Medicina
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Background and Objectives: We attempted to determine the optimal radiation dose to maintain image quality using a deep learning application in a physical human phantom. Materials and Methods: Three 5 × 5 × 5 mm3 uric acid stones were placed in a physical human phantom in various locations. Three tube voltages (120, 100, and 80 kV) and four current-time products (100, 70, 30, and 15 mAs) were implemented in 12 scans. ⋯ Diagnostic accuracy was increased when the deep learning setting was lower than 100 kV-30 mAs, except for at 80 kV-15 mAs. Conclusions: At the setting of 100 kV-30 mAs or higher, deep learning-applied FBP did not differ in image quality compared to IR. At the setting of 100 kV-30 mAs, the radiation dose can decrease by about one third while maintaining objective noise.
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Background and Objectives: Thermal skin injuries are a prevalent cause of skin damage, potentially leading to severe morbidity and significant mortality. In this study, we intended to estimate the effects of HBO (hyperbaric oxygen treatment) and antioxidant supplementation with Filipendula ulmaria extract, individually and simultaneously, in the treatment of thermal skin injuries. Materials and Methods: As a thermal skin injury experimental model, we used two-month-old male Wistar albino rats. ⋯ Results: Simultaneous administration of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and antioxidant supplementation with Filipendula ulmaria extract significantly ameliorated the macroscopic and histopathological characteristics of the wound area and healing. Also, this therapeutic approach decreased the local expression of genes for proinflammatory mediators and increased the expression of the μ-opioid receptor and the MT1 and MT2 receptors in the wound area and spinal cord, with a consequent increase in reaction times in behavioural testing. Conclusions: In conclusion, the presented results of our study allow evidence for the advantages of the simultaneous employment of HBO and antioxidant supplementation in the treatment of thermal skin injuries, with special reference to the attenuation of painful sensations accompanied by this type of trauma.
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Background and Objectives: In stroke rehabilitation, the use of either implicit or explicit learning as a motor learning approach during dual tasks is common, but it is unclear which strategy is more beneficial. This study aims to determine the benefits of implicit versus explicit motor learning approaches in patients with stroke. Materials and Methods: Seventeen patients with stroke and 21 control participants were included. ⋯ Results: Learning scores on the SRTT were not different between implicit and explicit learning in controls but were significantly greater in patients with stroke for implicit learning than for explicit learning. The difference in learning scores between implicit and explicit learning in patients with stroke was correlated with TMT-A and showed a correlation trend with TMT-B. Conclusions: Implicit learning approaches may be effective in the acquisition of motor skills with dual-task demands in post-stroke patients with deficits in attention and working memory.
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Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate whether the occurrence of COVID-19 brought about changes in the health behaviors and depression levels of residents in Gyeongnam in Republic of Korea, and whether the prevalence of COVID-19 was related to differences in health behaviors and depression levels among different regions. Materials and Methods: The researchers utilized raw data from the 2019-2020 Community Health Survey in Gyeongnam and conducted analyses using SPSS 25.0. The study included a total of 35,880 participants from 18 cities and counties in the Gyeongnam region (17,942 participants in 2019 and 17,938 participants in 2020). ⋯ The rate of physical activity (walking) increased, but the prevalence of depression experiences and depressive symptoms also increased. Furthermore, the comparative analysis between areas with a higher number of COVID-19 cases and those with a lower number of cases revealed that areas with a higher number of cases had higher monthly alcohol consumption rates, as well as a higher prevalence of depression experiences and depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Considering that the occurrence and severity of COVID-19 had significant impacts on the health behaviors and depression levels of residents in Gyeongnam, this highlights the need for active intervention and management by the national and local governments in response to the occurrence and management of infectious diseases, including COVID-19, to address the health status and health behaviors of the local population.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of Virtual Reality Therapy on Quality of Life and Self-Sufficiency in Post-Stroke Patients.
Background and Objectives: The consequences of stroke have a significant impact on self-sufficiency and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Virtual reality (VR)-based rehabilitation has the potential to impact these modalities, but information on timing, volume, and intensity is not yet available. The aim of this randomized controlled trial (1:1) was to evaluate the impact of conventional rehabilitation combined with VR on self-care and domains of HRQoL in patients ≤6 months post-stroke. ⋯ There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in WHODAS 2, self-sufficiency, and balance scores (p > 0.05). Conclusions: In the experimental group, there was a statistically significant difference in WHODAS 2, assessment of self-sufficiency, and balance scores before and after therapy (p < 0.05). VR appears to be a suitable tool to supplement and modify rehabilitation in patients after stroke.