Saved Queries

by Balázs Szirmay, Dániel Ragán, Tamás Huber, Beáta Bugyi, Natália Tóth, László Deres, Diána Mühl, Csaba Csontos, Róbert Halmosi, Attila Miseta, Tamás Kőszegi and Zoltán Horváth-Szalai

Biomedicines 2025, 13(12), 2850; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13122850 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background: The actin-binding protein Flightless-I (Flii) has not been quantified in the human serum yet. We aimed to determine serum Flii levels in healthy individuals and to investigate Flii as a potential marker in patients with sepsis focusing on diagnosis, organ failures, and short-term mortality. Methods: A total of 30 controls and 64 septic and 22 non-septic patients were enrolled in this follow-up study. Serum Flii levels were quantified by using the capillary electrophoresis-based Simple Western™ system with chemiluminescent detection. The assay was calibrated by applying dilution series of a purified recombinant human Flii standard and a parallel internal standard. Results: Flii levels of healthy controls were found between 3.5 and 8.8 mg/L, while septic and non-septic patients showed significantly lower values (p < 0.001). First-day Flii could differentiate sepsis from the non-septic inflammatory state (AUC: 0.667; p < 0.05) and indicated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) among septic patients (AUC: 0.686; p < 0.05). Furthermore, a combination of Flii and other sepsis markers seemed to offer an improved diagnostic performance (sepsis vs. non-sepsis, AUC of Flii + gelsolin (GSN) + Gc-globulin + procalcitonin: 0.974; p < 0.001 and ARDS vs. non-ARDS, AUC of Flii + GSN + presepsin: 0.776; p < 0.001) compared with single markers even in the prediction of 14-day mortality (AUC of Flii + GSN + Gc-globulin: 0.76; p < 0.001). Conclusions: We adapted a properly precise and reproducible automated Western blot method to determine concentrations of Flii in human serum. Our results revealed the relationship between Flii and sepsis; however, Flii alone did not appear to be a prominent sepsis marker. When combined with other biomarkers, measurement of serum Flightless-I may provide additional value supporting patient care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cell Biology and Pathology)

24 pages, 2099 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Technical Condition of Concrete Bridges Based on FastText+CNN

by Shiwen Li, Zhihai Deng, Junguang Wang, Xiaoguang Wu and Qingyuan Feng

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(23), 12386; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152312386 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2025

Abstract

Addressing the challenges of scarce measured data for Class 3–4 bridges and strong subjectivity in manual assessments in bridge technical-condition evaluation, this study innovatively proposes a FastText+CNN evaluation model that integrates semantic features with spatial pattern recognition. By constructing a hierarchical data structure of bridge scale matrices using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and generating a balanced training set encompassing Class 1–5 bridges through computational code, the model overcomes the bottleneck of training under small-sample conditions. It employs N-Gram embeddings to achieve semantic representation of defect feature combinations, combines one-dimensional convolutional neural networks to capture cross-component spatial correlation patterns, and utilizes hierarchical Softmax to optimize multi-classification efficiency. Experiments show that the model achieves 92.4% accuracy on the test set, outperforming random forest and multi-layer CNN models by 15.9% and 3.7%, respectively, with recognition rates for Class 3–5 bridges rising to 85% and cross-entropy loss reduced to 0.36. Validated with data from 30 actual bridges, the model maintains 92.3% accuracy and demonstrates the ability to discover implicit patterns in cross-component defect chains, providing an intelligent solution for bridge technical condition evaluation that combines semantic understanding with spatial feature extraction. Full article

46 pages, 3956 KB

Open AccessArticle

Creative Industries and the Circular Economy: A Reality Check Across Global Policy, Practice, and Research

by Trevor Davis and Martin Charter

Sustainability 2025, 17(23), 10460; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172310460 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2025

Abstract

This paper provides a reality check on circular economy (CE) transitions in the creative industries. Climate change has become a dominant theme across the sector, yet the CE has not emerged as a coherent or widely adopted agenda. While manufacturing and construction are increasingly central to CE policy frameworks, creative production remains marginal and inconsistently represented. Drawing on academic literature (2018–2024), national policy strategies, grey sources, and an exploratory online survey, this study identifies recurring patterns across macro-level drivers, sector norms, and niche innovations. Circular activity is concentrated in downstream, material-focused strategies such as recycling and reuse, whereas more transformative approaches (redesign, refusal, and regenerative practice) remain limited. National government CE strategies largely overlook the sector, resulting in weak policy pressure. Sub-sectors such as advertising, gaming, film, and Createch are notably under-researched despite rising digital resource intensity and environmental impacts. Niche innovations rarely scale, and landscape pressures are not translated into regime change. This paper contributes to CE scholarship by offering the first multi-strand, sector-wide analysis of how circular principles are interpreted, applied, and governed across the creative industries, advancing the understanding of CE transitions in non-industrial, hybrid material–digital contexts. Full article

14 pages, 564 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Selected Risk Factors on the Frequency of Cardiac Rehabilitation: Part I

by Andrzej Kleinrok, Marlena Krawczyk-Suszek and Beata Zams

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(23), 8289; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14238289 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is the most important element in the process of returning patients to everyday functioning. The aim of the study was to compare the frequency of use of various forms of CR in terms of the occurrence of various risk factors in patients after acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods: The study was conducted in a group of 1600 patients after ACS across 4 time points: 3, 6, 12 months, and 5 years. Patients were classified into four groups: (1) patients who do not participate in any rehabilitation programme after hospital treatment (0 + 0); (2) patients participating in a sanatorium programme (0 + S); (3) patients participating in an outpatient programme (0 + A); (4) patients participating in both forms (A + S). The study retrospectively analysed patients’ medical records for the following risk factors: smoking, hypertension, and obesity. The relationship between the four groups and the likelihood of undergoing a given form of rehabilitation was determined (Odds ratio [OR]; 95% confidence interval [CI]). Group matching in terms of gender and age was also applied using Propensity Score Matching (PSM). Results: Among those who did not undergo rehabilitation (0 + 0) 6 months after ACS, compared to the baseline groups, the most common were those who returned to smoking (OR = 3.42) and those with persistent obesity (OR = 3.69); after 5 years–individuals who reduced their obesity (OR = 4.86; after PSM: OR = 6.51). The highest chance of A + S rehabilitation was observed in the 3rd and 6th month in the group of people who quit smoking (OR = 7.60; OR = 6.04), after 6 months in the ‘reduction in uncontrolled hypertension’ group (OR = 11.44) and after 3 months in the ‘Reduction in obesity (after PSM)’ group (OR = 7.80). Conclusions: The most effective reduction in selected risk factors is reached by participation in sanatorium and ambulatory programmes (A + S). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Clinical Advances in Cardiac Rehabilitation)

26 pages, 828 KB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical Composition and Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity of Hedysarum semenowii (Fabaceae)

by Anel Keleke, Magdalena Maciejewska-Turska, Martyna Kasela, Tomasz Baj, Liliya Ibragimova, Zuriyadda Sakipova, Olga Sermukhamedova and Agnieszka Ludwiczuk

Molecules 2025, 30(23), 4503; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30234503 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2025

Abstract

This paper provides a comprehensive phytochemical analysis of extracts obtained from the leaves and roots of Hedysarum semenowii using HPLC/PDA-ESI-QToF/MS-MS techniques. The study identified 53 compounds, with flavones and isoflavones as the primary polyphenols. Notably, flavones were predominant in the leaves, while isoflavones were found mainly in the roots, potentially serving as chemotaxonomic markers. Medicarpin and its glucoside were confirmed in the roots, while mangiferin and its derivatives were identified for the first time in both the roots and leaves. Isoflavones like formononetin, calycosin, and afrormosin, along with their glucosides, were exclusive to the roots. Flavonols such as quercetin and its glycosides were abundant in the aboveground parts. Our study also identified flavones like luteolin, flavanones (naringenin), and chalcones (liquiritigenin) in various parts. Additionally, the phenolic acids gallic and ferulic acids, as well as the organic acids malic and citric acid, were also detected. The extracts demonstrated differential antimicrobial and antifungal activities in a microbroth dilution assay, with the aerial part extracts showing superior efficacy, particularly against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Both aerial and underground parts exhibited comparable antifungal activity against Candida species. Antioxidant activity in the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH^•) radical scavenging test varied significantly, with ethanolic extracts from the aerial parts showing the highest potential (Antioxidant Activity Index (AAI) 2.07 ± 0.13). In contrast, root extracts had consistently low antioxidant activity. The results highlight the aerial parts of H. semenowii as a more promising source of biologically active compounds with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties compared to the roots. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Evaluation of Plant Extracts)

30 pages, 1274 KB

Open AccessArticle

Quantifying Autonomy Levels of Traffic Signal Control Within Autonomous Traffic Systems Based on AHP–TOPSIS

by Mingli Shi, Hong Zhu, Kai Li, Yanyue Liu and Keshuang Tang

Systems 2025, 13(12), 1050; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13121050 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2025

Abstract

With the increasing complexity of transportation systems, traditional qualitative descriptions fail to objectively reflect the level of autonomy in traffic signal control systems—especially the lack of a systematic evaluation framework that links technology synergy, task autonomy, and system-level autonomy. To address this critical systematic gap, this study integrates the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to develop a systematic quantitative classification model for assessing system autonomy. The model constructs a three-level indicator framework—“technology–task–system”—based on the systematic closed-loop architecture of traffic signal control systems (upper interaction layer + lower technology chain layer), thereby enabling a holistic and quantitative evaluation of traffic signal control system autonomy. Results indicate that human involvement in the system decreases from 86% at the non-autonomous L0 level to 13% at the fully autonomous L3 level. This systematic quantitative method first reveals the inherent evolution logic of system autonomy (technology → task → system). Additionally, it provides a theoretical foundation for two key applications: the performance comparison across different traffic signal control systems and the planning of their intelligent development pathways—filling the gap of scattered, non-systematic evaluations in existing research. It also serves as a practical tool for these applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Artificial Intelligence and Digital Systems Engineering)

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15 pages, 319 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dimensions of Self-Perceived Functionality in Older Adults Based on the Brazilian National Health Survey

by Jeisyane Acsa Santos do Nascimento, Thais Sousa Rodrigues Guedes, Sanderson José Costa de Assis, Clécio Gabriel de Souza, Marcelo Cardoso de Souza, Rafael Limeira Cavalcanti, Kamila Eduarda da Silva, Diego Neves de Araujo, Johnnatas Mikael Lopes and Marcello Barbosa Otoni Gonçalves Guedes

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(12), 1770; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22121770 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2025

Abstract

The aging population is a global phenomenon that represents a significant demographic shift, with life expectancy closely related to individuals’ functional capacity. Background/Objectives: Identify latent dimensions in self-perceived functional variables among Brazilian older adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from module K of the 2019 National Health Survey (NHS) in Brazil. Multivariate statistics were applied using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Results: The sample consisted of 22,728 older adults from all regions of Brazil, with a predominance of females (56%), an average age of 70 years (CI: 69.68–70.03), 61% engaged in weekly physical exercise, and most living with a spouse or partner (56.3%). The multivariate statistical analysis, conducted through PCA, resulted in two distinct macro-dimensions of functionality: Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). When analyzing each macro-dimension separately, we identified internal micro-dimensions. Within ADLs, two subdimensions stood out: ADLs Upper Limb Function and ADLs Lower Limb Function. Within IADLs, the micro-dimensions included IADLs Health Management and IADLs Independent Outdoor Mobility. Close results in the subdimensions of variable K25 did not allow for a clear distinction between the estimated IADLs. However, given the importance of this variable in explaining the cognitive aspect of the functional capacity construct, we suggest maintaining it as a separate subdimension: IADLs Financial Management. Conclusions: The latent dimensions of functional capacity identified in this study may help guide functional assessment in older adults, inform therapeutic decision-making, shape public policy, and support further research on functional capacity in aging populations. Full article

35 pages, 2361 KB

Open AccessArticle

Two-Stage Energy Dispatch for Microgrids Based on CVaR-Dynamic Cooperative Game Theory Considering EV Dispatch Potential and Travel Risks

by Jianjun Ma, Wei Dong, Baiqiang Shen and Jingchen Zhang

Energies 2025, 18(23), 6105; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18236105 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2025

Abstract

With the rapid development of microgrids (MGs) and electric vehicles (EVs), leveraging the flexibility of EVs in MG optimization scheduling has attracted significant attention. However, existing research does not consider the impact of EV scheduling potential on MG uncertainty or the avoidance of conflicts in EV users’ mobility needs and their charging/discharging activities. Therefore, this paper proposes a two-stage microgrid energy scheduling model integrated with the conditional value-at-risk (CVaR) and dynamic cooperative game theory. In addition, the aforementioned issues are specifically addressed by considering both EV scheduling potential and travel risk. The day-ahead model minimizes the MG’s operational costs, where a CVaR-based uncertainty model for MG net load is established to quantify risks from both renewable energy generation and load. The EV dispatchable potential is calculated using Minkowski summation theory. In the real-time stage, the adjustment of participating EVs and optimal incentive compensation costs are determined through the proposed EV travel risk model and dynamic cooperative game, aiming to minimizing the MG’s real-time adjustment costs. The simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, which can help to reduce the operational costs of MGs by 4%, reduce real-time adjustment costs by about 85%, and decrease load variability by 3%. For the main grid, the proposed method can avoid the “peak-on-peak” phenomenon. For EV users, travel demands can be fully satisfied, charging costs can be reduced for 34% of users, and 2.4% of users gain profits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Grid-to-Vehicle (G2V) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Technologies)

13 pages, 512 KB

Open AccessReview

Harnessing Venetoclax in NPM1-Mutated AML: A Path to Sustained Remission and Beyond

by Matteo Molica, Claudia Simio, Laura De Fazio, Caterina Alati, Massimo Martino and Marco Rossi

Cancers 2025, 17(23), 3733; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17233733 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) harboring NPM1 mutations constitutes a biologically and clinically distinct subtype, characterized by marked sensitivity to inhibition of the anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2. The introduction of venetoclax, a selective BCL-2 inhibitor, in combination with hypomethylating agents (HMAs), has reshaped the therapeutic paradigm, particularly for patients deemed unfit for intensive chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: This review comprehensively analyzes the available scientific evidence—including prospective clinical trials, retrospective cohorts, and real-world studies—to summarize current knowledge on the efficacy, safety, and therapeutic role of venetoclax-based regimens in NPM1-mutated AML. Results and Discussion: Accumulating data demonstrate that venetoclax combined with HMAs achieves high rates of deep molecular remission and significantly improves overall survival in patients with NPM1-mutated AML. Despite these advances, important questions remain regarding the optimal duration of therapy, as well as timing and criteria for treatment discontinuation. Minimal residual disease monitoring is emerging as a pivotal tool to guide therapeutic decisions and enable personalized treatment strategies. Conclusions: Venetoclax-based regimens represent a major advancement in the treatment of NPM1-mutated AML, promoting a shift toward more targeted and less toxic therapeutic approaches. Nonetheless, prospective randomized trials are required to establish standardized clinical algorithms and to refine maintenance and discontinuation strategies, with the ultimate goal of improving patient quality of life and long-term outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Bench to Bedside: Novel Molecular Targets and Therapeutic Strategies in AML)

10 pages, 429 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of High-Efficiency Dialysis Modalities on Interdialytic Blood Pressure Profiles: A Randomized Cross-Over Study

by Jan Michał Biedunkiewicz, Agnieszka Zakrzewska, Katarzyna Jasiulewicz, Natalia Płonka, Bogdan Biedunkiewicz, Alicja Dębska-Ślizień and Leszek Tylicki

Medicina 2025, 61(12), 2077; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61122077 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Interdialytic blood pressure (BP) better reflects volume status and cardiovascular risk in hemodialysis (HD) patients than peridialytic readings. High-efficiency dialysis techniques—online hemodiafiltration (HDF) in pre-, post-, and mixed-dilution modes, and expanded hemodialysis (HDx) with medium cut-off membranes—aim to improve solute clearance and hemodynamic stability. Their comparative impact on interdialytic BP control remains unclear. This randomized cross-over study compared interdialytic BP profiles across these modalities under standardized treatment conditions. Materials and Methods: Sixteen clinically stable adults with end-stage kidney disease sequentially underwent high-flux HD, HDx, and HDF in pre-, post-, and mixed-dilution configurations, each for one month. Dialysis prescriptions, dry weight, and antihypertensive therapy remained constant. Home BP was measured twice daily on non-dialysis days, yielding ~3600 observations. Systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were analyzed by repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni correction. Results: Significant differences were found among modalities for SBP (p = 0.009), DBP (p = 0.004), and MAP (p < 0.001). HDx achieved the lowest mean BP values—SBP 129 (95% CI 127–131) mmHg; DBP 74 (95% CI 73–75) mmHg; MAP 93 (95% CI 91–94) mmHg—significantly lower than high-flux HD and post-dilution HDF (p < 0.05). Differences versus pre- and mixed-HDF did not reach significance. Conclusions: HDx provided modest but consistent reductions in interdialytic BP compared with diffusive and convective high-efficiency modalities. Trial Registration: Ethics Committee of the Medical University of Gdańsk (NKBBN/479-759/2022). Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Urology & Nephrology)

30 pages, 5094 KB

Open AccessReview

Illuminating the Invisible: Fluorescent Probes as Emerging Tools for Micro/Nanoplastic Identification

by Junhan Yang, Kaichao Zheng, Weiqing Chen, Xiaojun Zeng, Yao Chen, Fengping Lin and Daliang Li

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(23), 11283; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262311283 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2025

Abstract

The pervasive environmental contamination by micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) presents a formidable analytical challenge, necessitating the development of rapid and sensitive detection methods. While conventional techniques often suffer from limitations in sensitivity and throughput, fluorescent probe-based technology has emerged as a powerful alternative. This review charts the evolution of these probes, from initial stains relying on hydrophobic adsorption to advanced molecular designs engineered for specific chemical recognition. We critically examine key operational mechanisms, including the solvatochromic response of Nile Red, polarity-discriminatory probes enabling a “microplastic rainbow,” and targeted systems achieving turn-on fluorescence via restriction of intramolecular rotation. Furthermore, we highlight cutting-edge signal enhancement strategies, such as plasmon- and metal-enhanced fluorescence, which amplify detection to the femtogram level. Special emphasis is placed on the distinct challenges posed by nanoplastics, including their propensity for aggregation in aqueous matrices that exacerbates false positives and their superior ability to breach biological barriers, and how AIE luminogens and PEF/MEF strategies mitigate these issues through enhanced signal-to-noise ratios and subcellular resolution, differing from their application to microplastics. Critically, we address the imperative for low-toxicity probe designs, emphasizing biocompatibility and biodegradability criteria to facilitate safe, long-term in vivo tracking and widespread ecological surveillance. The integration of these sophisticated probes with smart, “activate-on-target” systems is paving the way for next-generation MNP analysis, offering critical insights for environmental monitoring and toxicological assessment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxicity of Metals, Metal-Based Drugs, and Microplastics)

25 pages, 1397 KB

Open AccessArticle

Packing Multidimensional Spheres in an Optimized Hyperbolic Container

by Yuriy Stoyan, Georgiy Yaskov, Tetyana Romanova, Igor Litvinchev, Yurii E. Stoian, José Manuel Velarde Cantú and Mauricio López Acosta

Mathematics 2025, 13(23), 3747; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13233747 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2025

Abstract

The problem of packing multidimensional spheres in a container defined by a hyperbolic surface is introduced. The objective is to minimize the height of the hyperbolic container under non-overlapping and containment conditions for the spheres, considering minimal allowable distances between them. To the best of our knowledge, no mathematical models addressing optimized packing spheres in hyperbolic containers have been proposed before. Our approach is based on a space dimensionality reduction transformation. This transformation relies on projecting a multidimensional hyperboloid into a lower-dimensional space sequentially up to two-dimensional case. Employing the phi-function technique, packing spheres in the hyperbolic container is formulated as a nonlinear programming problem. The latter is solved using a model-based heuristic combined with a decomposition approach. Numerical results are presented for a wide range of parameters, i.e., space dimension, number of spheres, and metric characteristics of the hyperbolic container. The results demonstrate efficiency of the proposed modeling and solution approach highlighting new opportunities for packing problems within non-traditional geometries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Applications of Mathematical Modeling and Optimization in Logistics and Manufacturing)

16 pages, 514 KB

Open AccessArticle

Intra- and Inter-Rater Reliability Analysis of MMSE-K and Tablet PC-Based MMSE-K Kit in Patients with Neurologic Disease

by Seung-Ho Choun, Sang-Woo Lee, Yu-Sun Min, Eunhee Park, Jee-Hyun Kim and Tae-Du Jung

Healthcare 2025, 13(23), 3015; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13233015 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background: The increasing prevalence of dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) underscores the need for reliable and scalable digital cognitive screening tools. Although several studies have validated smartphone- or tablet-based assessments in community-dwelling older adults, few have examined their reliability in clinical populations with neurological disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the intra- and inter-rater reliability and agreement between the traditional paper-based Mini-Mental State Examination–Korean version (MMSE-K) and a tablet PC-based MMSE-K kit in patients with neurologic diseases undergoing rehabilitation. Methods: A total of 32 patients with neurological conditions—including stroke-related, encephalitic, and myelopathic disorders—participated in this study. Two occupational therapists (OT-A and OT-B) independently administered both the paper- and tablet-based MMSE-K versions following standardized digital instructions and fixed response rules. The intra- and inter-rater reliabilities of the tablet version were analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) with a two-week retest interval, while Bland–Altman plots were used to assess agreement between the paper and tablet scores. Results: The tablet-based MMSE-K showed strong agreement with the paper-based version (r = 0.969, 95% CI 0.936–0.985, p = 1.05 × 10⁻¹⁹). Intra- and inter-rater reliabilities were excellent, with ICCs ranging from 0.89 to 0.98 for domain scores and 0.98 for the total score, and the Bland–Altman plots showing acceptable agreement without systematic bias. Minor variability was observed in the Attention/Calculation and Comprehension/Judgment domains. Conclusions: The tablet PC-based MMSE-K kit provides a standardized, examiner-independent, and reliable alternative to the traditional paper version for assessing cognitive function in patients with neurologic diseases. These findings highlight the tool’s potential for clinical deployment in hospital and rehabilitation settings, bridging the gap between traditional paper assessments and automated digital screening. Future multicenter studies with larger, disease-diverse cohorts are warranted to establish normative data and validate its diagnostic precision for broader clinical use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Healthcare: Technologies and Applications, 2nd Edition)

12 pages, 721 KB

Open AccessArticle

Simultaneous Detection and Quantification of Age-Dependent Dopamine Release

by Ibrahim Moubarak Nchouwat Ndumgouo, Mohammad Zahir Uddin Chowdhury and Stephanie Schuckers

BioMedInformatics 2025, 5(4), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedinformatics5040064 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background: Dopamine (DA) is a key biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s. However, detailed insights into how DA release in the brain changes with aging remain challenging. Integrating machine learning with DA sensing platforms has proven more effective in tracking age-dependent DA dynamics than using the sensing platforms alone. Method: This study presents a machine learning framework to automatically detect and quantify dopamine (DA) release using the near-infrared catecholamine nanosensors (nIRCats) dataset of acute mouse brain tissue across three age groups (4, 8.5, and 12 weeks), focusing on the dorsolateral (DLS) and dorsomedial striatum (DMS). 251 image frames from the dataset were analyzed to extract features for training a CatBoost regression model. To enhance speed while maintaining much of the predictive accuracy, the model was distilled into a kernelized Ridge regression model. Results: The model achieved validation Mean Squared Error (MSE) of 0.004 and R² value of 0.79. When the acceptable prediction range was expanded to include values within ±10% of the actual DA release and mouse age, model performance improved to a validation MSE of 0.001 and R² value of 0.97. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that the proposed approach can accurately and automatically predict spatial and age-dependent dopamine dynamics; a crucial requirement for optimizing deep brain stimulation therapies for neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) and depression. Full article

26 pages, 8108 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Multi-Step Grasping Framework for Zero-Shot Object Detection in Everyday Environments Based on Lightweight Foundational General Models

by Ruibo Li, Tie Zhang and Yanbiao Zou

Sensors 2025, 25(23), 7125; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25237125 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2025

Abstract

Achieving object grasping in everyday environments by leveraging the powerful generalization capabilities of foundational general models while enhancing their deployment efficiency within robotic control systems represents a key challenge for service robots. To address the application environments and hardware resource constraints of household robots, a Three-step Pipeline Grasping Framework (TPGF) is proposed for zero-shot object grasping. The framework operates on the principle of “object perception–object point cloud extraction–grasping pose determination” and requires no training or fine-tuning. We integrate advanced foundational models into the Object Perception Module (OPM) to maximize zero-shot generalization and develop a novel Point Cloud Extraction Method (PCEM) based on Depth Information Suppression (DIS) to enable targeted grasping from complex scenes. Furthermore, to significantly reduce hardware overhead and accelerate deployment, a Saturated Truncation strategy based on relative information entropy is introduced for high-precision quantization, resulting in the highly efficient model, EntQ-EdgeSAM. Experimental results on public datasets demonstrate the superior inspection generalization of the combined foundational models compared to task-specific baselines. The proposed Saturated Truncation strategy achieves 3–21% higher quantization accuracy than symmetric uniform quantization, leading to 3.5% model file compression and 95% faster inference speed for EntQ-EdgeSAM. Grasping experiments confirm that the TPGF achieves robust recognition accuracy and high grasping success rates in zero-shot object grasping tasks within replicated everyday environments, proving its practical value and efficiency for real-world robotic deployment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Intelligent Sensors)

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