Machine Learning-Based Classification of Depression Using Inflammatory Biomarkers in Pancreatic Cancer Patients.

Inflammation is a common mediator of pancreatic cancer and depression. This study investigated the predictive value and clinical associations of inflammatory markers and depression in cancer patients using machine learning (ML) and statistical modeling. Pancreatic cancer patients (n = 328; mean age, 65 years; majority with stage IV disease) were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9; depression defined as PHQ-9 ≥ 10).

Effects of resistance exercise on reducing the risk of lower-limb lymphedema after gynecological cancer surgery.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of resistance and non-resistance exercises on limb circumference, self-management of lymphedema, and quality of life among patients after gynecological cancer surgery.

Methods: A randomized controlled design enrolled 60 patients with gynecological cancer in either the elastic-band resistance or non-resistance exercise groups after surgery. Outcomes were evaluated at three-time points: T0 (baseline, before interventions), T1 (one week after the completion of interventions), and T2 (three months after the interventions).

Are the shapes and sizes of pen barrel the factors to influence handwriting kinetics?

Handwriting plays a vital role in children's learning. Choosing the correct writing tools, particularly in terms of pen shape and size, remains challenging. The influence of pen design on handwriting performance, particularly hand kinetics, is not fully understood.

Association Between Muscle Activity of Upper Limbs and Respiratory Parameters During Functional Performance in People With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Few studies have examined the activity of the accessory inspiratory muscles as well as respiratory function simultaneously in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) while performing activities of daily living (ADLs). This cross-sectional study is aimed at understanding the differences in the demands for respiratory expenditure and activity of the upper limbs and accessory inspiratory muscles during functional performance in individuals with and without COPD. Thirteen patients with mild to moderate COPD and 10 healthy adults were enrolled.

Influence of Stance Configuration on Postural Control While Performing Ballet Turns (Pirouette) in Novices and Experienced Dancers.

Objective: Pirouettes are often first taught from the "fourth position," which is a preparatory distance generally close to 100% of the dancer's foot length. However, the optimal preparation distance has not yet been studied. This study investigated the impact of stance configurations (preparatory distances) on postural control in ballet turns (pirouettes) between both experienced and novice dancers.

Prognostic Impacts of Depression and Inflammatory Factors in Pancreatic Cancer Patients.

Objective: This study explores the potential connections between clinical depression, inflammation, and cancer progression in pancreatic cancer patients.

Methods: Conducted from May 2021 to May 2023 at the National Cheng Kung University Hospital Clinical Data Warehouse, this prospective study involved 279 pancreatic cancer patients. The nine-item self-reported Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess depressive symptoms.

Hamstring activation deficits during Double-Leg Jump-Landing tasks in athletes with hamstring strain injuries using EMG Time-Frequency analysis.

This study aimed to investigate the hamstring activation in athletes with hamstring strain injuries in vertical jump tasks using an EMG time-frequency analysis. Fifteen injured athletes and 15 matched controls were recruited. The EMG signals of the lateral hamstring (LH) and medial hamstring (MH) were assessed during countermovement, squat, and drop vertical jump tasks.

Application of near-infrared spectroscopy to assess the effect of the cupping size on the spatial hemodynamic response from the area inside and outside the cup of the biceps.

Cupping therapy is a popular intervention for improving muscle recovery after exercise although clinical evidence is weak. Previous studies demonstrated that cupping therapy may improve microcirculation of the soft tissue to accelerate tissue healing. However, it is unclear whether the cupping size could affect the spatial hemodynamic response of the treated muscle.

Effect of adaptive sports on quality of life in individuals with disabilities who use wheelchairs: a mixed-methods systematic review.

Purpose: Adaptive sports participation has been shown to improve quality of life (QoL) in individual with disabilities. However, inconsistent results in various domains of QoL exist in the literature. The objective of this mixed-methods systematic review is to identify and synthesize evidence from quantitative and qualitative studies on the effect of adaptive sports on QoL in individuals with disabilities who use wheelchairs for mobility.