Search Results (333)

Foodborne pathogens remain a major global concern, demanding rapid, accessible, and determination technologies. Conventional methods, such as culture assays and polymerase chain reaction, offer high accuracy but are time-consuming for on-site testing. This study presents a portable, smartphone-assisted dual-mode biosensor that combines colorimetric and photothermal speckle imaging for improved sensitivity in lateral flow assays (LFAs). The prototype device, built using low-cost components ($500), uses a Raspberry Pi for illumination control, image acquisition, and machine learning-based signal analysis. Colorimetric features were derived from normalized RGB intensities, while photothermal responses were obtained from speckle fluctuation metrics during periodic plasmonic heating. Multivariate linear regression, with and without LASSO regularization, was used to predict Salmonella concentrations. The comparison revealed that regularization did not significantly improve predictive accuracy indicating that the unregularized linear model is sufficient and that the extracted features are robust without complex penalization. The fused model achieved the best performance (R² = 0.91) and consistently predicted concentrations down to a limit of detection (LOD) of 10⁴ CFU/mL, which is one order of magnitude improvement of visual and benchtop measurements from previous work. Blind testing confirmed robustness but also revealed difficulty distinguishing between negative and 10³ CFU/mL samples. This work demonstrates a low-cost, field-deployable biosensing platform capable of quantitative pathogen detection, establishing a foundation for the future deployment of smartphone-assisted, machine learning-enabled diagnostic tools for broader monitoring applications. Full article

Wildfire spread prediction models, including even the most sophisticated coupled atmosphere–wildfire models, diverge from observed wildfire progression during multi-day simulations, motivating the need for measurement-based assessments of wildfire state and improved data assimilation techniques. Data assimilation in the context of coupled atmosphere–wildfire models entails estimating wildfire progression history from observations and using this to obtain initial conditions for subsequent simulations through a spin-up process. In this study, an approach is developed for estimating fire progression history from VIIRS active fire measurements, GOES-derived ignition times, and terrain height data. The approach utilizes a conditional Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Network trained on simulations of historic wildfires from the coupled atmosphere–wildfire model WRF-SFIRE, with corresponding measurements for training obtained through the application of an approximate observation operator. Once trained, the cWGAN leverages measurements of real fires and corresponding terrain data to probabilistically generate fire progression estimates that are consistent with the WRF-SFIRE solutions used for training. The approach is validated on five Pacific US wildfires, and results are compared against high-resolution perimeters measured via aircraft, finding an average Sørensen–Dice coefficient of 0.81. The influence of terrain data on fire progression estimates is also assessed, finding an increased contribution when measurements are uninformative. Full article

Background: Personal protective measures help prevent infection and disease transmission during health crises such as Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Populations facing barriers to adhering to these measures are more vulnerable to the health crisis. This study investigated the association of social drivers of health (SDoH), self-efficacy, and adverse substance use behavior changes with ability to practice COVID-19 personal protective behaviors among persons who inject drugs (PWID) with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection history. Methods: This study used the Hepatitis C Real Options (HERO) study’s COVID-19 survey data (n = 157). The association of inability to practice COVID-19 personal protective behaviors (hand washing, social distancing, etc.) with (a) SDoH difficulties (employment, housing, etc.); (b) adverse substance use behavior change (overdose, injecting behavior, etc.); and (c) self-efficacy was tested using logistic regression. Results: Inability to practice any personal protective behaviors was more likely among those experiencing any vs. no SDoH difficulties [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) (95% confidence interval (CI))] = 4.57 (1.57, 16.40); p = 0.003] but less likely for those with higher overall self-efficacy [aOR (95% CI) = 0.55 (0.32, 0.93); p = 0.025] and self-efficacy for setting goals [aOR (95% CI) = 0.63 (0.40, 0.96); p = 0.031]. The association between adverse substance use behavior changes and the outcome was not significant. Conclusions: Greater SDoH difficulties and lower self-efficacy were associated with greater inability to practice COVID-19 personal protective behaviors. Interventions to meet SDoH-related challenges and increase self-efficacy could help encourage practice of personal protective behaviors and economically reduce disease burden during health crises. Full article

Human recreation is an increasingly popular activity; however, an increase in recreational pressure in wilderness areas can contribute to issues such as human–wildlife conflict, introduction of invasive species, vegetation and soil degradation, riparian area impacts, and anthropogenic waste. While remote camera studies are frequently used to assess the response of wildlife species (i.e., grizzly bears) or ecosites (i.e., coastal sand dunes) to human recreational disturbance, classifying and quantifying human recreational behavior, including differences in spatial, temporal, and recreation types, is less common and presents unique design challenges. Here, we present our practical design considerations and lessons learned from a study quantifying human recreation along trails in the northern Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada. We describe our standardized protocol to deploy our camera array, and image classification and analysis of recreation use by type and group size. Finally, we provide practical recommendations for future work attempting to evaluate human recreation in wilderness settings relative to landscape management outcomes. Full article

Head and neck cancer represents a heterogeneous group of malignancies. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most prevalent form of head and neck cancer, with a rising incidence in recent years. Risk factors for developing OSCC include exposure to carcinogens, such as alcohol and tobacco products, that can lead to molecular alterations in the oral mucosa and progression from premalignant lesions to invasive phenotypes. Despite the relative curative potential of localized OSCC, the overall prognosis of OSCC has not significantly improved for decades due to a frequently delayed diagnosis and limited targeted treatment options. There remains a need to better characterize the molecular biomarkers of OSCC progression, especially in dysplastic mucosal lesions, before their malignant transformation. In this review, we discuss several molecular biomarkers highly implicated in OSCC tumorigenesis that have demonstrated correlation with clinicopathological parameters and clinical outcomes. These biomarkers are typically involved in vital pathways of carcinogenesis, including cell cycle control, growth factor signaling, and stress responses. They include ubiquitous cancer biomarkers such as p53 and PTEN, as well as those more specific to OSCC, such as DJ-1 and Cornulin. Collectively, we envision that a diverse panel of these biomarkers can provide the greatest clinical benefit in enhancing early detection and prognostic accuracy, while some individual biomarkers may also serve as therapeutic targets for personalized approaches to head and neck cancers. Full article

Compass-Behavioral is a novel, structured coaching program designed to enhance executive functioning and wellbeing in autistic youth and adults. This mixed-methods study examined outcomes from program participation across multiple clinical sites within a nonprofit organization. Quantitative analyses used de-identified archival data from participants completing the Youth and Adult Wellbeing Scales, along with self-assessments associated with the program. Results demonstrated trends toward improvement in wellbeing following program participation. Results of the self-assessment improved significantly from baseline to completion. Complementary qualitative data were gathered from participant feedback surveys, providing insights into perceived benefits and areas for program improvement. Themes included increased self-awareness, improved organization and planning, and greater confidence in everyday functioning. Taken together, the findings suggest Compass-Behavioral is a promising program for supporting executive functioning and quality of life outcomes among autistic individuals, while also pointing to opportunities for strengthening measurement and long-term impact. Further research is warranted to refine outcome measures, expand sample sizes, and evaluate program effects in more diverse clinical and community contexts. Full article

Background: Pharmacogenetics (PGx), which examines how genetic variations influence drug metabolism and response, offers promise in hospice care where patients commonly experience polypharmacy, complex symptoms, and limited life expectancy. This study assessed the utility of PGx results in guiding medication adjustments to improve symptom management at the end of life. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on ten patients enrolled in a Precision Hospice Program who had PGx results for six key metabolic genes. A PGx-trained pharmacist reviewed Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) guideline-based recommendations, which were discussed during interdisciplinary hospice team meetings. Results: Patients had a mean age of 85.7 years and were prescribed an average of 17.9 medications. Among the 27 prescriptions reviewed, actionable gene–drug interactions were identified, primarily involving antidepressants and analgesics. Three patients underwent medication changes based on PGx guidance, including switching from citalopram to bupropion and adding morphine to tramadol therapy, which improved symptom control. Conclusion: While not yet routinely implemented in hospice settings, this pilot study suggests PGx-guided prescribing can support personalized medication decisions and enhance emotional and physical comfort in end-of-life care when test results are available. Full article

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the field of breast reconstruction, with applications spanning surgical planning, complication prediction, patient-reported outcome assessment, esthetic evaluation, and patient education. A comprehensive narrative review was performed to evaluate the integration of AI technologies in breast reconstruction, encompassing preoperative planning, intraoperative use, and postoperative care. Emerging evidence highlights AI’s growing utility across these domains. Machine learning algorithms can predict postoperative complications and patient-reported outcomes by leveraging clinical, surgical, and patient-specific factors. Neural networks provide objective assessments of breast esthetics following reconstruction, while large language models enhance patient education by guiding consultation questions and reinforcing in-clinic discussions with accessible medical information. As these tools continue to advance, their adoption in everyday practice is becoming increasingly relevant. Staying current with AI applications is essential for plastic surgeons, as AI is not only reshaping breast reconstruction today, but is also poised to become an integral component of routine clinical care. Full article

Human intraperitoneal omental adipose tissue, part of the visceral adipose depots, surrounds the abdominal organs and has functions distinct from the subcutaneous adipose depots. In the clinical setting, it is observed that the omentum is beneficial to combat internal sources of inflammation, oxidative stress, and injury-related stress. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in these functions are not fully understood. We previously demonstrated that adipose stem cells derived from human omental adipose tissue (om-hASCs) secrete exosomes (exos). We and others have extensively evaluated the subcutaneous adipose depot-derived exosomes; however, the role of adipose stem cells derived from the human omental depot (om-hASCs) remains less known. In this study, we postulated that exosomes from om-hASCs (om-hASCexos) drive the repair ability of the omentum to heal organs after internal injury and insults. First, we characterized the om-hASCexos using a proteomic analysis which identified the distinct cargo. Using in vitro injury models, we show that om-hASCexos significantly improve cell migration and proliferation, while decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation. To study acute in vivo healing, a rat wound model was evaluated. Om-hASCexos significantly improved the healing rate of injuries. RNAseq revealed that om-hASCexo treatment acts upon pathways associated with lipid and fatty acid metabolism, apoptosis, immune response, and cell differentiation. The pathway analysis indicated that om-hASCexos significantly regulate the expression of Clec5a and Trem1 in the immune response pathway. Overall, we demonstrate the singular properties of om-hASCexos that are distinct from other sources of hASC. Thus, this study provides an understanding of the unique ability of the omental adipose depot to combat internal injuries. Full article

Marine-derived secondary metabolites have emerged as a rich potential source of anticancer agents, with marinopyrroles and pyrrolomycins representing structurally distinct halogenated pyrroles of interest. Initially characterized for their potent antibacterial properties, these compounds were later shown to exert cytotoxic activity across diverse hematologic and solid malignancies, frequently correlating with Mcl-1 dependence. Marinopyrrole A, a marine-derived natural product, exemplified this potential by inducing proteasomal degradation of Mcl-1, thereby sensitizing resistant cancer cells to Bcl-2 inhibitors and TRAIL-based therapies. In parallel, pyrrolomycins, particularly pyrrolomycin C and members of the F-series, demonstrated potent activity with submicromolar IC₅₀ concentrations across multiple cancer cell lines, and also perturbed cytoskeletal and membrane integrity. Together, these halogenated pyrroles illustrate multifaceted cancer cell cytotoxicity profiles but face translational barriers, including mechanistic ambiguity, poor solubility, and off-target toxicities. To address these limitations, extensive medicinal chemistry efforts have yielded synthetic derivatives with improved potency, selectivity, and drug-like properties, with notable examples such as MP1 and KS18 showing enhanced efficacy in MYC-driven neuroblastoma, medulloblastoma, and drug-resistant multiple myeloma. Full article

Background/Objectives: Quercetin is a bitter compound with demonstrated anticancer effects in preclinical models of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In taste transduction, bitter compounds activate bitter taste receptors (T2Rs), a group of G protein-coupled receptors with downstream signaling that includes cytosolic calcium (Ca²⁺) release. T2Rs are expressed in HNSCC cells, where their activation induces apoptosis in vitro. Increased T2R expression in HNSCC also correlates with improved patient survival. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of quercetin as an anticancer T2R agonist in HNSCC cells in vitro and ex vivo. Methods: Quercetin-mediated Ca²⁺ responses were assessed using live cell Ca²⁺ imaging in the presence of the T2R14 antagonist LF1 and G-protein inhibitor YM-254980 (YM) in UM-SCC-47 and FaDu HNSCC cell lines. Cell viability was evaluated using crystal violet assays in cell lines and MTS assays in patient-derived tumor slices. Mitochondrial depolarization was measured with TMRE in the presence and absence of T2R pathway inhibitors. Results: Quercetin induced a Ca²⁺ response in HNSCC cells, which was significantly reduced by LF1 and YM. Quercetin also decreased cell viability in vitro. Ex vivo experiments showed a decrease in viability that was not statistically significant. Finally, quercetin caused mitochondrial depolarization, which was reduced in the presence of LF1 but not by YM. Conclusions: In HNSCC cells, quercetin causes a Ca²⁺ response that is likely mediated by T2R14, although genetic knockdown or knockout models are needed to more definitively support this hypothesis. Additionally, quercetin decreases viability in vitro and causes mitochondrial depolarization. Full article

Ocean Literacy (OL) can be broadly defined as a framework for understanding the complex and evolving relationships between people and the ocean. It is increasingly recognized as a vital component of marine conservation and sustainability efforts. OL is inherently interdisciplinary, and psychology, while being a particularly relevant field, remains an underutilized field in this space. This paper demonstrates how psychological theories, frameworks, and validated measures can meaningfully inform OL strategies across its ten proposed dimensions: knowledge, awareness, attitudes, behavior, activism, communication, emotional connections, access and experience, adaptive capacity, and trust and transparency. Full article

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a prevalent malignancy with poor clinical outcomes. microRNA-7-5p (miR-7-5p) has been described as both a tumour suppressor and an oncomiR depending on the tissue context, but its role in HNSCC remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the clinical significance and biological function of miR-7-5p in HNSCC by integrating data from multiple sources. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify studies analysing miRNA expression in human head and neck tissues. A meta-analysis of individual patient data from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), ArrayExpress, and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was performed to assess miR-7-5p expression in tumours and normal tissues, and its associations with clinical parameters and prognostic outcomes. Bioinformatics analyses were used to predict miR-7-5p target genes, classify hub genes, and perform gene ontology enrichment analysis. MicroRNA in situ hybridisation (miRNA ISH) and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) were conducted on tissue samples, HNSCC cell lines, and an in vitro model of oral oncogenesis to validate miR-7-5p expression patterns. Results: miR-7-5p was significantly upregulated in tumours compared to normal tissues and associated with larger tumour size, HPV-negative status, poor disease-specific survival, and shorter progression-free intervals. Bioinformatics analysis highlighted miR-7-5p target genes enriched in pathways related to cell growth, survival, and tumourigenesis. Despite evidence supporting the anti-cancer role of exogenous miR-7-5p in preclinical models, the observed endogenous upregulation in tumours suggests that miR-7-5p expression may represent a compensatory or stress-responsive mechanism during tumourigenesis, rather than acting as a primary oncogenic driver. Conclusions: This study provides new insights into the complex role of miR-7-5p in HNSCC, supporting its potential as both a biomarker and a therapeutic target. Understanding the context-specific functions of miR-7-5p is essential for its development as an RNA-based therapeutic in HNSCC. Full article

The effects of administering 10 mL of maternal bovine appeasing substance (mBAS) or water (control; CT) at weaning (day 0) before transport on feedlot adaptation and efficiency were evaluated in twenty-two Angus-influenced heifers (n = 11/treatment) over 28 days. Body weight (BW), salivary cortisol, blood for complete blood cell count, rectal temperature, chute score and exit speed were collected on days 0, 14 and 27. Intake, feeding duration, frequency and rate, as well as activity and rumination were monitored daily using automated systems. Average daily gain (ADG) and gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) were calculated for each 14-day interval as well as for the entire feeding period. Treated heifers spent less time eating (p ≤ 0.06) on weeks 1 and 2, with greater feeding rate and activity (p < 0.01) in week 1, followed by reduced activity (p ≤ 0.05) in weeks 2, 3 and 4. Rumination was longer (p < 0.05) in weeks 3 and 4, coinciding with greater (p ≤ 0.05) final BW, ADG_0–27, ADG_14–27, and G:F_0–27, G:F_14–27. Lymphocyte and hematocrit were lower (p < 0.05) on days 14 and 27, respectively, and platelets tended to be greater (p = 0.08) than CT for the entire period. Treated heifers achieved numerically greater profit margins than CT. Overall, mBAS enhanced feedlot adaptability post-weaning, improving production efficiency, which may translate into potential profitability; however, this interpretation should be viewed cautiously considering some design limitations. Full article