Search Results (6,740)

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most frequent infections in hospitalized and outpatient settings, where Escherichia coli is the predominant pathogen. Conventional diagnostic and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) methods are time-consuming, often requiring 48 h, leading to empirical antibiotic therapy and contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). FASTinov^® developed a rapid phenotypic method that enables AST directly from urine samples within two hours using flow cytometry. In this study, 154 inoculated urine samples were analyzed to evaluate the performance of two diagnostic panels: FASTgramneg for Gram-negative bacteria and FASTgrampos for Gram-positive bacteria. Data analysis was performed using bioFAST^® software (version 3.0), providing results in accordance with EUCAST guidelines. The FASTgramneg panel allows detection of resistance mechanisms, including extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), and screening of AmpC β-lactamases and carbapenemases; the FASTgrampos panel additionally determines the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of vancomycin for Staphylococcus aureus. Overall agreement with conventional AST methods was 97.5% for Gram-negative bacteria and 95.0% for Gram-positive bacteria. All resistance mechanisms were correctly identified with no false positives. The essential agreement for vancomycin’s MIC was 95.2%, with a BIAS of +14.3%. Reproducibility was 99.5% for FASTgramneg and 95.0% for FASTgrampos. These results demonstrate that the FASTinov^® kit significantly reduces turnaround time while maintaining high accuracy, supporting improved UTI management and antimicrobial stewardship. Full article

The unique ecological gradients of Xinjiang have fostered a rich reservoir of genetic resources in local sheep populations. However, the population genetic structure, adaptive mechanisms to extreme environments, and the genetic basis underlying key economic traits of these breeds remain poorly understood. To address this gap, we performed whole-genome resequencing of 140 individuals from seven indigenous sheep populations—Altay, Bayinbuluke, Kazakh, Kirgiz, Bashibai, Turpan Black, and Yemule White—identifying 18,700,507 high-quality SNPs. Genetic diversity analyses revealed that all populations exhibited comparable levels of genetic diversity, with modest variation across breeds, with Turpan Black sheep exhibiting the highest observed heterozygosity (Ho = 0.3110) and proportion of polymorphic sites, whereas Kirgiz sheep showed comparatively lower values. Population structure analyses consistently indicated that geographic isolation is the primary driver of genetic differentiation, with Kirgiz sheep from the Pamir Plateau in southern Xinjiang displaying the greatest genetic distance relative to northern Xinjiang populations. By integrating multiple selection signature detection methods—including F_ST, π ratio, and XP-CLR—we found that genes under selection in Kirgiz sheep were significantly enriched in biological pathways related to stem cell pluripotency regulation (e.g., BMPR1B), DNA repair (e.g., DDB2), and neural development, thereby elucidating their unique genetic adaptations to high-altitude environments. In contrast, Turpan Black sheep appear to cope with heat stress through mechanisms involving basal transcriptional regulation (e.g., GTF2I), maintenance of protein homeostasis (e.g., DNAJB14), and melanin biosynthesis (e.g., MC1R). Furthermore, comparative analysis of body size identified a suite of candidate genes associated with growth and development (e.g., CUX1, KIT), which are primarily involved in transcriptional regulation, protein kinase activity, and the ubiquitin-mediated proteolytic system, thereby revealing a multi-layered genetic regulatory network governing body conformation. Collectively, this study provides a comprehensive genomic framework for understanding the genetic structure, adaptive evolution, and molecular basis of economically important traits in indigenous sheep breeds from Xinjiang, offering valuable candidate targets for future functional validation and precision breeding programs. Full article

The objective of this study is to develop and incorporate a multidisciplinary engineering design experience into an academic success and professional development course that aims to retain non-calculus-ready first-year engineering students. The project followed the five-step engineering design process using knowledge from multiple engineering disciplines. Students were tasked to design a scale model of a safe, sustainable, and cost-efficient oil derrick with PASCO kits, engage in discussion to consider societal, global, cultural, and further factors in design, practice an elevator pitch with entrepreneurship specialists from the university start-up incubator, and present the final design to a multidisciplinary judge panel from academia and industry in engineering, math, social science, and business at a Poster Expo. This project-based learning aligned with the student outcomes of ABET and the Engineering for One Planet framework for sustainability education in engineering. Opportunities and challenges of this multidisciplinary learning experience were analyzed using triangulated data sources from student course performance, a student perception survey (N = 16; Cronbach’s α = 0.959), and student retention data. Results showed a positive student learning experience with 88% of students reporting that the multidisciplinary design experience was positive to their learning and increased their interest in engineering. Ninety-four percent of student retention in engineering was reported by the end of the semester (N = 17). Full article

Applications for machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) are constantly growing and have already been adopted in the field of particle measurement technology. Even though analytical (ultra-)centrifugation (AC/AUC) is a widely used technique for characterizing dispersed particle systems, ML and DL have not yet been applied in this area. Data evaluation and interpretation in AC/AUC can be challenging and often requires expert knowledge. DL models can help, but their development is limited by a lack of annotated training data. One solution is to generate and use synthetic data instead. In the first part of this study, a model was trained to synthesize data from experiments using a combination of Variational Autoencoder (VAE) and Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). The results appear highly realistic. Novice users could distinguish real from synthetic samples with only 63% accuracy. Then, a classifier was trained on experimental AC data to categorize real-world examples based on their underlying separation kinetics, testing different DL architectures. After initial training, the models were further fine-tuned with synthetic AC data. ResNet34 models achieved the best performance with 94% accuracy, comparable to an AC expert (91%), while inexperienced users reached only 53%. In the second part of our study, a regression model was trained for the analysis of sedimentation coefficients. Therefore, various generative models were developed and evaluated for synthesizing AUC data based on numerically simulated sedimentation boundaries. The best results were achieved by combining VAE and GAN architectures with embedded physical constraints. However, the generative networks have so far led to additional smearing of the profiles, resulting in a broadening of the sedimentation coefficient distribution and indicating that further refinement is necessary. Full article

Scarce global resources and reliance on non-renewable materials demand ecological, technology-integrated solutions. In Brazil, abundant wood resources remain underused in architectural education and practice. Introducing skills in curricula is essential for change and future adoption. This study developed a computational and digital fabrication methodology to rethink wood, exploring collaborative robotic assembly to build an embodied understanding of construction constraints. The Wood Innovation for Architecture in Brazil (WI-FAB) unites LAMO UFRJ and SDU CREATE robotics expertise and frames a pedagogical experiment in sustainable wood-structure design. The semester-long course tested whether the design framework could link computation, material behaviour, and assembly constraints as a pedagogical tool; the intensive workshop investigated how robotic assembly can enhance physical–digital workflows and inform future integration. The research-through-teaching methodology consisted of three phases: preliminary research, course testing, and a robotics workshop testing assembly workflows. Preliminary research developed a pedagogical framework comprising a kit of parts, joint types and string grammars tested within the semester-long course to support parametric rules and assembly sequencing. Participants assembled component “letters” that combined into “words” and then into “phrases”, developing computational and constructional understanding and converting parametric rules into tangible prototypes through iterative design-build-test cycles. Key outcomes include validation of parametric assembly rules through string grammars in the course; analysis of the robotics workshop applied four criteria (Assembly Movement; Component Geometry and Dimensions; Component Number and Slot Number; Complexity and Assembly Time) to evaluate assembly performance and workflow integration. Robotics stimulated physical–digital loops, accelerating design-to-assembly learning and informing full-scale developments. WI-FAB promotes reversible assembly, material reuse and circular-economy principles and contributes to the development of the forthcoming Sabiá parametric plugin for wooden joint design. Full article

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) initiates a cascade of molecular and cellular reactions leading to long-term disturbances of neuronal and glial homeostasis. One of the key mechanisms of secondary injury is a pathological increase in intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration. Parvalbumin (PV) plays an important role in the regulation of Ca²⁺ homeostasis in neurons. In turn, connexin 43 (Cx43) is the principal protein of astrocytic gap junctions (GJs), which ensure neuroglial communication. The spatiotemporal changes in these proteins and the mechanisms of their interaction after TBI remain insufficiently studied. In the present study, a comprehensive analysis of the expression, localization, and spatial organization of PV and Cx43 in the cerebral cortex following TBI was performed. In intact tissue, PV was localized predominantly in neurons, whereas Cx43 formed typical punctate structures of astrocytic GJs. Twenty-four hours after TBI, a sharp activation of PV with pronounced nuclear translocation was observed against the background of a catastrophic decrease in Cx43 expression, accompanied by a reduction in the number of NeuN⁺ neurons and signs of apoptosis. However, after 7 days, a mirror-opposite effect was detected, characterized by decreased PV expression and increased Cx43 levels with its aggregation into cluster-like structures, as well as partial restoration of NeuN immunoreactivity. In addition, molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that the stability of the PV–Cx43 complex is determined by the presence of Ca²⁺ and physiological pH, whereas acidosis and Ca²⁺ overload destabilize their interaction. Taken together, these results reveal a phase-dependent mirror-opposite pattern of PV and Cx43 expression and localization and emphasize the key role of Ca²⁺- and pH-dependent neuroglial interactions in TBI. Full article

Background: The need for autonomous aerial surveillance originates from weaknesses in manual monitoring, such as late response, low scalability and rigid patrol plans. AI and GPS-driven smart aerial monitoring present an attractive solution for continuous adaptive wide-area surveillance. Objective: In this paper, we aim at designing and validating experimentally a low-cost drone-based unmanned autonomous mission patrolling system with waypoint navigation, real-time video backhauling, AI-based human/object detection and GPS path re-planning when an event occurs to ensure the safety of patrol missions under battery constraints. Methods: The proposed architecture combines autonomous navigation and embedded flight-control with online analog video streaming and ground-station-based computer vision processing. Object detection based on deep learning for live aerial video is used, and the proposed system’s performance is tested at different altitudes, lighting states and GPS patrol plans. Results: Experimental results show that the proposed method can obtain stable waypoint tracking with a clear real-time video downlink in patrol missions. The system is able to adaptively modify paths as a reaction to detected events and commence safe return-to-home functionality during low-battery conditions. The proposed detection model obtains a mean average precision of 87.4%, with an F1-score of 0.89 and real-time inference latency (20–25 ms per frame) that enables fast service without any interruption in practice during surveillance deployment. Conclusions: Experimental results show that the proposed method can obtain stable waypoint tracking with a clear real-time video downlink in patrol missions. The system can adaptively modify paths as a reaction to detected events and commence safe return-to-home functionality during low-battery conditions. The proposed detection model obtains a mean average precision of 87.4%, with an F1-score of 0.89 and real-time inference latency (20–25 ms per frame) that enables fast service without any interruption in practice during surveillance deployment. Full article

Background: low-quantity or degraded samples are often studied in forensic genetics. Therefore, it is important to efficiently obtain all the available DNA from the biological sample analyzed to provide the most reliable results. This is particularly challenging in bone marrow processing due to its hydrophobic molecular structure, as for other lipid-rich tissues, especially if rancid. In fact, during adipose tissue decomposition, the putrefaction of fatty acids can in some instances give a compact cerous consistency to the lipidic tissue, hardly susceptible to the nucleic acid extraction mechanisms. According to environmental circumstances, this condition is notably observable in submerged bodies or in putrefied bone marrow. Thus, this study is focused on developing an optimized nucleic acids extraction protocol for putrefied bone marrow. Methods: genetic analyses were performed on putrefied yellow bone marrow collected from 20 human femora recovered from bodies in different decomposition stages. The optimized method was developed by integrating additional steps, reagents and time intervals on a silica-based column commercial kit. This strategy was compared in DNA yield to a standard extraction protocol, represented by the same commercial kit, but following the manufacturer’s directions. Both these strategies were tested in nucleic acid isolation efficiency by performing DNA typing, including real-time PCR quantification, Short Tandem Repeats (STR) amplification and fragments analysis steps. The analytical parameters evaluated were allele count, DNA concentration (ng/µL) and Degradation Index (DI). Results: for allele count and DNA concentration parameters, the optimized protocol showed clear and significant qualitative and quantitative improvements compared with the standard protocol, supporting its potential applicability in forensic casework and laying the foundation for future studies. Conclusions: prior to appropriate laboratory internal validation, the optimized protocol can be used for tough lipid-rich tissues processing without the need to purchase a dedicated system and using a same commercial kit routinely adopted for other forensic genetics matrices. Full article

This study examines the distinct roles of the neural cell adhesion molecules Ncam1a and Ncam1b in zebrafish neuromasts during both homeostasis and hair cell regeneration. While both molecules contribute to the initial development of the lateral line system, previous work showed that a morpholino knockdown of ncam1b causes more severe developmental defects than ncam1a knockdown. However, in ncam1b mutants, only minor changes in FGF/Wnt signaling and cell proliferation are observed in the migrating primordium, which do not affect overall development of the lateral line development, suggesting compensation by Ncam1a. This work shows that after neomycin-induced hair cell loss, only Ncam1b is strongly re-expressed in regenerating hair and support cells. ncam1b mutants show delayed hair cell regeneration, with an increased number of proliferating support cells but impaired differentiation into hair cells. Notably, Ncam1a is not re-expressed during regeneration in ncam1b mutants. These regeneration defects likely arise from disrupted interactions of signaling pathways. Our data suggest that Ncam1b supports regeneration by sustaining the FGF pathway activity required for atoh1a induction. It also maintains balanced Notch signaling, which regulates support cell fate decisions. Together, these results highlight the crucial, non-redundant role of Ncam1b in coordinating signaling pathways to ensure proper hair cell regeneration in zebrafish neuromasts. Full article

Background/Objectives: Influenza A (IAV) and influenza B (IBV) viruses pose significant public health threats, with varying epidemiology and immune responses. Limited subtype-specific cytokine data exist for influenza in Saudi Arabia. This study conducted molecular surveillance on 380 NPAs from patients at King Khalid University Hospital (KKUH) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during winter seasons (2020–2023). Methods: NPA samples were collected from hospitalized patients presenting with fever (>38 °C) and respiratory symptoms. RNA was extracted using the QIAamp Viral RNA Kit, followed by RT-PCR for IAV (H1N1, A/H3N2) and IBV detection. Quantitative real-time PCR profiled mRNA expression of 17 cytokines/chemokines in IAV-positive (n = 65) and IBV-positive (n = 20) samples, normalized to GAPDH using the 2^−ΔΔCq method. Appropriate statistical tests were applied (p < 0.05 significant). Results: Results showed 17.11% IAV positivity (7.89% A/H1N1, 9.21% A/H3N2) and 5.26% IBV. A/H3N2 predominated, increasing from 6.67% (2020/21) to 12.30% (2022/23). Males had higher IAV rates (25.88% vs. 10.00% females, p < 0.05), while IBV was higher in females (6.67% vs. 3.53%). Age-wise, 0–4 years had peak IAV (28.42%, p < 0.05); IBV peaked at 5–14 years (10.91%). IAV elicited higher mRNA expression IFN-α, IL-10, IL-13, and CCL-2 (p < 0.05); IBV showed elevated IL-1α, IL-6, and IL-33 (p < 0.05). Within IAV, A/H1N1 had higher IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, and IL-17; A/H3N2 elevated TNF-α, IL-6, IL-22, CCL-3, and CCL-4 (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings highlight subtype-specific inflammatory profiles and demographic disparities in Saudi Arabia, informing targeted interventions. Post-COVID resurgence underscores surveillance needs amid travel and gatherings. Insights into cytokine dynamics aid prognosis and therapeutics, emphasizing regional molecular monitoring for vaccine optimization and outbreak prevention. Full article

We live in a time of bee decline, with ever-increasing publications drawing attention to reductions in bee populations, pollinator deficits, and increases in threatening processes known to impact bee populations, including habitat loss, climate change, agricultural intensification, urbanization, pesticides, pathogens and introduced plants and bees [...] Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Plexiform fibromyxoma (PFM) is a rare benign gastric mesenchymal neoplasm characterized by multinodular plexiform growth of bland spindle cells in a myxoid or fibromyxoid stroma. We report a case of the cellular form of PFM with limited myxoid stroma and aberrant KIT expression, resulting in diagnostic difficulty by biopsy. Case Presentation: A 59-year-old woman presented with a slowly enlarging 15 mm gastric antral submucosal tumor. A resected specimen by laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery revealed spindle cell proliferation forming plexiform nodules with a myxoid background in limited areas. Positive immunoreactivity of a subset of spindle cells for KIT suggested a diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), although DOG1 was negative. In addition, diffuse staining for CD10, smooth muscle actin, and D2-40 was confusing. MALAT1::GLI1 fusion was detected by next-generation sequencing analysis. Consequently, a diagnosis of PFM was established. Conclusions: This case expands the morphologic and immunophenotypic spectrum of PFM and indicates the possible diagnostic utility and biological significance of D2-40 expression. Although molecular confirmation of MALAT1::GLI1 fusion is definitive for the diagnosis of PFM, the findings of the present case may aid diagnosis in challenging cases that mimic GIST. Full article

Collagen is a major extracellular-matrix protein widely used in regenerative medicine, yet conventional terrestrial sources raise biosafety and acceptability concerns, motivating the search for marine alternatives. This study evaluates the jellyfish Rhizostoma pulmo (R. pulmo) from the Azov Sea as a sustainable collagen source and assesses its suitability for biomedical materials. Acid-soluble collagen was extracted using 0.5 M acetic acid and purified by salt precipitation and dialysis, followed by physicochemical/structural characterization (sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE), Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) endotoxin testing, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and immunofluorescence with type I collagen antibodies) and biological evaluation in vitro (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) cytotoxicity on MRC5 fibroblasts; adhesion and proliferation assays on HeLa cells). The extracted collagen showed a high yield (~26.2%), a type I-like electrophoretic profile with α-, β-, and γ-components, fibrillar ultrastructure by TEM, and positive type I collagen immunoreactivity; endotoxin levels were low (0.461 EU/µL), and no cytotoxicity was detected under the tested conditions. Porous collagen sponges/scaffolds were fabricated by lyophilization, displaying interconnected pores with an average size of ~80 µm and pH-dependent swelling, and they supported 3D cell growth and tumor-cell dissemination in an in vitro breast carcinoma scaffold model. Overall, Azov Sea R. pulmo collagen demonstrates promising structural quality, low endotoxin burden, and cytocompatibility, supporting its potential as a marine biomaterial for sponge/scaffold-based tissue engineering and wound-related applications. Full article

As primary producers in aquatic ecosystems, microalgae function not only as a natural source of nourishment for several economically important aquatic species but also as reservoirs of bioactive molecules. Microalgae can secrete exosome-like nanoparticles that transport functional biomolecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids, into the extracellular milieu, thereby mediating intercellular signaling and eliciting ecological or biomedical responses. Although plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles have attracted attention for their utility in drug delivery and dermatology, the functional properties of microalgae-derived nanoparticles—particularly from species extensively applied in aquaculture—remain inadequately characterized. In this study, exosome-like nanovesicles were isolated from Nannochloropsis oculata (N-ELNs), a microalgal species widely used in aquaculture, and their skin-whitening potential was evaluated using the B16-F10 mouse melanoma cell model. The highest N-ELN yield was observed during the adaptation, exponential, and stationary growth phases. Uptake analyses confirmed the efficient internalization of N-ELNs by B16-F10 cells. Cell counting kit-8 assays indicated that N-ELNs exhibited no cytotoxic effects on melanoma cells or normal human dermal fibroblasts (HFF-1). Scratch wound healing assays revealed that N-ELNs exerted no significant effect on cellular migration. In B16-F10 cells, N-ELNs suppressed tyrosinase activity by downregulating Mitf and its downstream genes Tyr and Tyrp1, resulting in a substantial reduction in melanin synthesis (p < 0.05). The inhibitory effects of N-ELNs on melanin production, tyrosinase activity, and gene expression of Tyr, Tyrp1, and Mitf were comparable to those of the positive control, arbutin. Collectively, these findings suggest that N. oculata exhibits promising skin-whitening properties, providing a novel perspective for clinical applications and supporting the high-value utilization of the microalgae aquaculture industry. Full article

This study aimed primarily to evaluate the performance of two Conformité Européenne—In Vitro Diagnostic (CE-IVD) multiplex real-time PCR (rt-PCR) assays for the molecular identification of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) of human interest on ticks removed from human skin and collected through a citizen science-based approach. As a secondary objective, the aggregated results were used to describe tick species distribution, developmental stages, and seasonal TBP circulation in 2024 in the considered area. The comparison was conducted on 116 tick samples collected in 2024 voluntarily delivered to a hospital in northeastern Italy. Detected TBPs were further confirmed with in-house-validated PCR methods and, where applicable, resolved to the species level. Clinically relevant pathogen species were identified as single infections or coinfections. Overall, 33.6% of tick samples tested positive for at least one TBP, and 6.9% showed coinfections. Kit B exhibited a higher detection rate for Borrelia spp. and Rickettsia spp. targets, partly reflecting its broader diagnostic specificity, while statistically significant differences in cycle threshold values were observed for Anaplasma phagocytophilum detection. The most frequently involved ticks were Ixodes ricinus nymphs, and the most represented area was Verona province. Late spring and early summer were identified as the periods with the highest tick conferment and pathogen diversity. Overall, the results support the use of multiplex real-time PCR commercial kits combined with citizen science-based tick collection as an effective approach for both diagnostic screening and regional surveillance of circulating ticks and TBPs. Full article