Search Results (93)

Biosensors based on electrolyte-gated organic field-effect transistors (EGOFETs) have attracted considerable attention due to their advantages, including low cost, inherent signal amplification, and low-voltage operation. A critical step influencing sensing performance is the integration of specific receptors onto the device surface. Among various strategies, the covalent immobilization of biorecognition elements onto gold surfaces via thiol chemistry is one of the most widely used approaches. In this study, we report the optimization of a mixed self-assembled monolayer (SAM) composed of 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (11-MUA) and 3-mercaptopropionic acid (3-MPA) for label-free detection of human IgG using EGOFETs. The quality of the SAM was systematically modulated by varying the total concentration from 10 to 400 mM and characterized using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The results revealed that a concentration of 50 mM yielded a densely packed and well-ordered monolayer. After covalent immobilization of anti-IgG antibodies via 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride/N-hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS) chemistry and subsequent blocking with ethanolamine and bovine serum albumin (BSA), the functionalized gate electrodes were integrated into poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT)-based EGOFETs. Electrical measurements demonstrated that EGOFET biosensors functionalized with the 50 mM SAM achieved optimal sensing performance. The devices exhibited a highly linear response (R² = 0.998) over a wide concentration range from 1 fM to 10 nM, with a LOD of 2.82 fM, and showed excellent selectivity against non-target immunoglobulins A and M (IgA and IgM). This SAM concentration optimization strategy provides a versatile approach for engineering high-performance EGOFET biosensors, with potential applicability to a broad range of disease biomarkers. Full article

Background: Parkinsonism entails pronounced basal ganglia dysfunction, but emerging research suggests that broader subcortical networks, specifically the cerebellum, play a vital role in functional motor compensation following circuit-level destabilization. This study sought to characterize the electrophysiological dynamics of Multi-Unit Activity (MUA) amplitude in Crus II, the dentate nucleus (DN), and the inferior olive (IO) following a focal mechanical lesion of the ventrolateral striatum (VLS) as a circuit-level perturbation model during spontaneous behaviors. Methods: Bilateral mechanical VLS lesions were induced in 24 male Wistar rats. MUA signals were chronically recorded over a four-week protocol during self-grooming, horizontal locomotion, and rearing behaviors. Results: Crus II and the IO exhibited a structure-specific “dynamic transition,” shifting from early-stage hyperexcitability to significant late-stage attenuation by W4 (p < 0.001), reflecting a divergence from control trajectories rather than internal temporal drift within the lesioned state. Conversely, the DN showed sustained hypoactivity compared to healthy controls throughout the recording period (p < 0.05). Despite these robust neurophysiological shifts, the syntactic organization of grooming and exploratory patterns remained phenotypically preserved, indicating functional sufficiency despite underlying circuit noise. Conclusions: VLS injury triggers a rapid distributed reorganization across the striato-cerebellar network. The cerebellum acts as an active adaptive node, recalibrating internal network gain to mask early Parkinsonian-like circuit dysfunction at the level of functional sufficiency and maintain motor performance through active homeostatic gain regulation. Full article

Ecological Security (ES) is an essential safeguard for regional sustainable development. Scientifically elucidating the multiscale evolution of ES patterns and their driving mechanisms is critical for ecological governance and conservation in Mountainous Urban Agglomerations (MUAs). Taking the central Yunnan Urban Agglomeration (CYUA) as a representative MUA, this study constructs a three-dimensional ES assessment framework integrating ecological health, ecological sensitivity, and ecological risk. By integrating ES slope-spectrum analysis with spatial autocorrelation, Geodetector, Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR), and machine learning, we analyze the spatiotemporal evolution of regional ES patterns and their driving mechanisms from a multiscale perspective. Results show that from 2000 to 2020, ES in the CYUA exhibited an overall improving trend with clear scale dependency. At the micro-scale, urban expansion intensified ecological fragmentation, whereas at the macro-scale, regional integration under policy guidance was evident. ES shows significant differentiation along slope gradients, forming a typical pattern of “low-slope–high-risk and high-slope–high-security,” with the 10–25° interval identified as a “conflict front” between ecological conservation and urban development, facing elevated degradation risks. Human Activity Intensity (HAI) is the dominant driver of ES spatial differentiation, with a critical pressure threshold of 0.29, and exhibits significant nonlinear interactive effects with slope and NDVI, with q-values exceeding 0.6. Overall, this study reveals complex human–environment interactions in MUAs and provides scientific evidence for balancing topographic constraints with urbanization, optimizing territorial spatial patterns, and promoting coordinated development of ecological conservation and high-quality urbanization. Full article

This study aimed to analyze the biomechanics of three abutment systems with distinct retention mechanisms and their impact on the implant–abutment interface (IAI). The finite element analysis method was used to model maxillary three-unit restorations with conventional cement-retained abutment (CRA), multi-unit abutment (MUA), and innovative cementless link-retained abutment (LRA) systems. Dental implants were positioned at 0°/0°, 15°/15°, and 25°/25° angulation combinations. Analyses were performed under 400 N vertical and 200 N oblique loading applied at a 45° angulation. The LRA system exhibited lower stress on the implants and abutments under both loading conditions, whereas the CRA system demonstrated the highest stress. In contrast, the maximum principal stresses within the peri-implant bone were the highest in the LRA system under both loading conditions. Despite greater IAI displacement in the molar region, no specific abutment system exhibited distinct superiority under different scenarios. Overall, an increase in implant angulation led to higher stress values across all parameters. The MUA and LRA systems demonstrated reduced stress concentration and more uniform load distribution compared with the CRA system under tilted implant configurations. The findings suggest that the innovative cementless LRA system may serve as a feasible alternative to conventional CRA and MUA systems, exhibiting superior biomechanical performance, particularly compared with the CRA system. Full article

Background: Tobacco use, and particularly cigarette smoking, is elevated among patients with substance use disorders (SUDs), resulting in health inequities. In rural and medically underserved areas (MUAs), healthcare access is limited; thus, patients with SUDs may receive care in substance use treatment centers (SUTCs) and/or medical healthcare centers (MHCs). Healthcare providers in these settings should know the importance and benefits of quitting tobacco use for patients with SUDs, as this is essential for effective cessation care. This study examined baseline provider knowledge/training receipt and knowledge gains following training in SUTCs and MHCs serving rural and MUAs of Texas, USA. Methods: From 2021 to 2024, 428 providers from 8 SUTCs and 8 MHCs completed an e-survey on tobacco knowledge and past-year training. They then completed 1 to 1.5 h of training. Knowledge gain was assessed via a 10-item test delivered pre- and post-training. Results: Pre-training knowledge and past-year training rates were low across settings; providers at SUTCs were more likely than those at MHCs to know that persons with behavioral disorders like substance misuse are 2 times more likely to smoke than the general USA population. Both groups demonstrated significant knowledge gains from training (SUTCs: 37.41% and MHCs: 45.92% increases; ps < 0.0001). Conclusions: Findings support the need for routine tobacco training in healthcare centers serving rural and MUAs of Texas. Brief educational sessions may help address provider knowledge gaps and, ultimately, strengthen cessation care and reduce tobacco-related disparities in these settings. Full article

YKL-40 is a glycoprotein that may be present at elevated levels in many cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. It has been investigated in numerous studies as a potential biomarker for several conditions, including Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). In this study, a biosensor with Surface Plasmon Resonance imaging (SPRi) detection, sensitive to YKL-40, was constructed for the detection of this analyte in the blood plasma of AD patients. Extensive validation of the biosensor was performed. This included the determination of analytical parameters such as the biosensor’s response characteristics, detection and quantification limits, precision, accuracy, repeatability, selectivity, stability, and performance in natural samples. Validation parameters were primarily tested using standard solutions, while natural samples were employed to evaluate repeatability, stability, and assay accuracy in three groups of samples from different patients. A YKL-40-specific antibody was used as the receptor layer, immobilized on a gold plate using the EDC/NHS protocol on thiol 11-MUA. The biosensor exhibited a wide operating range (1–200 ng/mL), a low detection limit (LOD) of 2 pg/mL, and a quantification limit (LOQ) of 7 pg/mL. High precision and accuracy were confirmed by the calculated standard deviations (SD) and coefficients of variation (CV), which ranged from 0.0009 to 7.02 ng/mL and from 0.12% to 9.24%, respectively. The sensor also demonstrated good repeatability (CV = 4.995%) and was capable of detecting the analyte of interest in complex biological matrices. Its applicability was confirmed in a study using plasma from AD patients and two selected control groups: plasma from smokers and patients with prostatitis. This allowed the assessment of YKL-40 levels across different groups. The results were consistent with literature values, and statistical analysis confirmed the significance of concentration differences between groups. Furthermore, ROC curve analysis confirmed the diagnostic usefulness of the constructed YKL-40 test in the context of Alzheimer’s disease. Full article

This paper presents a structured, expert-informed framework for inclusive waste management in marginalized urban areas (MUAs), addressing critical challenges at the intersection of environmental governance, infrastructure inequality, and social exclusion. The framework was developed through extensive consultations with 37 international experts and tested through a deployment plan piloted in Reșița, Romania. The framework is adaptable to site-specific realities and is intended to evolve annually based on monitoring and feedback. With a strong focus on community engagement, institutional coordination, and policy alignment, the framework lays out an incremental implementation path. The Reșița pilot demonstrates how targeted, participatory actions—ranging from stakeholder mobilization and tailored education to infrastructure enhancements and policy reforms—can drive sustainable improvements in waste management and civic inclusion. This study contributes to the literature on environmental justice and urban sustainability by providing a dynamic, scalable model that can be customized to diverse socio-spatial contexts. Full article

Background/Objectives: Rural populations in the US bear a disproportionate burden of cancer mortality, which may be partly due to their elevated tobacco use and the limited receipt of tobacco use interventions in rural healthcare settings. Here, we examine providers’ use of the 5As (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, and Arrange), a brief tobacco cessation intervention, with their patients to assess intervention gaps. Methods: Provider practices in substance use treatment centers (SUTCs) and medical healthcare centers (MHCs), each serving rural and/or medically underserved areas (MUAs) of Texas, were compared. In total, 347 providers from 10 SUTCs (n = 174) and 9 MHCs (n = 173) responded to an anonymized survey about their cigarette and non-cigarette screening and intervention delivery, along with their perceived importance and workforce’s preparedness to help patients stop using tobacco. Linear mixed and generalized linear mixed models were used to assess differences between practices at SUTCs and MHCs. Results: More MHC than SUTC providers reported that cigarette and non-cigarette tobacco use cessation intervention were (respectively) important parts of their job (p = 0.0009; p = 0.0023) and that their workforce was prepared to help their patients quit tobacco (p = 0.0275), although less than half of all respondents endorsed preparedness. Relative to those at SUTCs, MHC providers reported higher rates of asking (SUTCs = 59.57% and MHCs = 77.21%; p = 0.0182) and advising (SUTCs = 45.34% and MHCs = 72.35%; p = 0.0017) their patients to quit cigarette smoking and advising them to quit non-cigarette tobacco products (SUTCs = 43.94% and MHCs = 71.76%; p = 0.0016). Conclusions: Overall, providers in both settings may benefit from greater preparation to deliver tobacco cessation care; needs were more prevalent within SUTCs than MHCs. Our findings can inform strategic planning to improve centers’ capacity to comprehensively address their patients’ tobacco use in rural/MUAs of Texas, US. Full article

The aim of this study was to verify whether the expression of proteins related to the formation of invadopodia, MT1-MMP, cortactin, Tks-4 and Tks-5 is associated with the degree of tumor invasiveness of different types of unicystic ameloblastomas. An immunohistochemical study was performed on 29 unicystic ameloblastoma (UA) samples, 9 conventional ameloblastoma (CAM) samples and 9 dental follicle (DF) samples. The potential for tumor invasiveness was assessed based on the immunoexpression of the following invadopodia-forming proteins: MT1-MMP, cortactin, Tks-4 and Tks5. Mural unicystic ameloblastoma (MUA) showed higher MT1-MMP, cortactin, Tks-4, and Tks-5 immunoexpression than luminal and intra-luminal types. Conventional ameloblastoma exhibited lower MT1-MMP, cortactin, and Tks-5 expression compared to MUA. MUA’s cystic capsule neoplastic cells had significantly higher MT1-MMP, cortactin, Tks-4, and Tks-5 expression than lumen cells. Dental follicles showed minimal expression. Neoplastic cells in the cystic capsule of mural unicystic ameloblastomas showed higher invadopodia-related protein expression than lumen and luminal/intraluminal cells, suggesting that proximity to the bone region influences the aggressive behavior of mural unicystic ameloblastomas more compared to other subtypes. Full article

Heavy metals are life-threatening pollutions because of their great toxicity, long-term persistence in nature and their bioaccumulation in living organisms. In this work, we performed multivariate curve resolution–alternating least squares analysis of UV-Vis raw spectra received by a colorimetric sensor constructed on mercaptoundecanoic acid functionalized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs@11MUA) to detect Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺, Mn²⁺, Ni²⁺, and Zn²⁺ in water. This combined approach allowed the rapid identification and quantification of multiple heavy metals and showed adequate sensitivity and selectivity, thus representing a promising analytical and computational method for both laboratory and field applications such as environmental safety and public health monitoring. Full article

Objective: This study investigated the impact of recent syphilis infection on postoperative outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We hypothesized that patients with a documented history of syphilis infection would experience a higher rate of postoperative complications compared to those without such a history. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis using a national insurance claims database. Our study population included 237,360 patients who underwent primary TKA between 2005 and 2024. Patients were classified into two groups based on the presence (+Syph) or absence (−Syph) of a syphilis diagnosis within one year prior to the TKA. We evaluated the rates of several postoperative complications at 30 days postsurgery, including infection, hematologic issues, and cardiac events. Statistical analyses between groups was performed using chi-squared tests and Fisher’s exact tests. Routine demographic data such as age, sex, race, and comorbidities were also analyzed. Results: Among the 237,360 TKA patients, we identified 71 with a history of syphilis within one year of their surgery. The +Syph group exhibited significantly higher rates of periprosthetic infection (4.23% vs. 0.81%, p = 0.001), need for manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) at four months (7.04% vs. 2.82%, p = 0.032), deep venous thrombosis (4.23% vs. 1.27%, p = 0.026), periprosthetic fracture (2.82% vs. 0.23%, p < 0.001), and pneumonia (2.82% vs. 0.62%, p = 0.019) within 30 days postTKA. No significant differences were observed in 30-day mortality, deep or superficial surgical site infections, wound dehiscence, blood loss anemia, or transfusion requirements. Additionally, rates of acute renal failure, pulmonary embolism, and cardiac events did not differ significantly between groups. Demographically, patients in the syphilis cohort had a higher prevalence of smoking and diabetes preoperatively within one year of their surgical date. Conclusions: A documented syphilis diagnosis within one year of TKA significantly affects postoperative outcomes, increasing the rates of prosthetic joint infection, MUA, deep venous thrombosis, periprosthetic fracture, and pneumonia. These findings underscore the need for heightened vigilance in the pre- and postoperative management of patients with a history of syphilis infection undergoing TKA. Further research is warranted to explore the relationship between prior syphilis infection and TKA outcomes, as well as to develop strategies to mitigate this increased risk. Full article

The geometry of implants plays a crucial role in the success of All-on-Four treatments for the lower jaw. This study builds upon prior research by evaluating the biomechanical performance of implant-supported prostheses in full-arch fixed dental restorations, specifically focusing on different implant lengths and connection types in cases of mild atrophic resorption of the mandible. Four groups were analyzed using finite element analysis (FEA): We utilized 13 or 18 mm posterior 17-degree tilting implants, each paired with two kinds of abutment connections. The external hexagon connection (EHC) group utilized 4 mm diameter implants, while the internal hexagon connection (IHC) group employed 4.3 mm diameter implants. A vertical force was applied to the cantilever region located at the distal side of the posterior implant. The maximum stress regions were observed in prosthetic screws and multi-unit abutments (MUAs) across all groups, with the lowest von Mises stress values noted in the bone. Stress peaks for implant screws and fixtures in the 13 mm group were 19.98% and 11.42% lower, respectively, compared to the IHC group. Similarly, in the 18 mm group, stress peaks were reduced by 33.16% and 39.70% for the EHC group compared to the IHC group. The stress levels on all components remained below the ultimate strength of the titanium alloy. For the same implant lengths, the stress in the prosthetic screw, MUAs, implant screw, and implant fixture positions was lower in the EHC group. When implant length was increased, a decrease in stress levels was observed in the implant screw and fixture of the EHC group and only in the implant screw of the IHC group. However, an increase in stress was noted in the prosthetic screw and MUAs for both groups. Full article

An extracellular matrix protein, fibronectin (Fn), was covalently immobilized on 316L stainless steel, L605 cobalt chromium (CoCr), and nickel titanium (NiTi) surfaces through an 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) self-assembled monolayer (SAM) pre-formed on these surfaces. Polarization modulation infrared reflection adsorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS) confirmed the presence of Fn on the surfaces. The Fn monolayer attached to the SAM was found to be stable under fluid shear stress. Deconvolution of the Fn amide I band indicated that the secondary structure of Fn changes significantly upon immobilization to the SAM-functionalized metal substrate. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis revealed that the spacing between Fn molecules on a modified commercial stent surface is approximately 66 nm, which has been reported to be the most appropriate spacing for cell/surface interactions. Full article

This current study examined the ovarian (OA) and middle uterine arteries (MUA) blood flow under heat stress conditions regarding hormonal status (progesterone (P4), estradiol (E2), and nitric oxide metabolites (NOMs) assays). Eighteen pluriparous cows were examined, with twelve only being subjected to the natural mating as the other six animals were not bred. Pregnancy diagnosis was confirmed at day 30 by embryonic heartbeat and CL graviditatis (n = 6; pregnant), but some animals (n = 6) showed early embryonic death (EED), with the presence of control cows (n = 6). In the pregnant group, luteal diameter (cm) increased after mating, while in the pregnancy loss group it increased (p < 0.05) until reaching day 38 (1.41 ± 0.03), then decreased again. Luteal vascularity was declined in cows with EED after day 36 (p < 0.05) and reached its lowest level at day 50. P4 levels elevated in cows with EED until day 36 (13.64 ± 0.11) then declined. Both ipsilateral OA and MUA Doppler indices were declined in both groups except in cows who suffered from EED; both were elevated from day 38 until day 50 after mating. Ipsilateral peak systolic point (PSV cm/sec) of OA and MUA was elevated in both groups (p < 0.05), but in cows with EED this parameter was declined. E2 and NOMs levels were declined in cows with EED from day 40 and day 38 after mating (p < 0.05), respectively. This study provided novel data on the relations among the luteal diameter, E2, P4, and NOM levels, and luteal hemodynamics that predicts the amount of blood supply, which acts as a sensitive parameter to detect the alterations in luteal function during the first 50 days after mating. Full article

Mulching plays a pivotal role in modern sustainable agriculture, offering a versatile solution to enhance soil quality, improve soil health, conserve resources, and optimize crop performance. This study examined the effects of various mulching materials on soil properties, seasonal variations in soil and environmental variables, and yam production in a tropical environment, with a focus on sustainable agricultural practice. We applied a range of mulch treatments, including black polythene, weedmat, sugarcane straw, organic compost, cowpea-live, juncao grass, sawdust, and a control with no mulch. The results indicated that the organic compost mulch significantly increased soil pH and soil electrical conductivity (EC). The control treatment resulted in the highest soil moisture content, while the highest soil temperature were recorded for the black polythene and organic compost mulch treatments. The organic compost mulch enhanced the soil organic carbon (SOC) content, soil available phosphorus (SAP) content, and soil exchangeable calcium (SECa) content. The weedmat mulch showed the highest soil exchangeable potassium (SEK) content, and the control treatment exhibited the highest soil exchangeable magnesium (SEMg) and sodium (SENa) content. In terms of micronutrients, the sawdust mulch and black polythene mulch significantly increased soil exchangeable iron (SEFe) and copper (SECu) levels, respectively. Notable seasonal variations in soil pH, temperature, and environmental humidity were observed during the crop period. The soil pH fluctuated from slightly acidic levels in August 2023 to neutral levels in October, and then decreased to slightly acidic levels in early 2024 before stabilizing by March 2024. The soil temperature peaked in November and dropped in January, while the environmental humidity ranged from 48.25% in December to 76.33% in February. The study demonstrated that the organic compost mulch stood out as an advantageous choice because of its capacity to enhance the soil’s properties and offer a balanced nutrient mix, making it particularly beneficial for yam cultivation. It also proved to be a reliable and balanced option to enhance soil quality with stable soil quality indices (SQIs). The weedmat mulch proved to be highly effective in enhancing yam growth and productivity. The weedmat mulch is the most profitable and cost-effective option for yam cultivation, providing the highest net returns and strong financial viability. This study emphasizes the value of choosing the right mulching materials to support soil quality, crop productivity, and economic returns in tropical settings, making strides toward more sustainable farming practices. Full article