed pre-alignment algorithm improves the minimum demodulation SNR by 35 dB and reduces phase fluctuation error to 2% of that of conventional methods. Notably, in 1100 consecutive measurements, the proposed method eliminates demodulation failures at critical phase points (e.g., π/4, π/2), which are commonly problematic in traditional techniques. By performing phase pre-compensation at the signal acquisition level, this method significantly enhances the long-term measurement stability of interferometric fiber-optic sensors in complex environments while maintaining the existing PGC demodulation architecture. Full article

Background/Objectives: There is clear evidence for the higher prevalence of varicose veins (VVs) among women. In this regard, the research on sex differences affecting this condition is very important for sex-specific health care. We aimed to assess how male or female sex may contribute to the changes to gene expression profiles in the vein wall during varicose transformation. Methods: Paired varicose vein (VV) and non-varicose vein (NV) segments were harvested from patients with VVs after venous surgery. Processed RNAs from those samples were subjected to gene expression analysis by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) followed by further data analysis. Multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis was performed to identify and characterize relationships among multiple factors (relative mRNA levels of a gene in NV or VV or their ratio, as dependent variables) and sex (independent variable, used individually or in combination with other patient’s characteristics). For sex-specific gene regulation analysis, all potential binding sites for sex hormone receptors were identified in each gene’s regulatory region sequence. Results: Using the independent method and a replicative patient sample set, we validated our previous data on 23 genes’ differential expression in VVs and obtained insights on their sex-specific regulation. Sex (as an individual independent variable or in combination with other parameters—patient characteristics such as Age, BMI, CEAP class, Height, VVD manifestation and duration) was a moderate predictor (0.40 < R < 0.59; p (R) < 0.05) for the STK38L expression in VVs (with its higher mRNA level in NVs and VVs of women compared to men); sex was a strong predictor (0.6 < R < 0.79; p (R) < 0.05) for the TIMP1 expression in VVs (with its lower mRNA level in VVs of women compared to men); sex was a moderate predictor (0.40 < R < 0.59; p (R) < 0.05) for the EBF1 expression in NVs (with its lower mRNA level in NVs of women compared to men). Conclusions: Confirmed differential expression of the studied genes in VVs indicates their plausible participation in vein wall remodeling. Sex-specific expression in veins for the subset of those genes suggests their hormonal regulation as well as other mechanisms involved in VV pathogenesis. This work enriches our understanding of sex features for the development of VVs and may provide the foundation for future investigations and beneficial treatment options. Full article

Surgical trauma triggers oxidative and inflammatory responses that contribute to postoperative complications. Although the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ketamine have been reported, the impact of anesthesia duration on these mechanisms remains unclear. Forty-two male Wistar rats were randomized into healthy control (HG), ketamine only (KET; 60 mg/kg, i.p.), or laparotomy plus ketamine with 0–4 additional ketamine doses at 20 min intervals (KET + L, KET + L1–L4). At 24 h, levels of MDA, tGSH, SOD, CAT, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, adrenaline and noradrenaline were measured in tail-vein blood. One-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test was used. Laparotomy under single-dose ketamine increased MDA and pro-inflammatory cytokines and decreased tGSH, SOD, CAT, ADR, and NDR versus HG and KET (all p < 0.001). After laparotomy, repeated ketamine dosing produced graded decreases in MDA and cytokines and increases in tGSH, SOD, CAT, ADR, and NDR toward control levels; effects were most pronounced in KET + L4 (all p < 0.001). Ketamine alone did not differ significantly from HG. In rats, ketamine modulates postoperative biological stress in a duration-dependent manner; prolonging anesthesia reduces oxidative–inflammatory load and restores catecholaminergic tone. These findings strongly support revisiting dose–duration protocols and underscore the need for mechanistic and clinical studies. Full article

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to compare gait patterns between young adults and physically active older adults. Additionally, the relation between these parameters and age was explored. Materials and Methods: Transversal case and control study, recruiting 81 participants divided into two groups: young adults (18–45 years) and physically active older adults (60+ years). Participants were assessed using the PodoSmart Insole^® system, which recorded spatiotemporal and kinematic gait data. Gait parameters were measured during a self-selected walking test. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, t-tests for group comparisons, and Pearson’s correlation to explore relationships between age and gait parameters. Results: Significant differences in gait parameters were found between young and older adults, particularly in stride length (right foot: p = 0.009, left foot: p = 0.001), cadence (p < 0.001), contact time (p < 0.001), swing time (p < 0.001), and support phase duration (p < 0.001), with moderate to large effect sizes. Sex differences were also observed within each group for several gait variables. Correlation analysis evidenced worsened parameters with increasing age, with moderate to strong associations in terms of cadence (r = −0.590), contact time (r = −0.504, r = −0.462), swing time (r = −0.662), and support phase duration (r = −0.524, r = −0.439). Conclusions: Evident differences in gait parameters are observed between young adults and active older adults. Although these results follow the trend of previous studies that employed more sophisticated lab-based protocols for gait analysis, slight differences between our study and these others could be attributed to the regular physical activity performed by these participants, which should be explored in more detail in future studies. Full article