Search Results (438)

Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) rely on automatic control strategies to regulate pollutant concentrations and comply with environmental standards. Among them, Proportional Integral (PI) controllers are widely adopted for their simplicity and robustness, yet their effectiveness is limited by the nonlinear and time-varying dynamics of biological processes. In this work, Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM)-based Artificial Neural Network (ANN) PI controllers are proposed as data-driven replacements for conventional PIs in key WWTP feedback loops. Using the Benchmark Simulation Model No. 1 (BSM1), ANN controllers were trained to replicate the behavior of default nitrate and nitrite nitrogen ($S_{NO,2}$) and dissolved oxygen ($S_{O,5}$) loops, under both time-agnostic and time-aware strategies with three- and four-input configurations. The four-input time-aware model delivered the best results, reproducing PI behavior with high accuracy (coefficient of determination, $R^2\approx 0.99$) and considerably reducing control errors. For instance, under storm influent conditions, the $S_{O,5}$ controller reduced the Integral of Squared Error ($\mathrm{ISE}$) and Integral of Absolute Error ($\mathrm{IAE}$) by 84.7% and 68.4%, respectively, compared with the default PI. Beyond loop-level improvements, a Transfer Learning (TL) extension was explored: the trained $S_{O,5}$ controller was directly applied to additional aerated reactors ($S_{O,3}$ and $S_{O,4}$) without retraining, replacing fixed aeration and demonstrating adaptability while reducing design effort. Plant-wide evaluation with the $S_{NO,2}$ loop and three dissolved oxygen loops ($S_{O,3}$–$S_{O,5}$), all controlled by LSTM-based PI controllers, under storm influent conditions, showed further reductions in the Effluent Quality Index ($\mathrm{EQI}$) and the Overall Cost Index ($\mathrm{OCI}$) by 0.84% and 1.47%, respectively, highlighting simultaneous gains in effluent quality and operational economy. Additionally, the actuator and energy analyses showed that the LSTM-based controllers produced realistic and smooth control signals, maintained consistent energy use, and ensured stable overall operation, confirming the practical feasibility of the proposed approach. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of low-dose electron beam irradiation (0, 1, 2, and 3 kGy) on storage stability and quality properties of chicken and duck breast meat. Five foodborne pathogens (Salmonella typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Escherichia coli) were inoculated into the samples and subjected to irradiation under vacuum packaging. The irradiated samples were vacuum-packed and stored at 4 °C. Microbial recovery, lipid and protein oxidation, physicochemical characteristics, and meat color were analyzed over 0, 1, and 2 weeks. A completely randomized design was used with five biological replicates (n = 5) per treatment, and each measurement was performed in triplicate (technical replicates). Electron beam treatment effectively reduced microbial counts, achieving complete inactivation of all pathogens except Bacillus cereus at 3 kGy. Irradiation resulted in significant reductions in pH and water-holding capacity (p < 0.05) while increasing thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and volatile basic nitrogen (VBN) values, particularly in duck and chicken, respectively. Color parameters such as L* and b* decreased, while a*, chroma, and redness increased, with hue angle showing a decreasing trend. These changes were associated with myoglobin transformation and protein oxidation caused by irradiation-induced reactive oxygen species. Despite minor variations, proximate composition remained unaffected by irradiation. Overall, electron beam irradiation at doses up to 3 kGy effectively enhanced microbial safety without compromising nutritional quality, indicating its potential as a non-thermal preservation method for raw poultry meat products. Full article

Background: Cyclosporine (CSA) is a fast-acting systemic immunosuppressant frequently used in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD), but its long-term use is limited by toxicity. AD affects as many as 20% of children and nearly 10% of adults worldwide and its chronic, recurrent course often requires several systemic treatment lines, making optimization of sequential therapy a high clinical priority. Tralokinumab, an IL-13–targeting monoclonal antibody, represents a safer alternative with a slower onset of action. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of tralokinumab initiated as monotherapy versus in overlap with CSA during the transition from conventional to biologic therapy. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study involving 27 adults with moderate-to-severe AD treated with tralokinumab for at least 16 weeks. Patients were categorized into two groups: tralokinumab monotherapy plus topical agents (TM; n = 23) and tralokinumab initiated with a cyclosporine overlap for up to 12 weeks (TO; n = 4). Disease severity was evaluated using the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), Investigator Global Assessment (IGA), and numerical rating scale (NRS) for pruritus at baseline and weeks 16, 24, and 52. Results: Both TM and TO groups demonstrated significant clinical improvement across all outcomes, with no statistically significant differences between groups (p > 0.05 for EASI, IGA, and NRS). At week 52, TM patients showed mean reductions of 18.66 (EASI), 2.21 (IGA), and 4.49 (NRS), while TO patients showed reductions of 15, 2, and 3.50, respectively. Tralokinumab was discontinued in eight patients (29.6%), most commonly due to lack of efficacy. Discontinuation rates did not differ significantly between groups. However, the very small size of the TO group (n = 4) substantially limits statistical power and any contrasts should be interpreted as exploratory. Conclusions: In this prospective real-world cohort, we observed improvement after initiating tralokinumab, with and without a short cyclosporine bridge. In light of CSA’s risks, TM may be considered a reasonable first-line systemic option. Prospective randomized studies are needed to determine whether overlap confers additional benefit. Full article

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a complex, multifactorial condition involving dysregulation across immune, neural, and metabolic systems. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have emerged as promising adjunctive interventions, with evidence supporting their efficacy in alleviating depressive symptoms. Here, we synthesize current knowledge on the interconnected biological pathways through which n-3 PUFAs may exert antidepressant effects. A growing body of evidence implicates the gut–brain axis as a central pathway through which n-3 PUFAs may exert antidepressant effects. By shaping microbiota composition and metabolite production, n-3 PUFAs influence intestinal permeability, immune activation, and vagal signaling, thereby contributing to both immunomodulatory and neurochemical effects. In combination, n-3 PUFAs modulate peripheral and central inflammation by promoting specialized pro-resolving mediators, downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, and influencing microglial activation. Parallel actions on neuronal membrane composition and lipid raft integrity affect neurotransmitter signaling, synaptic plasticity, and neurogenesis, with downstream effects on neural function. Additional pathways, including hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis regulation and oxidative stress reduction, further integrate n-3 PUFA actions across multiple systems. Collectively, these mechanisms suggest that n-3 PUFAs act as network modulators, supporting recovery in depression. Translational research highlights the importance of EPA-predominant formulations, optimal dosing, and patient stratification. By framing n-3 PUFAs activity within a multi-level systems biology perspective, this review provides a comprehensive mechanistic understanding and underscores their potential as targeted adjunctive strategies for MDD. Full article

Long-term positioning tests can systematically reveal the evolution characteristics of soil fertility and crop productivity, and reflect the spatiotemporal changes in soil quality and their driving factors. While soil microorganisms mediating nutrient cycling are crucial for maintaining crop productivity and the long-term resilience of agricultural ecosystems, how prolonged use of different fertilization strategies affects their functional capacity remains insufficiently understood. In this study, we applied metagenomic sequencing to investigate how three fertilization treatments, namely (i) N0 receiving only phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizers, (ii) N250 receiving conventional urea + P and K, and (iii) F250 receiving humic acid urea + P and K, influence soil microbial communities, functional genes related to C and N cycling, and associated soil properties in a long-term field experiment. The F250 treatment significantly increased average annual yields of wheat and maize to 7166.21 kg hm⁻² and 8309.96 kg hm⁻², respectively. These values were 148.66% and 73.47% higher than those under N0, and 8.22% and 11.64% higher than those under N250. Compared with N0, both N250 and F250 signally augmented soil nitrate, ammonium, total nitrogen (TN), and soil organic carbon (SOC), altered microbial community composition, and enhanced the relative abundance of genes engaged in C fixation and methane oxidation. Both treatments also promoted denitrification and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA). Relative to N250, F250 specifically enriched the beneficial bacterial genus Pedobacter, further increased the abundance of the C fixation gene pccA, and markedly upregulated the DNRA gene nrfA. Soil TN and SOC were identified as the key environmental factors regulating microbial community structure and the functional potential of C and N cycling pathways. Collectively, our findings provide a mechanistic understanding of how long-term application of humic acid urea enhances crop productivity by modulating the genetic potential of soil microorganisms in biogeochemical cycles, offering a biological foundation for optimizing fertilization strategies in sustainable agriculture. Full article

Background: Jones fractures of the 5th metatarsal are frequently associated with nonunion due to limited vascularization and repetitive mechanical stress. The aim of the study was to compare the biomechanical performance of T-plate and bicortical screw fixation using standardized 3D models. Methods: Three-dimensional models of the 5th metatarsal were generated from CT images and printed using PolyJet technology (Stratasys J5 DentaJet) using a rigid-elastic composite with properties similar to cortical and cancellous bone. Jones fractures were fixed with either a locked T-plate or a bicortical screw. The samples were tested under axial and oblique static loads (α = 0°, 90°, 180°) and for three values of interfragmentary distance (d = 0.1–1 mm), in a 3 × 2 factorial design. Results: The T-plate fixation recorded a maximum yield force (Fmax) of 149.78 ± 8.53 N (138–161 N), significantly higher compared to the bicortical screw −98.56 ± 2.58 N (96–101 N), (p < 0.05). The ductility index was higher for the plate, indicating a progressive transition to yield. The α and d factors significantly influenced the mechanical behavior, with the polynomial model explaining over 95% of the total variation. Discussion: The plate fixation demonstrated greater strength and superior biomechanical tolerance in imperfect reduction scenarios. The main limitation is the lack of fatigue testing and the inability of 3D models to reproduce the structural heterogeneity of human bone. Conclusions: Implant selection should be individualized based on fracture stability. 3D models provide a reproducible platform for comparative evaluation of osteosynthesis methods, but future studies should include cyclic loading and biological validation. Full article

Poor oral health is a neglected epidemic, potentially contributing to systemic health issues. We employed a multi-omics approach to investigate the biological changes associated with gingivitis and the effects of stannous fluoride (SnF₂) dentifrice on microbial composition and salivary proteomics in an eight-week clinical trial involving 39 participants categorized as high (n = 20) and low bleeders (n = 19). Baseline assessments revealed significant microbial dysbiosis in high bleeders, characterized by a higher abundance of Porphyromonas and Fusobacterium, alongside compromised epithelial barriers and increased inflammation. Following SnF₂ treatment, a substantial reduction in these bacteria, and an increase in Rothia and Haemophulis, were observed, correlating with improved clinical measures, including reduced bleeding and inflammation indices. In total, 80 proteins (including pro-inflammatory cytokines, alarmin keratins, and matrix metalloproteinases) showed a significant reduction in high bleeders after treatment, with 29 overlapping the disease biomarkers in the plasma atlas, supporting the role of SnF₂ in mitigating oxidative stress and enhancing epithelial integrity. Furthermore, SnF₂ treatment significantly reduced collagen degradation, suggesting the preservation of tissue integrity. These findings highlight that SnF₂ not only improves local oral health but may also benefit systemic health, showcasing the value of a multi-omics approach in understanding the interconnections among oral microbiota, inflammatory responses, and systemic health outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ustekinumab (UST) and upadacitinib (UPA) are molecules that have been used in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) since 2019 and 2022, respectively. Both agents are generally preferred for biologically experienced UC patients. However, the number of head-to-head studies comparing the efficacy and adverse events of UST and UPA in this patient group is limited. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study evaluating the efficacy and safety of UST (n = 57) and UPA (n = 32) in biologically experienced UC patients during the induction and 24-week maintenance treatment periods. Most patients in both groups had received prior anti-TNF treatment (98.2% and 96.9%, respectively). Clinical response and remission rates were determined based on the partial Mayo score (PMS). Additionally, patients’ pre-treatment laboratory parameters were compared with their results at week 24. Results: During the induction phase, clinical response and remission were achieved in 84.2% and 43.9% of the UST group and 93.8% and 50% of the UPA group, respectively (OR [95% CI] = 2.81 [0.57–6.87] and 1.28 [0.54–3.05]). At week 24, the clinical response and remission rates in the UST and UPA groups were similar (77.1% vs. 80% and 58.3% vs. 63.3%, respectively). No statistically significant difference was found between the groups (p > 0.05). Both UST and UPA provided a marked reduction in fecal calprotectin and CRP levels. Regarding safety, UPA treatment led to increased total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol levels, whereas UST did not. In both groups, glucose; HbA1c; and thyroid, renal, and liver functions remained stable. No serious adverse events were observed in either group. At week 24, treatment continuation rates were 68.4% (n = 39) for UST and 78.2% (n = 25) for UPA (OR = 0.61 [0.22–1.66]). Conclusions: In biologically experienced ulcerative colitis, both UST and UPA are effective and safe treatment options. This study did not statistically demonstrate the superiority of UPA over UST. Given the preliminary nature and limited patient numbers of this investigation, our findings require confirmation through future multicenter, large-scale, and long-term prospective studies. Full article

Nitrous oxide (N₂O), a potent greenhouse gas, is an important environmental concern associated with biological nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment plants. Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox), recognized as an advanced carbon-neutral nitrogen removal technology, requires a continuous supply of nitrite, which also serves as a key precursor for N₂O generation. However, the regulation of the carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio to minimize N₂O emission in mainstream anammox systems remains insufficiently understood. In this study, we evaluated the long-term nitrogen removal performance and N₂O emission potential of an oxygen-limited anammox biofilm reactor treating synthetic municipal wastewater with a typical C/N range of 4.0–6.0. Experimental results demonstrated that the highest nitrogen removal efficiency (95.3%), achieved through coupled anammox and denitrification, and the lowest N₂O emission factor (0.73%) occurred at a C/N ratio of 5.0. As the C/N ratio increased from 4.0 to 5.0, N₂O emissions decreased progressively, but rose slightly when the ratio was further increased to 6.0. High-throughput sequencing revealed that microbial community composition and the abundance of key functional taxa were significantly influenced by the C/N ratio. At a C/N ratio of 5.0, proliferation of anammox bacteria and the disappearance of Acinetobacter populations appeared to contribute to the significant reduction in N₂O emission. Furthermore, gene annotation analysis indicated higher abundances of anammox-associated genes (hzs, hdh) and N₂O reductase gene (nosZ) at this ratio compared with others. Overall, this study identifies a C/N-dependent strategy for mitigating N₂O emissions in mainstream anammox systems and provides new insights into advancing carbon-neutral wastewater treatment. Full article

Crops nitrogen supply through the in situ mineralization of soil organic matter is a critical process for plant nutrition. However, accurately estimating the contribution of mineralization remains challenging. The complexity of biological, chemical, and physical processes in the soil, influenced by environmental conditions, makes it difficult to precisely quantify the amount of nitrogen available for crops. In this study, we created a database by collecting results from 121 mineralization monitoring experiments carried out between 2015 and 2021 on different experimental plots across Wallonia, Southern Belgium, and assessed the efficiency of predictive mineralization methods. The most impactful analytical parameters on in situ mineralization (ISM), determined using LIXIM program, appeared to be potentially mineralizable nitrogen (PMN) (r = 0.79). PMN, estimated by anaerobic soil incubation, also allowed the effective consideration of the after-effects of grassland termination and manure inputs. A multiple linear regression (MLR) combining PMN, POxC, pH, TOC:N, and TOC:clay significantly improved the prediction of soil nitrogen mineralization available for crops, achieving r = 0.87 (vs. r = 0.58 for the current method), while reducing dispersion by 41% (RMSE 56.35 → 33.13 kg N·ha⁻¹). The use of a more flexible Bootstrap Forest model (BFM) further enhanced performance, reaching r = 0.92 and a 50.8% reduction in dispersion compared to the current method (RMSE 56.35 → 27.76 kg N·ha⁻¹), i.e., about 16% lower RMSE than the MLR. Those models provided practical and efficient tools to better manage nitrogen resources in temperate agricultural systems. Full article

Chlorella vulgaris is a nutrient-dense microalga with recognized antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory properties, making it an attractive candidate for functional food applications. In such contexts, both chemical composition and particle size can influence dispersibility, bioactive release, and physiological effects. In this study, two commercial C. vulgaris powders from India (Sample 1) and the UK (Sample 2) were compared with respect to particle size, metabolite composition, and biological activity. Sample 1 exhibited finer particles, while Sample 2 was coarser. GC–MS profiling revealed distinct compositional differences: Sample 1 displayed a higher relative abundance of saturated fatty acids, β-sitosterol, β-amyrin, and glucitol, whereas Sample 2 contained higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids, betulin, salicylic acid, and specific carbohydrates. In vitro assays showed stronger inhibition of albumin denaturation by Sample 1 compared with Sample 2 and prednisolone. Ex vivo tests indicated that both samples induced tonic contraction of gastric smooth muscle through muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) and L-type calcium channels, as evidenced by the marked reduction in responses after atropine and verapamil treatment, with Sample 1 producing a more pronounced effect. Immunohistochemistry further demonstrated broader IL-1β upregulation with Sample 1 and localized nNOS modulation with Sample 2. Overall, the results demonstrate that the interplay between composition and particle size shapes the bioactivity of C. vulgaris, supporting its targeted use in digestive, neuroimmune, and cardiometabolic health. Full article

Background/Objectives: The rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria and fungi, or “superbugs”, makes the development of new antimicrobial compounds of continued importance. In this context, we have explored structural variants of the plant-derived phytocompound berberine, seeking higher antimicrobial activity and selectivity. Our prior work prepared fourteen protoberberine variants (B1–B14), and found that a partially reduced dihydro-protoberberine (B14) was significantly more active against Gram-positive bacteria. To further investigate this trend, we prepared a series of protoberberines and related dihydro-protoberberines, with the goal of better understanding the effects of the partial reduction of the protoberberine core. Methods: Protoberberines were prepared from a cyclization between glyoxal and substituted N-benzyl-phenethylamines, prepared by reductive amination. Dihydro-derivatives were obtained via NaBH₄ reduction. Biological activity was assessed with a Kirby–Bauer assay to determine zones of inhibition against a panel of twelve microorganisms. Cytotoxicity was also assessed using an MTT assay against a T84 human colon carcinoma cell line. Results: The majority of the prepared compounds showed greater Gram-positive antibacterial activity compared to original berberine, and nearly all dihydro-protoberberines had improved Gram-positive antibacterial activity over their unreduced form. Additionally, the reduced variants were less active against fungi, indicating a step towards higher microbial selectivity. All variants showed greater potency against cancer cells. Conclusions: The present work highlights a significant improvement in antibacterial activity and selectivity for this set of dihydro-protoberberines over their unreduced counterparts. Full article

To elucidate the effects of the new antidiabetic agent, imeglimin (Ime, 2 mM), on high-glucose-induced cellular stress in cardiac cells, its effects were compared with those of the conventional antidiabetic agent metformin (Met, 2 mM) based on various cellular pathophysiological functions. H9c2 cardiomyoblasts were cultured under normal-glucose (5.5 mM, N-Glu) or high-glucose (50 mM, H-Glu) conditions. Cellular metabolic function was evaluated using a Seahorse XFe96 Bioanalyzer, along with measurements of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, expression levels of the autophagy-related marker LC3, and intercellular adhesion properties measured based on transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). Cells cultured under H-Glu conditions showed enhanced mitochondrial and glycolytic activities, which were suppressed by Met or Ime. Under H-Glu conditions, total cellular ROS (t-ROS) levels were significantly increased. Met had little effect on t-ROS under H-Glu conditions, whereas Ime markedly reduced both t-ROS and mitochondrial ROS (m-ROS) levels under H-Glu conditions. The LC3-II/LC3-I ratio, a marker of autophagic activity, decreased under H-Glu conditions; however, this reduction was not significantly affected by treatment with either Met or Ime. Regarding intercellular adhesion properties, TEER values were elevated under H-Glu conditions compared to N-Glu conditions, and those under H-Glu conditions were further increased by Ime but not Met. In support of these results, the mRNA levels of cell-adhesion-related molecules, including β-catenin and N-cadherin, were also altered by Ime. Collectively, Ime modulated high-glucose-induced alterations in the biological properties of H9c2 cardiomyoblasts, independent of changes in autophagic activity. Full article

Background and Objectives: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by a cluster of factors, including dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, central obesity, elevated blood pressure, and impaired fasting glucose, which together elevate the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Nutraceuticals containing botanical extracts with antioxidant and metabolic activity have emerged as promising adjunctive strategies in the management of MetS. This study evaluated the clinical effectiveness and biological rationale of a standardized food supplement (QUINOLAM), containing extracts of Cydonia oblonga (quince), Olea europaea (olive leaf), and Amaranthus spp., in adults with metabolic syndrome. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective, single-center observational study including adults with documented MetS who received one tablet daily of the QUINOLAM-based supplement for at least 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change in total cholesterol. Secondary endpoints included LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides, fasting glucose, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, CRP, and BMI. In parallel, preclinical studies were conducted using HepG2 cells to investigate QUINOLAM’s effects on LDL receptor expression, glucose uptake, antioxidant activity, and cell viability. Results: Thirty patients met the inclusion criteria. A significant reduction in total cholesterol was observed at both 6 and 12 weeks (p < 0.005), accompanied by a significant decline in LDL-C by week 12 (p < 0.05). Among patients with baseline fasting glucose ≥100 mg/dL (n = 19), a significant improvement in glycemia was recorded (p < 0.005). Trends toward improvement were noted in other metabolic indices. In vitro, QUINOLAM enhanced LDL receptor expression (p < 0.05) and glucose uptake (p < 0.01), demonstrated antioxidant activity in the TEAC assay, and showed no cytotoxicity at relevant doses. Conclusions: In a real-world setting, daily supplementation with QUINOLAM was associated with significant improvements in lipid and glycemic control among patients with MetS. Preclinical findings further support its mechanistic plausibility via modulation of LDL handling, glucose metabolism, and oxidative stress. These results warrant confirmation in larger, prospective clinical trials. Full article

Background and Objective: With an increase in the number of older citizens in most Western countries, cognitive decline is becoming an increasingly significant issue. Numerous age-related metabolic and physiological changes, such as increased inflammation and oxidative stress, decreased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, poorer cardiovascular function, and reduced cerebral blood flow, have been implicated in cognitive decline, prompting research into interventions. Among these, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), an antioxidant and metabolic stimulant, has shown promise in improving some of the underlying biological mechanisms of cognitive decline. However, not much is known about the efficacy of CoQ10 supplementation on cognition in the elderly. Therefore, the aim of this review is to explore the efficacy of CoQ10 supplementation on cognitive function. Methods: We conducted a review of animal studies and human clinical trials investigating the effect of CoQ10 supplementation on cognition in samples who were healthy or with specific diseases. Overall, twelve studies demonstrated improved cognitive function and two showed a reduction in oxidative stress in response to CoQ10 supplementation, either alone or in combination with other compounds. Out of eight human clinical trials in healthy subjects (n = 2) and disease states (n = 6), four showed evidence of a beneficial effect of CoQ10 supplementation on cognition, while two demonstrated an increase in cerebral blood flow. Disparity in the results of the clinical trials presented here is likely due to differing testing procedures, inconsistent use of cognitive assessments, and/or varying bioavailability of different preparations of CoQ10. Conclusions: There is some evidence to suggest that cognition and the biological mechanisms that regulate it are positively impacted by CoQ10 therapy. However, it is crucial to note that the literature presents mixed results, with many human clinical trials also reporting no benefit of CoQ10 supplementation on cognitive performance. To fully evaluate the benefits of CoQ10 on cognitive function in ageing and in neurodegenerative diseases, future studies are needed that target possible mechanisms and utilise a wider range of cognitive assessments. Full article