Search Results (812)

Developing innovative, low-cost halochromic materials for diagnosing microbial contamination in wounds and burns can effectively facilitate tissue regeneration. Here, we combine the pH-sensing capability of highly colorful red cabbage anthocyanins (RCAs) with their healing potential within a unique cellulose polymer film that mimics the skin matrix. Biological activities of RCA extract in bacterial cellulose (BC) showed no cytotoxicity and skin-sensitizing potential to human cells at concentrations of RCAs similar to those released from BC/RCA dressings (4.0–40.0 µg/mL). A decrease in cell viability and apoptosis was observed in human cancer cells with RCAs. The invisible eye detection of the early color change signal from RCAs in response to pH alteration by bacteria was recorded with a smartphone application. The incorporation of RCAs into BC polymer has altered the morphology of its matrix, resulting in a denser cellulose microfibril network. The complete coincidence of the vibrational modes detected in the absorption spectra of the cellulose/RCA composite with the modes in RCAs most likely indicates that RCAs retain their structure in the BC matrix. Affordable, sensitive halochromic BC/RCA hydrogels can be recommended for online monitoring of microbial contamination, making them accessible to patients. Full article

Background/Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of very early oral transition in Enterobacterales bloodstream infections (E-BSIs), identify factors associated with it, compare the effectiveness of different oral options, and assess its economic and ecological benefits. Methods: Retrospective, observational cohort study including monomicrobial E-BSI in clinically stable adult patients by day 3 of bacteremia with oral antibiotic options. Transition to oral antibiotics by day 3 or earlier (early oral (EO) group) was compared to later transition or remaining on intravenous therapy (nEO group). Early oral transition-associated factors were analyzed. Oral high-dose beta-lactams (BLs) were compared to quinolones (QLs) or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TS). Economic and ecological costs were assessed. Results: Of 345 E-BSI, 163 (47.2%) were in the EO group, characterized by more urinary tract infections (UTIs) and shorter hospital stays. The nEO group had higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production, greater source control need, and longer time to clinical stability. There were no significant differences in mortality and relapse. UTIs were associated with early oral transition (OR 2.02, IC 95% 1.18–3.48), while higher CCI (0.85, 0.77–0.95), source control need (0.39, 0.19–0.85), longer time to clinical stability (0.51, 0.39–0.66), and ESBL isolates (0.39, 0.19–0.80) hindered this practice. High-dose BLs and QL/TS were equally effective. Early oral transition resulted in 38.794 KgCO₂eq reduction and EUR 269,557.99 savings. Conclusions: Very early oral transition at day 3 or before in stable E-BSI patients is effective, eco-sustainable, and cost-effective; UTI is related with the early oral switch, while comorbidities, ESBL production, source control need, or longer time to clinical stability hinder this practice. Full article

This paper investigates the interplay between rubber network damage, carbon black (CB) network damage, heat exchange, and voiding mechanisms in filled Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) under cyclic loading. To do so, three carbon black filled SBR composites, SBR5, SBR30 and SBR60 are studied. The study aims to quantify molecular damage and its role in inducing reversible or irreversible heat flow and voiding behavior to inform the design of more resilient rubber composites with improved fatigue life and thermal management capabilities. The study effectively demonstrated how increasing carbon black content, particularly in SBR60, leads to a shift from mostly reversible to irreversible and cumulative damage mechanisms during cyclic loading, as evidenced by thermal, volumetric, and electrical resistivity changes. In particular, we identify a critical mechanical energy of 7 MJ.m⁻³ associated with such transition. These irreversible changes are strongly linked to the damage and re-arrangement of the carbon black filler network, as well as the rubber chains network and the formation/growth of voids, while reversible mechanisms are likely related to rubber chains alignment associated with entropic elasticity. Full article

This paper presents a reinforcement learning (RL) approach for solving the team orienteering problem under both deterministic and dynamic travel time conditions. The proposed method builds on the transformer architecture and is trained to construct routes that adapt to real-time variations, such as traffic and environmental changes. A key contribution of this work is the model’s ability to generalize across problem instances with varying numbers of nodes and vehicles, eliminating the need for retraining when problem size changes. To assess performance, a comprehensive set of experiments involving 27,000 synthetic instances is conducted, comparing the RL model with a variable neighborhood search metaheuristic. The results indicate that the RL model achieves competitive solution quality while requiring significantly less computational time. Moreover, the RL approach consistently produces feasible solutions across all dynamic instances, demonstrating strong robustness in meeting time constraints. These findings suggest that learning-based methods can offer efficient, scalable, and adaptable solutions for routing problems in dynamic and uncertain environments. Full article

A comprehensive analysis of the evolution of rainfall characteristics in Catalonia, NE Spain, was conducted using monthly data from 72 rain gauges over the period 1950–2022. A moving-window approach was applied at annual, seasonal, and monthly scales, calculating mean values, coefficients of variation (CV), and trends across 43 overlapping 31-year periods. To assess trends in these moving statistics, a modified Mann–Kendall test was applied to both the 31-year means and CVs. Results revealed a significant 10% decrease in annual rainfall, with summer showing the most pronounced decline, as nearly 90% of stations exhibited negative trends, while the CV showed negative trends in coastal areas and mostly positive trends inland. At the monthly scale, February, March, June, August, and December exhibited negative trends at more than 50% of stations, with rainfall reductions ranging from 20% to 30%. Additionally, the temporal evolution of Mann–Kendall trend coefficients within each 31-year moving window displayed a fourth-degree polynomial pattern, with a periodicity of 30–35 years at annual and seasonal scales, and for some months. Finally, at the annual scale and in two centennial series, the 80-year oscillations found were inversely correlated with the large-scale climate indices North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). Full article

Epidemiological studies identified insufficient and poor-quality sleep as independent risk factors for multiple sclerosis (MS). The glymphatic system, active during slow-wave sleep, clears brain waste through perivascular astrocytic aquaporin-4 (AQP4) channels. The presence of antigens induces a transient, physiological lowering of glymphatic flux as a first step of an inflammatory response. A possible hypothesis linking infection with the Epstein–Barr virus, a well identified causal step in MS, and the development of the disease is that mechanisms such as poor sleep or less functional AQP4 polymorphisms may sustain glymphatic flow reduction. Such chronic glymphatic reduction would trigger a vicious circle in which the persistence of antigens and an inflammatory response maintains glymphatic dysfunction. In addition, viral proteins that persist in demyelinated plaques can depolarize AQP4, further restricting waste elimination and sustaining local inflammation. This review examines the epidemiological evidence connecting sleep and MS risk, and the mechanistic findings showing how poor sleep and other glymphatic modulators heighten inflammatory signaling implicated in MS pathogenesis. Deepening knowledge of glymphatic functioning in MS could open new avenues for personalized prevention and therapy. Full article

The MAM domain-containing glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor 1 (MDGA1) gene, which encodes a protein involved in synaptic inhibition, has been identified as a potential risk gene for restless legs syndrome. A recent study in the Chinese population described increased MDGA1 methylation levels in patients with idiopathic RLS (iRLS) compared to healthy controls. In this study, we investigated the possible association between the most common variants in the MDGA1 gene and the risk for iRLS in a Caucasian Spanish population. We assessed the frequencies of MDGA1 rs10947690, MDGA1 rs61151079, and MDGA1 rs79792089 genotypes and allelic variants in 263 patients with idiopathic RLS and 280 healthy controls using a specific TaqMan-based qPCR assay. We also analyzed the possible influence of the genotype frequencies on several variables, including age at the onset of RLS, gender, a family history of RLS, and response to drugs commonly used in the treatment of RLS. The frequencies of the genotypes and allelic variants of the three common missense SNVs studied did not differ significantly between RLS patients and controls, neither in the whole series nor when analyzing each gender separately; were not correlated with age at onset and the severity of RLS assessed by the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group Rating Scale (IRLSSGRS); and were not related to a family history of RLS or the pharmacological response to dopamine agonists, clonazepam, or gabaergic drugs. Our findings suggest that common missense SNVs in the MDGA1 gene are not associated with the risk of developing idiopathic RLS in Caucasian Spanish people. Full article

The objective of this work was to produce and characterize active gelatin–acerola packaging films based on gelatin incorporated with different concentrations of acerola pulp and applied to evaluate the stability of meat products in packaging. The active films were produced by casting using gelatin (5%), sorbitol (0,1%), and acerola pulp (60, 70, 80, and 90%). The characterization of the acerola pulp was carried out. Visual aspects, thickness, pH, water vapor permeability, and total phenolic compounds were characterized in the films. The commercial acerola pulp presented the characteristics within the identity and quality standards. A good film formation capacity was obtained in all formulations, presenting the color parameters tending to red coloration, characteristic of the acerola pulp. The total phenolic compounds content ranged from 2.88 ± 70.24 to 3.94 ± 96.05 mg GAE/100 g, with 90 g of acerola pulp per 100 g of filmogenic solution. This film formulation was selected to apply in a vacuum pack of beef and chicken samples, analyzing the weight loss, color parameters, pH, water holding capacity, shear strength after 9 days of refrigeration storage, and soil biodegradability. Additionally, beef and chicken (in nature) were stored under the same conditions without using the wrapping film. The beef and chicken samples showed greater water retention capacity and color maintenance over the storage period compared to the control (without film addition). This way, active gelatin–acerola films can be considered a sustainable packaging alternative to preserve meat products. Full article

Background/Objectives: Optimal management of acute bacterial prostatitis (ABP) remains uncertain, but the use of antibiotics with good prostatic tissue penetration is critical to prevent recurrence and chronic progression. This study aimed to describe clinical characteristics and outcomes of ABP due to Escherichia coli (ABP-E.coli), compare effectiveness of sequential high-dose cefuroxime (ABP-CXM) versus ciprofloxacin (ABP-CIP), and identify risk factors for clinical failure. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study including men >18 years diagnosed with ABP-E. coli between January 2010 and November 2023 at a 400-bed hospital. Patients received oral cefuroxime (500 mg/8 h) or oral ciprofloxacin (500 mg/12 h). Outcomes over 90 days included clinical cure, recurrence and reinfection. Definitions: Clinical cure—resolution of symptoms without recurrences; recurrence—new ABP episode with the same E. coli strain; reinfection—ABP involving different microorganism or E. coli strain; clinical failure—lack of cure, recurrence, or reinfection. Results: Among 326 episodes (158 ABP-CXM, 168 ABP-CIP), ABP-CXM patients were younger (median 63.5 vs. 67.5 years, p = 0.005) and had fewer comorbidities. Clinical cure was higher in ABP-CIP (96.9% vs. 85.7%, p < 0.001). Recurrence occurred only in ABP-CXM (6.96% vs. 0%, p < 0.001), while reinfection and mortality were similar. Multivariable analysis showed ciprofloxacin was protective against clinical failure (OR: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.06–0.42, p < 0.001), while prior urinary tract infection (UTI) increased failure risk (OR: 2.87, 95% CI: 1.3–6.3). Conclusions: Ciprofloxacin was more effective than cefuroxime in treating ABP-E. coli. Patients with recent UTIs may need closer monitoring or alternative therapies. Full article

Extreme rainfall in urban areas can cause major economic damage, a problem expected to intensify with climate change. Despite this, high-resolution studies at the city scale remain limited. This study analyzes rainfall organization and storm dynamics over Barcelona using data from a dense rain gauge network (1994–2019). The aim is to identify dominant spatial patterns and understand how storms evolve in relation to local urban and topographic features. Principal component analysis and simple scaling analysis revealed signs of a rainfall island effect, possibly linked to the urban heat island and modulated by orographic and coastal influences. Tailored rainfall indices highlighted a division between inland areas shaped by orography and coastal zones influenced by the sea. These spatial structures evolved with rainfall duration, shifting from localized contrasts at a 10 min resolution to more homogeneous distributions at daily scales. Storm tracking showed that 90% of speeds ranged from 5 to 60 km/h and intense rainfall events typically moved east–southeast toward the sea and north–northeast. Faster storms tended to follow preferred directions reflecting mesoscale circulations and possible modulations by local terrain. These findings underscore how urban morphology, local relief, and a coastal setting may shape rainfall at the city scale, in interaction with broader Mediterranean synoptic dynamics. Full article

Increasing global food demand has led to an intensive use of synthetic fertilisers. In this regard, the use of non-conventional streams such as swine wastewater (SW) and urban sewage sludge liquid fraction (USS) for the production of bio-based fertilisers can increase the sustainability of both the fertiliser industry and agriculture while reducing the reliance on imported nutrients. In this work, USS and SW were assessed for the production of struvite at different PO₄³⁻:Mg²⁺ ratios. Significant differences were found in terms of struvite crystals’ shape and size among both feedstocks due to the different saturation indexes, and it was concluded that PO₄³⁻:Mg²⁺ ratios of 1:2 for SW and 1:1 for USS were the most suitable for obtaining big crystals suitable to be used for direct fertilisation. In addition, it was observed that the crystallisation process is highly dependent on the presence of interfering ions (mainly Ca) that can result in the formation of hydroxyapatite instead of struvite. Finally, recovering struvite from SW and USS could potentially reduce the European import of P by up to 6.5%. Full article

Background: Caesarean section is considered one of the surgeries with the highest prevalence of postoperative pain, yet this is often underestimated and undertreated. This study was aimed at evaluating the prevalence and severity of postoperative pain, assessing which analgesic strategy is the most effective and identifying those risk factors associated with poorer analgesic results. Methods: A multi-centre observational study was conducted on 514 women undergoing elective caesarean section. The primary endpoints included postoperative pain severity at rest and with movement at 6 and 24 h. Results: The combination of intrathecal morphine and fentanyl with acetaminophen and Non Steroid Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) was associated with better pain control than any of the following treatments: intrathecal fentanyl with systemic acetaminophen and NSAIDs (2.49 ± 2.04 vs. 3.91 ± 2.75, ES = −0.610, p = 0.01), elastomeric pump at 6 h at rest (2.49 ± 2.04 vs. 4.10 ± 2.86, ES −0.733, p = 0.04) and with movement (4.44 ± 2.41 vs. 6.14 ± 3.08, ES −0.671, p = 0.01) or epidural analgesia (4.44 ± 2.41 vs. 5.65 ± 2.57, ES −0.496, p = 0.02). No risk factors predicting poorer postoperative analgesia were found. Conclusions: The prevalence of postoperative pain control after elective caesarean section is high. The best analgesic postoperative regimen includes intrathecal morphine together with fentanyl and systemic analgesics. No risk factors associated with poorer outcomes were found. Full article

A textile woven presence sensor was previously presented to demonstrate its functionality in eliminating some false positives on car seat presence sensors. After studying the functionality, the next characteristic that the textile sensor should demonstrate is its reliability. The woven sensor was prepared to be tested against ageing. The ageing cycle was prepared according to the UNE-EN ISO 17228:2015 standard. Nine woven sensors are prepared, seven of them face the aging test, and two are selected as reference sensors. The characterization of the woven sensor has been carried out through a microcontroller measurement circuit that obtains the cycles to charge the sensor. Comparison of the results obtained shows that the effects of ageing are negligible. The behavior of the aged sensors is similar to that of the reference sensors, indicating that the variations in the values of both aged and reference sensors are provoked by the environmental conditions during the measurements. To support this argument, a statistical study based on a t-Student analysis was carried out. After 4 ageing cycles, the functionality of the sensors remains unaffected. This research proves the reliability of the woven textile sensor, which encourages its use in automotive applications. Full article

This paper presents the design and implementation of a Model-based Predictive Control (MPC) strategy integrated within a modular multilayer architecture for a three-wheeled omnidirectional mobile robot, the Robotino 4 from Festo. The implemented architecture is organized into three hierarchical layers to support modularity and system scalability. The upper layer is responsible for trajectory planning. This planned trajectory is forwarded to the intermediate layer, where the MPC computes the optimal velocity commands to follow the reference path, taking into account the kinematic model and actuator constraints of the robot. Finally, these velocity commands are processed by the lower layer, which uses three independent PID controllers to regulate the individual wheel speeds. To evaluate the proposed control scheme, it was implemented in MATLAB R2024a using a lemniscate trajectory as the reference. The MPC problem was formulated as a quadratic optimization problem that considered the three states: the global position coordinates and orientation angle. The simulation included state estimation errors and motor dynamics, which were experimentally identified to closely match real-world behavior. The simulation and experimental results demonstrate the capability of the MPC to track the lemniscate trajectory efficiently. Notably, the close agreement between the simulated and experimental results validated the fidelity of the simulation model. In a real-world scenario, the MPC controller enabled simultaneous regulation of both the position and orientation, which offered a greater performance compared with approaches that assume a constant orientation. Full article

Background: Early pandemic reports suggested improved outcomes in hypertensive COVID-19 patients treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or amantadine. This study evaluates their impact on disease progression. Methods: We analyzed 55,936 infected patients (March 2020–January 2025) and 2024 hospital admissions within a free-access Barcelona metropolitan health consortium (n = 192,651 as of March 2025). Hospitalizations, stratified by polypharmacy level (nT), were compared via Chi-square tests. ICU admissions and length of stay in hospitalized patients were assessed during the first month of key waves: initial A2a + B3a + B9 (n = 184, March 2020), Delta (n = 158, July 2021), Omicron21K (n = 142, January 2022), and Omicron 24F (n = 8, January 2025). Results: Non-survivors were predominantly aged >60 years (96.3%) in the first wave and >70 years (100%) in Delta/Omicron waves. Post-vaccination, mortality decreased in high-comorbidity groups, though hospitalizations/ICU admissions in younger patients surpassed first-wave levels during Delta. Vaccinated ACEI/ARB-treated patients showed reduced hospitalizations across all polypharmacy groups: OR (noACEI/ACEI) = 1.21 (≥2 nT) to 4.26 (1 nT, p = 0.014); OR (noARB/ARB) = 1.24 (≥8 nT) to 1.74 (2–7 nT, p = 0.01). No hospitalizations occurred in amantadine-treated patients aged <70. Conclusions: These findings suggest a potential protective effect of ACEI, ARBs, and amantadine against severe COVID-19 and support the safety and continuity of these treatments. Multicentric studies incorporating post-COVID syndrome data are needed to validate these observations if hospitalizations persist. Full article