Search Results (155)

Nitrofurantoin (NFT) is a widely used antibiotic that requires sensitive and reliable detection due to its potential environmental and health impacts. In this study, a poly(O-cresolphthalein complexone)/electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (POC/ERGO) nanocomposite was electrochemically fabricated via one-step process and applied to a modified GCE for the electrochemical detection of nitrofurantoin. The sensing performance of the POC/ERGO-GCE was evaluated using CV and DPV. The developed sensor exhibited a wide linear detection range from 1 to 500 μM, and a low detection limit of 78.90 nM as determined by DPV. In addition, it demonstrated excellent anti-interference capability, good reproducibility and selectivity toward NFT, confirming the reliability of the proposed sensing platform. The enhanced performance is attributed to the increased electrochemically active surface area and improved electron transfer properties of the POC/ERGO-GCE. These results indicate that the proposed platform provides a reliable approach for the electrochemical detection of nitrofurantoin and offers a promising foundation for the development of antibiotic sensing systems. Full article

Sustainable management of peatlands is one of the key global strategies for mitigating climate change. The balance between carbon (C) sequestration and emission in peatlands reflects environmental conditions over time and can provide insight into long-term ecosystem dynamics. However, current methods for estimating greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes are often labor-intensive, costly, and site-specific. In this study, we propose a simplified and cost-efficient method to estimate long-term carbon balance in peatlands based on the inorganic (mineral) content of drill core samples. The approach uses exponential decay equations to approximate peat accumulation and decomposition processes over time. A conceptual model is applied that accounts for both anaerobic transformation of organic matter of varying molecular complexity and enhanced aerobic decomposition resulting from anthropogenic drainage during the last century. The model was applied to more than 100 drill cores from four peatland systems in Estonia. The resulting trends were compared qualitatively with known climatic fluctuations of the last millennium, including periods associated with the Little Ice Age. The results suggest that, in many cases, carbon losses from decomposition in deeper peat layers may exceed carbon accumulation in upper layers, even in peatlands that appear to be well preserved. The proposed method provides a rapid, low-cost, first-order approximation of peatland carbon dynamics and may serve as a complementary tool for large-scale assessments where detailed process-based models are not feasible. Full article

A software autonomy framework provides a vital solution to the challenges posed by growing congestion in Earth’s orbits and the increasing complexity of planetary exploration. For satellite constellations, IOS & ISAM missions, autonomy minimizes dependence on ground control by enabling real-time decision-making for spacecraft collision avoidance, client capture, robotic servicing operations, resource optimization, and resilience against cyber threats in a crowded and geopolitically sensitive space environment. Similarly, autonomous frameworks allow rovers to operate efficiently on distant planets, where communication delays make manual control impractical. By integrating adaptive navigation, fault management, and cooperative behaviors, these systems enhance mission success, reduce operational costs, and ensure rapid responses to dynamic conditions, both in orbit and on planetary surfaces. This paper presents the ERGO Autonomy SW Framework as a mature solution to deal with these space challenges. Full article

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a highly toxic mycotoxin commonly detected in food and agricultural products, requiring sensitive analytical methods for reliable monitoring. Herein, we report an ultrasensitive turn-on electrochemical aptasensor for OTA detection based on a target-induced displacement of an aptamer–complementary DNA (cDNA) duplex assembled on an electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ERGO)-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). In the absence of OTA, a methylene blue (MB)-labeled aptamer hybridized with cDNA is immobilized on the ERGO surface via π–π stacking interactions, forming a rigid duplex that suppresses electron transfer and yields a low electrochemical signal. Upon OTA binding, the aptamer undergoes a conformational transition into a G-quadruplex structure, leading to dissociation of the cDNA strand. This target-induced folding brings the MB redox tag into close proximity to the ERGO surface, markedly accelerating electron transfer and enhancing the cathodic reduction current of MB, thereby producing a pronounced signal-on response in square-wave voltammetry (SWV). The ERGO-modified electrode provides a conductive and stable interface without chemical linkers. Under optimized conditions, the aptasensor shows a linear response to OTA from 10 fM to 100 pM with an ultralow LOD of 0.67 fM, together with high selectivity, good reproducibility, and satisfactory stability. This work demonstrates a simple and effective turn-on aptasensing strategy for sensitive electrochemical detection of OTA. Full article

Leishmaniasis is a global health issue, especially in tropical and subtropical areas, with treatment challenges due to the development of resistance to current drugs. This has prompted the search for new antileishmanial compounds. Endoperoxides, due to parasites’ reliance on external iron and susceptibility to oxidative stress, are promising antileishmanial compounds. This study evaluated two sterol endoperoxides—ergosterol endoperoxide (ErgoEP) and dehydrocholesterol endoperoxide (DHCholEP)—for their antileishmanial activity and mechanism in vitro. Cell viability assays with Leishmania donovani and Leishmania tarentolae promastigotes showed IC₅₀ values in the low micromolar range (from 2.0 to 4.5 µM, respectively) with low toxicity to murine and J774A.1 macrophages. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy confirmed radical generation in the presence of low-molecular-weight iron compounds. However, this did not trigger the antileishmanial effect, as neither N-acetylcysteine nor pyridoxal isonicotinoyl hydrazone altered activity. Mitochondrial function(s) and superoxide production in Leishmania remained unaffected. Both endoperoxides significantly inhibited synthesis of 5-dehydroepisterol, the major sterol in Leishmania tarentolae, suggesting targeting of the sterol biosynthesis pathway. Their limited toxicity to mammalian macrophages makes ergosterol and dehydrocholesterol endoperoxides promising candidates for future antileishmanial drug development. Full article

This paper discusses a multimodal AI system applied to legal reasoning for tax law. The results given here are very general and apply to systems developed for other areas besides tax law. A central goal of this work is to gain a better understanding of the relationships between LLMs (Large Language Models) and automated theorem-proving methodologies. To do this, we suppose (1) two cases for the theorem-proving system: one where it has a countable number of total meanings for its countable number of atoms and the other is where it has an uncountable number of total meanings for its countable number of atoms, and (2) LLMs can have an uncountable number of token meanings. With this in mind, the results given in this paper use the downward and upward Löwenheim–Skolem theorems and logical model theory to contrast these two AI modalities. One modality focuses on syntactic proofs and the other focuses on logical semantics based on LLMs. Particularly, one modality uses a rule-based first-order logic theorem-proving system to perform legal reasoning. The objective of this theorem-proving system is to provide proofs as evidence of valid legal reasoning when enacted laws are applied to particular situations. These proofs are syntactic structures that can be presented in the form of narrative explanations of how the answer to the legal question was determined. The second modality uses LLMs to analyze and transform a user’s tax query so this query can be sent to a first-order logic theorem-proving system to perform its legal reasoning function. The main goal of our application of LLMs is to enhance and simplify user input and output for the theorem-proving system. Using logical model theory, we show how there can exist an equivalence between laws represented in logic of the theorem-proving system, fixed in time when the theorem-proving system was set up, and new semantics given by LLMs. These results are based on logical model theory and Löwenheim–Skolem theorems. Full article

Background/Aims: Double-headed capsule endoscopy enhances visualization and diagnostic yield in small bowel evaluation but increases reading time. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of AI-assisted double-headed capsule endoscopy (MiroCam MC2000) across all small bowel indications and to compare its reading efficiency with the standard manual reading mode. Methods: From May to December 2023, 242 consecutive patients (mean age 50.17 years, SD 18.3; 53% female) underwent small bowel capsule endoscopy at two UK centres for suspected Crohn’s disease (48.8%), iron-deficiency anemia (23.6%), bleeding (18.6%), or other (9%). Seven experienced readers reviewed videos in standard mode (blinded to clinical data), then AI-assisted (MiroCam AI Scan) methods were applied after de-identification/randomization. Two experts provided reference standards. No adverse events occurred. Results: AI-assisted reading had sensitivity 95.3% (95% CI 90.1–98.3%) and specificity 96.5% (95% CI 91.3–99.0%) for diagnostic findings, vs. standard reading: 96.5% (95% CI 91.2–99.0%) and 85.3% (95% CI 78.0–90.9%). The positive findings rate was 83.6% vs. 80.2% (p = 0.040). Reading time decreased by 52% (38.1 vs. 18.26 min; p < 0.001). Conclusions: AI-assisted reading offers high diagnostic accuracy, superior specificity and reduced reading times, supporting its adjunctive role with expert oversight. Registered: ERGO ID 82419. Full article

The structure of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) greatly influences electrochemical interface behavior. This study systematically examines how positional isomers of aromatic diamines (ADMs) assemble on a glassy carbon (GC) electrode and how such ordering affects the attachment and performance of electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ERGO). SAMs of ortho-, meta-, and para-phenylenediamine (o-PDA, m-PDA, and p-PDA) were fabricated on GC and characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Raman spectroscopy. Among them, GC/p-PDA exhibited the most compact and homogeneous interfacial structure. ERGO was subsequently immobilized through the free amine functionalities of the SAM, as confirmed by attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Strong covalent coupling and electrostatic interactions between the positively charged ERGO and terminal amines enabled stable attachment. Under optimized conditions, the modified GC/p-PDA/ERGO electrode demonstrated exceptional electrocatalytic activity toward nitrobenzene (NBz) reduction, achieving a high sensitivity of 1410 μA mM⁻¹ cm⁻² and a low detection limit of 0.040 μM. In addition, this sensor displayed outstanding anti-interference capability, stability, and recovery in a water sample. These results establish GC/p-PDA/ERGO sensor as a robust and efficient electrocatalytically active interface for nitroaromatic pollutants detection and sustainable environmental monitoring. Full article

Background: The importance of integrating enhanced recovery after surgery protocols in gynecologic oncology has been proven in numerous studies. However, the actual adherence to protocol among institutions remains inconsistent in clinical practice, particularly among those without prior structured implementation. This pragmatic multicenter study provides a preliminary report from the ongoing ERGO (Enhanced Recovery in Gynecologic Oncology) cohort study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06655506) and aims to evaluate adherence to enhanced recovery protocols during the early phases of its adoption as well as identify factors that determine low uptake. Methods: Overall, 300 consecutive patients undergoing gynecologic oncology surgery across five institutions were included in the present study. Adherence to preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative enhanced recovery elements was documented using standardized forms. Optimal adherence was predetermined as fulfillment of more than 70% of the enhanced recovery components included in the pathway. Multinomial analysis was used to identify predictors of adherence. Results: Overall, 70.3% of patients achieved optimal adherence; however, rates varied across centers (26.9–84.4%), reflecting the limited institutional familiarity with enhanced recovery pathways in most participating centers. The actual volume of cases handled was an important determinant of adherence, with high-volume units consistently demonstrating substantially higher compliance compared with lower-volume hospitals. Routine preoperative items demonstrated high uptake, whereas several intraoperative and early postoperative components showed low and heterogeneous implementation, which might be the result of anesthesiology-driven practices. Higher surgical complexity and poorer performance status independently predicted reduced adherence. Visual mapping confirmed that complex procedures resulted in lower adherence. Conclusions: The significant variability in enhanced recovery protocol adherence that was observed in our study indicates the need to institute structured workflows that help increase team familiarization, particularly in high-complexity cases and centers new to these elements. Full article

Work performed in confined and low-height spaces (NSLH) is relatively common across several industries, yet it has not been adequately addressed from an ergonomic perspective. Such activities require workers to adopt awkward postures, most often with the trunk bent and rotated, while handling loads positioned at varying distances from the body. These conditions lead to rapid fatigue, musculoskeletal strain, and, in the long term, may cause serious health disorders. Traditional ergonomic risk assessment methods, such as REBA, RULA, or QEC, were initially applied in these situations; however, the results were unsatisfactory. Their broad applicability and reliance on calculation tables that incorporate factors irrelevant to NSLH tasks prevent them from providing an accurate evaluation of ergonomic risks in these environments. To overcome these limitations, a new assessment method, RALH (Risk Assessment for Narrow Spaces with Low Height), was developed. The method aims to evaluate ergonomic risks in contexts where workers cannot maintain an upright posture, resulting in significant stress on the spinal column, particularly in the lumbar and cervical regions. The RALH methodology incorporates parameters such as trunk inclination, trunk rotation, load weight, distance between the body and the load, exposure duration, and the worker’s physical fitness. A dedicated software tool, ERGO Agent—RALH, was designed to implement this methodology, providing structured data collection, parameter normalization, and ergonomic risk calculation. Case studies, including distribution agents working inside van cargo compartments, demonstrated that the method produces accurate and objective results. Beyond diagnosis, RALH also supports the development of preventive strategies, such as equipment optimization, task allocation, worker training, and physical conditioning. Overall, the RALH method is a practical tool for improving occupational health and efficiency in NSLH environments, where traditional ergonomic approaches are insufficient. Full article

Ergothioneine is a potent non-toxic and very stable antioxidant which is synthesized by fungi, algae, and bacteria but not animals or higher plants. Ergothioneine has been widely used in cosmetics; dietary supplements; and medicine to treat diabetes, cancer, as well as cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and liver diseases. Ergothioneine presents two tautomeric forms: thione, the majoritarian and more stable form (ERGO), and thiol (ERGT). Ergothioneine cannot cross cell membranes, and human cells rely on a specific transporter, OCTN1, to transport ingested ERGO to different parts of the body. Ergothioneine is very hydrophilic, and it is supposed to act at the water level but not at the membrane one. In this work, I studied the interaction of ERGO and ERGT with a complex biomembrane using molecular dynamics (MD). MD suggests that ERGO, but not ERGT, inserts spontaneously into the membrane interphase and can move from the membrane interphase to the water phase and vice versa, and no oligomerization was observed. Furthermore, ERGO, when inserted in the membrane, does not alter the hydrocarbon chain order. Therefore, ERGO (the thione form of ergothioneine), but not ERGT (the thiol form), might act at both the water and membrane interphase levels. Full article

The analysis of time-resolved S₁–S_n absorption spectra in the 0–500 ps range, together with quantum-chemical calculations, uncovered a photorecoordination reaction for the following complexes of CD6 (a bis(aza-18-crown-6)-containing dienone (ketocyanine dye) with a central cyclohexanone fragment): CD6·(Mⁿ⁺)₂ (M = Ba²⁺, Sr²⁺, Ca²⁺, K⁺). This process takes place over hundreds of fs and involves an “axial-to-equatorial” conformational change, with the solvation shell undergoing rearrangement as well. The characteristic photorecoordination times were found to correlate with the stability constants of the complexes. The lifetimes for the fluorescent states of CD6 and its complexes, namely CD6·(Mⁿ⁺)₂ (M = Ba²⁺, Sr²⁺, Ca²⁺, K⁺), are different; ergo, there is no photoejection of crowned cations into the solution. The calculated conformational profiles in the ground and excited states indicate the presence of an energy barrier in this process. A general photorelaxation pathway is suggested for CD6·(Mⁿ⁺)₂ metal complexes (M = Ba²⁺, Sr²⁺, Ca²⁺, K⁺). The coordination of cations via the carbonyl moiety in the dye molecule promotes photorecoordination of metal cations in the cavities of the azacrown ether fragment. Photorecoordination times were found to correlate with the degree of conjugation between the lone pairs in the N atoms of the aza-18-crown-6 ether and the π subsystem in the dye molecules (established for the CD4–CD6 metal–dye complex series, where CD4 and CD5 are related dyes with central cyclobutanone and cyclopentanone fragments, respectively). Full article

Healthcare professionals (namely, occupational therapists) face ergonomic risk factors that may lead to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD). Ergonomic assessments are crucial to mitigate this occupational issue. Wearable devices are a potential solution for such assessments, providing continuous measurement of biomechanical and physiological parameters. Ergo4workers (E4W) is a mobile application designed to integrate data from independent wearable sensors—motion capture system, surface electromyography, force platform, and smartwatch—to provide an overview of the posture and workload of occupational therapists. It can help identify poor work practices and raise awareness about ergonomic risk factors. This paper describes the development of E4W by following a User-Centred Design (UCD) approach. The initial stage focused on specifying the context of use in collaboration with six occupational therapists. Then the app was implemented using WordPress. Three iterations of the UCD cycle were performed. The usability test of prototype 1 was carried out in a laboratory environment, while the others were tested in a real healthcare work environment. The Cognitive Walkthrough was applied in the usability tests of prototypes 1 and 2. The System Usability Scale evaluated prototype 3. Results evidenced positive feedback, reflecting an easy-to-use and intuitive smartphone app that does not interfere with daily work activities. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dental professionals engage in a variety of dental procedures within a confined workspace that is often challenging to access and navigate. This environment frequently results in static, asymmetrical, and inappropriate postures, which can lead to muscular imbalances and cause pain or damage to the musculoskeletal system. Such issues can adversely affect the dental workforce, resulting in increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, disability, and premature retirement from the profession. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop and evaluate the performance of an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based deep learning model designed to assess dental ergonomics. Methods: An AI-based Dental Ergonomic Posture Assessment Model [SBK-DentErgo] was developed through the strategic integration of YOLOv11 and MediaPipe. Model training and validation were conducted using 500 photographs of dental professionals performing procedures on patients, captured from both frontal and sagittal planes. In the initial phase of the study, two calibrated evaluators assessed 50 photographs, demonstrating excellent agreement. In the subsequent phase, five dental specialists, along with the AI model, evaluated the same set of photographs, and the results were recorded. Results: AI-based model demonstrated excellent agreement with that of calibrated evaluators (Kappa = 0.922, p = 0.000). The reliability of AI-based scores was also consistent (ICC = 1.000, p = 0.000). Human evaluation of ergonomic posture exhibited very low sensitivity (20.5%) compared to AI, which showed very high sensitivity (97%). The specificity of human evaluation was also extremely low (9.1%) in contrast to AI (85.7%). The AI model (AUC = 0.917, 95% CI 0.762–1.000) could serve as the ‘gold standard’ in evaluating dental operator ergonomics. Conclusions: This AI model demonstrated exceptional performance in evaluating the working postures of dental professionals, surpassing experienced specialists in both sensitivity and specificity. The model provides real-time feedback, enabling dentists to conduct self-assessments and correct their posture immediately, thereby preventing postural issues. Full article

Films of a Ni/Al-layered double hydroxide intercalated with reduced graphene oxide were deposited, by means of a simple and rapid electrochemical synthesis, on Pt electrodes previously submitted to a special cleaning procedure. The aim of the research was to determine whether the better electrocatalytic properties of the Ni(III)/Ni(II) couple, due to the presence of the carbon nanomaterial, as compared to the Ni/Al-LDH alone, could allow glucose detection at physiological pHs, as normally LDHs work as redox mediators in basic solutions. Chronoamperometric experiments were carried out by applying a potential of 1.0 V vs. SCE to the electrode soaked in solutions buffered at pHs from 5.0 to 9.0 to which glucose was continuously added. The steady-state currents increased as the pH solution increased, but at pH = 7.0 the modified electrode exhibited a fast and rather sensitive response, which was linear up to 10.0 mM glucose, with a sensitivity of 0.56 A M⁻¹ cm⁻² and a limit of detection of 0.05 mM. Our results suggest the potential application of Ni/Al-LDH(ERGO) composite for the non-enzymatic detection of glucose or other oxidizable analytes under biological conditions. Full article