Comparison of Muscle Energy Technique, Myofascial Release, and Combined Techniques for Glenohumeral Internal-Rotation Deficit. An Interventional Study / Comparación de Técnica de Energía Muscular, Liberación Miofascial y Técnicas Combinadas para el Déficit de Rotación Interna Glenohumeral. Un Estudio Intervencionista

SUMMARY: This study aimed to determine the benefits of a combined technique of muscle energy with and myofascial release more effective than using each in isolation in glenohumeral internal rotator deficits. An interventional study was designed for this study. Thirty-eight patients were diagnosed with painful shoulder syndrome. Patients were randomly allocated into 4 groups where Group A was treated with combined muscle energy and myofascial release; Group B with muscle energy technique; Group C with myofascial release and Group D used as control. The evaluation of the passive joint range of the glenohumeral internal rotation and sociodemographic data for each of the groups were measured, before and after interventions. Despite the use of myofascial release and muscle energy techniques being significantly beneficial in their respective groups, when both were combined; it outcomes were highly successful. A combination therapy treatment applied with the Muscle Energy and Myofascial Release Techniques in patients with painful shoulder syndrome will be more effective in increasing the range of motion of the glenohumeral internal rotation joint than any of the techniques applied individually.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar los beneficios de una técnica combinada de energía muscular con liberación miofascial más efectiva que usar cada una de manera aislada en los déficits de los músculos rotadores internos glenohumerales. Para este estudio se diseñó un protocolo de intervención. En 38 pacientes se diagnosticó síndrome de hombro doloroso. Los pacientes fueron asignados aleatoriamente a 4 grupos; el grupo A fue tratado con energía muscular combinada y liberación miofascial; Grupo B con técnica de energía muscular; Grupo C con liberación miofascial y Grupo D utilizado como control. Se midió la evaluación del rango articular pasivo de la rotación interna de la articulación glenohumeral y datos sociodemográficos de cada uno de los grupos, antes y después de las intervenciones. A pesar de que el uso de técnicas de liberación miofascial y energía muscular resultó significativamente beneficioso en sus respectivos grupos, cuando ambas se combinaron; Sus resultados fueron muy exitosos. Un tratamiento de terapia combinada aplicado con las Técnicas de Energía Muscular y Liberación Miofascial en pacientes con síndrome de hombro doloroso será más efectivo para aumentar el rango de movimiento de la articulación de rotación interna glenohumeral que cualquiera de las técnicas aplicadas individualmente.

The study on synthesis and vitro hypolipidemic activity of novel berberine derivatives nitric oxide donors.

Berberine was used as the lead compound in the present study to design and synthesize novel berberine derivatives by splicing bromine bridges of different berberine carbon chain lengths coupled nitric oxide donors, and their lipid lowering activities were assessed in a variety of ways. This experiment synthesized 17 new berberine nitric oxide donor derivatives. Compared with berberine hydrochloride, most of the compounds exhibited certain glycerate inhibitory activity, and compounds 6a, 6b, 6d, 12b and 12d showed higher inhibitory activity than berberine, with 6a, 6b and 6d having significant inhibitory activity. In addition, compound 6a linked to furazolidone nitric oxide donor showed better NO release in experiments; In further mechanistic studies, we screened and got two proteins, PCSK9 and ACLY, and docked two proteins with 17 compounds, and found that most of the compounds bound better with ATP citrate lyase (ACLY), among which there may be a strong interaction between compound 6a and ACLY, and the interaction force was better than the target drug Bempedoic Acid, which meaning that 6a may exert hypolipidemic effects by inhibiting ACLY; moreover, we also found that 6a may had the better performance in gastrointestinal absorption, blood-brain barrier permeability, Egan, Muegge class drug principle model calculation and bioavailability.

Novel feed additive delivers antimicrobial copper and influences fecal microbiota in pigs.

Dehydrated alginate beads formulated with copper were synthesized and tested as a feed additive to influence the microbiota in finishing pigs and potentially use them as a preharvest intervention to reduce fecal pathogen shedding. The efficacy of the copper beads was tested in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, Salmonella was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced when in contact with the copper beads solution for up to 6 h, with a 5.4 log CFU/mL reduction over the first hour. Chemical analysis of the soak solutions demonstrated the beads delivered their copper payload gradually over the same period the bactericidal effect was observed. For the in vivo experiments, pigs (n = 48) supplemented with the copper beads experienced significant shifts in their microbiota. Enterobacteriaceae (EB) increased by 1.07 log CFU/g (P < 0.05), while lactic acid bacteria (LAB) decreased by 1.22 log CFU/g (P < 0.05) during the treatment period. When beads were removed from the feed, EB and LAB concentrations returned to baseline, indicating copper beads led to measurable and significant changes in microbial loads. Fecal microbiome analysis conducted to explore additional changes by copper bead supplementation demonstrated that, at the phylum level, there was an increase in Firmicutes, Euryarchaeota, and Acidobacteriota, while at the genus level, an increase in Methanosphaera and Pseudomonas was observed. Measures of copper in swine feces showed values ~20 times higher in the treatment group than in the control group during the treatment period, suggesting that dehydrated alginate copper beads were effective in delivering antimicrobial copper to the animal hindgut.IMPORTANCECopper has long been known to have antimicrobial properties. However, when water-soluble salts are fed to livestock, the copper may rapidly dissolve in gastric contents and fail to reach the gut. Here, specially formulated copper beads are seamlessly incorporated into feed and allow copper to remain longer in the gastrointestinal tract of animals, reach deep into both the foregut and hindgut, and shift microbial populations. The technology delivers antimicrobial copper to the animal hindgut and potentially reduces pathogenic microorganisms before animal slaughter.

Effects of an integrative warm-up method on the range of motion, core stability, and quality of squat performance of young adults.

Introduction: This research aims to determine the effects of an integrative warm-up method on the range of motion in joints of the lower extremities, the strength of the stabilizer trunk muscles, and the quality of the basic movement patterns in older adolescents. Methods: The study sample consisted of 88 male students (age 20.1 ± 0.5). They were randomly divided into four groups: one control group (CG) (n = 17; 180.8 ± 7.9 cm; 82.3 ± 8.3 kg) and three experimental groups (EG): EG1 (n = 23; 180.9 ± 7.0 cm; 78.5 ± 9.5 kg), EG2 (n = 31; 182.2 cm ± 7.3 cm; 79.5 ± 11.5 kg), and EG3 (n = 17; 183.3 ± 4.9 cm; 77.5 ± 11.8 kg). The participants were subjected to a 6-week experimental treatment: EG1 once, EG2 twice, and EG3 three times a week. The experimental treatment consisted of four sub-phases representing the integrative warm-up Method: 1) Inhibition (self-myofascial release using a foam roller); 2) Lengthening (Static stretching in a maximum range of motion position); 3) Activation (Positional isometrics muscle activation of the trunk and gluteus); 4) Integration (Integrated all the previous phases into one complex movement pattern). Based on the covariance analysis (ANCOVA), statistically significant treatment effects were observed and positive changes were determined in all experimental groups. Results: The differences between groups were observed in the following variables: Overhead Squat Assessment (p = 0.000; ηp2=0.318), range of motion of left hip flexion (p = 0.000; ηp2=0.371), range of motion of right hip flexion (p = 0.000; ηp2=0.051) and range of motion of right hip extension (p = 0.051; ηp2=0.088), Double Leg Lowering Test (F = 2.411; p = 0.014; ηp2=0.014) and range of combined motion (plantar and dorsiflexion) of left ankle joint (p = 0.000; ηp2=0.299). There was no significant difference in the Plank Test (F = 1.007; p = 1.007; ηp2=0.035), range of combined motion (plantar and dorsiflexion) of right ankle joint (p = 0.088; ηp2=0.170) and range of motion of left hip extension (p = 0.158; ηp2=0.060). The participants of CG statistically significantly differed from EG1, EG2, and EG3 in the squat performance after the applied treatment. Discussion: The effect of the treatment was the occurrence of a transformational processes in almost all measured variables. It can be concluded that the integrative method is effective and applicable in practice for both young adults and recreational athletes.

Effects of foam rolling on hamstrings stiffness in damaged and non-damaged muscle states.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of foam rolling (FR) on hamstring muscles stiffness in both non-damaged and exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) states, using shear wave ultrasound elastography to measure changes in shear modulus. Methods: Fourteen healthy adults (25.5 ± 4.7 years) participated in a within-participant repeated measures design, with a 2-minute FR intervention applied on one leg and contralateral leg serving as a control. The damaging protocol encompassed maximal eccentric knee extensions performed on an isokinetic dynamometer and the Nordic hamstring exercise, consisting of 3 sets of 10 and 6 repetitions, respectively. Measurement were taken at baseline and then 1 h, 24 h and 48 h after the damaging protocol. Results: The results indicated no significant time × leg interaction for shear modulus in biceps femoris, semimembranosus, and semitendinosus muscles in both non-damaged and damaged states. Notably, there was a significant increase in biceps femoris (p = 0.001; η2 = 0.36) and semitendinosus (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.44) shear modulus after EIMD, but no significant differences were found between the FR and control leg, which was also the case for muscle soreness, range of motion, and passive resistive torque (p = 0.239-0.999 for interactions). Discussion: The absence of significant changes post-FR intervention suggests a limited role of short-duration FR in altering muscle stiffness during recovery from EIMD. These findings contribute to the understanding of FR's role in muscle recovery. Although this was not directly investigated, our results suggest a predominance of central mechanisms rather than direct mechanical modifications in muscle properties. This research highlights the necessity for additional investigations to explore how FR interventions influence muscles in different states and to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these influences.

The Acute Effects in Postural Sway as a Result of Self-Myofascial Release on the Lower Extremities in Collegiate Female Athletes.

Myofascial release is a popular therapy technique used to manipulate connective muscle tissue to become more pliable. The maintenance of body posture relies on mechanoreceptors located in connective tissue, thus manipulation of connective tissue should affect postural control. The effects of this phenomenon have not been well studied, leaving room for this investigation. PURPOSE: To observe if postural sway scores changed before and after foam rolling proximal (quadriceps and hamstrings) in comparison to distal (calves) muscles. METHODS: Thirty-six, college-aged female athletes (age 20.39 ± 0.25 years, mass 68.70 ± 1.97 kg, height 170.18 ± 1.56 cm.) performed approximately two and one-half minutes of moderate intensity foam rolling to their calves (n = 19, Group A) or to their hamstrings and quadricep muscle (n = 17, Group B). Center of Pressure (CoP) and Limit of Stability (LoS) testing was assessed both pre- and post-foam rolling using a computerized posturography balance plate. CoP sway was measured under both eyes open (EO) and eye closed (EC) Conditions on both stable and unstable surfaces. LoS was measured in the Anterior, Posterior, Left, and Right Directions. Effects of foam rolling on CoP and LoS were assessed using a repeated-measures MANOVA (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Eyes Open Stable Surface had the lowest postural sway (p = 0.001). However, CoP did not differ for any condition either between Groups (p ≥ 0.6) or from pre- to post-foam rolling (p = 0.3). LoS significantly differed between Directions such that LoS was greater in the frontal plane than in the sagittal plane (p = 0.011). There was also a significant Time X Group X Direction interaction effect (p = 0.001) such that LoS for Group A decreased after foam rolling (mean change = -1.621 cm) but increased for Group B after foam rolling (mean change = + 0.878 cm). No differences were found for any other Direction (p ≥ 0.1). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated CoP and LoS improvements between the two groups based on acute effects of foam rolling intervention. Further research is suggested to determine if long-term gains are observed within or between groups.

Preparation and Evaluation of Chitosan Coated PLGA Nanoparticles Encapsulating Ivosidenib with Enhanced Cytotoxicity Against Human Liver Cancer Cells.

Purpose: Ivosidenib (IVO), an isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) used for treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and cholangiocarcinoma. However, poor solubility, low bioavailability, high dose and side effects limit clinical application of IVO. Methods: Ivosidenib-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (IVO-PLGA-NPs) and Ivosidenib-loaded chitosan coated PLGA nanoparticles (IVO-CS-PLGA-NPs) were prepared using emulsification and solvent evaporation method for the treatment of liver cancer. Results: The developed IVO-PLGA-NPs were evaluated for their particle size (171.7±4.9 nm), PDI (0.333), ZP (-23.0±5.8 mV), EE (96.3±4.3%), and DL (9.66±1.1%); similarly, the IVO-CS-PLGA-NPs were evaluated for their particle size (177.3±5.2 nm), PDI (0.311), ZP +25.9±5.7 mV, EE (90.8±5.7%), and DL (9.42±0.7%). The chitosan coating of IVO-PLGA-NPs was evidenced by an increase in mean particle size and positive ZP value. Because of the chitosan coating, the IVO-CS-PLGA-NPs showed a more stable and prolonged release of IVO than IVO-PLGA-NPs. In comparison to pure-IVO, the IVO-PLGA-NPs and IVO-CS-PLGA-NPs were found to be more effective against HepG2 cells, with IC50 values for the MTT assay being approximately half of those of pure-IVO. In HepG2 cells, the expressions of caspase-3, caspase-9, and p53 were significantly (p < 0.05) elevated. Conclusion: Overall, these findings suggest that chitosan coating of IVO-PLGA-NPs improves the delivery and efficacy of ivosidenib in liver cancer treatment.

Microbial bionic nano-aromatic drugs for prevention of depression induced by chronic stress.

Depression is a mood disorder mainly clinically characterized by significant and persistent low spirits. Chronic stress is the leading cause of depression. However, traditional medicine has severe side effects in treating depression, ineffective treatment, and easy recurrence. Therefore, it is of great significance to prevent depression in the environment of chronic stress. In this study, aromatherapy was used for the prevention of depression. To solve the defects of intense volatility and inconvenience in using essential oils, we designed bionic nano-aromatic drugs and adhered them to the wallpaper. Inspired by the moldy wallpaper, we successively prepared the morphology-bionic nano-aromatic drugs, the function-bionic nano-aromatic drugs, and the bionic plus nano-aromatic drugs by referring to the morphology of microorganisms and substances in bacterial biofilms. Bionic nano-aromatic drugs remarkably promoted their adhesion on wallpaper. Molecular dynamics simulation explored its molecular mechanism. The essential oils, which were slowly released from the bionic nano-aromatic drugs, showed excellent biosecurity and depression prevention. These sustainedly released essential oils could significantly increase monoamine neurotransmitters in the brain under a chronic stress environment and had excellent neuroprotection. Besides, the bionic nano-aromatic drugs with simple preparation process and low cost had excellent application potential.

Modulating peppermint oil flavor release properties of emulsion-filled protein gels: Impact of cross-linking method and matrix composition.

For some food applications, it is desirable to control the flavor release profiles of volatile flavor compounds. In this study, the effects of crosslinking method and protein composition on the flavor release properties of emulsion-filled protein hydrogels were explored, using peppermint essential oil as a model volatile compound. Emulsion-filled protein gels with different properties were prepared using different crosslinking methods and gelatin concentrations. Flavor release from the emulsion gels was then monitored using an electronic nose, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and sensory evaluation. Enzyme-crosslinked gels had greater hardness and storage modulus than heat-crosslinked ones. The hardness and storage modulus of the gels increased with increasing gelatin concentration. For similar gel compositions, flavor release and sensory perception were faster from the heat-crosslinked gels than the enzyme-crosslinked ones. For the same crosslinking method, flavor release and perception decreased with increasing gelatin concentration, which was attributed to retardation of flavor diffusion through the hydrogel matrix. Overall, this study shows that the release of hydrophobic aromatic substances can be modulated by controlling the composition and crosslinking of protein hydrogels, which may be useful for certain food applications.

The myofascial release as neuromotor support to improve the ineffective sucking ability in term infants: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding plays a primary role in the events that characterize the development of the relationship between a mother and her newborn. However, this essential process sometimes does not fully cover the nutritional requirements of the newborn due to altered biomechanical sucking skills. In this context, adequate osteopathic treatment associated with neuromotor facilitation techniques could play a promoting role. METHODS: This study evaluated the effect of the osteopathic approach using myofascial release on 26 infants with ineffective sucking ability, identified by the POFRAS scale and LATCH score, compared with 26 untreated similar infants. After the procedure was initially performed in the hospital, the strategy based on basic neuromotor patterns was taught to the parents to be continued at home. The effects were measured at hospital discharge, during the first outpatient visit, which occurred after about seven days, and at one month of life. RESULTS: The number of valid and continuous suctions, initially less than five per feed in both groups, at the first outpatient check-up was significantly higher (p < 0.00001) in the treated group. Exclusive breastfeeding, initially present in all enrolled children, was maintained mainly in treated children, both at discharge (p < 0.003), at outpatient follow-up (p < 0.00001), and at one month of life (p < 0.00001). Differences in growth and health conditions were not found between the groups. CONCLUSION: We believe that osteopathic treatment associated with neuromotor facilitation techniques can optimize newborns' sucking skills, improving the acquisition and duration of breastfeeding.

Synthesis of struvite-enriched slow-release fertilizer using magnesium-modified biochar: Desorption and leaching mechanisms.

To improve the retention and slow-release abilities of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), an 82 %-purity struvite fertilizer (MAP-BC) was synthesized using magnesium-modified biochar and a solution with a 2:1 concentration ratio of NH4+ to PO43- at a pH of 8. Batch microscopic characterizations and soil column leaching experiments were conducted to study the retention and slow-release mechanisms and desorption kinetics of MAP-BC. The slow-release mechanism revealed that the dissolution rate of high-purity struvite was the dominant factor of NP slow release. The re-adsorption of NH4+ and PO43- by biochar and unconsumed MgO prolonged slow release. Mg2+ ionized by MgO could react with PO43- released from struvite to form Mg3(PO4)2. The internal biochar exhibited electrostatic attraction and pore restriction towards NH4+, while magnesium modification and nutrient loading formed a physical antioxidant barrier that ensured long-term release. The water diffusion experiment showed a higher cumulative release rate for PO43- compared to NH4+, whereas in soil column leaching, the trend was reversed, suggesting that soil's competitive adsorption facilitated the desorption of NH4+ from MAP-BC. During soil leaching, cumulative release rates of NH4+ and PO43- from chemical fertilizers were 3.55-3.62 times faster than those from MAP-BC. The dynamic test data for NH4+ and PO43- in MAP-BC fitted the Ritger-Peppas model best, predicting release periods of 163 days and 166 days, respectively. The leaching performances showed that MAP-BC reduced leaching solution volume by 5.58 % and significantly increased soil large aggregates content larger than 0.25 mm by 24.25 %. The soil nutrients retention and pH regulation by MAP-BC reduced leaching concentrations of NP. Furthermore, MAP-BC significantly enhanced plant growth, and it is more suitable as a NP source for long-term crops. Therefore, MAP-BC is expected to function as a long-term and slow-release fertilizer with the potential to minimize NP nutrient loss and replace part of quick-acting fertilizer.

Effect of foam rolling recovery on pain and physical capacity after resistance exercises: A randomized crossover trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of passive recovery (PR), active recovery (AR), and recovery through self-massage with the aid of foam rolling (FRR) on pain and physical capacity in healthy volunteers after a resistance exercise (RE) session. METHODS: The sample of this randomized crossover trial comprised 37 physically healthy men who underwent three sessions of RE (squat, leg press, and leg extension), involving four sets of 10 repetitions with 80% of 10MR, with an interval of seven days between sessions. PR consisted of sitting for 20min, AR included a cycle ergometer for 20min at 50% maximum heart rate, and FRR involved 10 repetitions per target body area, followed by 1min rest. Variables of physical capacity (strength, power, agility, joint range of motion, flexibility, speed, and fatigue resistance) were assessed 1h after RE, whereas pain was assessed 24h, 48h, and 72h after RE. RESULTS: In the dominant lower limb, the percentage of strength decreased (p < 0.001) by 16.3% after RE but improved (p < 0.001) by 5.2% after AR and FRR in relation to PR. Similar results were observed in the non-dominant lower limb. Agility was enhanced (p < 0.001) by 3.6% in AR and 4.3% in FRR compared with the baseline assessment. The recoveries for the other physical variables were similar. Only FRR reduced (p < 0.001) pain at 24h (22.8%), 48h (39.2%), and 72h (59.7%) compared to PR. CONCLUSIONS: Self-massage using a foam roll reduced pain and improved agility and muscle strength during recovery after exercise. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04201977.

Effectiveness of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization versus foam rolling on trigger point release in calf muscles.

BACKGROUND: Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization and foam rolling are two techniques that have been proven effective in treating Myofascial Trigger Points, irrespective of the type of trigger point. However, little is known about the comparative effectiveness of Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization and foam rolling. This study proposed to evaluate the effectiveness of either technique on plantar flexors trigger points, ankle dorsiflexion, and lower limb power present in the calf muscles in non-symptomatic patients. METHOD: Forty-two subjects with bilateral calf muscle tightness, at least one trigger point in the calf muscle, and fulfilling the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either of the groups. Group A was treated for gastrocnemius and soleus trigger points using Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization and Group B was treated using the Foam Rolling method. Treatment was given every alternate day, a total of 3 sessions. Subjects were evaluated on 1st and 3rd sessions for pre-post differences of ankle dorsiflexion Range of motion in weight bearing and non-weight bearing position, pressure pain threshold for gastrocnemius trigger point 1(G1), 2(G2), and soleus point 1(S1) on both sides, and lower limb power. RESULT: Within group analyses, both groups had shown statistically significant results for all parameters except gastrocnemius trigger point 2 of foam rolling. For between group comparison foam rolling had a statistically significant result in non-weight bearing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion. CONCLUSION: Both Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization and Foam rolling were equally effective for treating calf trigger points. But foam rolling was more effective in improving ankle dorsiflexion range of motion.

Combined effect of myofascial release and passive stretching on plantar pressure in individual with hamstring tightness- an experimental study.

INTRODUCTION: The lower kinetic chain is known to be affected by hamstring tightness which causes biomechanical alterations. As per the literature, short hamstring might cause prolonged forefoot loading, which can cause higher repeated stress on the plantar fascia. There is evidence supporting the use of various stretching and myofascial release techniques for hamstring tightness, further research is needed to investigate their impact on plantar pressure. Hence the study aims to determine combined effect of myofascial release and passive stretching on plantar pressure in individual with hamstring tightness. METHODS: This was an experimental pre-post study design with 67 randomised screenings from asymptomatic health care science students aged 18 to 25. From this scientific survey, a sample size of 47 students having HMS tightness based on the popliteal angle were recruited using a universal goniometer. An intervention was proposed that included MFR and passive stretching in 3 sessions on alternate days. Plantar pressure of these individuals was noted by using the "Harris and Beath foot printing mat" before and after the intervention. RESULT: Significant pressure changes were observed after intervention: great toe of right side (p = 0.001), toes 2 to 5 of right side (p = 0.010) and left side (p = 0.008), first metatarsal of left side (p = 0.010), lateral forefoot of right side (p = 0.019) and left (p = 0.018), medial heel (p = 0.044), and lateral heel of right side (p = 0.025). These values substantiate the enhancement in plantar pressure. CONCLUSION: The combined effect of Myofascial release and passive stretching in an individual with hamstring tightness resulted in a significant increase in popliteal angle and plantar pressure.

Acute Effects of Local High-Frequency Percussive Massage on Deep Fascial and Muscular Stiffness and Joint Range of Motion in Young Adult Men.

BACKGROUND: Local high-frequency percussive (HFP) massage has recently found widespread application in physical therapy. Although HFP massage reportedly improves range of motion (ROM), the mechanism underlying its action has not yet been proven. This study aimed to clarify whether a 5-minute percussive massage regimen affects muscular or connective tissues, such as the deep fascia and deep intermuscular fascia and the change in joint ROM. METHOD: The study sample was calculated using G*Power analysis program, and this study enrolled 15 healthy men who underwent 5-minute HFP massage to the medial gastrocnemius muscle. Shear-wave elastography was used to measure tissue stiffness in the deep fascia, muscle, and deep intermuscular fascia through shear-wave velocity as well as the ROM of the volunteers' ankle joint dorsiflexion before and after the HFP massage. A value of P < .05 was used to declare statistical significance, and post hoc was used to calculate the effect size using G*Power. RESULTS: Shear-wave velocity revealed a significant change in the deep fascia (P = .003; shear-wave velocity: -0.7 m/s) and significant increase in ROM of ankle dorsiflexion (P = .002; increase in ROM: 3.0°) after 5 minutes of HFP massage. However, the muscle and deep intermuscular fascia did not exhibit any significant changes. CONCLUSIONS: HFP massage for 5 minutes modified the stiffness of the deep fascia and concurrently improved the ankle joint-dorsiflexion ROM. This method can be used as an intervention to decrease stiffness of the deep fascia and increase the ROM efficiently.

Computed tomography measurements to predict need for robotic transversus abdominis release: a single institution analysis.

PURPOSE: The radiographic rectus width to hernia width ratio (RDR) has been shown to predict ability to close fascial defect without additional myofascial release in open Rives-Stoppa abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR), but it has not been studied in robotic AWR. We aimed to examine various CT measurements to determine their usability in predicting the need for transversus abdominis release (TAR) in robotic AWR. METHODS: We performed a single-center retrospective review of 137 patients with midline ventral hernias over a 5-year period who underwent elective robotic retrorectus AWR. We excluded patients with M1 or M5 hernias, lateral/flank hernias, and hybrid repairs. The CT measurements included hernia width (HW), hernia width/abdominal width ratio (HW/AW), and RDR. Univariate, multivariate and area under the curve (AUC) analyses were performed. RESULTS: 58/137 patients required TAR (32 unilateral, 26 bilateral). Patients undergoing TAR had a significantly higher average HW and HW/AW and lower RDR. Multivariate analysis revealed that prior hernia repair was independently associated with need for TAR (p = 0.03). ROC analysis and AUC values showed acceptable diagnostic ability of HW, HW/AW and RDR in predicting need for TAR. Cutoffs of RDR ≤ 2, HW/AW > 0.3, and HW > 10 cm yielded high specificity in determining need for any TAR (97.5% vs. 96.2% vs. 92.4%) or bilateral TAR (95.5% vs. 94.6% vs. 92.8%). CONCLUSION: History of prior hernia repair was a risk factor for robotic TAR. CT measurements have some predictive value in determining need for TAR in robotic AWR. Further prospective analysis is needed in this patient population.

Spatiotemporal modeling of nano-delivered chemotherapeutics for synergistic microwave ablation cancer therapy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The effectiveness of current microwave ablation (MWA) therapies is limited. Administration of thermosensitive liposomes (TSLs) which release drugs in response to heat has presented a significant potential for enhancing the efficacy of thermal ablation treatment, and the benefits of targeted drug delivery. However, a complete knowledge of the mechanobiological processes underlying the drug release process, especially the intravascular drug release mechanism and its distribution in response to MWA needs to be improved. Multiscale computational-based modeling frameworks, integrating different biophysical phenomena, have recently emerged as promising tools to decipher the mechanobiological events in combo therapies. The present study aims to develop a novel multiscale computational model of TSLs delivery following MWA implantation. METHODS: Due to the complex interplay between the heating procedure and the drug concentration maps, a computational model is developed to determine the intravascular release of doxorubicin from TSL, its transvascular transport into the interstitium, transport in the interstitium, and cell uptake. Computational models can estimate the interplays among liposome and drug properties, tumor perfusion, and heating regimen to examine the impact of essential parameters and to optimize a targeted drug delivery platform. RESULTS: Results indicated that the synergy of TSLs with MWA allows more localized drug delivery with lower side effects. The drug release rate and tumor permeability play crucial roles in the efficacy of TSLs during MWA treatment. The computational model predicted an unencapsulated drug lime around the ablated zone, which can destroy more cancer cells compared to MWA alone by 40%. Administration of TSLs with a high release rate capacity can improve the percentage of killed cancer cells by 24%. Since the heating duration in MWA is less than 15 min, the presented combination therapy showed better performance for highly permeable tumors. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the potential of the proposed computational framework to address complex and realistic scenarios in cancer treatment, which can serve as the future research foundation, including advancements in nanomedicine and optimizing the pair of TSL and MWA for both preclinical and clinical studies. The present model could be as a valuable tool for patient-specific calibration of essential parameters.

A Smart Pesticide-Controlled Release Platform with Dual Stimuli-Responsive Functions for Enhanced Treatment of Plant Black Shank.

Realizing controllable input of botanical pesticides is conducive to improving pesticide utilization, reducing pesticide residues, and avoiding environmental pollution but is extremely challenging. Herein, we constructed a smart pesticide-controlled release platform (namely, SCRP) for enhanced treatment of tobacco black shank based on encapsulating honokiol (HON) with mesoporous hollow structured silica nanospheres covered with pectin and chitosan oligosaccharide (COS). The SCRP has a loading capacity of 12.64% for HON and could effectively protect HON from photolysis. Owing to the pH- and pectinase-sensitive property of the pectin, the SCRP could smartly release HON in response to a low pH or a rich pectinase environment in the black shank-affected area. Consequently, the SCRP effectively inhibits the infection of P. nicotianae on tobacco with a controlled rate for tobacco black shank of up to 87.50%, which is mainly due to the SCRP's capability in accumulating ROS, changing cell membrane permeability, and affecting energy metabolism. In addition, SCRP is biocompatible, and the COS layer enables SCRP to show a significant growth-promoting effect on tobacco. These results indicate that the development of a stimuli-responsive controlled pesticide release system for plant disease control is of great potential and value for practical agriculture production.

Safety and efficacy of myofascial release therapy in the treatment of patients with hemophilic ankle arthropathy. Single-blind randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Hemophilia is characterized by degenerative joint damage. Patients with hemophilic arthropathy present joint damage, reduced range of motion, and decreased strength and functional capacity. Myofascial release therapy aims to decrease pain and improve tissue mobility and functionality. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of myofascial release therapy in patients with hemophilic ankle arthropathy. METHOD: Single-blind randomized controlled trial. Fifty-eight adult patients with hemophilia were randomly allocated to the experimental group (myofascial release therapy with foam roller) or the control group (no intervention whatsoever). The daily home protocol of myofascial release therapy for the lower limbs using a foam roller lasted eight consecutive weeks. The primary variable was the safety of myofascial release therapy (weekly telephone follow-up). The secondary variables were pain intensity (visual analog scale), range of motion (goniometer), functional capacity (2-Minute Walk Test) and muscle strength (dynamometer), at baseline and at 8 and 10 weeks. RESULTS: During the experimental phase, none of the patients in the experimental group developed ankle hemarthrosis. There were statistically significant changes in time*group interaction in ankle dorsal flexion (F[1.75] = 10.72; p < .001), functional capacity (F[1.16] = 5.24; p = .009) and gastrocnemius strength (F[2] = 26.01; p < .001). The effect size of the changes after the intervention was medium-large in pain intensity (d = -1.77), functional capacity (d = 1.34) and gastrocnemius strength (d = 0.76). CONCLUSION: Myofascial release therapy is a safe form of physical therapy for patients with hemophilia. Myofascial release therapy can effectively complement prophylactic pharmacological treatment in patients with hemophilic arthropathy, improving range of motion in dorsal flexion, functional capacity and gastrocnemius strength.

Comparison of the effects of different foam rolling durations on knee extensors function.

Foam rolling (FR) intervention has recently attracted attention in sports and rehabilitation settings. However, the effects of FR using different rolling durations have not been fully clarified. Thus, this study focused on FR durations and examined the acute and prolonged (i.e., 20-min; 40-min, 60-min) effects of different FR intervention durations on maximal voluntary concentric contractions (MVC-CON), knee flexion range of motion (ROM), pain pressure threshold (PPT), and tissue hardness. The participants were 10 male university students (22.5 ± 1.0 years), and the target muscles were the dominant leg knee extensors. Three sets of 60-seconds FR interventions were performed in the randomized crossover trials in each condition. The three intervention conditions were fast (1 rolling/2 s, 30-repetition × 3 sets, 90 repetitions), medium (1 rolling/6 s, 10-repetition × 3 sets, 30 repetitions), and slow speed (1 rolling/12 s, 5-repetition × 3 sets, 15 repetitions). Before as well as immediately, 20-min, 40-min, and 60-min after the interventions, MVC-CON, ROM PPT, and tissue hardness were measured. The results showed no interaction effect in the acute effect but a main effect of time for all variables (p < 0.05). Also, no interaction was observed in prolonged effect, but main effects of time were observed in knee flexion ROM, PPT, and tissue hardness (p < 0.01) but not for MVC-CON. Post-hoc tests showed significant PPT (p < 0.05) and knee flexion ROM (p < 0.01) increases up to 20- and 60-minutes respectively after all interventions. Tissue hardness was significantly (p < 0.01) decreased up to 60-minutes after all interventions. This study showed that the FR intervention changed ROM, PPT, tissue hardness, and MVC-CON regardless of rolling duration and that the effects persisted up to 20-60 minutes.