Search Results (280)

NetworkX is a free Python library for graphs and networks and is used in many applications and projects to find the shortest path in path planning scenarios. For dense graphs, the library provides the Floyd–Warshall algorithm for shortest paths and the A* (“A-Star”) algorithm for shortest paths and path lengths. However, several extensions have been proposed to improve the A*, but they are not included in the library. In this context, this paper presents a set of implementations improving the A*, such as the IDA*, D* Lite, SMA*, Bidirectional A* and RTA*. The goal or challenge is to address the limitations of the A* in specific scenarios, such as searching for an optimal path repeatedly or when confronted with memory limitations, as exemplified by the NetworkX library. To do this, we first review the literature of the usage and general application of NetworkX in different domains of applicability and then explore their usage in a shortest path context. By reviewing and validating the usage of A* and extensions in Python using the NetworkX framework, the implementations were submitted to the network environment validation and passed the tests. We have also done the benchmarking of the A*, comparing it with the new ones, and concluded the better efficiency of the A* extensions in tri-objective scenario parameters (length, cost and toll). Despite the extensive utilisation of A* and its notable efficacy in identifying optimal paths, its performance is suboptimal in specific scenarios, such as when confronted with memory constraints and dynamic environments. Almost every algorithm outperformed or matched the A* in the fields that were developed to have an advantage, demonstrating the quality and robustness of the implemented algorithms. As a contribution and to foster further research in this shortest path specific context field, the dataset and Python code of the algorithms are available in a GitHub opensource repository. Full article

Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory disease-causing bone loss around dental implants, often requiring reconstructive surgical therapies to reduce probing depth and regenerate bone. However, such surgeries are frequently complicated by postoperative issues. This retrospective case series aimed to identify the main postoperative complications following the reconstructive treatment of peri-implant bone defects in peri-implantitis patients. Data from 14 patients with 21 affected implants were analyzed, including demographics, oral hygiene, surgical techniques, and complications such as wound dehiscence, membrane exposure, and infections. Wound dehiscence was measured using Image J^® software version 1.54. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed. The results showed that 11 implants (52.4%; 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 29% to 76%) in nine patients (57.1%; 95%CI = 27% to 87%) developed soft tissue dehiscence after one week, with membrane exposure observed in 4 implants. Dehiscence was significantly associated with mandibular implant location (p = 0.003), poor interproximal hygiene (p = 0.008), and membrane exposure (p = 0.034). No postoperative infections were recorded. In conclusion, more than half of peri-implantitis patients undergoing reconstructive surgery experience wound dehiscence, particularly in cases involving mandible, poor hygiene, and membrane exposure. This complication might compromise bone regeneration and reduce the treatment success rate. These results should be interpreted cautiously due to study design limitations (retrospective design, lack of a control group, and small sample size). Full article

Spent osmotic solutions (sucrose, buckwheat honey, acacia honey, apple juice concentrate, chokeberry juice concentrate, cherry juice concentrate, and mannitol) were tested for their valorization to produce powders by spray drying. Simultaneously, the application of inulin as an alternative carrier was verified. The drying yield varied from 6 to 92%. For acacia honey, apple juice concentrate, chokeberry juice concentrate, and cherry juice concentrate, high stickiness was observed, which resulted in low yield and the production of significantly bigger particles of regular size distribution, higher hygroscopicity and bulk density, and better flowability. Sucrose, acacia honey, and mannitol were dried with lower stickiness, and the physical properties of the powders were acceptable. However, the yield of mannitol drying was low due to very small particles, low bulk density, and low cyclone efficiency. Therefore, sucrose and buckwheat honey solutions can be successfully spray dried using inulin as a carrier to produce powders suitable for further food applications. However, for the other tested materials, alternative carriers should be considered to reduce stickiness during drying. Full article

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains a significant global health concern due to complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer. Immune cell exhaustion, characterized by increased suppressive molecules and inhibitory receptors, represents a critical feature of CHB. Understanding the mechanisms of hepatic immune exhaustion in CHB patients is imperative for the development of effective therapeutic interventions. In this study, we investigated the expression levels and histological distribution of various immune checkpoint receptors and ligands in liver biopsies obtained from CHB patients. Additionally, we aimed to evaluate potential concurrent overexpression of specific receptors and their association with clinical parameters such as ALT levels. Our analysis revealed that PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4, TIM-3, GAL-9, CD272, TIGIT, and 2B4 exhibited predominant localization in portal tracts and sinusoids. Furthermore, we observed a correlation between the expression of PD-1, TIM-3, and GAL-9 with ALT levels in CHB patients. Additionally, a strong relationship was identified between the expression of CD272 and TIGIT, as well as between GAL-9 and CTLA-4 within the studied population. Our findings underscore the significance of the TIM-3:GAL-9 pathway in the immunopathogenesis of CHB. This detailed analysis sets the stage for future combined immunotherapy strategies aimed at leveraging checkpoint receptors to enhance clinical outcomes. Full article

Microalgae are a rich renewable source of a wide variety of bioactive compounds. This study focuses on seven microalgae—Limnospira sp., Dunaliella sp., Lobosphaera sp., Nannochloropsis sp., Odontella sp., Porphyridium sp., and Tetraselmis sp.— analyzing their nutritional compositions and the potential bioactivity of their hydroethanolic extracts obtained via ultrasound-assisted extraction. The total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH, and ORAC), as well as the antimicrobial activity of the extracts were determined. The protein content of the microalgae ranged from 22.9 ± 0.1 to 59.8 ± 1.6%, the fat content ranged from 5.3 ± 0.0 to 36.6 ± 0.0%, and the carbohydrates ranged from 24.0 ± 3.0 to 46.1 ± 1.0%. The highest contents of protein, fat, and carbohydrates were found in Limnospira sp., Nannochloropsis sp., and Lobosphaera sp., respectively. The TPC of the extracts varied between 0.53 ± 0.09 and 3.18 ± 0.53 mg GAE/100 mg DW. Antioxidant activity values ranged from 1.09 ± 0.15 and 2.85 ± 0.45 μmol TE/100 mg DW for ABTS, 0.25 ± 0.06 and 2.28 ± 0.06 μmol TE/100 mg DW for DPPH, and 2.37 ± 0.58 and 18.32 ± 1.00 μmol TE/100 mg DW for ORAC. The extract from Limnospira sp. exhibited the highest antioxidant activity and also showed notable antimicrobial effects. Meanwhile, the Nannochloropsis sp. extract demonstrated the strongest antimicrobial activity against most tested bacterial strains. Lipids were successfully extracted from Nannochloropsis sp. Furthermore, alginate and zein films incorporated with bioactive-rich extracts from Limnospira sp. and Nannochloropsis sp., along with the lipid-rich extract from Nannochloropsis sp., were developed. These films showed significant antioxidant activity and effective antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes. Full article

(1) Background: Heart failure (HF) and dementia are commonly associated with the elderly. A significant percentage of patients with HF are at high risk of cognitive decline and progression to dementia. Cognitive impairment is associated with both diseases. However, the molecules and mechanisms that affect the HF–dementia axis are poorly understood. (2) Objective: In this work, we aim to identify potential proteins that modulate HF and dementia. (3) Methods: We applied a pipeline using bioinformatic tools that robustly perform a literature search. (4) Results: Our results show that apolipoprotein E (APOE), c-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL6), renin (REN), and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) proteins are important for maintaining homeostasis in the heart–brain axis. Additionally, deregulated levels of these proteins are associated with neuronal and cardiovascular diseases. (5) Conclusions: Our work highlights proteins that may help in understanding the pathophysiological relationship between HF and dementia. Moreover, these proteins may also be potential biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets. Full article

Urban environments and climate-related challenges impact older adults’ health and well-being. To address these challenges, climate adaptation strategies and urban design guidelines should be tailored to older adults’ needs. Ethnographic studies can help identify these needs by involving them directly in the research process. This study uses ethnographic research to explore older adults’ perceptions and behaviours regarding climate change risks and impacts, health, and mobility challenges in a vulnerable urban area—São Roque da Lameira, Porto, Portugal. It studies the applicability and complementarity of four participatory methods that can inform urban design: (I) semi-structured interviews, (II) ‘go-along’ interviews, (III) user observations, and (IV) emotional mapping. The qualitative data collected were analysed through thematic and spatial analysis. Common themes emerged between the four methods, including concerns about accessibility, safety, and comfort, such as uneven pavements, lack of seating, and poor infrastructure for people with reduced mobility. Participants recommended improvements, such as more green spaces and better pedestrian infrastructure quality. Notably, each method uncovered distinct dimensions, highlighting the added value of a multi-method approach. This study demonstrates that combining participatory methods offers deeper, context-specific insights to inform age-friendly and climate-resilient urban design. Future research should take climate-focused methods and a multidisciplinary approach into consideration. Full article

A significant proportion of waste generated by the fashion industry is either landfilled or incinerated, primarily due to the high cost and complexity of collecting and separating mixed textile materials. While research in textile recycling often emphasizes post-consumer waste, less attention is given to pre-consumer waste, particularly cutting surpluses generated during apparel manufacturing—a labour-intensive sector with low automation and operational inefficiencies. This study addresses this gap by presenting a case study on the implementation of an automated system for collecting, transporting, sorting, and storing textile surpluses in an apparel manufacturing environment. The research aims to identify the barriers, benefits, and sustainability impact of such automation. Using both qualitative and quantitative data, the system is evaluated through key performance indicators including time reduction, ergonomic improvement, and process reliability. Results suggest that automation enhances intralogistics, reduces non-value-added labour, and enables better utilization of human resources. This case study offers a practical framework for apparel manufacturers to assess the potential of automating textile-waste handling, helping to justify such investments based on labour use, process variability, and environmental benefits. The study contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable manufacturing and supports the apparel industry’s shift toward digital transformation and circular economy practices. Full article

Cancer-associated cachexia (CAC), also known as wasting syndrome, is a systemic condition that affects multiple tissues and organs via a variety of metabolic pathways. Systemic inflammation, progressive weight loss, depletion of adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle impairment are some of the hallmark features of cachexia. Despite various studies on the clinical features of CAC, the complexity of the syndrome continues to pose significant challenges in clinical practice, leading to late diagnoses and the absence of a standardised treatment. Men and women respond differently to CAC, which may be prompted by the pre-existing physiologic sex differences. This review presents the sexual dimorphism associated with the hallmark pathways involved in CAC. A comprehensive understanding of sexual dimorphism in these pathways could drive research on cachexia to prioritise the inclusion of more females in related studies in order to achieve personalised sex-based therapeutic approaches and, consequently, enhance treatment efficacy and better patient outcomes. Full article

Microalgae are a sustainable source of bioactive compounds and nutrients that do not compete with crops for arable land. Lobosphaera sp. was used to produce biodegradable films. Bioactive compounds, polysaccharides, and proteins were extracted from this microalga. The total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH, and ORAC) of the bioactive-rich extract were determined, and its composition was analyzed for phenolics using LC-ESI-QqTOF-HRMS and for lipids using GC-FID. The cytotoxicity of this extract on Caco-2 cells was also assessed. Different types of films were produced based on alginate (2%) (film A) and alginate with polysaccharides-rich (PS-rich) extract (0.5%) (film B); PS-rich extract and bioactive-rich extract (0.25%) (film C); protein-rich (P-rich) extract (0.5%) (film D); and P-rich extract and bioactive-rich extract (film E). The antioxidant activity and physical parameters of the films, such as thickness, color, water vapor permeability, solubility, tensile strength (TS), and elongation at break (EAB), were determined. The TPC of the bioactive-rich extract was 1.07 ± 0.05 mg GAE/100 mg DW, and its antioxidant activity was 2.44 ± 0.27, 1.67 ± 0.15, and 11.90 ± 1.22 µmol TE/100 mg DW for ABTS, DPPH, and ORAC, respectively. The extract showed no cytotoxicity to gut cells at concentrations equal to or below 1.0 mg/mL. Film E obtained the best results for the antioxidant activity, 451.06 ± 14.68 and 212.81 ± 39.12 µM TE/mg film for ABTS and DPPH, respectively. In addition, the films enriched with the bioactive-rich extract (films C and E) presented antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes. These films controlled the mold and yeast growth in strawberries during a four-day storage at 25 °C. All films were completely soluble in water and hydroethanolic solutions but only partially solubilized in acetic acid (3%). TS and EAB were not significantly different among the films. It was possible to produce biodegradable films using microalga Lobosphaera sp. with good bioactivity and physical characteristics. Full article

The present research compared the design, metallurgical properties, and mechanical characteristics of the ProTaper Ultimate instruments with five multifile systems. A total of 469 new nickel–titanium rotary finishing instruments, all 25 mm in length but varying in size, taper, and metal alloy composition, from six different multifile systems (ProTaper Ultimate, ProTaper Next, ProFile, Mtwo, EndoSequence, and GT Series X), were inspected for irregularities and analyzed for their spiral density (spirals per millimetre), blade design, surface finishing, alloy composition, phase transformation temperatures, and mechanical performance (microhardness, torsional, and bending resistance tests). Group comparisons were performed using Kruskal–Wallis and one-way ANOVA with post hoc Tukey’s tests (α = 5%). ProFile instruments exhibited a greater number of spirals and a higher density of spirals per millimetre compared to the other systems. Microscopic analysis revealed distinct tip geometries and blade designs among tested instruments. All of them displayed parallel marks from the machining process, but the EndoSequence system had the smoothest surface finish. The alloys of all instruments consisted of an almost equiatomic ratio of nickel to titanium. At the testing temperature, the ProTaper Ultimate system exhibited a complete R-phase crystallographic arrangement, while the ProFile and Mtwo systems were fully austenitic. The ProTaper Ultimate F2, F3, and FX instruments demonstrated the highest maximum torque values (1.40, 1.45, and 3.55 N.cm, respectively) and the lowest maximum bending loads (202.7, 254.9, and 408.4 gf, respectively). EndoSequence instruments showed the highest angles of rotation, while the highest microhardness values were recorded for GT Series X (407.1 HVN) and ProTaper Next (425.0 HVN) instruments. The ProTaper Ultimate system showed a high spiral density per millimetre and a complete R-phase crystallographic arrangement at room temperature, which significantly contributed to its superior flexibility and torsional strength when compared to the other tested systems. Full article

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent in occupations requiring prolonged standing and repetitive movements, often leading to vascular issues and reduced static balance. Innovations in wearable technology, such as smart footwear integrating active systems, aim to mitigate these challenges. This exploratory study assessed the effects of a novel active footwear system, incorporating compression and vibration, on vascular blood flow and static balance in healthy adults. Sixteen healthy participants (seven men and nine women) were randomized into active and placebo phases, each involving repetitive tasks. Outcomes included reflection photoplethysmography, postural sway, and foot volumetry. Data were analyzed pre- and post-intervention, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. For men, significant improvements in reflection photoplethysmography median values were observed post-active phase (p = 0.031), while women showed no change. Enhanced static balance, reflected in decreased total sway (p = 0.025), was noted in women. No significant changes occurred during the placebo phase. The active system improved vascular function in men and static balance in women, highlighting its potential for ergonomic interventions in industrial settings. Future studies should explore long-term effects and applications in diverse populations, including those with work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic wounds pose a significant health concern, with their prevalence increasing due to various etiologies. The global aging population further contributes to this rise, placing a substantial burden on healthcare systems in developed countries. This work aimed to develop new therapeutic options in the form of creams and dressings based on honey, gellan gum, and hyaluronic acid for preventing and treating chronic wounds across all stages. Methods: To address this, after the formulations were developed, in vitro cytocompatibility was determined. To confirm biocompatibility, an ovine wound model was used: full-thickness excisional wounds were treated with three formulations, namely gellan gum and honey sponges (GG-HNY), gellan gum, honey and hyaluronic acid sponges (GG-HA-HNY) and a honey-based cream (cream FB002). Daily assessments, including visual evaluation and wound scoring, were conducted for 30 days. Following the study period, tissues were collected for histological analyses. Results: The macroscopic examination revealed that all therapeutic groups facilitated lesion closure. Lesion size reduction, granulation tissue disappearance, and scar tissue development were consistent across all groups, with the group receiving cream demonstrating an advanced stage of healing. All groups achieved substantial wound closure by day 30, with no significant differences. Histopathological analysis following ISO standards revealed that GG-HA-HNY had the lowest ISO score, indicating minimal reactivity and inflammation, which corroborated the cytocompatibility. Conclusions: Combining these insights with previous findings enhances our understanding of wound regeneration dynamics and contributes to refining therapeutic strategies for chronic wounds. The formulations were designed to balance therapeutic efficacy with cost-effectiveness, leveraging low-cost raw materials and straightforward production methods. Full article

Coffee pulp, a by-product of wet coffee processing, shows significant potential in the food and health domains, but its real applications remain underexplored. This work investigated the chemical composition and bioactive properties of coffee pulp from São Miguel Island (Azores, Portugal). The studied coffee pulp exhibited high fiber content (52% dw), mostly insoluble; notable mineral levels (10.6%), mainly K, Ca, and Mg; and 6% dw of total amino acids, with hydroxyproline, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and leucine in higher amounts. Despite containing low fat (1.6% dw), mainly saturated, it also showed considerable amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids with a favorable n6/n3 ratio (1.40) and vitamin E (α-, β-, and γ-tocopherols). Its antioxidant capacity can be partially explained by the chlorogenic acid content (9.2 mg/g dw), and caffeine (0.98%) was present in similar amounts to those observed in some arabica coffee beans. A decrease in glucose uptake in Caco-2 cells was found, but not in fructose, suggesting selective inhibition of SGLT1 and potential antidiabetic effects. These results show that Azorean coffee pulp has potential as a sustainable and bioactive ingredient for incorporation into functional foods or dietary supplements. Full article

The use of fruit by-products to develop new food products could be an advantageous approach to meet the demand for healthy foods and reduce food waste. In this study, the amino acid and mineral profiles of melon peel flour were evaluated. Non-essential/toxic elements were also determined. Furthermore, two formulations (biscuit and muffin) were developed with 50% and 100% melon peel flour, respectively. The bioaccessibility of essential minerals in these two formulations was also determined. These innovative products presented interesting contents of amino acids and high levels of minerals, contributing significantly to daily mineral requirements, mainly magnesium (18–23%), phosphorus (13–28%), molybdenum (14–17%), and manganese (10–13%). Regarding the in vitro bioaccessibility of minerals in the developed formulations, magnesium, manganese, sodium, and phosphorus were those with the highest values (75–108%). Based on these results, melon peel has the potential to improve global food security, nutrition, economic well-being, and overall health and well-being. Full article