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The long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and their determinants, are still unknown. This study aimed to assess symptoms one year after admission for COVID-19, according to the organ/system involved, and to identify factors. Cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection from March 2020 to February 2021. Inclusion criteria: aged ≥ 18 years and admitted for COVID-19. Exclusion criteria: death, not localized, refusal to participate, cognitive impairment or language barrier. A telephone survey was conducted on long COVID-related symptoms one year after hospital discharge. n = 486. The most frequent symptom groups were neurological (n = 225; 46.3%) and respiratory (n = 201; 41.4%). Multivariable analysis showed that a history of anxiety was significantly associated with psychiatric symptoms (ORa = 2.04, 95%CI = 1.02–4.06), fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue with general symptoms (ORa = 11.59, 95%CI = 1.47–9.34) and obesity with respiratory (ORa 1.90, 95%CI = 1.27–2.83) and musculoskeletal symptoms (ORa 1.96, 95%CI = 1.30–2.96). Male sex was associated with a significantly lower risk of neurological (ORa 0.64, 95%CI = 0.44–0.93), respiratory (ORa 0.45, 95%CI = 0.31–0.67), general (ORa 0.43, 95%CI = 0.29–0.63), psychiatric (ORa 0.34, 95%CI = 0.22–0.51), musculoskeletal (ORa 0.47, 95%CI = 0.32–0.70), dermatological (ORa 0.24, 95%CI = 0.14–0.42) and digestive (ORa 0.38, 95%CI = 0.20–0.73) symptoms. Advanced age (≥ 71 years) also had a protective effect against general (ORa 0.60, 95%CI = 0.39–0.95), psychiatric (ORa 0.39, 95%CI = 0.23–0.64), and dermatological (ORa 0.47, 95%CI = 0.24–0.92) symptoms. Patients admitted for SARS-CoV-2 infection frequently experience symptoms at one year, especially neurological and respiratory symptoms. Female sex, obesity, a history of anxiety and fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue were independent risk factors for presenting symptoms. Advanced age acted as a protective factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease of synovial joints, with a multifactorial etiology. Collagen triple helix repeat-containing 1 protein (CTHRC1) is a biomarker produced by fibroblast-like synoviocytes, which was shown to be highly expressed in RA patients. The study aimed to measure serum CTHRC1 level in female RA patients currently on medical treatment and its influence on the clinical and sonographic severity of the disease. Results: The patients' mean age was 43.39 ± 8.55 years and median RA disease duration of 5.5 (0.33–20) years. RA patients showed significantly higher serum CTHRC1 level [89.71 ng/ml (53.95–353.45)] in comparison to controls [87.38 ng/ml (44.47–110.3)] (U = 430, P = 0.014). Furthermore, higher serum CTHRC1 levels were recorded in seropositive versus seronegative patients (U = 76, P = 0.022) and in RA patients with severe disease activity compared to those with lower disease activity (H = 9.79, P = 0.007). Furthermore, serum CTHRC1 levels were lower in RA patients receiving biological therapy compared to those receiving conventional therapy; however, this difference did not reach statistical significance. Significant positive correlations were found between CTHRC1 and disease activity, acute-phase reactants, serological markers, functional assessment, fatigue, and erosions detected by ultrasound, while a significant negative correlation was recorded between CTHRC1 and duration of biologic intake (rs = − 0.45, P = 0.036). Furthermore, on multivariate linear regression analysis, serum CTHRC1 was the only significant predictor for higher disease activity (P = 0.028, B = 0.009, 95% CI 0.001 to 0.017). Conclusion: RA patients showed higher CTHRC1 serum levels compared to healthy controls, especially those with seropositivity and highly active disease. Furthermore, it was positively associated with poor patient functional outcome, fatigability, and erosive findings by ultrasound, thus suggesting that serum CTHRC1 can be a good predictor for high RA disease activity and possibly severity. Moreover, biological therapy could influence serum CTHRC1 levels in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effect of acute acetaminophen (ACTP) ingestion on physical performance during the 5 m shuttle run test (5mSRT), attention, mood states, and the perception of perceived exertion (RPE), pain (PP), recovery (PRS), and delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) in well-trained female athletes. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover trial, fifteen well-trained female athletes (age 21 ± 2 years, height 165 ± 6 cm, body mass 62 ± 5 kg) swallowed either 1.5 g of ACTP or 1.5 g of placebo. The profile of mood states (POMS) and digit cancellation (DCT) were assessed 45 min postingestion, and 5mSRT was performed 60 min postingestion. The RPE and PP were determined immediately after each 30-s repetition of the 5mSRT, and the PRS and DOMS were recorded at 5 min and 24 h post-5mSRT. For the 5mSRT, ACTP ingestion improved the greatest distance (+ 10.88%, p < 0.001), total distance (+ 11.33%, p = 0.0007) and fatigue index (+ 21.43%, p = 0.0003) compared to PLA. Likewise, the DCT score was better on the ACTP (p = 0.0007) than on the PLA. RPE, PP, PRS, and DOMS scores were improved after ACTP ingestion (p < 0.01 for all comparisons) compared to PLA. POMS scores were enhanced with ACTP ingestion compared to PLA (p < 0.01). In conclusion, this study indicates that acute acetaminophen ingestion can improve repeated high intensity short-term maximal performance, attention, mood states, and perceptions of exertion, pain, recovery, and muscle soreness in well-trained female athletes, suggesting potential benefits for their overall athletic performance and mood state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Individuals diagnosed with cancer experience multiple inter-related short- and long-term side effects. Chief among such symptomology is cancer-related fatigue (CRF), which, if left unmanaged, can become chronic and result in increased disability and healthcare utilization. A growing number of self-report scales have been developed to measure CRF symptoms based on various theoretical conceptualizations with the aim of promoting targeted assessment and intervention efforts. It may be, however, unwise to assume that the various measures are conceptually similar (i.e., that they assess for the same constructs). Accordingly, we aimed to characterize item content among nine self-report scales, using a Jaccard index to quantify content overlap among scales. Methods: We characterized construct assessment among nine self-report scales recommended to assess CRF by a recent clinical practice guideline, and used a Jaccard index to quantify content overlap among scales. Results: Analysis of 208 items across nine rating scales resulted in 20 distinct symptoms of CRF assessed. The most common symptoms were energy level (captured in all nine scales), cognitive function, impaired task performance (in eight scales), sleepiness, and physical function (in seven scales). Mean overlap among all scales was low (Jaccard index = 0.455). Only one construct (duration of fatigue; 5.0%) was captured by a single scale, and one symptom (energy level; 5.0%) was common across all scales. The PFS, MFSI, and BFI each captured at least one symptom from each of the NCCN domains of CRF. Conclusion: CRF scales are heterogeneous in the content they measure, critically impairing integration of knowledge across studies using disparate scales. Future work is urgently needed to build more integrated theoretical and/or computational models of CRF based on relevant mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study offers a detailed examination of vinyl ester composites strengthened with nettle fibres and annealed biosilica from foxtail millet husk biomass waste. The primary objective is to investigate how the different dwell time processed heat treated biosilica particles perform under repeated and prolonged loading applications in natural fibre-reinforced polymer composite materials. The biosilica particles were annealed at 1200 °C and dwelled for 2 h and 4 h. The results highlight VNS32 (resin with nettle fibre of 30 vol.% and biosilica of 2 vol.%) as the superior composite, exhibiting higher fatigue counts of 29,108, 27,898, and 26,247 for 25%, 50%, and 75% of the ultimate tensile strength (UTS). Similarly, VNS32 demonstrates superior values in creep and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). In creep testing, VNS32 shows creep strain values of 0.0015, 0.0019, and 0.0035 for 5000 s, 10,000 s, and 15,000 s, while in DMA, it achieves a storage modulus of 5.6 GPa at 107 °C and a loss factor of 0.42. These findings suggest that the utilization of prolonged annealed biosilica contributes to enhanced structural integrity and uniform load transfer, both in normal and cyclic loading conditions at specific temperatures. Moreover, these composites could be used in automotives, lightweight building material applications, drones, defence and food packaging where lightweight and high strength is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cylindrical Roller Bearings (CRB) are subjected to dynamic loads rotating at high speeds causing fatigue, which demands high dynamic load capacity. The complexity of its internal geometry and the design constraints needs suitable optimization techniques. This article proposes a new approach to design optimization with minimal constraints. Optimal geometric parameters, such as bearing pitch diameter, mean roller diameter of the bearing, effective roller length, etc., offer 90% more high dynamic capacity than those in the catalogue of SKF rolling bearings. The method of approach followed here minimizes the computational time and improves the existing design. The adequacy of the optimized design is verified utilizing the MATLAB Genetic algorithm (GA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatigue affects approximately 80% of people with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) and can impact several domains of daily life. However, the neural underpinnings of fatigue in MS are still not completely clear. The aim of our study was to investigate the spontaneous large-scale networks functioning associated with fatigue in PwMS using the EEG microstate approach with a spectral decomposition. Forty-three relapsing–remitting MS patients and twenty-four healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. All participants underwent an administration of Modified Fatigue Impact scale (MFIS) and a 15-min resting-state high-density EEG recording. We compared the microstates of healthy subjects, fatigued (F-MS) and non-fatigued (nF-MS) patients with MS; correlations with clinical and behavioral fatigue scores were also analyzed. Microstates analysis showed six templates across groups and frequencies. We found that in the F-MS emerged a significant decrease of microstate F, associated to the salience network, in the broadband and in the beta band. Moreover, the microstate B, associated to the visual network, showed a significant increase in fatigued patients than healthy subjects in broadband and beta bands. The multiple linear regression showed that the high cognitive fatigue was predicted by both an increase and decrease, respectively, in delta band microstate B and beta band microstate F. On the other hand, higher physical fatigue was predicted with lower occurrence microstate F in beta band. The current findings suggest that in MS the higher level of fatigue might be related to a maladaptive functioning of the salience and visual network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this investigation was to develop lightweight polyester composites for possible application of human prosthetics. Since present materials in human prosthetics are either metals or synthetic harmful fibre and fillers, the present study proposes to introduce a new alternative biocomposite material for manufacturing human prosthetics. Thus, in this study, pineapple-basalt fibre sandwich with rice husk Si3N4 particle polyester composites was developed with two different staking sequences. The composites are prepared using the hand layup technique, and testing was carried out in accordance with American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. The highest measured mechanical values for composite designation PBS1 up to 124 MPa, 162 MPa, 4.68 J, 21 MPa, and 79 shore-D for tensile strength, flexural strength, Izod impact, and hardness, respectively, when compared to all other composite designations. Corresponding to this, maximum fatigue life counts of 14,370 were seen for composite designation PBS1 with 1.0 vol. % Si3N4 particles included. However, the higher wear resistances value up to 0.007 for wear loss and 0.028 for co-efficient of friction (COF) for composite designation PBS2 resulted from the enhanced Si3N4 particle volume percentage up to 3.0 vol. %. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) fractography of the broken samples shows that the silane surface treatment has increased the interaction between the fibre and matrix phase. Thus, based on the present research, it is clear that the novel material structure (B/P/P/B) with pineapple/basalt fibre and Si3N4 is capable of replacing the existing man-made synthetic materials used in human prosthetic production with more advantageous attributes such as light weight, high strength, durable, abrasion resistance, and fatigue damage free. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the epoxy composites were made using Si3N4 nanoparticle obtained from red matta rice husk ash and aluminised glass/pineapple hybrid fibre. The primary objective of this study was to develop lightweight structural composites for domestic infrastructure applications using biomass wastes. The epoxy composites were made using Si3N4 nanoparticle of 0.5 to 4 vol% and hybridised fibre of 40 vol% by hand lay-up method. The mechanical, fatigue and low-velocity impact characteristics of the composites were evaluated as per ASTM standards. The results showed that, among the composites that had been produced, composites with 2 vol% Si3N4 nanoparticle had the highest tensile, impact, flexural and hardness, measuring 168 MPa, 202 MPa, 6.2 J and 93 shore-D. Also, at 50% of UTS, the composite with the addition of 2 vol% Si3N4 nanoparticle had a better fatigue life count of about 36273. Similarly, the improved low-velocity impact strength of composite having 1 vol% of Si3N4 nanoparticle has maximum energy absorption of 11.4 J. Moreover, with the insertion of stacked fibre and Si3N4 nanoparticle, the epoxy composites have low combustion rate showing better flame-retardant behaviour. The results show that composites have been successfully produced for potential applications such as domestic infrastructure products like lightweight man-hole cover, hand rails, gratings, interior decoration panels, doors and windows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatigue is one of the common symptoms in individuals with diseases or disorders, significantly affecting quality of life (QoL) and the prognosis of diseases. This study aimed to comprehensively compare the features of fatigue across a wide range of diseases. We systematically searched the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases from inception to March 31st, 2021, and conducted a meta-analysis to generate precise estimates. The analyses were stratified by classification of diseases, gender, and severity of fatigue (moderate and severe), and study quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). In total, 214 articles (233 prevalence data) met our eligibility criteria, covering 102,024 participants (mean 438 ± 1,421) across 88 diseases. Among these, seventy-eight data sets (52,082 participants) and thirty-nine data sets (10,389 participants) reported gender- and severity-related fatigue prevalence. The overall prevalence among subjects with 88 diseases was 49.4% [95% CI 46.9–52.1]. According to the International Classification of Diseases-10 (ICD-10) classification, the highest prevalence of fatigue (65.9% [95% CI 54.9–79.6]) was observed in patients with mental/behavioral diseases, whereas the lowest prevalence (34.7% [95% CI 24.5–49.2]) was found among those with circulatory system diseases. A slight female dominance (43.5% vs. 49.8%) was observed in the total data, with the most notable female predominance (1.8-fold) seen in patients with low back pain. The top disease groups with a moderate to severe level of fatigue included gastroparesis (92.3%), pulmonary hypertension (90.0%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, 83.2%), and multiple sclerosis (80.0%). These results are the first to comprehensively show the comparative features of fatigue prevalence among subjects across 88 diseases. Our findings provide valuable reference data for future research on fatigue and for the management of patients with fatigue. Prospero registration number: CRD42021270494 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common childhood-onset disability. The evolution of gait according to severity is well known amongst children and thought to peak between 8 and 12 years of age among those walking without assistive devices. However, among adults, clinical experience as well as scientific studies report, through clinical assessments, questionnaires and interviews, increasing walking difficulties leading to an increased dependency of assistive devices in everyday ambulation. For many individuals with CP, this change will occur around 30–40 years, with the risk of losing mobility increasing with age. This narrative review aims to first provide objective evidence of motor function and gait decline in adults with CP when ageing, and then to offer mechanistic hypotheses to explain those alterations. Many studies have compared individuals with CP to the typically developing population, yet the evolution with ageing has largely been understudied. Comorbid diagnoses comprise one of the potential determinants of motor function and gait decline with ageing in people with CP, with the first manifestations happening at an early age and worsening with ageing. Similarly, ageing appears to cause alterations to the neuromuscular and cardiovascular systems at an earlier age than their typically developing (TD) peers. Future studies should, however, try to better understand how the physiological particularities of CP change with ageing that could pave the way for better strategies for maintaining function and quality of life in people with CP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To explore if mean concentric velocity (MCV) of the last repetition before set failure differs between free-weight back squat protocols with greater emphasis on metabolic accumulation vs. mechanical loading. The between-set and between-day reliability of terminal MCV obtained with these different loading schemes was also determined. Methods: Fifteen healthy male participants (18–30 years) were included. They all were required to exhibit a relative strength ≥ 1.5 times their body mass. MCVs were obtained at one-repetition maximum (1RM) and with two submaximal protocols (metabolic emphasis: three sets of 40%1RM with blood-flow restriction vs. mechanical emphasis: three sets 80%1RM without blood-flow restriction). Participants were instructed to reach maximal intended concentric velocity in each repetition up to failure. Results: Set failure was achieved at a faster MCV with the metabolic protocol (p < 0.05). The reliability of MCV at failure reached higher values for the metabolic loading scheme. However, while the MCV achieved at failure during the metabolic protocol was systematically higher than the MCV at 1RM (p < 0.05), this was not entirely the case for the mechanical protocol (similar to 1RM MCV during the last sets in both testing days). Finally, the absolute error derived from estimating the MCV at 1RM based on the MCV obtained at set failure with the mechanical protocol was considerably high (≥ 0.05 m/s). Conclusion: This study indicates that MCV obtained at set failure is dependent on the specificity of the physiological demands of exercise. Thus, MCVs obtained at failure with submaximal loads should not be used to estimate 1RM MCV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Motivational dysfunctions related to effort exertion are common in psychiatric disorders. Dopamine systems regulate exertion of effort and effort-based choice in humans and rodents. Objectives: Previous rodent studies mainly employed male rats, and it is imperative to conduct studies in male and female rats. Methods: The present studies compared the effort-related effects of IP injections of the dopamine antagonists ecopipam and haloperidol, and the vesicular monoamine transport-2 inhibitor tetrabenazine (TBZ), in male and female rats using the fixed ratio 5/chow feeding choice task. Results: Ecopipam (0.05–0.2 mg/kg) and haloperidol (0.05–0.15 mg/kg) induced a low-effort bias, decreasing lever pressing and increasing chow intake in males and females in the same dose range. With lever pressing, there was a modest but significant dose x sex interaction after ecopipam injection, but there was no significant interaction after administration of haloperidol. In the first study with TBZ (0.25-1.0 mg/kg), there was a robust sex difference. TBZ shifted choice from lever pressing to chow intake in male rats, but was ineffective in females. In a second experiment, 2.0 mg/kg affected choice behavior in both males and females. TBZ increased accumbens c-Fos immunoreactivity in a sex-dependent manner, with males significantly increasing at 1.0 mg/kg, while females showed augmented immunoreactivity at 2.0 mg/kg. Conclusions: The neural and behavioral effects of TBZ differed across sexes, emphasizing the importance of conducting studies in male and female rats. This research has implications for understanding the effort-related motivational dysfunctions seen in psychopathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to utilize the nonnegative matrix factorization (NNMF) algorithm for muscle synergy analysis, extracting synergy structures and muscle weightings and mining biomarkers reflecting changes in muscle fatigue from these synergy structures. A leg press exercise to induce fatigue was performed by 11 participants. Surface electromyography (sEMG) data from seven muscles, electrocardiography (ECG) data, Borg CR-10 scale scores, and the z-axis acceleration of the weight block were simultaneously collected. Three indices were derived from the synergy structures: activation phase difference, coactivation area, and coactivation time. The indicators were further validated for single-leg landing. Differences in heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) were observed across different fatigue levels, with varying degrees of disparity. The median frequency (MDF) exhibited a consistent decline in the primary working muscle groups. Significant differences were noted in activation phase difference, coactivation area, and coactivation time before and after fatigue onset. Moreover, a significant correlation was found between the activation phase difference and the coactivation area with fatigue intensity. The further application of single-leg landing demonstrated the effectiveness of the coactivation area. These indices can serve as biomarkers reflecting simultaneous alterations in the central nervous system and muscle activity post-exertion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects women of childbearing age and has been reported to cause sexual dysfunction in women. Although there are articles on sexual function in women with SLE, the number of articles is small, and the factors affecting sexual function in women with SLE are controversial. Based on this, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in Chinese female SLE patients and to explore the factors that influence it. The study design was a cross-sectional study conducted from December 2023 to April 2024 in the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology of a tertiary hospital in Hefei, Anhui Province. A total of 293 female patients diagnosed with SLE were enrolled using face-to-face questionnaires and online questionnaires. The questionnaire consisted of four parts: general information questionnaire, fatigue severity scale (FSS), depression-anxiety-stress scale (DASS-21), and female sexual functioning index (FSFI) scale. A total of 173 (59.04%) patients had sexual dysfunction, including 251 (85.67%) with decreased libido and 186 (63.46%) with difficulty in sexual arousal. There was a correlation between the patients' total FSFI scores and age (p = 0.028), marital satisfaction (p < 0.001), own education level (p = 0.008), partner's education level (p = 0.003), place of residence (p = 0.039), monthly household income (p < 0.001), family financial satisfaction(p < 0.001), menstrual status (p = 0.003), hormone use (p = 0.021),immunosuppressant use (p = 0.042), disease activity (p = 0.016), FSS score (p < 0.001), stress score (p < 0.001), anxiety score (p < 0.001) and depression score (p < 0.001)were correlated. The results of stepwise regression analysis showed that marital satisfaction (b = 2.011, t = 3.797, p < 0.001), monthly household income (b = 0.854, t = 2.316, p = 0.021), menstrual status (b = 1.218, t = 2.350, p = 0.019), fatigue scale score (b = − 0.069, t = − 2.302, p = 0.022), and depression score (b = − 0.117, t = − 2.910, p = 0.004) were the influencing factors of FSFI total score, and the difference was statistically significant. The incidence of sexual dysfunction in Chinese female SLE patients is high, and medical personnel should pay more attention to patients' sexual problems, to provide theoretical and practical bases for further prevention, treatment, and care of sexual dysfunction in female SLE patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

UHPC and UHPFRC are distinguished materials that are utilised either partially as an overlay on an existing pavement or completely as a thin wearing slab over a base course in pavements. However, their full-scale structural applications are limited because of the significant amount of shrinkage and higher cost as compared to conventional concrete. In this article, to reduce shrinkage, UHPC and UHPFRC are developed using appreciable amount of 10 mm (nominal size) coarse aggregate by adjusting the mix of pavement quality concrete (PQC). In addition, their mechanical properties, abrasion, and shrinkage strains have been analysed. Further, extensive fatigue analysis of UHPC and UHPFRC was performed with significant number of samples. The results showed that UHPC mix exhibited a compressive strength of 100.21 MPa, a flexural strength of 11.41 MPa, and an abrasion resistance of 8.02% after 28 days of curing. Furthermore, its shrinkage strain was around 1841.51 µmm/mm. Notably, enhancements in strength properties were observed upon introducing 2.5% steel fibers by binder volume to the UHPC designated as the UHPFRC mixture. The abrasion resistance, compressive, and flexural strength increased by 20.55%, 40.24%, and 58.52%, respectively as compared to UHPC. Furthermore, the shrinkage strain decreased significantly by 96.9% compared to the base UHPC mixture. At stress levels of 0.55–0.95, UHPC showed a 72–166% longer fatigue life than PQC, but the failure pattern is the same. After addition of fibers to UHPC, fatigue life increased by 443–146% at the same stress levels compared to UHPC without fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the relationship was considered between the structure and cyclic loading resistance of a layered composite consisting of PEI (PEEK) plate/PEI (PEEK) film/PEI-impregnated carbon-fiber fabric prepreg/PEI (PEEK) film/PEI (PEEK) plate by analyzing the time variation in the parameters of mechanical hysteresis loops calculated using digital image correlation. It was shown that the polyetherimide-based layered composite has low fatigue life under cyclic loading (0.8 of the yield strength), resulting from incompatible deformation between the PEI plates and the prepreg due to a layer interface formed by low-melting TecaPEI film. In the PEEK layered composite, the layer interface was formed by neat PEEK energy director and therefore had a little amount of defects, due to which the load was well transferred from the PEEK plates to the middle reinforcement layer. As a result, the fatigue life at a load level of 0.8 of the yield strength corresponded to high-cycle fatigue (more than 86000 cycles). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social entrepreneurs strive to alleviate the suffering of people in need (targets). However, helping others may also cause social-venturing fatigue—mental or physical exhaustion that severely diminishes engagement in social-venturing activities. Understanding the development and outcomes of social-venturing fatigue is important because it can harm both the social entrepreneur's well-being and the venture's targets. Therefore, this paper develops a fatigue model of social venturing in which an entrepreneur's prosocial motivation drives his or her social-venturing effort. This effort can create benefits for targets but also generate social-venturing fatigue in the entrepreneur. Social-venturing fatigue triggers the entrepreneur's detachment from the targets and desensitization to their social problems, diminishes the entrepreneur's prosocial motivation for the targets, and/or leads the entrepreneur to exit social-venturing altogether. The entrepreneur's psychosocial resources, the salience of the targets' benefits, and the targets' feedback about progress in solving their problems moderate the impact of social-venturing effort in generating the entrepreneur's fatigue. Therefore, we provide new insights into (1) the antecedents and consequences of social-venturing fatigue; (2) why some social entrepreneurs start strong but their efforts diminish over time; and (3) how social venturing can help entrepreneurs build resources that protect them from fatigue. Plain English Summary: Social entrepreneurs can experience social-venturing fatigue that can lead them to become detached from those they are helping and may lead to venture exit. Social venturing can also provide psychosocial resources to avoid fatigue. In this paper, we explore how social entrepreneurs who run ventures to help others can experience social-venturing fatigue. The more motivated they are to help others the greater their effort, which might help the targets but can lead the entrepreneur to fatigue. Fatigued entrepreneurs can become detached from those they are helping and may even exit the social venture. But there are aspects of social venturing that can provide psychosocial resources to avoid fatigue. Our fatigue model of social venturing provides new insights into (1) the antecedents and consequences of social-venturing fatigue; (2) why some social entrepreneurs start strong but their efforts diminish over time; and (3) how social venturing can help entrepreneurs build resources that protect them from fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the declining birth rates and aging societies in developed countries, the average age of the working population is increasing. Older people tend to get tired more easily, so prevention of fatigue is important to improve the quality of life for older workers. This study aimed to assess the mechanism of fatigue in older people, especially focused on relation between dysfunction of erythrocyte and fatigue. Total power (TP), which is the value of autonomic nerve activity, was measured as a value of fatigue and significantly decreased in workers with aging. As properties of senescent erythrocytes, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and damaged erythrocytes population increased with aging and correlated with TP. These results suggested that the accumulation of damaged erythrocytes contributes to fatigue. Recent studies revealed that senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), a phenomenon in which senescent cells secrete a variety of cytokines, affected hematopoiesis in bone marrow. We analyzed the effects of SASP factors on erythropoiesis and found that Interleukin -1α (IL-1α) suppressed erythrocyte differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells in vitro. We also showed that IL-1α levels in human blood and saliva increase with aging, suggesting the possibility that IL-1α level in saliva can be used to predict the decline in hematopoietic function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tooth fracture failure modes in the spur gear tooth root are mainly influenced by the magnitude and positions of bending fatigue load along the gear face width. Numerous studies in the literature used 3D finite element (FE) models to analyze crack propagation, but they did not take into account the effect of the load distribution ratio (LDR) throughout the gear face width, either in a moving load model or a uniform load model. In this study, an effort is made to investigate the impact of LDR and Load Sharing Ratio (LSR) in the modeling of moving loads for various loading positions and measure the actual crack propagation behavior of a spur gear with a root fracture using the 3D FE technique. Further, the influences of FE spur gear models on the variation of Actual Load Distribution with the effect of LSR, Stress Intensity Factors (SIFs), and crack propagation paths are also studied. A 3D FE crack propagation modeling procedure is validated with the experimental results of the SAEJ1619 fatigue test procedure. The experimental investigation using standard SAEJ1619 fatigue test procedure shows that the symmetric crack propagation failure at the crack front of the spur gear tooth was observed for a given uniform bending fatigue load. The results show that the mode I SIFs (KI) and mode II SIFs (KII) are dominant at the crack opening displacement for the positions of moving load between the Highest Point of Single Tooth Contact (HPSTC) and Highest Point of Tooth Contact (HPTC) lines. But, the KII is highly influenced by KI for further crack growth when the load is moved to the HPSTC line than the HPTC line. This study provides the guidelines to predict the actual crack propagation path failure behavior for various positions of moving load for various gear drive systems with root crack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psychiatric mental health nurses often work in highly demanding environments and situations and are exposed to multiple work-based stressors simultaneously. We aimed to explore the influence of self-compassion on fatigue and psychological wellbeing, and to evaluate the possible contributing factors for self-compassion, fatigue, and psychological wellbeing among psychiatric nurses. A descriptive correlational study using a convenience sample was used to employ 50 psychiatric nurses. Participants categorized into three groups based on their scores on The Self-Compassion Scale (SCS-SF): Group 1: low self-compassion, Group 2: moderate self-compassion, and Group 3: high self-compassion. All participants were assessed by socio-demographic data questionnaire, Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), and Psychological Wellbeing Scale. Results: Regarding FAS and wellbeing, group 1 had the highest mean of both scores, whereas group 3 had the lowest mean of both scores. Psychiatric nurses with high self-compassion were significantly more likely to be male, have a lower overall fatigue score, and have better psychological wellbeing. Psychiatric nurses with high fatigue scores were more likely to be female, married, have diploma, have less self-compassion, and have poorer psychological wellbeing. Conclusions: Psychiatry nurses with higher self-compassion had lower fatigue score and better psychological wellbeing. Gender and education level were significant factors for self-compassion and fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of combined plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) and shot peening (SP) treatments on the axial fatigue strength of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The specimens were superficially treated with SP and PIII separately and in a combined way. The tensile–tensile fatigue behavior was investigated based on microstructural analysis, residual stress measurements, profilometry, Vickers microhardness, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Axial fatigue tests at room temperature were performed for the Ti-6Al-4V base material, PIII at 500 and 800 °C, SP process and the combination of both surface treatments. The residual stress measurements indicated that PIII treatment at 500 °C induced tensile residual stresses of 189 MPa on the material surface. The PIII treatment at 500 °C maintained the fatigue resistance of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy in the low-cycle fatigue region, while the PIII treatment at 800 °C reduced the fatigue life at all stress levels, from 32 to 96% reduction in lifetime. The combination of SP pretreatment and PIII treatment at 500 °C decreased the tensile residual stress value at the surface from 189 to 23 MPa, resulting in an improvement of the fatigue strength compared to only PIII treatment, for N = 106, the fatigue strength doubled in value. The analysis and tests presented in this work showed the potential of combining PIII and SP treatments to promote the surface protection without the substantial fatigue strength loss frequently associated to surface treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A breast cancer (BC) diagnosis may negatively affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, there are few comparisons of HRQoL at several time points for women with BC, and particular when subdivided into invasive and in situ tumors. The purpose of this study was to investigate various aspects of HRQoL in women recently diagnosed with invasive BC or ductal carcinoma in situ (in situ) compared to age-matched BC free controls in a population-wide sample recruited through the Cancer Registry of Norway. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized HRQoL data collected in 2020–2022 from a digital survey including 4117 cases (3867 women with invasive BC and 430 with in situ) and 2911 controls. HRQoL was assessed ≥ 21 days after diagnosis, using EORTC QLQ-C30. This includes scores assessing global quality of life (gHRQoL) and HRQoL functions and symptoms. Multivariable regression analyses were used to compare HRQoL between cases and controls and to identify factors associated with gHRQoL and fatigue. Additionally, HRQoL 14 months after diagnosis was analyzed in 1989 of the included cases and in 1212 of the controls. Score differences of ≥ 10 points were considered clinically relevant and thus presented in the results. Results: Invasive BC cases had lower gHRQoL, role- and social functioning in addition to more fatigue than controls. In situ cases had lower role—and social functioning than controls. Invasive BC cases scored worse than in situ on all domains, but the differences were not considered clinically relevant. Physical activity was associated with better gHRQoL and less fatigue in invasive BC, in situ and controls. Both invasive BC and in situ cases improved their role- and social functioning scores from diagnosis to 14 months follow-up, however no improvement was seen for fatigue. Conclusion: Women with invasive BC and in situ reported lower role- and social functioning scores than controls right after diagnosis with improvements 14 months after diagnosis. Physical activity was associated with better gHRQoL and less fatigue and should, whenever possible, play a key role in the care for BC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To develop a PRO assessment of multidimensional cancer-related fatigue based on the PROMIS fatigue assessments. Method: Cancer patients reporting fatigue were recruited from a comprehensive cancer care center and completed a survey including 39 items from the PROMIS Cancer Item Bank-Fatigue. Component and factor structures of the fatigue items were explored with Monte Carlo parallel factor and Mokken analyses, respectively. Psychometric properties were determined using item response theory, ensuring unidimensionality, scalability, and item independence. Results: Fatigue scores from a sample of 333 fatigued cancer patients (mean age = 59.50, SD = 11.62, 67% women) were used in all scale development analyses. Psychometric analyses yielded 3 dimensions: motivational fatigue (15 items), cognitive fatigue (9 items), and physical fatigue (9 items). The subscales showed strong unidimensionality, were scalable, and were free of differential item function. Confirmatory factor analyses in a new sample of 182 patients confirmed the findings. Conclusion: The resulting 33-item PROMIS multidimensional cancer-related fatigue (mCRF) form provides a novel measure for the assessment of the different dimensions of cancer-related fatigue. It is the only multidimensional scale specific for cancer patients that has been developed using modern psychometric approaches. With its 3 dimensions (motivational, cognitive, and physical fatigue), this scale accurately captures the fatigue experienced by cancer patients, allowing clinicians to optimize fatigue management and improve patient care. The scale could also advance research on the nature and experience of cancer-related fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatigue is a common and debilitating symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, after over 100 years of inquiry its definition, measurement and understanding remains elusive. This paper describes the challenges clinicians and researchers face when assessing and treating MS patients, as well as our understanding of neural mechanisms involved in fatigue. Challenges for the future are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Our study aimed to identify alterations in sleep, inflammatory mediators, fatigue and quality of life in women with dysmenorrhea and compare them to women without dysmenorrhea. Methods: The sample comprised 328 women from a Brazilian cross-sectional sleep study, EPISONO (2007), who had undergone 1-night polysomnography (PSG) type I and completed questionnaires related to sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and quality of life. Blood samples were used to assess levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and C-reactive protein (CRP). The 2 groups were distributed based on the presence or absence of dysmenorrhea symptoms. Results: Sleep efficiency was significantly lower in the group of women with dysmenorrhea (82.5% ± 13.8) compared to the non-dysmenorrhea group (86.2% ± 10.9). Dysmenorrhea was associated with significantly higher scores of fatigue and worse scores in the physical quality of life. No statistical differences were detected in inflammatory markers between the 2 groups. Discussion: Fatigue and physical quality of life were presented in women with dysmenorrhea, as was reduced sleep efficiency, although no alteration on inflammatory markers were observed. Conclusion: These findings show that dysmenorrhea can have a deleterious effect on women's sleep, with repercussions on daily routines and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared brain glucose metabolism using FDG-PET in the caudate nucleus, putamen, globus pallidus, thalamus, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) among patients with Long COVID, patients with fatigue, people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) patients with fatigue, and COVID recovered controls. PwMS exhibited greater hypometabolism compared to long COVID patients with fatigue and the COVID recovered control group in all studied brain areas except the globus pallidus (effect size range 0.7–1.5). The results showed no significant differences in glucose metabolism between patients with Long COVID and the COVID recovered control group in these regions. These findings suggest that long COVID fatigue may involve non-CNS systems, neurotransmitter imbalances, or psychological factors not captured by FDG-PET, while MS-related fatigue is associated with more severe frontal-striatal circuit dysfunction due to demyelination and neurodegeneration. Symmetrical standardized uptake values (SUVs) between hemispheres in all groups imply that fatigue in these conditions may be related to global or network-level alterations rather than hemisphere-specific changes. Future studies should employ fine-grained analysis methods, explore other brain regions, and control for confounding factors to better understand the pathophysiology of fatigue in MS and long COVID. Longitudinal studies tracking brain glucose metabolism in patients with Long COVID could provide insights into the evolution of metabolic patterns as the condition progresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fatigue is significant in the context of Parkinson's disease (PD), considering that one-third of patients classify it as the most restricting symptom in their daily life activities (DLAs). The objective was to verify the relationship (association) between fatigue and non-motor and motor symptoms of PD. Methods: A cross-sectional study which included 100 individuals with PD. Initially, demographic and clinical data (modified Hoehn and Yahr scale—HY, anxiety, and depression) were collected. To assess the non-motor and motor symptoms of PD, the Movement Disorders Society—Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) was applied. Fatigue was evaluated using the Parkinson Fatigue Scale. Results: A higher HY score, greater severity of non-motor aspects of DLAs and motor aspects of DLAs, more motor complications, and higher levels of anxiety as well as depression were observed in the "fatigue" group. Fatigue was associated with a lower daily equivalent levodopa dose (LEDD), a higher body mass index (BMI), anxiety, depression, and the presence of non-motor symptoms. Conclusion: Non-motor symptoms are more determining factors for fatigue than the motor condition itself, with an association between fatigue and higher BMI scores, increased anxiety and depression, lower LEDD, and greater severity of non-motor aspects of DLAs. Individuals in the "fatigue" group had higher HY scores, anxiety, and depression, worse non-motor and motor symptoms related to experiences of daily life, as well as motor complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Evidence of mental fatigue (MF) effects on dynamic strength performance and psychological responses is scarce and controversial. Thus, we examined whether highly demand cognitive task-induced MF influenced dynamic strength endurance performance and psychological responses to exercise. Methods: After familiarizations with standardized protocols and procedures, 12 strength-trained individuals (24 ± 6 years; 1.77 ± 0.04 m; 79.0 ± 14.7 kg) completed two experimental trials in a randomized, crossover counterbalanced fashion. In each trial, participants performed a 5-set dynamic strength endurance test at 70% of one-repetition maximum load in bench press exercise, interspersed by 2 min. Before the strength endurance test, participants either performed a 30 min cognitive task (i.e. MF trial) or sat quietly (i.e., control trial—CON) for equal time. The total number of repetitions and psychological responses such as motivation, emotional arousal, affect, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were obtained throughout the exercise protocol. Results: MF impaired the total number of repetitions (p = 0.042; ES = 0.17; − 4 ± 5 repetitions; − 5.9 ± 11.9%) compared to CON. However, comparable psychological responses were observed between MF and CON trials in motivation, emotional arousal, affect, and RPE (all comparisons, p > 0.05). Conclusions: These results have important implications for exercise training and performance assessment in both athletic and clinical populations aiming at increases in muscle strength and hypertrophy in response to strength training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine whether a period of high intensity intermittent training (HIIT) training influences aerobic and anaerobic performance in elite Karate athletes. Sixteen elite karate athletes volunteered to participate in this study. The athletes were randomly and gender-specifically divided into high intensity intermittent training (HIIT) group performed three times/week in addition to normal training for 6 weeks, and a traditional training (TT) group completing regular karate training. Body composition and maximal oxygen consumption as well as muscle power, speed, agility, and anaerobic power variables were assessed before and after the intervention. In addition, the blood lactate levels were measured in rest, after a warm-up period, and immediately, 5, 30, and 60 min after a Wingate test. The level of significance set ρ ≤ 0.05 for the study. A significant difference was observed in VO2max between HIIT and TT groups in post-test (p = 0.006). Furthermore, a significant difference observed between the muscle power (p = 0.001), speed (p = 0.013), agility (p = 0.004), peak power (PP) (p = 0.002), average power (AP) (p = 0.004), VO2max (p = 0.002), and level of the blood lactate concentration 60 min after Wingate test (p = 0.001) in HIIT group from pre- to post-test. A time × group interaction in muscle power (p = 0.001), speed (p = 0.021), and VO2max (p = 0.005) was observed. HIIT positively influences aerobic and anaerobic power in elite karate athletes compared to TT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy continue to experience significant fatigue, which affects their quality of life. The present study aims to evaluate the combined effect of comprehensive physical exercise, pranayama (regulated breathing practices of yoga), and dietary support intervention on fatigue in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: Non-advanced adult cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy (N = 52) were randomized into the intervention group (N = 26) or control group (N = 26). Fatigue assessment was done using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT) Fatigue Scale (version 4) at baseline and after 3 months. The intervention group participants practiced physical exercise, slow-paced pranayama and supplemented their diet with an intake of 100 g of millet protein powder (MPP), commonly known as “Sattu” in India. The control group received standard medical care. Results: A total of 39 patients (N = 13 in the intervention and N = 26 in the control group) were included in the statistical analysis. Within the intervention group, a statistically significant reduction in fatigue (p = 0.002) with a large effect size (d = 2.1) was observed. There was no statistically significant reduction in fatigue within the control group (p = 0.36). The group comparison showed a statistically significant reduction in post-scores of fatigue (p < 0.0001) in the intervention group as compared to the control group with a moderate effect size (R = 0.1). No unintended adverse effects related to the intervention were observed. Conclusion: The results suggest the potential role of integrated physical exercise, pranayama, and dietary support in reducing fatigue in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Further validation with a larger sample size is required. Trial registration: CTRI/2022/04/041717 [Registered prospectively on 07/04/2022]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To systematically review and meta-analyse the efficacy of resistance training on quality of life (QOL), fatigue, physical function, and muscular strength in people diagnosed with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: Electronic databases PubMed, Cochrane Central, CINAHL, SCOPUS and Web of Science were systematically searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the effects of resistance training to control on QOL, fatigue, physical function, and lower-body and upper-body muscular strength in adults undergoing chemotherapy. Standardised mean differences (SMDs) were pooled using a random effects model. Risk of bias was assess using the risk of bias tool for randomised trials (RoB 2). Results: Seven RCTs encompassing 561 participants were included. The pooled results of seven RCTs showed that resistance training during chemotherapy significantly improved lower-body strength (n = 555, SMD 0.33, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.53, moderate-quality evidence, I2 = 23%) compared to control. There was no evidence for an effect of resistance training on QOL (n = 373, SMD 0.13, 95% CI -0.15 to 0.42, low-quality evidence, I2 = 0%), fatigue (n = 373, SMD -0.08, 95% CI -0.37 to 0.22, low-quality evidence, I2 = 20%), physical function (n = 198, SMD 0.61, 95% CI -0.73 to 1.95, very low-quality evidence, I2 = 83%), or upper-body strength (n = 413, SMD 0.37, 95% CI -0.07 to 0.80, very low-quality evidence, I2 = 69%). Conclusions: Resistance training may improve lower-body strength in patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment compared to control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Al2618 high-strength aluminum alloy was subjected to precipitation hardening at T6 tempering conditions to improve its mechanical properties for employing it as the spacecraft skin material. Nine specimens of Al2618 artificially aged alloy were prepared according to the ASTM-E606/E606M-12 standard and tested through the S-N curve method. It resulted in the fatigue strength of Al2618 being 150 MPa, which is better than the existing Al2024-T3 alloy by about 8.7%. An increment of 59.9% and 3.2% of fatigue life and fatigue strength for the infinite fatigue life of the alloy was identified through the Basquin Equation and Kohout-Věchet method, respectively, in correspondence with Al2024-T3. The fractographic analysis of the broken materials was investigated with the support of SEM images; the failure mechanism and causes for the failures were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research delves into the fatigue resistance, creep behaviour, and flammability characteristics of epoxy composites toughened with Digitaria ischaemum fibres and finger millet husk biosilica. The main objective of this research study was to extract novel natural fibre and filler from biomass wastes and examine their influence on the load bearing properties of epoxy-based composite. The study begins with synthesis of reinforcements and fabrication of composite plates, inclusion of finger millet husk biosilica of 1, 3, 5 vol.% and fibre of 30 vol.% by hand layup method. The tests were conducted as per American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. The evaluation provided critical insights that the influence of fibre and biosilica improved the fatigue resistance. The composite N3 with 3 vol.% biosilica and 30 vol.% of fibre exhibited higher fatigue cycle count of 24,093 for 30% of ultimate tensile stress (UTS). Similarly, creep results elucidate that the N4 composite designation delivers low creep strain about 0.0108, 0.0132, 0.0154, 0.0248, and 0.045 for time intervals of 2000, 4000, 6000, 8000, and 10,000 s, respectively. Moreover, it is noted that the presence of biosilica reduced the flammability of composites. The N4 composite designation exhibits comparatively low flame propagation speed of 6.8 mm/min with V-0 grade. The ANOVA results concluded that the results obtained are significant with a P value of 2.7e − 8. Based on the results the novel cellulose fibre improved the load bearing effect along with biosilica of 3 vol.%. However, beyond 3 vol.% of biosilica reduced the load bearing properties. The findings underscore the potential of these composites as sustainable, durable, and fire-safe alternatives for applications ranging from structural engineering to automotives, drones, and defence sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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By means of microstructure observation and mechanical property tests, the influence of the laser pulse energy of the laser shock processing (LSP) on the surface residual stress, microstructure, microhardness and fatigue limits of the M50 steel was studied. Results show that when the laser pulse energy increases from 4, 6 to 8 J, the surface damage of the sample becomes more and more pronounced, which gradually changes from pits to long-strip ravines. LSP increases the hardness of the steel, the maximum hardness occurs on the impact surface, and the microhardness gradually decreases as the distance from the impact surface increases. When the laser pulse energy rises from 4 to 8 J, the maximum hardness of the surface increases from 741 to 845 HV1, which are 2.90 and 11.33% higher than the steel matrix respectively. The depth of the hardened layer of the samples produced by LSP is also deepened when the laser pulse energy increases. The hardened layer depth is approximately 0.3 mm when the laser pulse energy is 4 and 6 J, which reaches 0.5 mm when the laser pulse energy is 8 J. LSP generates residual compressive stresses of − 423, − 565 and − 809 MPa on the surface of the samples when the laser pulse energy are 4, 6 and 8 J respectively. The residual compressive stresses can inhibit the expansion of cracks, so that the steel is less prone to fracture, and thereby the fatigue limit of the steel is increased by 45.95% from 740 MPa of the sample without LSP to 1080 MPa after LSP with the laser pulse energy of 8 J. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Multiple effective nursing interventions are needed to manage deviations from normal vital signs and fatigue experienced by kidney transplant patients. In this study, we investigated the effect of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) exercises on vital signs and fatigue in kidney transplant patients. Method: We conducted a randomized controlled experimental study with 52 patients (intervention = 26, control = 26) who underwent kidney transplantation at a university hospital in Turkey and met the inclusion criteria. The "Descriptive Characteristics Form", "Vital Signs Monitoring Form", and "Fatigue Severity Scale" were used to record data on the patients. Then, the patients in the intervention group (baseline assessment) were trained to perform PMR exercises, asked to practice, and followed up (first follow-up). Patients were recommended to perform PMR exercises for 20 min every day for four weeks. The second follow-up in the second week after discharge and the third follow-up at the end of the fourth week were performed in the outpatient clinic. Results: We found that the pulse rate, body temperature, and arterial blood pressure decreased over time and oxygen saturation increased in the patients of the intervention group. The PMR exercises decreased fatigue in these patients. The arterial blood pressure and oxygen saturation values differed significantly across different time points among the patients in the control group. The difference in the scores of fatigue severity between the pre-follow-up and the third follow-up in the control group was not significant. Conclusion: PMR exercises were found to be an effective nursing intervention in regulating vital signs and reducing fatigue in renal transplant patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This narrative umbrella review evaluates the efficacy of recovery strategies for elite winter sports athletes by comparing their scientific and clinical validity. It aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for coaches and athletes, preparing them for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic Games through a critical evaluation of various post-training and competition recovery methods. Methods: This narrative umbrella review involved a systematic literature search on PubMed, focusing on recent meta-analyses and review articles related to recovery strategies. Special emphasis was placed on their practical applications to ensure the findings are relevant to real-world settings. Results: The study examined multiple recovery strategies, including sleep, nutrition, and physical methods, revealing a general scarcity of high-quality studies and insufficient control over placebo effects. A key finding emphasizes the crucial roles of nutrition and sleep in the recovery process, highlighting the need for personalized recovery plans tailored to the athlete's and sport's specific demands. The effectiveness of physical recovery methods varied, with some demonstrating significant benefits in specific contexts (e.g., massage and cold-water immersion to alleviate muscle pain and fatigue), whereas others (e.g., stretching and sauna) lacked robust evidence of their efficacy as recovery methods. Conclusion: This paper presents recommendations for optimizing recovery strategies in elite winter sports, focusing on the specific demands of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic Games. It provides a framework for athletes and coaches aiming to enhance performance recovery and achieve optimal athletic condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: People with neurocognitive disorders often exhibit poorer mobility. In this context, factors that can alter physical functioning should be carefully addressed. This study aimed to examine the associations of apathy and fatigue characterized by difficulties in initiating activities with physical capacities and daily physical activity. Method: A 10 m walk test (10MWT), a Timed Up and Go test (TUG), a 6 min walk test (6MWT), and ambulatory actigraphy were performed among 56 older adults with mild neurocognitive disorders (age = 78.5 ± 5.6 years). Apathy and fatigue were measured using the Apathy Inventory and the Fatigue Severity Scale. Associations were tested using linear regressions. Results: Apathy was associated with the TUG (β = 0.35, p < 0.01), the 6MWT (β = − 0.34, p < 0.01), sedentary (β = 0.42, p < 0.01), and moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity (β = − 0.39, p < 0.01) after controlling for cognitive impairment. Fatigue was associated with all tests of physical capacity (10MWT, β = 0.43, TUG, β = 0.35, 6MWT, β = − 0.49, p < 0.01) and the moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity (β = − 0.40, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Present results suggest that both apathy and fatigue are associated with changes in physical capacities and daily physical activity in older adult with mild neurocognitive disorders. Thus, they should be carefully assessed and treated, notably by putting in place strategies targeting physical functioning. Trial registration : NCT04573712, 2020-10-06 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the potential categories and influencing factors of fatigue trajectory in maintenance haemodialysis patients. Methods: Between June 2023 and December 2023, a convenience sample of 306 maintenance haemodialysis patients in a tertiary hospital haemodialysis centre in Zhenjiang City was selected as the study population, and patient information was collected monthly after the baseline survey using the General Information Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Scale, Piper Fatigue Revision Scale, Collaborative Social Support Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale, Comprehensive Economic Toxicity Rating Scale, and Fear of Disease Progression Simplified Scale, for a total of six follow-up visits. In addition, the potential category growth model was used to identify the developmental trajectory of fatigue, and univariate analysis and binary logistic regression were used to analyse its determinants. Results: The 6 month fatigue trajectory of maintenance haemodialysis patients could be divided into two categories: persistent low-fatigue group (59.8%) and fluctuating high-fatigue group (40.2%). Age, surgical history, level of social support, sleep, economic toxicity, and changes in ultrafiltration volume during dialysis were the influencing factors for repeated fatigue in maintenance haemodialysis patients (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The fatigue trajectory of maintenance haemodialysis patients is heterogeneous, suggesting that clinical workers should focus on the haemodialysis patients with repeated fatigue and make targeted interventions to improve their fatigue status and reduce the occurrence of adverse events in patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study examined the relationships between a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) rs6265 and psychoneurological (PN) symptoms in female cancer survivors. Methods: This secondary analysis examined 393 study participants. In addition to demographic variables, self-reported PN symptom scores (anxiety, bodily pain, depression, fatigue, neuropathic pain, and sleep disturbance) were collected using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey. Buccal swab samples were collected to obtain genotypes for BDNF rs6265 (Val/Val, Val/Met, or Met/Met). The PN symptom scores were compared across genotypes, and the relationships were examined using a regression model. We also explored correlations between different symptoms within each genotype. Results: Participants with the Met/Met genotype reported significantly worse cancer-related fatigue and neuropathic pain, which was confirmed by rank-based regression analysis. In addition, cancer-related fatigue was correlated with other PN symptoms, particularly depression. These correlations were stronger in study participants with the Met/Met genotype than those with other genotypes. Conclusion: Our study suggests that female cancer survivors with the Met/Met genotype of BDNF rs6265 are likely to experience worse cancer-related fatigue and neuropathic pain and that cancer-related fatigue is a good predictor of co-occurring PN symptoms in this population. Implications for Cancer Survivors: Our findings advance the scientific community's understanding of cancer-related PN symptoms experienced by female cancer survivors, especially the unique role of BDNF rs6265 polymorphism in these symptoms. Our findings offer valuable insights for clinical practice that the symptom experience among female cancer survivors may vary based on BDNF genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although driving to and from work is an unavoidable part of the working life of many people, little is known about the relationship between work-related and drive-related cognitive load in daily commuting. To explore those relationships, Study 1 examined the effect of a demanding driving period on the performance of a subsequent cognitive task (mimicking a home-to-work commuting scenario). That driving-related higher cognitive load than the control condition was associated with an increased accuracy in the following cognitive task. Study 2 examined the effects of a period of demanding cognitive tasks on the performance of a subsequent driving task (mimicking a work-to-home commuting scenario). Although no reliable effect on speed or lane keeping ability in a virtual motorway scenario was observed, the completion of tasks under the higher cognitive load condition before driving led to a modest increase in the distance kept from the car ahead. The two sets of findings suggest that moderate levels of cognitive load could modulate the performance in timely contiguous tasks. The process underpinning possible spillover effects with such timestamp is unknow but might be linked to the activation of long-lasting attentional processes involving alertness. Hence, this exploratory study can be a catalyst for future studies investigating the interplay between cognitive load and driving in scenarios of daily commuting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Explicit correlations were established between surface integrity (SI) characteristics (roughness, microhardness, residual stresses) obtained via surface cold working (SCW) and bending fatigue limit of chromium-nickel austenitic stainless steels (CNASS). The SCW was implemented via hardening DB, and the treated CNASS was AISI 304. Based on the correlations obtained, a simplified optimization approach to achieving the maximum fatigue limit without carrying out fatigue tests was developed. Five roughness parameters that are functionally significant indicators of fatigue behavior, microhardness, and surface residual axial and hoop stresses form the vector of objective functions. The governing factors are the burnishing force and the number of passes. The fatigue limit was obtained by the accelerated Locati's method. The SI models and the fatigue limit were obtained by a planned experiment and regression analyses. The correlations between SI characteristics and the fatigue limit were obtained by eliminating the variables in the corresponding pairs of models. The change trends of the microhardness and fatigue limit were found to be identical, i.e., the fatigue limit of CNASS can be controlled via inexpensively measured SI characteristics such as roughness parameters and surface microhardness. In other words, the essence of the proposed approach is that any static cold working process can be optimized without carrying out fatigue tests by choosing these SI characteristics as objective functions and seeking a compromise optimal solution that simultaneously achieves high values of the microhardness and skewness and a low value of the roughness parameter Ra. Given the explicit correlation between the microhardness and the fatigue limit, the compromise optimal solution maximizes the fatigue limit while satisfying the particular roughness requirements. The multi-objective optimization performed and comparisons made prove the effectiveness of the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The time-dependent effects in steel-concrete composite beam bridges can intensify track irregularities, subsequently leading to amplified train-bridge coupling vibrations. This phenomenon may increase the stress amplitudes in the bridge steel, thereby impacting the fatigue performance of the composite structures. This paper employs multiple rigid body dynamics to construct a high-speed train model and utilizes the finite element method to develop a steel-concrete composite beam element model that accounts for time-dependent effects, interfacial slip, and shear hysteresis. This approach enables the computational analysis of the train-bridge coupling system, facilitating an investigation into the influence of concrete's time-dependent effects on the fatigue performance of railway steel-concrete composite bridges. Focusing on a 40-m simply supported composite bridge, the train-bridge coupling dynamic responses were computed for each operational year within a decade of the completion of construction. Applying the P-M linear fatigue damage accumulation theory, statistical analysis of stress history data across various operational periods was conducted to quantify the fatigue damage induced by a single eight-car high-speed train on the lower flange of the mid-span steel beam and the beam-end studs. The findings reveal that the beam-end studs sustain greater damage than the mid-span steel beam. Moreover, the detrimental impact of time-dependent effects diminishes with the increase of operational years. Notably, compared to the initial year, the fatigue damage to the lower flange of the mid-span steel beam by an eight-car train in the tenth year has surged by 39.3%. Conversely, the damage to the beam-end studs has decreased by 47.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the researchers of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of care given in line with Levine's conservation model in reducing the risk of postpartum depression. There were 56 participants in the experimental group and 56 participants in the control group. To reduce postpartum depression, a nursing care program was created by examining the theoretical structure of Levine's Conservation Model. Seven home visits were paid and a nursing care program was implemented. The first four home visits were paid once a week and the remaining three home visits were paid every 15 days. The women were given trainings on different subjects during each home visits. All the trainings were given in accordance with each conservation model. During the fourth home visit, the researcher who was a Pilates instructor taught the puerperae how to do Pilates exercises by demonstrating the exercises. It was determined that in the puerperae in the experimental group, sleep quality improved, that their postpartum fatigue decreased and energy increased, and that their risk of developing postpartum depression decreased. Holistic care given based on Levine's Conservation model improves symptoms of insomnia, fatigue and depression in postpartum women. Levine's Conservation model can be used in routine care to reduce physical, psychological and social problems experienced by women in the postpartum period. Highlights: • Nursing interventions can prevent the risk of developing postpartum depression by detecting women with postpartum depressive symptoms in the early period. • Holistic nursing care given for 3 months under the guidance of Levine's Conservation Model reduced the risk of developing depression by eliminating the insomnia and fatigue of the puerperal women. • Training on breastfeeding, hygiene, nutrition and pilates exercises given to women with postpartum depressive symptoms and keeping a diary relieved women psychologically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the mechanical, fatigue, dynamic mechanical and creep properties of vinyl based composites reinforced using Amaranthus viridis root hair cellulose and pineapple fibe. The cellulose was produced via thermo-chemical route and the composites were manufactured using pineapple fibe mat. The composites were prepared via hand layup method and tested using ASTM standards. Results revealed that among various composite designations, the composite contains fibe and 2 vol% of cellulose showcasing a tensile strength of 175 MPa, flexural strength of 205 MPa, compression strength of 188 MPa, interlaminar shear strength of 24.7 MPa and Izod impact strength of 6.03 J. Moreover, the composite demonstrated exceptional fatigue resistance, with fatigue life counts of 39,749, 34,411 and 28,260 cycles for 25%, 50%, and 75% of ultimate tensile strength. Nevertheless, an increase in the volume percentage of cellulose up to 4 vol% resulted in a decline in both mechanical and fatigue life counts. However the dynamic mechanical analysis of composite contains 4 vol% of cellulose revealed an improved storage modulus of 5.61 GPa with a loss factor of 0.37. Additionally, the composite demonstrated diminished creep strain values of 0.0007, 0.0022, and 0.0057 for time durations of 5000 s, 10000 s, and 15000 s, respectively. Finally, the scanning electron microscopy images revealed highly reached phases of cellulose within the matrix and effective reinforcement effect. Thus it is clear that the addition of cellulose along with natural fibe improved the load bearing properties and overall structural integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was based on an epoxy hybrid biocomposite made of silane-treated goat tanned leather that had been toughened with treated chitosan carbohydrate polymer (CCP) and areca fiber that had been treated with silane. The objective was to examine how silane-treated CCP and a hybrid type of fiber and leather enhance the epoxy biocomposite's mechanical and impact toughness. Aqueous solution silane treatment was used to treat the fiber and tanned leather, and the hand layup method was used to create the composites. The mechanical characteristics of the composite material Areca/Leather/Areca (ALA2) with addition 1.0 vol.% of CCP results in improvements to the maximum tensile, flexural, strength and modulus, Izod impact toughness, and hardness test values of 172 MPa, 4.98 GPa, 208 MPa, 5.30 GPa, 7.0 J, and 87 Shore D. The hybrid form of fiber and leather increased the low-velocity impact maximum up to 10.5 J and 11.3 J for reinforcements that were as-received and those had been surface treated as well as introduced with 1.0 vol.% of CCP, respectively. The addition by 1.0 vol.% of CCP for the ALA staking sequence resulted in a maximum fatigue life count of 32847. The composite designation ALA2 is therefore advised for further application, and it is suggested that Areca/Leather/Areca hybrid layup sequences with silane-treated 1.0 vol.% CCP produce the best results. In both surface-treated and as-received conditions, the ALA layup sequences outperformed other composite designations. When a high impact toughening effect is required, such composite materials with higher impact toughness and toughness may be used in the defense, automobile, drone, and structural industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research study effect of silane-treated pectin biopolymer from waste dragon fruit peel as filler in the vinyl based composite and its resistance against to load bearing properties when the composite under aging condition. Pectin biopolymer is extracted from dragon fruit peel and pineapple leaf fibre is reinforced into the composite. Both fibre and filler undergo silane treatment to enhance bonding strength. The composite is developed through a hand layup process, and compositional values are documented. The compositesare undergoes temperature aging at 60 °C for 30, 60, and 90 days in a hot air oven. According to results notably, specimen D2 shows minimal reduction in mechanical strength even after 90 days of temperature aging. The tensile strength remained at 118 MPa, flexural strength at 158 MPa, ILSS at 24 MPa, V-notch shear strength at 21.2 MPa, Izod impact at 4.77 J, and hardness at 77 Shore-D. This resilience suggests that the silane treatment on both fibre and pectin played a pivotal role in preserving the mechanical integrity of the composite material, even under prolonged thermal weakening. Similar improvements were observed in fatigue life counts too. The silane treated pectin adhere the fibre and resin well and maintain high structural rigidity. SEM analysis also revealed adhesion improved fibre, improved toughness with fibre, fibre breakage, and minimalfibrepull-out. Overall, these findings offer insights into enhancing composite material properties through the strategic use of silane-treated pectin biopolymer and pineapple fibre reinforcement when aiming for varying in temperature applicable zones such as automotives, structural and drones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fatigue is an important symptom for most patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). The FACIT-Fatigue is a 13-item patient-reported outcome (PRO) instrument that has been used in axSpA clinical trials to measure fatigue severity and impact on daily activities. However, the psychometric properties of the FACIT-Fatigue are not fully evaluated across the entire spectrum of axSpA including non-radiographic axSpA (nr-axSpA) and radiographic axSpA (r-axSpA). This study determined: (1) the psychometric properties of the FACIT-Fatigue in nr-axSpA, r-axSpA, and the broad axSpA population and (2) FACIT-Fatigue scores representing meaningful within-patient change (MWPC), meaningful between-group differences, and cross-sectional severity bands. Methods: Data from two Phase 3 trials in adults with nr-axSpA (BE MOBILE 1; N = 254) and r-axSpA (BE MOBILE 2; N = 332) were analyzed pooled and separately to assess the psychometric properties of the FACIT-Fatigue. MWPC and meaningful between-group difference estimates were derived using anchor-based and distribution-based methods. Cross-sectional fatigue severity bands were estimated using logistic regression analysis. Results: The FACIT-Fatigue presented good internal consistency, adequate convergent and known-groups validity, and was sensitive to change over time across the full axSpA spectrum. A 5–11-point increase in FACIT-Fatigue score was estimated to represent a MWPC, with an 8-point increase selected as the responder definition. A 2.14–5.34-point difference in FACIT-Fatigue score change over a 16-week period was estimated to represent a small-to-medium meaningful between-group difference. FACIT-Fatigue score severity bands were defined as: none or minimal (>40), mild (>30 to ≤40), moderate (>21 to ≤30), and severe (≤21). Conclusions: These findings support the use of the FACIT-Fatigue as a fit-for-purpose measure to assess fatigue-related treatment benefit in axSpA clinical trials. The proposed score estimates and thresholds can guide FACIT-Fatigue score interpretation across the full axSpA spectrum. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.Gov, NCT03928704. Registered 26 April 2019—Retrospectively registered, https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03928704. ClinicalTrials.Gov, NCT03928743. Registered 26 April 2019—Retrospectively registered, https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03928743. Plain English summary: Fatigue is common in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA)—a painful, chronic disease that mainly affects the joints of the spine. Measuring fatigue in clinical trials is important to see if new treatments for axSpA help reduce this symptom. This study investigated whether a patient-completed measure of fatigue, the 'FACIT-Fatigue', is suitable for use by patients with either of the two main types of axSpA—radiographic axSpA (r-axSpA) and non-radiographic axSpA (nr-axSpA). This study was needed because we did not know if the FACIT-Fatigue is valid and reliable in both axSpA subtypes and because we are lacking information to interpret the FACIT-Fatigue score in axSpA. Psychometric analysis of clinical trial data showed that the FACIT-Fatigue accurately measures fatigue severity in both types of axSpA. The study additionally pinpointed what change in FACIT-Fatigue score can be used to define whether a treatment has reduced fatigue in a patient, or what constitutes a meaningful between-group difference. It also identified severity score bands that can be used to classify patients into those with no, mild, moderate, or severe fatigue. These findings support using the FACIT-Fatigue in axSpA clinical trials to measure how well treatments reduce fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanium plasma-sprayed (TPS) porous coatings have been used in total hip arthroplasty for decades. They are considered reliable, and very few failure cases have been described so far. This retrieval study described a series of 20 acetabular components—where total or partial debonding occurred during in vivo use and aimed to explain the underlying failure mechanisms. Implants were examined using optical and electron microscopy (SEM), metallographic sections of retrievals were prepared while pathologic samples of periprosthetic tissues were examined for presence of wear debris. Data from metallographic slides indicated that debonding was initiated at free borders of the coating and tended to progress at the interface between the TPS layer and the shell. In some cases, total debonding occurred leading material wear of both the TPS layer and acetabular shell leading to massive release of metallic debris and accelerated polyethylene wear in third body mechanism. SEM examination demonstrated that splats forming the TPS layer exhibited features suggesting a high temperature gradient between the plasma sprayed layer and the substrate material existed, leading to porosity of splats and suboptimal bonding strength. This study demonstrated that coating application parameters and certain design features (screw holes, fins) may promote long-term failure due to debonding. Surgeons should be aware of this complication as it is most likely underreported, while manufacturers should consider more rigorous pre-clinical testing as suboptimal coating bonding may result in failures during long-term clinical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]