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This paper researches ilmenite-type [(Mg1-xMnx)0.95Zn0.05]TiO3 dielectrics synthesized by the solid-state reaction method and the influence of Mg2⁺ by Mn2⁺ on the physical characterization, such as microstructure, crystallization, Raman spectra, and microwave dielectric properties, was investigated systematically. The microstructures and phases of the synthesized dielectrics were meticulously analyzed using EDS, SEM, XRD, XPS, and Raman spectroscopy. Optimization of the process conditions revealed that sintering temperature and time significantly impact the microwave dielectric properties, and further tuning Mn2⁺ doping concentration x can obtain the wide-range quality factor. The optimal dielectric properties for [(Mg0.8Mn0.2)0.95Zn0.05]TiO3 were achieved when sintered at 1250 °C for 3 h, including a permittivity (εr) of approximately 17.4, a quality factor (Qf) of around 180,000 GHz, and a temperature coefficient of resonance frequency (τf) of about − 58 ppm/°C. Due to its substantially reduced thermal budget and low-loss microwave dielectric properties, the proposed dielectrics demonstrate a high potential for applications in manufacturing high-quality substrates for high-frequency devices in 5G and beyond 5G communication systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osteoporosis (OP) is a chronic inflammatory bone disease characterized by reduced bone structure and strength, leading to increased fracture risk. Effective therapies targeting both bone and cartilage are limited. This study compared the therapeutic effects of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), bisphosphonate (Aclasta), and human Wharton jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJMSCs) in a rat model of OP. Methods: Female rats were assigned to four groups: Sham (no surgery or treatment), OP (bilateral ovariectomy, OVX), ESWT (OVX + ESWT on both tibias at 0.25 mJ/mm2, 1500 impulses per tibia), Aclasta (OVX + zoledronic acid 0.1 mg/kg via tail vein injection), and WJMSC (OVX + 2 × 10⁶ WJMSCs). Pathological changes, bone microarchitecture (by micro-CT), serum cytokines (by ELISA), and tissue-specific molecular markers (by immunohistochemistry) were evaluated. Results: All treatments improved bone density, preserved cartilage, and modulated cytokines (IL31, IL33, VEGF, and BMP2), with Aclasta showing the greatest improvements in bone parameters and cartilage preservation. ESWT and WJMSC also demonstrated significant effects, with ESWT highlighting non-invasive chondroprotective potential. Conclusions: Aclasta provided the best overall therapeutic response, particularly in bone regeneration. However, ESWT and WJMSC also showed comparable chondroprotective effects. ESWT emerges as a promising non-invasive alternative for OP management when pharmacological or cell-based therapies are not feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Impaired upper limb function in stroke survivors is characterized by muscle weakness, increased muscle tone, contracture, or impaired motor control. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Kinesio-taping application for functional recovery on the affected arm and forearm during rehabilitation. METHODS: Forty-one patients eligible for this study were randomly assigned to either the Kinesio-taping group (n = 21), receiving Kinesio-taping intervention and conventional therapy, or control group (n = 20), receiving sham Kinesio-taping intervention and conventional therapy. The whole intervention lasted for 3 weeks. Fugl-Meyer assessment of the upper extremity, Barthel Index, the Stroke Impact Scale, and modified Ashworth scale were measured at 3 time points: baseline, post-treatment (3rd week), and follow-up (6th week). RESULTS: In the Kinesio-taping group, there were significant differences in the upper extremity (p = 0.003), wrist (p = 0.000) and hand (p = 0.000) parts of the Fugl-Meyer assessment of the upper extremity between the three assessment times. On the other hand, the Barthel Index showed significant differences in both groups after therapy. CONCLUSION: Combining conventional rehabilitation with Kinesio-taping intervention may improve functional motor performance of both the proximal and distal parts of the affected upper extremity in stroke survivors, with potential benefits for activity of daily living. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Music therapy (MT) has been adapted to post-stroke rehabilitation for years and there were several theories of treatment methods. Our music therapist utilized neurological MT to design a treatment program for stroke survivors. We aimed to compare the effects of a low-dose neurological MT with no MT on outcomes measuring depression, activity of daily living and cognitive function amongst stroke survivors. A single masked, randomized controlled study was designed and patients with subacute stroke were recruited. The patients were assigned to a MT group or a conventional therapy (CT) group. Both groups received CT including physical therapy and occupational therapy. Patients with aphasia also received speech therapy. The MT group underwent an additional hour of neurological MT per week for a total duration of 4 weeks. Our MT method comprised therapeutic singing, therapeutic instrument music playing, melodic intonation therapy, and rhythmic speech cueing. The primary outcome measure was the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Secondary outcomes were the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), modified Rankin Scale (MRS) and Barthel Index (BI). Eighty-two patients were recruited. No significant differences were found at baseline. There was significant post-treatment effect among both groups for the BI (p < 0.001, Mdiff = 13.96, 95%CI = (11.64,16.29)), MMSE (p < 0.001, Mdiff = 1.04, 95%CI = (0.51,1.57)) and MRS (p < 0.001, Mdiff = −0.45, 95%CI = (−0.57,−0.34)). Additionally, a significant difference was observed between the groups for the MRS (p = 0.033, Mdiff = −0.24, 95%CI = (−0.03,0.52)). No significant between-group effect was found regarding the BI and MMSE. This study highlights the added value of MT in improving MRS, while requiring relatively less therapeutic time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The benefits of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) administration after hepatic intervention in patients with liver diseases remain unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of BCAA on patients undergoing hepatectomy, trans-arterial embolisation and radiofrequency ablation. Relevant randomised controlled trials (RCT) were obtained from PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases. A meta-analysis was performed to calculate the pooled effect size by using random-effects models. The primary outcomes were survival and tumour recurrence. The secondary outcomes were hospital stay, nutrition status, biochemistry profile, complication rate of liver treatment and adverse effect of BCAA supplementation. In total, eleven RCT involving 750 patients were included. Our meta-analysis showed no significant difference in the rates of tumour recurrence and overall survival between the BCAA and control groups. However, the pooled estimate showed that BCAA supplementation in patients undergoing hepatic intervention significantly increased serum albumin (mean difference (MD): 0·11 g/dl, 95 % CI: 0·02, 0·20; 5 RCT) at 6 months and cholinesterase level (MD: 50·00 U/L, 95 % CI: 21·08, 78·92; 1 RCT) at 12 months and reduced ascites incidence (risk ratio: 0·39, 95 % CI: 0·21, 0·71; 4 RCT) at 12 months compared with the control group. Additionally, BCAA administration significantly increased body weight at 6 months and 12 months and increased arm circumference at 12 months. In conclusion, BCAA supplementation significantly improved the liver function, reduced the incidence of ascites and increased body weight and arm circumference. Thus, BCAA supplementation may beneficial for selected patients undergoing liver intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphometric disparities were employed to characterize the geographical variations in and elucidate the phylogeography of Portunus sanguinolentus in East Asia. In this study, a comprehensive assessment was undertaken based on measurements from 833 individual crabs. These crabs were sampled from eight distinct locations, namely Kyushu (KS), Fuzhou (FZ), Yilan (YL), Xiamen (XM), Tainan (TN), Hong Kong (HK), Vietnam (VN), and Singapore (SG). Twelve morphometric measurements were standardized based on size using the allometric method. A cluster analysis and a canonical variate analysis (CVA) were then conducted for a data analysis. Randomization tests were subsequently performed to validate the morphometric differences observed among the groups. The analytical results classified the eight sampled populations into at least two distinct clusters. The first cluster included three samples from China (specifically FZ, XM, and HK), while the second cluster consisted of samples from East Asia (including KS, YL, TN, VN, and SG). The CVA revealed a tripartite division into three groups: the mainland China group (FZ, XM, and HK), the Kuroshio group (KS, YL, and TN), and the Southeast Asia group (VN and SG). The observed morphometric variations between these broad groups were statistically significant for both genders. These differences may be attributed to evolutionary origins, geographical events, or environmental adaptations. This study highlights the effectiveness of morphometric techniques in providing comprehensive insights into species delimitation and philogeographic relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]