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Purpose: To assess the effect of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) on postmatch recovery in basketball. Methods: Using a crossover design, 17 youth male players (age 16.2 [1.2] y, stature 190.5 [9.4] cm, body mass 79.2 [9.6] kg, experience 9.9 [3.9] y) completed 2 simulated matches, followed by WBC (4 min, −75 to − 85 °C) or a placebo intervention (CON). Countermovement-jump height, change-of-direction performance, 10- and 20-m sprint times, heart-rate variability (log-transformed squared root of the mean sum of the squared differences between R-R intervals [Ln-rMSSD]), muscle soreness, and perceived recovery (Perceived Recovery Status Scale [PRS]) were recorded at prematch, postmatch, postrecovery, and 24 hours postmatch. Additionally, Ln-rMSSD was recorded upon awakening on match day and the following morning. Results: Compared with CON, higher PRS values were reported in WBC at prematch and postrecovery (P ≤.026), while no significant between-interventions differences were found for any other measure (P >.05). Regarding the effect of time, our findings revealed that 20-m sprint times, Ln-rMSSD, and PRS deteriorated in both interventions from prematch to postmatch (ie, acute changes, P ≤.045), while muscle soreness worsened in WBC only (P ≤.003). Conversely, countermovement-jump height, change-of-direction, and 10-m sprint performance were unaffected by match play in the acute phase (P >.05), while none of the investigated measures showed impairments at 24 hours postmatch, compared with prematch (P >.05). Conclusions: Overall, these findings suggest that WBC was mostly ineffective for improving postexercise recovery in the investigated sample, with benefits observed for perceived recovery being potentially influenced by the participants' status at baseline (ie, higher prematch PRS scores in WBC compared with CON). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Centralising soft tissue sarcoma (STS) treatment in expert centres and implementing comprehensive therapy concepts through interdisciplinary tumour boards (ITB) has led to significant treatment progress. However, our knowledge on the implementation of the ITB recommendations and its impact on patient outcome is limited. In this retrospective analysis, we examined a cohort of 222 adult patients (pts) with primary STS who were presented to the ITB of the Charité Comprehensive Cancer Centre between 2015 and 2020. In localised disease (n = 188), resection was recommended in 71% (n = 134) of pts. The treatment modalities chemotherapy with or without regional deep hyperthermia, and radiotherapy were recommended in 37% (n = 69), 26% (n = 48) and 52% (n = 97), respectively. Complex multidisciplinary concepts were established in 29% (n = 54) including ≥3 treatment modalities. Only partial adherence, either by choice of patient or treating physician, was associated with a higher risk of both progression (HR 4.0 95%‐CI 1.6–9.7 p <.01) and mortality (HR 5.3 95%‐CI 1.7–16.4 p <.01). Pts inable to follow the ITB recommendations due to complications or rapid progression showed a high‐risk profile with increased mortality and progression rates (HR 18.1 95%‐CI 8.5–38.2 p <.001; HR 21.5 95%‐CI 8.5–54.7 p <.001). To our knowledge, this represents the first German Comprehensive Cancer Centre analysis of therapy adherence in STS. It provides further real‐world evidence that full adherence to ITB recommendations and the ability to adhere to them are of prognostic value for patient outcome and underlines the importance of interdisciplinary decision‐making and treatment planning for STS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the effect of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) combined with microwave ablation (MWA) on pain and clinical outcomes in patients with spinal metastases. Methods: Eighty-seven patients with spinal metastases were retrospectively collected and divided into the PKP group (40 cases), and PKP + MWA group (47 cases). The postoperative efficacy (Frankel grade classification) was assessed, and the height of the diseased vertebrae, pain indices [visual analogue scale (VAS) and analgesic use score (AUS)], dysfunction in daily activities [Oswestry disability index (ODI)], quality of life (quality of life scores for tumor patients), and physical status score [Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status] were compared. The incidence rate of adverse events and the survival of both groups were also counted. Results: Postoperatively, the PKP + MWA group had a higher total effective rate than the PKP group (P < 0.05). Versus the PKP group, the PKP + MWA group showed improved recovery of vertebral height, lower VAS, AUS, and ODI scores, higher QLS, and better physical status (all P < 0.05). Postoperative adverse events were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). The disease-free survival rate and overall survival rate within 1 year were higher in the PKP + MWA group than in the PKP group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: PKP combined with MWA elevates the height of the diseased vertebrae, alleviates the symptoms of pain and dysfunction, and promotes the quality of life and physical status in patients with spinal metastases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article evaluates whether combining warm compresses with perineal massage during labor reduces perineal trauma. Topics discussed include the effectiveness of these interventions in preventing perineal tears, obstetric anal sphincter injuries, and episiotomies, as well as the study's methodology, participant characteristics, and statistical findings.

The rising prevalence of cardiovascular disorders highlights the need for a deeper understanding of blood flow dynamics in the stenotic arteries to improve diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. This investigation is motivated by the potential of the Casson nanofluids, which exhibit exceptional thermal properties, offering promising applications in medical treatments such as targeted drug delivery and hyperthermia therapy. The present work focuses on understanding the flow behavior of the Casson nanofluids through the stenosed artery under the influence of porosity, thermal radiation, thermophoretic particle diffusion and Stefen blowing. The study makes certain key assumptions, including the consideration of the porous nature of the arterial walls and the impacts of external thermal influences. Based on these assumptions, the governing equations are formulated and transformed into a system of ordinary differential equations using appropriate similarity transformations. These reduced equations are solved numerically using the Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg fourth-fifth-order schemes. The important nondimensional factors affecting fluid velocity, thermal, and concentration profiles are analyzed. Further, the investigation utilizes advanced methods of deep learning to create models and forecast the intricate relationships among various variables, offering a thorough analysis. Escalated values of radiation and curvature parameters will enhance the temperature profile. Deep learning models demonstrate significant efficacy in analyzing and predicting stenotic conditions. The novel outcomes of this research highlight the effectiveness of deep learning models in predicting and analyzing stenotic blood flow conditions, contributing to improved diagnostic approaches to improve the patient's healthcare and reduce the mortality rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Finding an accurate and simple method of thermometry in the neonatal intensive care unit is important. The temporal artery thermometer (TAT) has been recommended for all ages by the manufacturer; however, there is insufficient evidence for the use of TAT in infants, especially to detect hypothermia. Purpose: To assess the accuracy of the TAT in hypothermic neonates in comparison to a rectal thermometer. Methods: This study was a naturalistic, quantitative, and observational study. Temporal artery temperatures (using Exergen TemporalScanner 5000) were compared to rectal temperatures in critically ill infants in the neonatal intensive care unit undergoing therapeutic hypothermia for hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Temperatures were taken during a 72-hour cooling period at 33.5 °C and a 6-hour rewarming period to normothermia of 36.5 °C. Nineteen patients and 1280 temperature measurements were included in this study. Results: During the cooling period, TAT and rectal temperatures had a weak correlation (r = 0.34, P < .001). The correlation during the rewarming period was much stronger (r = 0.70, P < .001), indicating less variability in measures, but not agreement. On average, regardless of period, the TAT temperatures read 0.43 °C (95% confidence interval, 0.37-0.49, P < .001) warmer than the rectal temperatures. The cooling or warming period had no effect on this difference between temperatures. Implications for Practice and Research: This study found that temperatures obtained with a TAT are generally warmer than the accepted standard core rectal temperature in hypothermic neonates, and we do not recommend its use in critically ill neonates who require accurate temperature readings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presented a novel breast cancer therapy model that uses magnetic field-controlled heating to trigger gene expression in cancer cells. We created silica- and amine-modified superparamagnetic nanoparticles (MSNP-NH2) to carry genes and release heat under an alternating current (AC) magnetic field. The heat-inducible expression plasmid (pHSP-Azu) was designed to encode anti-cancer azurin and was delivered by magnetofection. MCF-7 cells demonstrated over 93% cell viability and 12% transfection efficiency when exposed to 75 µg/ml of MSNP-NH2, 3 µg of DNA, and PEI at a 0.75 PEI/DNA ratio (w: w), unlike non-tumorigenic cells (MCF-10 A). Magnetic hyperthermia (MHT) increased azurin expression by heat induction, leading to cell death in dual ways. The combination of MHT and heat-regulated azurin expression induced cell death, specifically in cancer cells, while having negligible effects on MCF-10 A cells. The proposed strategy clearly shows that simultaneous use of MHT and MHT-induced azurin gene expression may selectively target and kill cancer cells, offering a promising direction for cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Combining chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with deep regional hyperthermia (HT) shows promise for enhancing clinical outcomes in selected rectal cancer patients. This study aimed to integrate the evidence and evaluate the efficacy of this combined treatment approach. Materials and methods: A systematic search of the PubMed, Scopus, and Mendeley databases was performed. This review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The quality of studies was evaluated using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale (NOS). Random-effects meta-analyses (DerSimonian and Laird) were performed. The primary outcome was pathological complete response (pCR), and secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), and toxicity. Results: In total, 12 studies were included, mostly of moderate quality. Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC; n = 760) and locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC; n = 22) were eligible. The pooled pCR rate was 19% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 16–22%) among all 782 patients and 19% (95%CI:16–23%) among 760 LARC patients. Due to significant study heterogeneity, survival outcomes were pooled by excluding LRRC patients. The pooled 5‑year OS rate among 433 LARC patients was 87% (95%CI: 83–90%). The pooled 5‑year DFS and LRFS in LARC patients were 75% (95%CI: 70–80%) and 95% (95%CI: 92–97%), respectively. There was a lack of consistent reporting of HT treatment parameters and toxicity symptoms among the studies. Conclusion: The collective clinical evidence showed that neoadjuvant CRT combined with HT in rectal cancer patients is feasible, with a 19% pCR rate and excellent survival outcomes in long term follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: TearCare is an in-office procedure indicated to treat MGD and relieve DED signs and symptoms. MGD is a major cause of DED, a high-prevalence condition currently treated with medical therapies including over-the-counter and prescription drops. The BIA assessed the budget impact of increasing the TearCare market share against prescription drops in treating moderate to severe MGD-associated DED in US patients ≥ 18 years over 2 years. Research Design and Methods: Prescription drops used twice daily were compared to TearCare (used once per year for patients with moderate disease and twice for severe disease). The BIA assumed a health plan population with 1 million lives and incorporated population characteristics, treatment allocation, market share, and treatment persistence. Assuming a 20% increase in TearCare market share, the model calculated total per member per year/cost (PMPY/PMPM). Results: Results showed PMPY and PMPM savings of $34.47 and $2.87, respectively. Sensitivity analysis indicated sensitivity to the proportion of moderate DED patients using prescription drops, moderate to severe DED incidence, and cyclosporine 0.05% costs. If 10% of patients did not switch to TearCare, notable savings were still observed with PMPY and PMPM savings of $30.11 and $2.51 over 2 years. Conclusion: Results show cost savings with a TearCare market share increase in treating MGD-associated DED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photothermal therapy (PTT) is a type of cancer treatment capable of damaging tumors using laser irradiation. This procedure can be a promising approach to complement current cancer therapies, due in part to its minimal invasiveness. One of the challenges of photothermal therapy is the potential collateral damage to the surrounding healthy tissue, as well as excessive temperature increase in the target tumor region that can cause tissue carbonization and evaporation. With the aim of increasing the performance of photothermal therapy in damaging targeted tumor while keeping healthy nearby tissue unaffected, this research proposes the use of a feedback control system that considers the cumulative thermal damage to both types of tissue. Two separate control algorithms (fuzzy logic and PI) were designed and tested in silico using simulations made in MATLAB® and Python. Results showed that both controllers successfully accomplished the proposed goals. Therefore, the feasibility of using these automated systems to improve the efficacy and safety of PTT was demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular disease is more prevalent in individuals of Black-African (BA) and South-Asian (SA) descent than White-European (WE) counterparts, with vascular dysfunction identified as contributing to this disparity. Chronic heat therapy can elicit positive vascular adaptations, potentially underpinned by the repeated cardiovascular strain experienced during acute heat exposures. This study examined the cutaneous peripheral microvascular responses following acute hot (HWI) and thermoneutral (CON) water immersion between males of WE, BA, and SA descent. Thirty-one young, healthy WE (n = 10), BA (n = 10), SA (n = 11) males completed 60 minutes of HWI (39°C) and CON (36°C) with thermoregulatory, cardiovascular, and perceptual responses measured throughout. Following 60 minutes of thermoneutral rest, forearm and Great toe cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) were recorded during cutaneous post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH) and local heating (LH). Baseline CVC was similar between groups (p ≥ 0.08). During PORH, BA had lower peak forearm and Great toe CVC than WE and SA, and a reduced CVC area under the curve compared to WE (p ≤ 0.01). Furthermore, BA Great toe CVC was blunted compared to WE and SA during both 42°C (p ≤ 0.033) and 44°C (p ≤ 0.02) LH, respectively. Great toe CVC was acutely increased following HWI in responses to 44°C LH compared to CON (p ≤ 0.039), with no race × condition interaction effects. In conclusion, despite blunted microvascular responses in BA, acute HWI did not elicit distinct effects between males of WE, BA, and SA descent, although microvascular responses to LH were greater following HWI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hyperthermia is an established adjunct in multimodal cancer treatments, with mechanisms including cell death, immune modulation, and vascular changes. Traditional hyperthermia applications are resource-intensive and often associated with patient morbidity, limiting their clinical accessibility. Gold nanorods (GNRs) offer a precise, minimally invasive alternative by leveraging near-infrared (NIR) light to deliver targeted hyperthermia therapy (THT). THT induces controlled tumor heating, promoting immunogenic cell death (ICD) and modulating the tumor microenvironment (TME) to enhance immune engagement. This study explores the synergistic potential of GNR-mediated THT with immunotherapies in immunogenically 'cold' tumors to achieve durable anti-tumor immunity. Methods: GNRs from Sona Nanotech Inc.™ were intratumorally injected and activated using NIR light to induce mild hyperthermia (42–48°C) for 5 minutes. Tumor responses were analyzed for cell death pathways and immune modulation. The immunogenic effects of THT were assessed alone and in combination with intratumoral interleukin-2 (i.t. IL-2) or systemic PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade. Immune cell infiltration, gene expression changes, and tumor growth kinetics were evaluated. Results: THT reduced tumor burden through cell death mechanisms, including upregulated ICD marked by calreticulin exposure within 48 hours. By 48 hours, CD45+ immune cell levels were increased, including increased levels of immunosuppressive M2 macrophages. While THT led to innate immune cell stimulations highlighted by gene expression upregulation in the STING cGAS pathway and enhanced M1 and dendritic cell levels, tumor regrowth was observed within six days post-treatment. To enhance THT's immunogenic effects, the therapy was combined with intratumoral interleukin-2 (i.t. IL-2) or systemic PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade. Sequential administration of i.t. IL-2 post-THT induced robust CD8+ T-cell infiltration and led to sustained tumor regression in both treated and distant tumors, accompanied by the emergence of memory T cells. However, IL-2-induced immunosuppressive T-reg populations were also sustained to tumor endpoint suggesting that therapy could be further enhanced. Additionally, PD-1 expression, which was upregulated in CD8+ T cells by THT, was targeted with systemic PD-1 inhibition, further augmenting immune engagement within the TME. Discussion: These combinatory treatments demonstrated synergistic effects, promoting durable anti-tumor responses and immune memory. Collectively, GNR-mediated THT effectively reduces tumor burden and remodels the TME, potentiating systemic immunity and enhancing the impact of complementary immunotherapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activation energy and thermal radiation as a means of heat transfer are significant and fascinating phenomena for scientists and researchers because of their significance in cancer treatment. As a result, heat kills cancer cells and shrinks tumors, making hyperthermia therapy a cutting-edge cancer treatment. This paper examines the peristaltic motion of a Johnson–Segalman nanofluid across an asymmetric pliable microchannel under the impact of activation energy. We obtained the governing equations for the non-Newtonian nanofluid. Partial differential equations (PDEs) are reduced to ordinary differential equations (ODEs) under the assumption of large wavelengths and tiny Reynolds number assumptions. The flow patterns and trapping phenomena were numerically generated using the NDSolve command of the computational mathematical software Mathematica. The influence of important liquid parameters was examined with graphical representations of the results. The current study reveals an enhancement in the heat generation parameter, an enhancement in the temperature and a reduction in the concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC) is a viable treatment for patients with peritoneal surface malignancies (PSM) who are not eligible for cytoreductive surgery (CRS). The literature suggests that a minimum of three PIPAC procedures (empirical standard treatment) should be administered to optimize oncological outcomes. However, many patients are not able to complete three treatments for various reasons. The aim of this retrospective study was to identify causes and predictive factors for incomplete PIPAC treatment and, hence, to improve patient selection. Background: Since 2011, Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC) has emerged as a promising treatment option for patients with peritoneal surface malignancies (PSM) who are not eligible for cytoreductive surgery (CRS). Repeated minimal-invasive treatment is one of the key features and the current empirical standard treatment (ST) consists of at least three administrations over about three months. However, many patients are unable to complete the full course, limiting the potential benefits of PIPAC. Method: This retrospective, single-center study assessed the completion rate of ST and identified the main causes and predictive factors for discontinuation. This study also evaluated the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of PIPAC and investigated whether improved patient selection over the years has resulted in better oncological outcomes. Result: Data from 168 patients treated with PIPAC between January 2017 and March 2023 for a total of 336 procedures showed that only 29% completed ST. Multivariate analysis identified ascites >500 mL and a prior history of bowel obstruction as significant predictors of discontinuation. Conclusions: Patients with radiological or clinical signs of obstruction should not be considered for PIPAC treatment, and ascites increases the risk of incomplete treatment. Larger studies are eagerly awaited to corroborate these findings and refine the selection criteria by disease entity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combined therapies with Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90) inhibitors and Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP70) inducers are gaining significant interest in cancer and cardiovascular research. Here, we tested the hypothesis that HSP90 inhibitors and HSP70 inducers, together, can block the development of pulmonary fibrosis. We exposed New Zealand White Rabbits to hydrochloric acid (HCl, 0.1 N, 1.5 mL/kg), one of the top five chemicals most commonly involved in accidental exposures and inhalation injuries worldwide, and treated animals with either the orally available HSP90 inhibitor TAS-116 (1.7 mg/kg 5x/week) or TAS-116 combined with the HSP70 inducer, geranylgeranyl acetone (GGA, 50 mg/kg, 3x/week). At 60 days post-HCl instillation, TAS and GGA treatment markedly reduced the degree of pulmonary fibrosis, lung dysfunction, and activation of profibrotic pathways. The use of HSP70 inducers may be a helpful tool to improve the profile of HSP90 inhibitors and reduce their minimal effective dose and side effects. Further investigation is required to explore the exact synergistic mechanism behind the antifibrotic profile of HSP90 inhibitors and HSP70 inducers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Thermal therapy represents a well-established therapeutic approach for chronic musculoskeletal and respiratory conditions. To date, no studies have investigated the clinical effects of treatment interruption in thermal medicine. We aimed to evaluate the clinical impact of COVID-19 lockdown-induced thermal therapy discontinuation through validated patient-reported outcomes. Methods: This single-center observational, retrospective study (March 2020–June 2024) evaluated 97 patients receiving standardized thermal therapy at Saturnia Thermal Springs. Treatment protocols included balneotherapy, mud therapy, and inhalation treatments in cycles of 12–15 sessions, with maintenance protocols every 4–6 months. Primary outcomes were assessed through VAS and SF-36 PCS, with EQ-5D and PSQI as secondary outcomes. Results: Significant clinical deterioration occurred during treatment interruption (p < 0.001) in 77.7% of patients. Recovery patterns were duration-dependent, with the 6–7-year cohort showing faster recovery (mean time to baseline: 2.8 months) compared to the 3–5-year cohort (4.6 months). Effect sizes were substantial across all outcomes (Cohen's d > 1.0), with EQ-5D scores showing duration-dependent improvement (mean improvement in 6–7-year cohort: 0.27). Conclusions: Thermal therapy interruption precipitates quantifiable clinical deterioration, with recovery patterns significantly influenced by pre-existing treatment duration. These findings support the essential nature of treatment continuity in thermal therapy protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Post-COVID-19 syndrome affects 10–60% of SARS-CoV-2 survivors. While conventional treatments show limited efficacy, emerging evidence suggests the potential benefits of balneotherapy in managing persistent symptoms. We aimed to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of balneotherapy and thermal treatment interventions in treating post-COVID-19 syndrome. Methods: We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines, searching major databases through 31 January 2024. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and pilot studies investigating thermal spa treatments for adult post-COVID-19 patients. Results: Analysis of six eligible studies (n = 617) demonstrated significant therapeutic benefits. The largest cohort (n = 159) showed 47% reduction in fatigue and 48% reduction in muscle pain (p < 0.01). Comprehensive spa therapy achieved complete symptom resolution in one-third of the participants. Combined spa-ubiquinol therapy improved metabolic function (p < 0.05). All interventions demonstrated favorable safety profiles. Conclusions: Preliminary evidence suggests balneotherapy effectively ameliorates multiple post-COVID-19 symptoms, particularly fatigue, muscle pain, and exercise intolerance. While safety profiles appear favorable, larger randomized controlled trials with standardized protocols are needed to establish definitive therapeutic recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Gastric cancer (GC) is a deadly disease with a high mortality rate, particularly when it spreads to the peritoneum, a condition known as peritoneal metastasis (PM). Current treatments are not very effective, and patients with GC/PM often have a poor prognosis with survival of only 4 to 10 months. This review explores emerging therapies for peritoneal metastases directly, including heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and newer methods like pressurized intraperitoneal aerosolized chemotherapy (PIPAC). The goal is to provide more effective treatment options for patients with GC/PM to improve survival rates and quality of life. The findings could lead to better treatment strategies and offer valuable insights to researchers in the field. Despite therapeutic treatments and the growing utilization of multimodal therapies, gastric cancer (GC) remains a highly aggressive malignancy with high mortality worldwide. Much of the complexity in treating GC is due to the high incidence of peritoneal metastasis (PM), with mean overall survival typically ranging from 4 to 10 months. With current systemic therapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies continuing to remain ineffective for GC/PM, there has been a significant growing interest in intraperitoneal (IP) therapies for the treatment of GC/PM. In this review, we summarize the development of PM and evolving treatment strategies for GC/PM. Furthermore, we explore the various advancements and outcomes of IP therapies, including heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), neoadjuvant HIPEC, and pressurized intraperitoneal aerosolized chemotherapy (PIPAC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research is supporting thoracic spine manipulation (TSM) as an intervention in treating adhesive capsulitis (AC) when coupled with physical therapy interventions. Purpose: To investigate whether TSM improves AC outcomes when combined with physical therapy interventions. Method: A double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial with 40 patients assigned into two groups. The experimental group (EG) received physical therapy intervention and TSM; the control group (CG) had physical therapy with sham manipulation. Both groups received interventions biweekly for 12 weeks. Outcomes included Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), scapular upward rotation, and shoulder passive range of motion conducted at baseline, after 1 session, 6 and 12 weeks. Results: Both groups improved significantly after 6 and 12 weeks in pain, disability (p = 0.01 for both; d = 1.53 and 1.46, respectively), scapular upward rotation, shoulder flexion (p = 0.02 for both; d = 2.2 and 0.92, respectively), abduction (p = 0.04; d = 0.07), and external rotation (p = 0.03; d = 0.7). However, CG showed no significant improvement in pain or disability after one session (p = 0.14 and p = 0.16, respectively; d = 0.46 for both). Between groups, results favored EG significantly in pain, disability, scapular upward rotation, shoulder flexion, and abduction (p = 0.02, p = 0.01, p = 0.02, p = 0.05, and p = 0.04, respectively) at 6 weeks (d = 0.81, d = 0.87, d = 0.67, d = 0.64, and d = 0.69, respectively). Conclusion: The results suggest that adding TSM yielded superior clinical benefits when compared to physical therapy interventions in AC patients. Nevertheless, it is imperative to acknowledge a specific limitation in our study is the omission of passive internal rotation assessment. This aspect represents a notable constraint in our research. Clinical trial registry number: Pan African clinical trial registry "PACTR202303495421928" [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of 8 wk of no intervention (CON), lower limb heat therapy (HEAT), moderate-intensity exercise training (EX), or combined training and therapy (HEATEX) in young, healthy recreationally active adults. Methods: Sixty participants (23 ± 3 yr, 30 females) were randomly allocated into CON (n = 15), HEAT (n = 15), EX (n = 14), or HEATEX (n = 16). The primary outcome was vascular function, assessed through brachial artery flow-mediated dilation tests. Secondary measures included arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity), cardiorespiratory fitness (V̇O2peak), body composition, and quadriceps muscle strength. Results: There were no differences in brachial artery flow-mediated dilation between the groups before and after the interventions (all P > 0.05). Both interventions with a heating component were associated with within-group reductions in carotid-femoral pulse wave, and increase in absolute and relative V̇O2peak after 8 wk (HEAT: ∆−0.27 [−0.53, −0.02] m s−1, ∆0.18 [0.06, 0.29] L·min−1, ∆2.18 [0.60, 3.76] mL·kg−1·min−1, respectively; HEATEX: ∆−0.33 [−0.58, −0.09], ∆0.21 [0.11, 0.32] L·min−1, ∆2.59 [1.06, 4.12] mL·kg−1·min−1, respectively), but no between-group differences were observed (P = 0.25, P = 0.21, and P = 0.55, respectively). There was also a within-group decrease in body fat percentage with EX (∆−1.37 [−2.45, −0.29] %), but no changes in leg strength in any of the groups (P = 0.79). Conclusions: This randomized controlled trial is the first to examine the efficacy of lower limb heating against traditionally prescribed exercise training. In our young cohort, 8 wk of training and/or therapy was insufficient to improve vascular function. More intense protocols and longer interventions involving lower limb heating may be required to elicit improvements in health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Geraniums (Pelargonium) are among the most popular flowers worldwide. Viral infection is one of the main problems of the genus Pelargonium, and the production of virus-free mother plants is necessary for large-scale geranium propagation and exchange. Meristem culture and thermotherapy are two effective procedures that have been widely adopted to produce healthy virus-free plant stocks. The present study explores the efficiency of a combination of these two methods for virus eradication in two important Pelargonium species, Pelargonium X hortorum ('Zonal') and Pelargonium × domesticum ('Regal'). Method: For this purpose, RT-PCR have been performed using universal and specific primers of Tombusviridae and Bromoviridae virus families as well as Pelargonium Flower Break Virus (PFBV). Bud explants were taken from 'Zonal' and 'Regal' and were cultured in MS medium supplemented with different compositions of plant growth regulators (PGRs) as follow: A: (1 mgl− 1 Kin, 1 mgl− 1 BA, and 0.2 mgl− 1 NAA), B: (0.5 mgl− 1 Kin, 0.5 mgl− 1 BA, and 1 mgl− 1 NAA), and C: (1.5 mgl− 1 Kin and 1.5 mgl− 1 BA). After 10 days (16:8 h of light and dark photoperiod) incubation at 38 °C, the meristem (0.3 mm) of the in vitro raised plantlets were cultured on MS medium under sterile conditions. The ribonucleic acid of meristem derived plantlets was subjected to RT-PCR to detect any viral infections using universal primers for the Tombosviridae family and specific primers for PFBV species. Results: Pelargonium species exhibited varying responses to the PGR treatments. Specifically, the highest bud sprouting, plantlet regeneration, plantlet height, and root number were recorded in 'Zonal' and 'Regal' pelargoniums when cultured in media A and C, respectively. Although viral infection was confirmed in bud-derived plantlets using RT-PCR, thermotherapy and meristem culture resulted in the generation of 70% and 60% tombusviridae-free plantlets in 'Regal' and 'Zonal' Pelargoniums, respectively. The virus-free plantlets were propagated using the approved protocol. Conclusion: These findings underscore the significance of utilizing suitable PGRs for in vitro regeneration of each Pelargonium species. The results of this investigation revealed that RT-PCR using universal and specific primers is a reliable sensitive virus detection procedure that coupled with culturing the heat-treated meristem can result in successful viral eradication in Pelargonium species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Foreign language syndrome is a rare neuropsychiatric phenomenon typically following general anesthesia. To date, foreign language syndrome has not been associated with neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) in the literature. This case aims to broaden the clinical understanding of NMS by presenting an atypical manifestation of foreign language syndrome and emphasizing the need for prompt recognition of such presentations for accurate diagnosis and management. Case presentation: A 34-year-old Caucasian male with a history of schizoaffective disorder and recurrent psychiatric hospitalizations was admitted for a depressive episode. His condition worsened hours after the administration of intramuscular chlorpromazine, leading to NMS characterized by agitation, muscle rigidity, hyperthermia, autonomic instability, abnormal laboratory findings, and altered mental status, including foreign language syndrome. Management included the discontinuation of the prior psychopharmacotherapy, intravenous hydration, and medications (biperiden, lorazepam). The patient showed significant improvement, with resolution of NMS symptoms and normalized sleep patterns by the time of discharge. Conclusion: Foreign language syndrome is an exceptionally rare occurrence, with only nine documented cases to date, all involving male patients. This case presents a novel instance of foreign language syndrome in the context of NMS in a male patient, providing insight into the potential sex-specific mechanisms underlying this rare phenomenon. This case adds valuable evidence to the understanding of the clinical spectrum of NMS and highlights the importance of recognizing atypical presentations in managing patients with neuropsychiatric conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Audience: This scenario was developed to educate emergency medicine residents on the diagnosis and management of two concurrent conditions: drowning and hypothermia. Introduction: Patients who present after drowning may have delayed respiratory compromise without immediate radiographic pathological findings, highlighting the need for continued observation. The presentation and management of patients with hypothermia depends on multiple factors, including core temperature. Emergency physicians should be aware of hypothermia's underlying pathophysiology, associated dysrhythmias, and different warming methods. Educational Objectives: At the conclusion of the simulation session, learners will be able to:) Obtain a relevant focused history, including circumstances of drowning and/or cold exposure.) Outline different clinical presentations of hypothermia, loosely correlated with core temperature readings.) Discuss management of hypothermia, including passive external rewarming, active external rewarming, active internal rewarming, and extracorporeal blood rewarming. 4) Discuss pathophysiology of drowning.) Identify appropriate disposition of patients who present after drowning.) Identify appropriate disposition of hypothermic patients. Educational Methods: This session was conducted using high-fidelity simulation, followed by a debriefing session and discussion about the diagnosis, differential, and management of both drowning and hypothermia. Debriefing methods may be left to the discretion of participants, but the authors have utilized advocacy-inquiry techniques. In this technique, the facilitators describe something they observed in the case, outline their reasoning as a facilitator why this observation was important or why they had questions, and then ask the learners to share their frame of reference at the time. An example: "I heard someone say that both chest tubes should be placed on the left, but then another resident said 'I disagree.' No one paused to come to a consensus. I'm wondering why this wasn't explored further in real time. Tell me more." This scenario may also be run as a structured interview case. Research Methods: Our residents were provided a survey at the completion of the debriefing session so they might rate different aspects of the simulation, as well as provide qualitative feedback on the scenario. The local institution's simulation center's electronic feedback form is based on the Center of Medical Simulation's Debriefing Assessment for Simulation in Healthcare (DASH) Student Version Short Form1 with the inclusion of required qualitative feedback if an element was scored less than a 6 or 7. Results: Seventeen learners filled out a feedback form. This session received a majority of 6 and 7 scores (consistently effective/very good, and extremely effective/outstanding, respectively) other than four 5 scores. Discussion: This is a cost-effective method for reviewing hypothermia and drowning. The case may be modified for appropriate audiences, such as simplifying the case to either drowning or hypothermia. The setting of the emergency department may also be changed to reflect different available resources (academic center or freestanding emergency department), such as the absence or presence of ZOLL catheters or ability to activate an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is the standard treatment for moderate to severe hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in developed countries, but data on its safety and efficacy in low-middle-income countries are limited and often conflicting. The impact of enteral feeding during TH remains inadequately explored. We aimed to examine TH's effects on mortality and brain injury and evaluate the safety and effectiveness of minimal enteral feeding during TH. Here, we report our single-center experience with TH over a 10-year period". Methods: A total of 187 neonates with moderate to severe HIE who underwent cooling were included in this retrospective study. Post-rewarming MRI scans were scored using a validated MRI scoring system. The primary outcomes were mortality and composite outcomes of mortality and brain injury. Results: The mortality rate was 3% in moderate and 25% in severe cases (p < 0.001). Overall, 85% (160/187) of neonates received minimal enteral nutrition. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the severity of HIE at admission (OR 3.4 (1.03–11.6); p < 0.04) and gestational age (OR: 0.624 (0.442–0.882); p < 0.008) were independent predictors of composite outcomes of death and brain injuries. MRI score was a strong predictor of mortality (AUC: 0.89; p < 0.001) and of ability to orally feed at discharge (AUC: 0.73; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Mortality rates associated with TH in infants with moderate–severe HIE align with those in high-income countries, and minimal enteral feeding during TH is safe. The severity of HIE, MRI scores, and feeding status are important predictors of outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bacterial electron transport chain (ETC) plays a crucial role in biofilm energy metabolism and redox balance, making it a potential target for anti‐biofilm treatment. Herein, mesoporous nanocarbon spheres loaded with Pt nanoparticles (CS‐Pt) are developed to disrupt the bacterial ETC for photo‐enhanced anti‐biofilm. Under near‐infrared laser irradiation, CS‐Pt‐treated biofilms show a positive shift of 0.6 eV in Pt 4f binding energy and a 1.76‐fold increase in anodic current density, demonstrating that the electron loss from CS‐Pt results in an enhanced electron transfer from CS‐Pt to biofilm. Adding the electron quencher NH4Cl to the CS‐Pt‐containing biofilm sample results in reduced biofilm clearance, highlighting the critical role of enhanced electron transfer in effective biofilm eradication. Due to the multifunction of CS‐Pt in inducing hyperthermia, reactive oxgen species generation, and interrupting bacterial ETC, the critical component of ETC, extracellular DNA, in methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) biofilm is reduced by 89.8%, ultimately leading to a biofilm clearance of 90.3%. Additionally, CS‐Pt achieve 99.5% biofilm eradication and expedites wound healing with a rate of 78.1% in a MRSA‐infected wound model. We present an attractive approach for disintegrating biofilm through the synergistic effect of disrupting ETC, enzyme‐like activity, and phototherapy, offering an innovative perspective on combating biofilm‐associated infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral health represents a public health problem due to its remarkable social impact and medical costs. Crenotherapy with sulfur water is shown to be a complementary, less toxic, and traumatizing therapy, but the number of studies that evaluate the effect of natural mineral waters effect on oral health are scarce. The aim of this pilot study is to evaluate the impact of thermal water therapy on the oral health of the participants, assessing parameters such as plaque index, gingival bleeding index and periodontal probing depth as well on the perception of symptoms of oral mucosa diseases (OMD). Methods: An observational, longitudinal and comparative study was designed, and 90 thermalists were randomly allocated to two treatment groups for 14 days: Thermal sulfuric natural mineral water of the Amarante Thermal baths group (TW_TA group) (n = 45) or saline solution (control group) (n = 45), in May 2022. The study was based on clinical observation and application of a self-response questionnaire involving sociodemographic data and quality of life assessment. The evaluation was carried out in 2 different moments: before and at the end of treatment (14 days). Results: The study involved 90 thermal practitioners, evenly split between the TW_TA group and a control group. Most participants were women (70%), with a similar average age in both groups. Oral examination showed a high prevalence of filled and missing teeth, and around 25% of participants used removable prostheses, predominantly in the control group. Thermal treatment had a positive impact on oral health. In the TW_TA group, gingival bleeding significantly decreased from 68.9% to 40%, while it remained unchanged in the control group. Periodontal health improved, with no participants in the TW_TA group having pockets deeper than 5 mm by the end of the study, indicating reduced periodontal pathology. Also, plaque levels dropped in both groups after treatment, as assessed by the O'Leary index. Additionally, quality of life related to OMD improved, particularly in the TW_TA group. The overall reduction in symptoms was significant, although the differences between groups were not statistically significant. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the positive effects of thermal water treatment on oral health, including reduced gingival bleeding and plaque levels, along with improved quality of life related to OMD. Further targeted research is needed to explore the benefits of thermal water effects and optimize oral health practices in Portugal using thermal waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Most commercial heptamethine cyanine dyes have no tumor targetability owing to their limited intrinsic selectivity. The development of multifunctional heptamethine cyanine dyes that can enable both tumor-specific imaging and therapy is highly desirable for simple and effective cancer treatments. For this reason, we newly synthesized a tumor-targetable heptamethine cyanine dye which not only showed enhanced accumulation in the tumor site, but was also highly effective as an in vivo photothermal cancer therapy in a HT-29 human colon cancer xenograft mouse model. On the principle of the "structure-inherent targeting" approach, a single-molecule NIR dye could achieve tumor targeting, imaging, and therapy simultaneously. Hence, the present study suggests a simple but efficient strategy to design and synthesize the multifunctional small-molecule theranostic agents for tumor-targeted imaging and phototherapy. Background: A phthalimide-functionalized heptamethine cyanine dye, named Ph790H, is used for targeted photothermal cancer therapy in vivo. We highlight that the chemical structure of Ph790H is newly designed and synthesized for the first time in this study. Objectives: By possessing a rigid chloro-cyclohexenyl ring in the heptamethine cyanine backbone, the bifunctional near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent dye Ph790H can be preferentially accumulated in tumor without the need for additional targeting ligands, which is defined as the "structure-inherent tumor targeting" concept. Methods: The phototherapeutic effect of Ph790H is evaluated in HT-29 human colorectal cancer xenografts to be used as a cancer-targeting photothermal agent. Results: The results reveal that the Ph790H shows enhanced tumor accumulation in HT-29 xenografts 48 h post-injection with a high tumor-to-background ratio. After determination of the optimal timing for photothermal therapy (PTT), the HT-29 tumor-possessing nude mice pretreated with Ph790H are subsequently irradiated with an 808 nm NIR laser for 5 min. The tumor-targeted PTT treatment can efficiently inhibit the tumor development compared with that of control groups. Moreover, no tumor regrowth or Ph790H-induced mortality occurs after the treatment of Ph790H and laser irradiation during a period of monitoring. Conclusions: Therefore, this work demonstrates that the bifunctional phototheranostic agent Ph790H can be utilized for targeted cancer imaging and fluorescence-guided phototherapy simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effects of Mn-Zn ferrite (MZF) content and heat treatment temperature on the structural, mechanical, magnetic, and bioactive properties of Na 2 O-CaO-P 2 O 5 glass ceramics. Various MZF contents (5MZF, 10MZF, 20MZF, and 40MZF) were incorporated into the glass ceramics and subjected to heat treatment at different temperatures (600, 650, 700, and 800 °C). The results demonstrated that increasing the MZF content significantly enhanced the mechanical properties, including Vickers hardness, Knoop hardness, and Young's modulus. For example, the Vickers hardness values increased from 5.6 GPa in 5MZF samples to 7.1 GPa in 40MZF samples. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the presence of major crystalline phases, such as Ca 2 P 2 O 7 and Na 4 Ca(PO 3) 6 , with NaFe 3 P 3 O 12 and (Zn,Mn)Fe 2 O 4 appearing in samples with higher MZF content. Magnetic measurements indicated that the 40MZF samples treated at 700 °C reached a satisfactory hyperthermia temperature of 43 °C within 16 min. Bioactivity tests showed a decrease in bioactivity with increasing MZF content, whereas cytotoxicity assays confirmed that all MZF-Na 2 O-CaO-P 2 O 5 bioactive glass ceramics were non-toxic, maintaining over 100 % cell viability after 24 h. These findings suggest that MZF-containing glass ceramics have potential applications in the biomedical field, particularly when enhanced mechanical and magnetic properties are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold nanorods (AuNRs) are emerging metallic nanoparticles utilized to generate heat for photothermal therapy (PTT) in cancer. The tunable plasmonic properties of AuNRs make them a remarkable candidate for hyperthermia. However, the cytotoxicity of AuNRs limits its biological applicability due to the existence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) on the surface as a common surfactant. In this study, AuNRs are synthesized by seed‐mediated growth and then the optical properties are optimized by altering AgNO3 concentration. Afterward, CTAB is replaced with biopolymers which are BSA:Dextran and BSA:Guar Gum conjugates resulting in enhanced cellular viability, enabling to use of them as biologically relevant photothermal agents. The biocompatibility of AuNRs is improved to utilize them at high concentrations for laser studies, in which similar heat generation success of CTAB‐ and biopolymer‐coated AuNRs are shown for potential PTT applications. CTAB and biopolymer‐coated AuNRs in concentrations of 0.5 and 1 mg mL−1 are irradiated under NIR light at 808 nm laser at 0.5, 0.75, and 1 W cm−2 for 300 s. The biopolymer‐coated gold nanorods with different coatings preserve photothermal properties while reducing the cytotoxicity effects of CTAB and thus they are promising photothermal agents for potential PTT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with theoretical study of effect of interparticle interaction on the complex magnetic susceptibility and the rate of magnetic energy dissipation in a system of single-domain ferromagnetic particles, immobilized in a non-magnetic media. A real prototype of this model can be a biological tissue with embedded magnetic nanoparticles for hyperthermia therapy of tumor (cancer) diseases. Based on mathematically regular methods of statistical physics, we have shown that, depending on frequency of the applied field, the interparticle interaction can either increase or decrease the energy dissipation, and, therefore, the heat production in the system. We hope that the obtained results can help to explain qualitative contradictions between conclusions of various experimental and theoretical studies of influence of the interparticle interactions on the thermal effect in tissues with embedded magnetic particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the results of the theoretical analysis of remagnetization kinetics and magnetic hyperthermia effect in a single-domain ferromagnetic particle embedded in a soft elastic-viscous medium (gel or biological tissue for example). Unlike previous studies, we consider simultaneous action of both main mechanisms of particle remagnetization in an alternating magnetic field. Namely, (i) its body turn (rotation) with its magnetic moment and (ii) the Neel remagnetization through the potential barrier of the particle magnetic anisotropy. We suppose that the energy of the particle Zeeman interaction with the field is less than the energy of the anisotropy; no other restrictions on the field strength are assumed. In the linear, with respect to this field, approximation, the frequency dependences of the real and imaginary parts of the particle complex susceptibility are calculated in more details. The real part monotonic decreases with the field frequency. If the host medium is rigid enough, the imaginary part of the susceptibility has a maximum, corresponding to the Neel relaxation. In the soft system, it has maximum, reflecting the particle rotation in the field. In the intermediate case, our calculations demonstrate two maximums of the imaginary part. We hope the present results will be useful for the development of scientific basement of magnetic hyperthermia therapy of oncological diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovarian cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers among women. Due to the frequent problems during treatment, such as relapses or the development of resistance to treatment, new methods of treating this disease are being sought. A special attention is directed towards the combination therapies combining several different anticancer agents. The aim of the following study was to examine the effect of combination therapy with mild hyperthermia (temperatures of 39 °C and 40 °C) and anticancer drugs—cisplatin and tamoxifen—on the SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cell line in vitro. Furthermore, the study also assessed the effect of moderate hyperthermia on the anticancer effectiveness of both of these drugs. The cytotoxic effect of the therapy was assessed using MTT assay and fluorescent acridine orange staining. Changes in the expression of genes involved in apoptosis processes were evaluated using RT-qPCR. It has been shown that the use of combination therapy leads to a significant increase in apoptosis processes in SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells and, consequently, to a decrease in their viability. At the molecular level, mild hyperthermia leads primarily to a decrease in the expression of anti-apoptotic genes, and also, to a small extent, to an increase in the expression of proapoptotic genes. The results also indicate that moderate hyperthermia has a positive effect on the cytotoxic efficacy of both cisplatin and tamoxifen on ovarian cancer cells. This suggests that hyperthermia could be a potential component in combination therapy for ovarian cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Modulated electro-hyperthermia combines the thermal and non-thermal effects of an applied electromagnetic field. This synergy allows for the selection of malignant cells with a minimal load on healthy cells. The modulated radiofrequency induces immunogenic effects, which promote the targeting of malignant cells in the system by activating the circulating tumour-specific killer cells, thereby acting as a vaccination against the tumour. Background: Modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) is unique due to its combination of thermal and non-thermal effects. Method: This report summarizes the literature on the effects of mEHT observed in vitro and in vivo. Results: The thermal and electrical heterogeneity of tissues allows the radiofrequency signal to selectively target malignant tissue. The applied modulation appears to activate various apoptotic pathways, predominantly leading to immunogenic cell death (ICD). ICD promotes the release of damage-associated molecular patterns, potentially producing tumour-specific antigen-presenting cells. This abscopal-type effect may target distant metastases while treating the primary tumour locally. This immune memory effect is like vaccination mechanisms. Conclusions: The application of mEHT has the potential to expand from local to systemic disease, enabling the simultaneous treatment of micro- and macro-metastases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the study was to compare the results of radiofrequency (RF) thermotherapy and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in patients who required benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) surgery and had storage symptoms. Methods: The results of patients who had undergone TURP and RF thermotherapy procedures between December 2019 and 2022 were compared before and after the procedure. Patients' International Prostate Symptom Scores, maximum flow rate (Qmax), postvoiding residues, and overactive bladder validated 8 scores (OAB-V8) at 3 and 6 months were analyzed. Results: While the preprocedural OAB-V8 in the RF thermotherapy group was 25.85, this score decreased to 18.12 (P<0.001) at the postprocedural 3rd month and 16.42 (P<0.001) at the postprocedural 6th month. While the preprocedural OAB-V8 score in TURP group was 23.26, it decreased to 20.17 (P<0.001) at the postprocedural 3rd month and 19.84 at the postprocedural 6th month, and there was no significant difference between the 3rd-month and 6th-month values (P=0.328). The proportion of de crease in the OAB-V8 scores was 30% at the 3rd month and 36% at the 6th month in the RF thermotherapy group, whereas it was 13% at the 3rd month and 15% at the 6th month in TURP group. Conclusions: It was determined that RF thermotherapy was 2.35 times more effective than TURP on OAB-V8 scores. In addition to its acceptable effect on Qmax, its continued effect on storage symptoms at 6 months may be a significant advantage over the TURP. As a minimally invasive method, RF thermotherapy can be offered as a suitable option for BPO patients with storage symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) formed by cancer cell invasion is a major cause of high mortality in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the formation of thrombus will be accelerated by bacterial colonization on the surface of the implant after surgery. In this work, Polypyrrole-coated arsenic-loaded layered double hydroxide films were in situ constructed on the nickel-titanium alloy for the efficient killing of tumour cells by thermo-therapeutic synergistic chemotherapy. The good near-infrared photothermal conversion ability of polypyrrole enables the sample surface temperature to be raised to about 51 °C at a low photothermal power (0.5 w/cm2), while the elevated temperature could further accelerate the release of drug arsenic. In addition, when NIR light is not applied, the polypyrrole coating also cleverly acts as a "barrier layer" to reduce the natural release of arsenic in normal tissues to avoid toxicity issues. In vivo and in vitro experiments have demonstrated that the platform exhibits excellent antitumor and antibacterial abilities. In contrast to the systemic toxicity issues associated with systemic circulation of nanotherapeutic drugs, this in situ functional film is expected to be used in localised interventions for precise drug delivery, and is also more suitable for surgical treatment scenarios in PVTT surgeries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of far-infrared (FIR) heat on quality of life (QOL) in older adults. Participants were assigned to either a convective heat group (CON) or a convective and FIR group. Participants received six, 30-min heat sessions over the course of three weeks. Pre- and post-assessments included physical measures such as range of motion, gait speed, Timed Up and Go, and hand grip strength. Standardized questionnaires were used to determine pain severity and its interference with daily life, and the impact pain had on overall QOL. Pain severity was significantly reduced (from 3.31 to 2.5, p <.05) in the FIR group from pre-to-post, and pain interference was significantly reduced (from 1.26 to 0.43, p <.05) in the CON group from pre-to-post testing. Findings suggest that heat therapy was successful in reducing pain over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we will present a model that is useful in treating skin tumors of severe thickness by local hyperthermia. The generalized thermo-viscoelasticity theory with memory-dependent derivative (MDD) is used to investigate the transfer of bioheat and heat-induced response in a thick plate of skin tissue with rheological properties. Laplace and Fourier transformations as well as the state space approach are used. The resulting formulation is applied to the surface of a thick tumorous skin tissue with finite thickness subjected to regional hyperthermia therapy for cancer treatment. The inversion process for Fourier and Laplace transforms is carried out using a numerical method based on Fourier series expansions. Comparisons are made with the results anticipated through the coupled and generalized theories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperthermia is nowadays intensively investigated as a promising strategy to improve the therapeutic efficacy against different types of cancer and resistant infections. In particular, the remote generation of localized hyperthermia by magnetic field through iron-oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) offers good thermal conductivity in a controlled area. The incorporation of these IONPs in 3D-printed scaffolds designed for bone tissue regeneration has been scarcely addressed in the literature. This strategy would add the potential of magnetic-mediated hyperthermia against remnant cancer or resistant infections in the damaged tissue area to these personalized bone-related scaffolds. The present work proposes two methodologies to obtain 3D-printed bone-related scaffolds with magnetic properties: 1-Direct 3D printing with IONPs-embedded polylactic acid (PLA) and hydroxyapatite (HA), resulting in a uniform distribution of IONPs; and 2-Drop coating on 3D-printed PLA/HA scaffolds, resulting in the IONPs being concentrated on the scaffold surface. Physicochemical/mechanical characterizations were performed to confirm the IONPs' distributions and viability assays were carried out to validate the absence of cytotoxicity. Hyperthermia tests (314 kHz) were carried out, including the simulation/validation of the experimental equipment, to establish optimal distances from the planar coil. Temperature–time/distance curves were obtained and parametrized (R2 > 0.96) for both methodologies in relation to the contribution of IONPs (0.20–1.00 mg), their distribution in the scaffold (uniform/concentrated), the electric-current intensity, and the distance. The results validated both methodologies to obtain personalized 3D-printed PLA/HA scaffolds with magnetic properties, reaching the required moderate/ablative hyperthermia levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combined effect of hyperthermia and radiation therapy can be quantified by an enhanced equivalent radiation dose (EQD RT). Uncertainties in hyperthermia treatment planning and adjustments during treatment can impact achieved EQD RT. We developed and compared strategies for EQD RT optimization of radiation therapy plans, focusing on robustness against common adjustments. Using Plan2Heat, we computed preplanning hyperthermia plans and treatment adjustment scenarios for 3 cervical cancer patients. We imported these scenarios into RayStation 12A for optimization with 4 different strategies: (1) conventional radiation therapy optimization prescribing 46 Gy to the planning target volume (PTV), (2) nominal EQD RT optimization using the preplanning scenario, targeting uniform 58 Gy in the gross tumor volume (GTV), keeping organs at risk doses as in plan 1, (3) robust EQD RT optimization, as plan 2 but adding adjusted scenarios for optimization, and (4) library of plans (4 plans) with strategy 2 criteria but optimizing on 1 adjusted scenario per plan. We calculated for each radiation therapy plan EQD RT distributions for preplanning and adjusted scenarios, evaluating each combination of GTV coverage and homogeneity objectives. EQD RT 95% increased from 49.9 to 50.9 Gy in strategy 1 to 56.1 to 57.4 Gy in strategy 2 with the preplanning scenario, improving homogeneity by ∼10%. Strategy 2 demonstrated the best overall robustness, with 62% of all GTV objectives within tolerance. Strategy 3 had a higher percentage of coverage objectives within tolerance than strategy 2 (68% vs 54%) but a lower percentage for uniformity (44% vs 71%). Strategy 4 showed a similar EQD RT 95% and homogeneity for adjusted scenarios than strategy 2 for a preplanning scenario. D0.1% (radiation dose received by the 0.1% most irradiated volume) for organs at risk was increased by strategies 2 to 4 by up to ∼6 Gy. EQD RT optimization enhances EQD RT levels and uniformity compared with conventional optimization. Better overall robustness is achieved by optimizing the preplanning hyperthermia plan. Robust optimization improves coverage but reduces homogeneity. A library of plans ensures coverage and uniformity when dealing with adjusted hyperthermia scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Autonomic nervous system (ANS) disorders are responsible for primary dysmenorrhea and are closely linked to the spine. This study aims to evaluate the effects of sacroiliac joint manipulation on the ANS and lower abdominal pain in women with primary dysmenorrhea and proposes an alternative treatment method. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 participants were randomly assigned; however, 35 participants remained in the final analysis after 5 dropped out; they were assigned to either the sacroiliac joint manipulation group (n = 18) or the superficial heat therapy group (n = 17). Assessments included heart rate variability (HRV), visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for lower abdominal pain, the pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the sacroiliac joint, and the Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MMDQ) at baseline and after 4 weeks. Only the VAS and MMDQ scores were reassessed after 8 weeks to evaluate the sustained effects of the treatment. Results: Changes in HRV showed improvements in ANS balance only in the sacroiliac joint manipulation group (p < 0.05). It was found to be more effective than superficial heat therapy (p < 0.05). A significant decrease in lower abdominal pain following the intervention was observed in both groups (p < 0.05), along with the sustained effects of the treatment (p < 0.05). The MMDQ scores decreased after sacroiliac joint manipulation (p < 0.05), with greater improvements compared to the superficial heat therapy (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Sacroiliac joint manipulation positively affects ANS balance and is effective in alleviating lower abdominal pain and menstruation-related symptoms, with sustained effects observed over time. Therefore, sacroiliac joint manipulation can be an effective alternative treatment for women with primary dysmenorrhea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) symptoms have a significant impact on the senior population's quality of life. Low-level laser therapy, heat therapy, and massage therapy are commonly utilized as standalone therapies for joint diseases. However, there have been very few instances of combining these therapies into an integrated device for KOA. The goal of this study is to create a novel hybrid therapeutic device that can suit a variety of knee rehabilitation needs. This hybrid treatment equipment, which combines low-level laser therapy, heat therapy, and local massage therapy, can successfully relieve KOA patients' clinical symptoms. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were gathered and examined after each period. Low-level laser, heating, and massage therapy significantly reduced WOMAC scores for pain, stiffness, function, and total WOMAC after two treatments (p < 0.05). The score climbed somewhat after the post-treatment period, but it remained lower than the baseline, indicating that the treatment outcome could endure for a long time. As a result, This CUHK-OA-M2 gadget, as an integrated multi-functional hybrid therapeutic device, has therapeutic value for treating osteoarthritis symptoms in the knee joints of older patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frostbite, defined as tissue freezing due to cold weather exposure, is a major risk associated with mountaineering in cold climates. It represents a significant source of morbidity in the climbing population. In 2021, three individuals were evaluated at a single institution after developing frostbite while climbing Denali, Alaska, US. The affected patients were healthy men in the third to sixth decade of their lives, and all experienced frostbite injuries involving the fingers. Among the patients, one individual was unable to descend from the mountain due to the severity of his condition and required medical evacuation. The other men were able to descend without significant difficulty. After leaving the mountain, the patients were treated with thrombolysis, pentoxifylline, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and/or regional sympathetic blockade. Exposure to cold weather, ascent to high altitudes, and increased mechanisms of heat loss were likely potential risk factors for frostbite injury in these patients. Psychological factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic may have also impacted these individuals' risk for frostbite injury. Prevention is the most effective way to avoid frostbite, and knowledge and understanding of the risks associated with the development of this condition may reduce future occurrences among mountaineers. Since frostbite is not a common diagnosis encountered in patients treated in outpatient wound centres, physicians should maintain awareness of the pathophysiology and treatment options for this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Native Iranian apples were sampled for apple chlorotic leaf spot virus (ACLSV) and apple stem grooving virus (ASGV) using ELISA and RT-PCR. Two indirect thermotherapy treatments (38º C for periods of 8 and 13 days) and three chemotherapy treatments each at two concentrations (Ribavirin (RBV) 20 and 40 mg/l, extracts of Hypericum perforatum (HPR) and Pelargonium sidoides (PLG) 60 and 120 mg/l) were applied to treat the viral contaminations. Thermotherapy for 13 days eliminated 100% of ASGV in cultivar GolBahar while RBV at 40 mg/l removed 100% of ACLSV. Cultivar 'Soltani Shabestar' became ASGV free using RBV at 20 mg/liter. ACLSV and ASGV contaminations were also reduced in cultivars Soltani Shabestar and Sharbati to 20 and 33.5 percent with the HPR treatment, apart from the limited number of remaining samples and the uncertain result, which were found simultaneously free of the two viruses. Both extracts damaged the explants at high concentrations, but at lower concentrations a limited number of explants of GolBahar could survive, though with no virus removal. There was complete concordance between the results of all positive samples detected by ELISA and RT-PCR. The use of herbal extracts in place of chemical compounds may be a promising method to eradicate plant viruses in fruit trees including apples. No trace of ASPV and APMV was detected in the explants under exam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The propensity for idleness is more prevalent in contemporary society. In our modern age, individuals are growing indolent. It results in physical inactivity and diminished blood circulation within the body. Consequently, the vascular epithelial cells undergo inflammation, leading to the development of varicose veins. Primarily, it impacts the lower extremities; however, it can occur throughout the body. When varicose veins become thrombosed, the condition is termed superficial thrombophlebitis, which is typically associated with significant pain. The data collected from the survey is utilized to create a predetermined dataset. The preset dataset functions as a threshold value. The location data of an individual is analyzed utilizing several sensors. The data to be analyzed include standing, knee bending, and movement over time. The obtained positional data is processed on a Raspberry Pi utilizing artificial intelligence (AI). It is a non-invasive diagnostic and treatment approach for varicose veins that utilizes heat and vibrational therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]