Explore the vast range of titles available.

The hyoid bone has been identified as sexually dimorphic in various populations. The current study is a forerunner analysis that used three-dimensional multidetector computed tomography (3D MDCT) images of the hyoid bone to examine sexual dimorphism in the Egyptian population. A total of 300 subjects underwent neck CT imaging, with an additional 60 subjects randomly selected for model validation. Ten hyoid variables were measured. Initially, the dataset was subjected to discriminant analysis to predict sex and the critical variables associated with sexual dimorphism. Subsequently, machine learning approaches were employed to enhance the accuracy of sex determination. The results indicated that all measured dimensions of the hyoid bone were substantially larger in males confront to females. Discriminant functions combining four measurements (major and minor axes of the hyoid body, the distance between the lesser horns, and hyoid bone length) achieved a higher accuracy of sex prediction compared to univariate functions. The accuracies of machine learning models ranged from 0.8667 to 0.933 with precision, recall, and F1-scores also showing improvements. These findings underscore the robustness and reliability of hyoid bone in sex discrimination among Egyptians, supported by both traditional statistical methods and machine learning approaches, and could prove invaluable in forensic cases.

Epilepsy, a complex neurological condition marked by recurring seizures, is increasingly recognized for its intricate relationship with mitochondria, the cellular powerhouses responsible for energy production and calcium regulation. This review offers an in-depth examination of the interplay between epilepsy, mitochondrial function, and aging. Many factors might account for the correlation between epilepsy and aging. Mitochondria, integral to cellular energy dynamics and neuronal excitability, perform a critical role in the pathophysiology of epilepsy. The mechanisms linking epilepsy and mitochondria are multifaceted, involving mitochondrial dysfunction, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial dynamics. Mitochondrial dysfunction can trigger seizures by compromising ATP production, increasing glutamate release, and altering ion channel function. ROS, natural byproducts of mitochondrial respiration, contribute to oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, critical factors in epileptogenesis. Mitochondrial dynamics govern fusion and fission processes, influence seizure threshold and calcium buffering, and impact seizure propagation. Energy demands during seizures highlight the critical role of mitochondrial ATP generation in maintaining neuronal membrane potential. Mitochondrial calcium handling dynamically modulates neuronal excitability, affecting synaptic transmission and action potential generation. Dysregulated mitochondrial calcium handling is a hallmark of epilepsy, contributing to excitotoxicity. Epigenetic modifications in epilepsy influence mitochondrial function through histone modifications, DNA methylation, and non-coding RNA expression. Potential therapeutic avenues targeting mitochondria in epilepsy include mitochondria-targeted antioxidants, ketogenic diets, and metabolic therapies. The review concludes by outlining future directions in epilepsy research, emphasizing integrative approaches, advancements in mitochondrial research, and ethical considerations. Mitochondria emerge as central players in the complex narrative of epilepsy, offering profound insights and therapeutic potential for this challenging neurological disorder.

Introduction: Isoproterenol (ISO) is regarded as an adrenergic non-selective β agonist. It regulates myocardial contractility and may cause damage to cardiac tissues. Alchemilla vulgaris (AV) is an herbal plant that has garnered considerable attention due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant bioactive components. The present investigation assessed the cardioprotective potential of AV towards ISO-induced myocardial damage. Methods: Four groups of mice were utilized: control that received saline, an ISO group (85 mg/kg, S.C.), ISO + AV100, and ISO + AV200 groups (mice received 100 or 200 mg/kg AV orally along with ISO). Results and discussion: ISO induced notable cardiac damage demonstrated by clear histopathological disruption and alterations in biochemical parameters. Intriguingly, AV treatment mitigates ISO provoked oxidative stress elucidated by a substantial enhancement in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) content, as well as a considerable reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations. In addition, notable downregulation of inflammatory biomarkers (IL-1β, TNF-α, and RAGE) and the NF-κB/p65 pathway was observed in ISO-exposed animals following AV treatment. Furthermore, the pro-apoptotic marker Bax was downregulated together with autophagy markers Beclin1 and LC3 with in ISO-exposed animals when treated with AV. Pre-treatment with AV significantly alleviated ISO-induced cardiac damage in a dose related manner, possibly due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Interestingly, when AV was given at higher doses, a remarkable restoration of ISO-induced cardiac injury was revealed.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1394557.].

Periodontitis is a persistent inflammatory condition that causes periodontal ligament degradation, periodontal pocket development, and alveolar bone destruction, all of which lead to the breakdown of the teeth’s supporting system. Periodontitis is triggered by the accumulation of various microflora (especially anaerobes) in the pockets, which release toxic substances and digestive enzymes and stimulate the immune system. Periodontitis can be efficiently treated using a variety of techniques, both regional and systemic. Effective therapy is dependent on lowering microbial biofilm, minimizing or eradicating pockets. Nowadays, using local drug delivery systems (LDDSs) as an adjuvant therapy to phase I periodontal therapy is an attractive option since it controls drug release, resulting in improved efficacy and lesser adverse reactions. Choosing the right bioactive agent and mode of delivery is the foundation of an efficient periodontal disease management approach. The objective of this paper is to shed light on the issue of successful periodontal regeneration, the drawbacks of currently implemented interventions, and describe the potential of locally delivered repurposed drugs in periodontal tissue regeneration. Because of the multiple etiology of periodontitis, patients must get customized treatment with the primary goal of infection control. Yet, it is not always successful to replace the lost tissues, and it becomes more challenging as the defect gets worse. Pharmaceutical repurposing offers a viable, economical, and safe alternative for non-invasive, and predictable periodontal regeneration. This article clears the way in front of researchers, decision-makers, and pharmaceutical companies to explore the potential, effectiveness, and efficiency of the repurposed pharmaceuticals to generate more economical, effective, and safe topical pharmaceutical preparations for periodontal tissue regeneration.

Objective: The knowledge about the effective implementation of corticosteroid injection and extracorporeal shockwave therapy on radiological changes in chronic lateral epicondylitis is lacking. Therefore, the objective of this study is to find and compare the effects of corticosteroid injection and extracorporeal shockwave therapy on radiological changes in chronic lateral epicondylitis. Methods: A randomized, double-blinded controlled study was conducted on 60 LE participants at a university hospital. The active extracorporeal shockwave therapy group (n = 30) received a corticosteroid injection with active extracorporeal shockwave therapy one session a week for 4 weeks, and the placebo extracorporeal shockwave therapy group received a corticosteroid injection with placebo extracorporeal shockwave therapy. The primary outcome was pain intensity, measured with the visual analog scale. The other outcome measures were the percentage of injury measured by magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound, functional disability, handgrip strength, patient perception, kinesiophobia, depression status, and quality of life. Results: The between-group difference in pain intensity at 4 weeks was 1.4 (CI 95% 0.77 to 2.02), which shows more improvement in the active group than in the placebo group. Improvements in the effects were noted after 8 weeks and at 6 months (1.8; CI 95% 1.50 to 2.09) follow-up. Similar improvements were also found in the percentage of injury, functional disability, handgrip strength, patient perception, kinesiophobia, depression status, and quality of life. Conclusion: Extracorporeal shockwave therapy has added effects on corticosteroid injection for improving pain, percentage of injury, functional disability, handgrip strength, patient perception, kinesiophobia, depression status and quality of life in people with chronic lateral epicondylitis.

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a debilitating condition characterized by progressive pain and restricted range of motion in the glenohumeral joint. A wide range of interventions has been explored for its management, including conservative physiotherapy approaches such as thermotherapy, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercises. Pharmacological interventions, including pain medications, and muscle relaxants are commonly employed to alleviate symptoms. Additionally, intra-articular corticosteroid injections have been shown to provide short-term relief. While each modality offers potential benefits, the optimal treatment strategy remains a subject of ongoing investigation. The objective of this study is to investigate the clinical and magnetic resonance image (MRI) changes after lidocaine injection with manual therapy in frozen shoulder. Randomized, single-blinded controlled study conducted at University hospital. Sixty eligible participants were divided into an active group (n = 30; Lidocaine injection with active manual therapy) and the placebo group (n = 30; Lidocaine injection with placebo manual therapy) 4 sessions per week for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was pain intensity, measured with the visual analogue scale and the other outcome measures were range of motion (ROM), functional disability, thickness of corocohumeral ligament (CHL) by MRI, and quality of life which was measured at baseline, after 4 weeks, 8 weeks and at 6 months. The VAS score at 4 weeks shows an improvement 2.4 (CI 95% 2.08 to 2.71) in the active group than the placebo group. Similar effects have been noted after 8 weeks 3.0 (CI95% 2.68 to 3.31) and at 6 months 2.5 (CI95% 2.18 to 2.81). Similar statistically significant improvements were found in the ROM (abduction & Lateral rotation), functional disability, thickness of CHL ligament, status and quality of life (p = 0.001). Lidocaine injection with active manual therapy consists of scapula mobilization and posterior capsular stretching was superior to placebo group for improving pain, ROM, functional disability, and quality of life in people with frozen shoulder. ClinicalTrials.gov CTRI/2020/04/024853.

We aim to collect the evidence of efficacy of Gentle Guman Touch (GHT) and Yakson Touch in preterm neonates as pain relief, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and urine cortisol level. We made our search through PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane by the mid of March 2023. Randomized control trials (RCTs) were included, and the Cochrane risk of bias tool was utilized to assess their quality. Using Review Manager software, a meta-analysis was conducted. We computed the mean difference (MD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) for the continuous data. During the examination, the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) was significantly reduced in the touch group compared to the control group (MD = -3.40, 95% CI [-4.15 to -2.64], P-value= 0.00001). After the examination, the NIPS score was also reduced by both Yakson touch and GHT compared to the control (MD = -2.14, 95% CI [-3.42 to -0.85], P-value <0.00001). Yakson touch and GHT are non-pharmacological, easy, and safe methods that can be used for painful interventions to reduce the pain experience of preterm infants from variable interventions. Both methods improved infant sleep and behavior. Preterm infants' heart rates and oxygen saturation were unaffected by Yakson touch or GHT.

BackgroundSarcopenia has become a significant health issue, particularly as a common consequence of COVID-19 in older adults.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the clinical and psychological effects of integrated physical training with a high-protein diet compared with a regular protein diet in community-dwelling older men who had recovered from COVID-19 and exhibited symptoms of sarcopenia.MethodsThis is a single-blinded, randomised, controlled study conducted from March 2020 to December 2023 at the University hospital. The eligible participants were randomly assigned to two groups using the block randomisation method. The first group underwent integrated physical training with a high-protein diet (group A; n=38), with an average age of 64.1±3.8 years, while the second group underwent integrated physical training with a regular protein diet (group B; n=38), with an average age of 64.5±3.6 years over an 8-week period. Clinical parameters (handgrip strength and muscle mass—cross-sectional area CSA) and psychological measures (kinesiophobia and quality of life) were assessed at baseline, the fourth week, the eighth week and at a 6-month follow-up. The data were analysed using a 4×2 mixed model for repeated measures at different time points.ResultsDemographic characteristics such as age, height, weight and body mass index did not show any statistically significant differences between the groups (p>0.05). After the 8-week intervention and at the 6-month follow-up, handgrip strength decreased by −5.0 (95% CI −6.21 to −3.78), midthigh CSA decreased by −3.7 (95% CI −6.53 to −0.86), midcalf CSA decreased by −4.4 (95% CI −6.80 to −2.00), kinesiophobia level increased by 8.1 (95% CI 7.16 to 9.03) and quality of life decreased by −6.3 (95% CI −9.0 to −3.5). The findings indicated significantly greater improvement (p<0.001) in group A compared with group B, although there was no significant difference in muscle CSA in the arm region (p>0.05).ConclusionIntegrated physical training with a high-protein diet led to improvements in clinical (muscle strength and muscle mass) and psychological (kinesiophobia and quality of life) parameters compared with integrated physical training with a regular protein diet in older men recovering from COVID-19 and displaying symptoms of sarcopenia.

Background: There is ample evidence supporting the use of manual therapy techniques for the treatment of cervicogenic headache (CGH). Objective: The objective of this study was to find and compare the effects of different manual therapy approaches to cervicogenic headache. Methods: A randomized, controlled study was conducted on 84 CGH participants at the university hospital. The participants were divided into a Mulligan mobilization therapy group (MMT; n = 28), a spinal manipulation therapy group (SMT; n = 28), and a control group (Control; n = 28); they received the respective treatments for four weeks. The primary outcome (CGH frequency) and secondary outcomes (CGH pain intensity, CGH disability, neck pain frequency, pain intensity, pain threshold, flexion rotation (right and left), neck disability index, and quality of life scores) were measured at baseline, after 4 weeks, after 8 weeks, and at a 6-month follow-up. The one-way ANOVA test and repeated measures analysis of variance (rANOVA) test were performed to find the difference between the inter- and intra-treatment group effects. Results: Four weeks following training, the MMT group showed a statistically significant difference in the primary (CGH frequency) and secondary (CGH pain intensity, CGH disability, neck pain frequency, neck pain intensity, flexion rotation test, neck disability index, and quality of life) scores than those of the SMT and control groups (p < 0.001). The same difference was seen in the above variables at 8 weeks and at the 6-month follow-up. At the same time, the neck pain threshold level did not show any difference at the 4-week and the 8-week follow-up (p ≥ 0.05) but showed statistical difference at the 6-month follow-up. Conclusion: The study concluded that Mulligan’s mobilization therapy provided better outcomes in cervicogenic headache than those of spinal manipulation therapy and conventional massage therapy.