Search Results (6,772)

Massage is one of the oldest forms of therapy practiced since ancient times. Nowadays, it is used in sports practice, recovery from injury, or supportive therapy for various conditions. The practice of massage uses a variety of instruments that facilitate massaging while relieving the stress on the masseur. One of them is a foam roller. Although roller massage is widely used, there are still no scientific studies describing the biological mechanisms of its effects on the body. The purpose of our study was to analyze the effect of roller massage on BDNF levels in men undergoing self-massage 4x/week/7 weeks. The control group consisted of men who did not perform self-massage. Before the test and after the first, third, fifth, and seventh weeks of self-massage, the study participants’ blood was drawn, the serum BDNF was determined, and the results were subjected to analysis of variance by ANOVA test. After the first week of self-massage, an increase in BDNF concentration was observed in the self-massage group compared to the control group (p = 0.023). Similarly, changes were observed in week five (p = 0.044) and week seven (p = 0.046). In the massaged group, BDNF concentrations were significantly higher after the first week of self-massage compared to baseline. In the third week of the study, BDNF decreased to a value comparable to the baseline study, then increased significantly in the fifth and seventh weeks compared to the value recorded in the third week (p = 0.049 and p = 0.029). It was significantly higher in week seven compared to week five (p = 0.03). Higher concentrations of BDNF in subjects undergoing roller self-massage may be one of the biological mechanisms justifying the therapeutic effects of massage in both sports and clinical practice. Studies analyzing the stimulation of BDNF synthesis through various massage techniques should be performed on a larger group of healthy individuals, patients after trauma of multiple origins, and sick people with indications for therapeutic massage. Full article

This research aims to verify the effect of outdoor green teaching experiences on school affective qualities, perceived restorativeness, school climate, and global well-being in a sample of school teachers. A comparison was conducted between teachers who work mainly indoors and those who frequently run school activities outdoors in green spaces. A sample of kindergarten and primary school teachers working in different Italian regions (n = 209) filled in an online questionnaire including the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the Perceived Restorativeness Scale (PRS-11), the Scale of Affective Qualities of Place, and the Revised School Level Environment Questionnaire (RSLEQ). Zero-order correlations, preliminary descriptive analyses of variance (ANOVAs) to compare teachers conducting Outdoor Education (vs. teachers conducting only or almost always indoor education), and structural equation modeling (SEM) were carried out on the measured variables. Results from ANOVAs evidenced that teachers conducting outdoor green education show higher levels of perceived affective qualities and restorativeness than teachers working mainly indoors. The model tested through SEM analysis showed that positive affective qualities attributed to the school are associated with higher levels of restorativeness and this, in turn, is linked to a more positive perception of social relationships at school, which increases life satisfaction. Overall, these outcomes support previous research demonstrating the beneficial psychological effects of nature experiences, also in the school environment. Full article

Background/Aim: The stability of peri-implant tissues is crucial for the long-term success of dental implant treatments. A new cervical implant design has been developed to address the challenges associated with peri-implant tissue stability, featuring a concave cervical portion to increase tissue volume in this area. The present study aimed to clinically evaluate the effectiveness of the new cervical implant design in maintaining peri-implant tissue stability. Materials and Methods: Five clinical cases involving completely edentulous patients were selected, in which 25 implants were installed. The marginal bone level around each implant was assessed at three different time points—T0: immediately after the prosthesis installation, T1: 6 months post installation, and T2: at the last control visit, up to 38 months later. Measurements were taken to analyze changes in marginal bone levels (MBLs) and the keratinized mucosa (KM) over time. Furthermore, the keratinized mucosa (KM) around the implants was evaluated. Results: The mean and standard deviation values of the marginal bone levels at each time point were as follows—T0: 0.59 ± 0.55 mm; T1: 1.41 ± 0.59 mm; T2: 1.76 ± 0.69 mm. Statistical analysis showed significant differences across the time points (ANOVA p < 0.0001). The overall mean KM values were 3.85 mm for T1 and T2, showing the stability of the peri-implant soft tissues at ≥1-year controls. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the present study, the results showed that the Collo implants presented measured MBL values increasing within the time range analyzed in each case but within the normal values cited in the literature for these types of rehabilitation treatments. However, the measured KM values presented, in all cases, an average above the values referenced in the literature as a minimum for maintaining the health of the peri-implant tissues. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study examined the differences in participant force production and pain between a squat maximal voluntary isometric contraction (IMVIC) performed with either a waist belt (WB) or full-body harness (FBH) on the Desmotec D.EVO isoinertial device (D.EVO). Agreement between FBH IMVIC and a traditional force plate squat MVIC (TMVIC) was also assessed. Methods: Twenty adults completed FBH, WB, and TMVIC assessments on two separate occasions. Two-way treatment x time ANOVAs were conducted to compare force outputs and pain between treatments (FBH vs. WB) across time. Test-retest reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients. Associations between outcomes were determined using Pearson’s r. Standard error of estimate, constant error, total error, and Bland-Altman plots were used to assess agreement between IMVIC and TMVIC. Results: FBH and WB IMVIC exhibited good to excellent reliability (ICC_2,1 = 0.889–0.994) and strong associations (r = 0.813 and 0.821, respectively) when compared to TMVIC. However, agreement between FBH and TMVIC was poor. No significant interaction or main effects were observed for pain. FBH maximum isometric force (MIF) was significantly higher than WB MIF. WB IMVIC was the only significant predictor of TMVIC (R² = 0.674). Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the D.EVO should not be utilized as a replacement for a traditional MVIC setup. Full article

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of the matrix system on proximal contact tightness (PCT) of posterior composite resin restorations. Standardized class II cavities on 180 first lower molar dentiform model teeth (Frasaco GmbH, Tettnang, Germany) were prepared. Three groups were formed considering the matrix system: Group-IM: Ivory matrix (Hahnenkratt GmbH, Königsbach-Stein, Germany), Group-OM: Omni matrix (Ultradent, South Jordan, UT, USA), and Group-PM: Palodent V3 sectional matrix (Dentsply, Charlotte, NC, USA). Teeth were restored with resin composite mounted in a manikin head to simulate the clinical environment. Proximal contact tightness (PCT) was measured using a custom-made portable dental pressure meter (PDPM), and the validation of the PCT results was performed with a histogram analysis acquired from bite-wing radiography. All data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and t-test in SPSS software (v.27.0) (p < 0.05). PM group showed statistically tighter contacts on both mesial (PCTm: 228.28 ± 59.17 N) and distal surfaces (PCTd: 254.91 ± 65.69 N) (p > 0.05). Mesial contacts were found to be significantly tighter than distal contacts among all (p < 0.05). According to the histogram results, only in the PM group, the difference between the mesial and distal areas is significant (p < 0.05). Histogram results confirmed that the tightest contact values were achieved in the PM group, followed by the OM and IM groups, respectively (p < 0.05). The use of sectional matrix systems and separation rings is more effective in creating tighter contact than conventional matrix systems. The use of anatomical wedges will help to create a more natural approximal contour and narrow contact area. Full article

Fruits with a high content of biologically active compounds are essential in preventing many diseases. Therefore, the interest in searching for and testing new plant sources for bioactive constituents remains strong. Although many publications on individual species exist, their results are difficult to compare directly due to varying methods and conditions of analysis. Only a few studies have investigated many different species in a single analysis. Therefore, we examined and compared 21 different genotypes, using various measurement methods for total phenolic content (TPC) (Folin–Ciocalteu, FBBB), total antioxidant capacity (ABTS, FRAP, DPPH), and the HPLC technique for the total ascorbate concentration in freshly harvested fruits. One-way ANOVA, Principal Component Analysis, and Pearson Correlation were used to analyse and compare the results. The tested samples showed significant differences in TPC, ascorbate content, and antioxidant capacity. The correlation between the content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity depended on the analytical methods, with results obtained using the FRAP test being the most strongly correlated. Due to higher levels of polyphenols, ascorbate, and antioxidant potential, the most promising species for further evaluation appear to be Chaenomeles × californica, Actinidia kolomikta, Mespilus germanica, and ×Sorboaronia fallax. Full article

Alloyed high-carbon steels are materials primarily intended for components operating under conditions of intense tribological wear. The carbides present in the microstructure of these materials significantly contribute to improving the wear resistance of such alloys. However, changes in the morphology of these precipitates can considerably alter the wear rate, leading to a deterioration in the properties of the materials. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the influence of several factors on the tribological wear of alloyed high-carbon steel. The research included friction tests under various load conditions and different sliding paths. Additionally, the samples were subjected to heat treatment to change the morphology of the observed precipitates. The tribological tests were conducted in a block-on-ring configuration under dry friction conditions. The tribological tests were analyzed statistically using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results of the statistical analysis indicated that the primary factor influencing the observed differences between the samples was the heat treatment time of the material. Additionally, there were no significant statistical differences when pressure and friction path were varied. These findings, in conjunction with the SEM studies, allowed for the evaluation of the wear mechanism. The results demonstrated that, within the adopted tribological system, no alterations in the wear mechanism were observed with changes in test parameters. The observed differences in wear properties between the samples were found to be related to their heat treatment. The heat treatment resulted in alterations to the particle size distribution, with the annealing of the material at an elevated temperature leading to the dissolution of finer particles within the material. An increase in the average diameter of the carbide present in the material was observed to improve the wear resistance of the alloy tested. Full article

The accurate transformation of multi-camera 2D coordinates into 3D coordinates is critical for applications like animation, gaming, and medical rehabilitation. This study unveils an enhanced multi-camera calibration method that alleviates the shortcomings of existing approaches by incorporating a comprehensive cost function and Adaptive Iteratively Reweighted Least Squares (AIRLS) optimization. By integrating static error components (3D coordinate, distance, angle, and reprojection errors) with dynamic wand distance errors, the proposed comprehensive cost function facilitates precise multi-camera parameter calculations. The AIRLS optimization effectively balances the optimization of both static and dynamic error elements, enhancing the calibration’s robustness and efficiency. Comparative validation against advanced multi-camera calibration methods shows this method’s superior accuracy (average error 0.27 ± 0.22 mm) and robustness. Evaluation metrics including average distance error, standard deviation, and range (minimum and maximum) of errors, complemented by statistical analysis using ANOVA and post-hoc tests, underscore its efficacy. The method markedly enhances the accuracy of calculating intrinsic, extrinsic, and distortion parameters, proving highly effective for precise 3D reconstruction in diverse applications. This study represents substantial progression in multi-camera calibration, offering a dependable and efficient solution for intricate calibration challenges. Full article

Background: The longitudinal study examines the effectiveness of a psychological support treatment for high-risk pregnancies using a between-groups design. It assesses the treatment’s impact on depression and fear of COVID-19 at three time points, and on prenatal attachment between the 20th and 24th weeks of gestation (T0), postnatal attachment 15–20 days after birth (T1), and three months after birth (T2). Additionally, the study evaluates the treatment’s effectiveness on PTSD related to childbirth and parental distress at T1 and T2. Methods: The study involved 117 parents experiencing high-risk pregnancies from a Sicilian hospital: 84 mothers (40 in the experimental group, 44 in the control group) and 33 fathers (19 in the experimental group, 14 in the control group). Results: ANOVA results showed that the psychological treatment was effective for maternal variables such as postnatal attachment and parental distress, and for paternal variables such as depression, prenatal attachment, PTSD symptoms, and parental distress (ANOVA, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The study highlights the growing evidence for providing continuous psychological support to couples with high-risk pregnancies, emphasizing that this support should extend beyond childbirth to assist families through this transition. Full article

This study examines the impact of a dual cure activator (DCA) when applied in combination with self-adhesive resin cements on the zirconia. Sixty zirconia were prepared in compliance with the manufacturer’s directions. The specimens were randomly assigned to each group under the dark condition, following DCA and self-adhesive resin cements [RelyX universal resin cement (RXS); Maxcem elite chroma (MAC); Panavia SA cement multi (PSM)]; group 1, RXS; group 2, MAC; group 3, PSM; group 4, DCA + RXS; group 5, DCA + MAC; and group 6, DCA + PSM. The resin composite was fixed to the zirconia, surface-treated, and maintained in a dark container for 30 min. The specimens were kept in an incubator at a temperature of 37 degrees Celsius for 24 h. The universal testing device was employed to compute the shear bond strength (SBS). A stereomicroscope was used to analyze the fractured types. The data were analyzed employing the one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test. Group 2 had the lowest SBS (4.93 ± 0.53 MPa). Group 1 (11.17 ± 0.86 MPa) and group 3 (11.48 ± 1.17 MPa) were not significantly different in SBS. Group 6 (15.61 ± 0.68 MPa) had the highest SBS but was not significantly different from group 4 (15.45 ± 1.20 MPa). The findings show that treating the zirconia surface with DCA before using the self-curing mode of self-adhesive resin cements is the best way to improve the bond between the zirconia and resin cement. Full article

The aim of this study was to compare the correlation between electromyography (EMG) activity and vehicle motion during double lane change driving. This study measured five vehicle motions: the steering wheel angle, steering wheel torque, lateral acceleration, roll angle, and yaw velocity. The EMG activity for 19 muscles and vehicle motions was applied for envelope detection. There was a significantly high positive correlation between muscles (mean correlation coefficient) for sternocleidomastoid (0.62) and biceps brachii (0.71) and vehicle motions for steering wheel angle, steering wheel torque, lateral acceleration, and yaw velocity, but a negative correlation between the muscles for middle deltoid (−0.75) and triceps brachii long head (−0.78) and these vehicle motions. The ANOVA test was used to analyze statistically significant differences in the main and interaction effects of muscle and vehicle speed. The mean absolute correlation coefficient exhibited an increasing trend with the increasing vehicle speed for the muscles (increasing rate%): upper trapezius (30.5%), pectoralis major sternal (38.7%), serratus anterior (13.3%), and biceps brachii (11.0%). The mean absolute correlation coefficient showed a decreasing trend with increasing vehicle speed for the masseter (−9.6%), sternocleidomastoid (−12.9%), middle deltoid (−5.5%), posterior deltoid (−20.0%), pectoralis major clavicular (−13.4%), and triceps brachii long head (−6.3%). The sternocleidomastoid muscle may decrease with increasing vehicle speed as the neck rotation decreases. As shoulder stabilizers, the upper trapezius, pectoralis major sternal, and serratus anterior muscles are considered to play a primary role in maintaining body balance. This study suggests that the primary muscles reflecting vehicle motions include the sternocleidomastoid, deltoid, upper trapezius, pectoralis major sternal, serratus anterior, biceps, and triceps muscles under real driving conditions. Full article

This study underscores the potential of utilizing natural volcanic tuffs (NVTs) as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in alignment with global sustainability efforts aimed at mitigating the cement industry’s negative impacts on both the economy and the environment. Experimental investigations were conducted on concrete mixtures containing 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% NVT as partial cement replacements to assess their influence on concrete’s mechanical and microstructural properties. Based on the findings, concrete samples with 10% NVT replacements exhibited increased flexural and compressive strengths of 35.6% and 5.6%, respectively, compared with ordinary concrete after 28 days. The depth of water penetration in the concrete samples was significantly reduced by the inclusion of NVT, with a maximum reduction of 56.5%. Microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed enhanced densification of the concrete microstructures, attributed to the high pozzolanic activity of NVT use in cement-based composites. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed statistically significant relationships between NVT content and both the compressive and flexural strengths of the concrete samples. In conclusion, substituting 10% cement with NVT not only enhances the mechanical properties of concrete but also decreases the energy demand for cement production and reduces carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, thus contributing to more sustainable construction practices. Full article

Aim: With modern dentistry advancements, children and parents have significantly raised aesthetic expectations in pediatric dentistry. Pediatric zirconia crowns (PZCs) provide a superior aesthetic appearance compared with stainless steel crowns (SSCs), making them a popular treatment option. However, a comparison of the compressive stresses caused by these crowns on the roots of primary teeth and alveolar bones has not been conducted. Materials and Methods: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of an eight-year-old female patient who experienced premature loss of a primary mandibular left second molar were obtained from a dental hospital database. Rhinoceros 4.0 software was used to process and simulate images. Under simulated chewing forces, stress on the PZC, SSC, and intact primary first molars as control groups, as well as their roots and alveolar bone structures, was assessed with finite element analysis. Statistical Analyses: Depending on whether the descriptive data were normally distributed, the Student t-test and Mann–Whitney U test were used. Quantitative variables differ between the two categories of qualitative variables. One-way ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis H tests were used depending on standard distribution assumptions. p < 0.05 indicates statistical significance differences. Results: PZCs, SSCs, and cement layers were stressed according to von Mises values, while roots and alveolar bones were stressed according to maximum and minimum stress values. When assessing crowns, SSCs exhibited the highest von Mises stress values, followed by PZCs and control groups (p < 0.001). In the cement layer, SSCs obtained significantly higher values (p = 0.003). In the root area, minimum principal stress values are more critical. The highest values were obtained from the intact tooth, PZC, and SSC, respectively (p < 0.001). Alveolar bones did not differ significantly in minimum principal stress (p = 0.950). Conclusions: Restorative full-coverage crowns exhibited higher von Mises values than intact teeth, as per current research findings. The von Mises values were highest in SSC, while lowest in PZC. As a result of this condition, the cement layer and root areas had higher von Mises stress and compressive stress. Alveolar bones were not affected regardless of restoration type. PZC transmits higher stress due to its properties. Full article

Objective: The purpose was to examine clinical profiles in concussed children aged 5–9 and 10–12 years and compare them with those of adolescents >12 years. Methods: This study included patients aged 5–18 years presenting to a specialty care concussion program with a sports- and recreation-related (SRR) concussion ≤28 days postinjury. Demographics, injury mechanisms, symptoms, and clinical features were assessed. Chi-squared tests, one-way ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis were used for comparisons across age groups. Results: A total of 3280 patients with SRR concussion were included: 5.0% were 5–9 years, 18.4% were 10–12 years, and 76.6% were 13–18 years. Younger age groups had more males than females (5–9 years: 70.7% vs. 29.3%) and more commonly sustained their injury during limited- (28.7%), and non-contact (7.9%) activities compared to other age groups (p < 0.01). Younger children presented less symptoms frequently (p ≤ 0.042), but higher symptom severity in somatic and emotional domains (p ≤ 0.016). Fewer 5–9-year-olds reported changes in school (25.6%), sleep (46.3%), and daily habits (40.9%) than adolescents (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Among SRR-concussed children and adolescents, we found significant age-related variations in demographics, injury mechanism, symptoms, and clinical features. Recognizing these unique features in younger children may facilitate targeted management and treatment. Full article

The selection of the right tool path trajectory and the corresponding machining parameters for end milling is a challenge in mold and die industries. Subsequently, the selection of appropriate tool path parameters can reduce overall machining time, improve the surface finish of the workpiece, extend tool life, reduce overall cost, and improve productivity. This work aims to establish the performance of end milling process parameters and the impact of trochoidal toolpath parameters on the surface finish of AISI D3 steel. It especially focuses on the effect of the tool tip nose radius deviation on the surface quality using precision measurement techniques. The experimental design was carried out in a systematic manner using a face-centered central composite design (FCCD) within the framework of response surface methodology (RSM). Twenty different experiment trials were conducted by changing the independent variables, such as cutting speed, feed rate, and trochoidal pitch distance. The main effects and the interactions of these parameters were determined using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The optimal conditions were identified using a multiple objective optimization method based on desirability function analysis (DFA). The developed empirical models showed statistical significance with the best process parameters, which include a feed rate of 0.05 m/tooth, a trochoidal pitch distance of 1.8 mm, and a cutting speed of 78 m/min. Further, as the trochoidal pitch distance increased, variations in the tool tip cutting edge were observed on the machined surface due to peeling off of the coating layer. The flaws on the tool tip, which alter the edge micro-geometry after machining, resulted in up to 33.83% variation in the initial nose radius. Deviations of 4.25% and 5.31% were noted between actual and predicted values of surface roughness and the nose radius, respectively. Full article