Search Results (4,345)

Cell-free biosensors harness the selectivity of cellular machinery without living cells’ constraints, offering advantages in environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, and biotechnological applications. This review examines recent advances in cell-free biosensor development, highlighting their ability to detect diverse analytes including heavy metals, organic pollutants, pathogens, and clinical biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity. We analyze technological innovations in cell-free protein synthesis optimization, preservation strategies, and field deployment methods that have enhanced sensitivity, and practical applicability. The integration of synthetic biology approaches has enabled complex signal processing, multiplexed detection, and novel sensor designs including riboswitches, split reporter systems, and metabolic sensing modules. Emerging materials such as supported lipid bilayers, hydrogels, and artificial cells are expanding biosensor capabilities through microcompartmentalization and electronic integration. Despite significant progress, challenges remain in standardization, sample interference mitigation, and cost reduction. Future opportunities include smartphone integration, enhanced preservation methods, and hybrid sensing platforms. Cell-free biosensors hold particular promise for point-of-care diagnostics in resource-limited settings, environmental monitoring applications, and food safety testing, representing essential tools for addressing global challenges in healthcare, environmental protection, and biosecurity. Full article

Background/Objectives: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical imaging is rapidly advancing, yet its application in gynecologic use remains limited. This proof-of-concept study presents the development and validation of a convolutional neural network (CNN) designed to automatically detect and classify endometrial polyps. Methods: A multicenter dataset (n = 3) comprising 65 hysteroscopies was used, yielding 33,239 frames and 37,512 annotated objects. Still frames were extracted from full-length videos and annotated for the presence of histologically confirmed polyps. A YOLOv1-based object detection model was used with a 70–20–10 split for training, validation, and testing. Primary performance metrics included recall, precision, and mean average precision at an intersection over union (IoU) ≥ 0.50 (mAP50). Frame-level classification metrics were also computed to evaluate clinical applicability. Results: The model achieved a recall of 0.96 and precision of 0.95 for polyp detection, with a mAP50 of 0.98. At the frame level, mean recall was 0.75, precision 0.98, and F1 score 0.82, confirming high detection and classification performance. Conclusions: This study presents a CNN trained on multicenter, real-world data that detects and classifies polyps simultaneously with high diagnostic and localization performance, supported by explainable AI features that enhance its clinical integration and technological readiness. Although currently limited to binary classification, this study demonstrates the feasibility and potential of AI to reduce diagnostic subjectivity and inter-observer variability in hysteroscopy. Future work will focus on expanding the model’s capabilities to classify a broader range of endometrial pathologies, enhance generalizability, and validate performance in real-time clinical settings. Full article

Maintaining well integrity is essential in the oil and gas industry to prevent environmental hazards, operational risks, and economic losses. Cement bond log (CBL) tools are essential in evaluating cement bonding and ensuring wellbore stability. This study presents a patent landscape review of CBL technologies, based on 3473 patent documents from the Lens.org database. After eliminating duplicates and irrelevant entries, 167 granted patents were selected for in-depth analysis. These were categorized by technology type (wave, electrical, radiation, neutron, and other tools) and by material focus (formation, casing, cement, and borehole fluid). The findings reveal a dominant focus on formation evaluation (59.9%) and a growing reliance on wave-based (22.2%) and other advanced tools (25.1%), indicating a shift toward high-precision diagnostics. Geographically, 75% of granted patents were filed through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and 97.6% were held by companies, underscoring the dominance of corporate innovation and the minimal presence of academia and individuals. The review also identifies notable patents that reflect significant technical innovations and discusses their role in advancing diagnostic capabilities. These insights emphasize the need for broader collaboration and targeted research to advance well integrity technologies in line with industry goals for operational performance and safety. Full article

Varicocele is a common, potentially correctable condition associated with impaired male fertility. Despite being frequently encountered in clinical andrology, its pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnostic criteria, and therapeutic approaches remain areas of active investigation and debate. The authors conducted a comprehensive literature search, using the PubMed database, covering clinical studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and current international guidelines from the past ten years. Emphasis was placed on studies investigating novel diagnostic modalities, therapeutic innovations, and prognostic markers. Emerging evidence supports the multifactorial pathophysiology of varicocele, involving oxidative stress, hypoxia, inflammatory pathways, and potential genetic predisposition. Biomarkers, including microRNAs, antisperm antibodies, and sperm DNA fragmentation, offer diagnostic and prognostic utility, though their routine clinical implementation requires further validation. Advances in imaging, such as shear wave elastography, may improve diagnostic accuracy. While microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy remains the gold standard, technological refinements and non-surgical alternatives are being explored. Indications for treatment have expanded to include selected cases of non-obstructive azoospermia, hypogonadism, and optimization for assisted reproduction, though high-level evidence is limited. Full article

Background/Objectives. This manuscript presents an overview of advances in oncological radiotherapy as an effective treatment method for cancerous tumors, focusing on mechanisms of action within metabolite–antimetabolite systems. The urgency of this topic is underscored by the fact that cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide: as of 2022, approximately 20 million new cases were diagnosed globally, accounting for about 0.25% of the total population. Given prognostic models predicting a steady increase in cancer incidence to 35 million cases by 2050, there is an urgent need for the latest developments in physics, chemistry, molecular biology, pharmacy, and strict adherence to oncological vigilance. The purpose of this work is to demonstrate the relationship between the nature and mechanisms of past diagnostic and therapeutic oncology approaches, their current improvements, and future prospects. Particular emphasis is placed on isotope technologies in the production of therapeutic nuclides, focusing on the mechanisms of formation of simple and complex theranostic compounds and their classification according to target specificity. Methods. The methodology involved searching, selecting, and analyzing information from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, as well as from available official online sources over the past 20 years. The search was structured around the structure–mechanism–effect relationship of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The manuscript, including graphic materials, was prepared using a narrative synthesis method. Results. The results present a sequential analysis of materials related to isotope technology, particularly nucleus stability and instability. An explanation of theranostic principles enabled a detailed description of the action mechanisms of radiopharmaceuticals on various receptors within the metabolite–antimetabolite system using specific drug models. Attention is also given to radioactive nanotheranostics, exemplified by the mechanisms of action of radioactive nanoparticles such as Tc-99m, AuNPs, wwAgNPs, FeNPs, and others. Conclusions. Radiotheranostics, which combines the diagnostic properties of unstable nuclei with therapeutic effects, serves as an effective adjunctive and/or independent method for treating cancer patients. Despite the emergence of resistance to both chemotherapy and radiotherapy, existing nuclide resources provide protection against subsequent tumor metastasis. However, given the unfavorable cancer incidence prognosis over the next 25 years, the development of “preventive” drugs is recommended. Progress in this area will be facilitated by modern medical knowledge and a deeper understanding of ligand–receptor interactions to trigger apoptosis in rapidly proliferating cells. Full article

Objectives: Digitalization has revolutionized dentistry, introducing advanced technological tools that improve diagnostic accuracy and access to healthcare. This study aims to examine the effects of integrating digital technologies into the dental field, analyzing the associated benefits and risks, with particular paid attention to the therapeutic relationship and decision-making autonomy. Materials and Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, complemented by Google Scholar for non-indexed studies. The selection criteria included peer-reviewed studies published in English between 2014 and 2024, focusing on digital dentistry, artificial intelligence, and medical ethics. This is a narrative review. Elements of PRISMA guidelines were applied to enhance transparency in reporting. Results: The analysis highlighted that although digital technologies and AI offer significant benefits, such as more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatments, there are associated risks, including the loss of empathy in the dentist–patient relationship, the risk of overdiagnosis, and the possibility of bias in the data. Conclusions: The balance between technological innovation and the centrality of the dentist is crucial. A human and ethical approach to digital medicine is essential to ensure that technologies improve patient care without compromising the therapeutic relationship. To preserve the quality of dental care, it is necessary to integrate digital technologies in a way that supports, rather than replaces, the therapeutic relationship. Full article

The Fusarium genus includes some of the most economically and ecologically impactful fungal pathogens affecting global agriculture and human health. Over the past 15 years, rapid advances in molecular biology, genomics, and diagnostic technologies have reshaped our understanding of Fusarium taxonomy, host–pathogen dynamics, mycotoxin biosynthesis, and disease management. This review synthesizes key developments in these areas, focusing on agriculturally important Fusarium species complexes such as the Fusarium oxysporum species complex (FOSC), Fusarium graminearum species complex (FGSC), and a discussion on emerging lineages such as Neocosmospora. We explore recent shifts in species delimitation, functional genomics, and the molecular architecture of pathogenicity. In addition, we examine the global burden of Fusarium-induced mycotoxins by examining their prevalence in three of the world’s most widely consumed staple crops: maize, wheat, and rice. Last, we also evaluate contemporary management strategies, including molecular diagnostics, host resistance, and integrated disease control, positioning this review as a roadmap for future research and practical solutions in Fusarium-related disease and mycotoxin management. By weaving together morphological insights and cutting-edge multi-omics tools, this review captures the transition into a new era of Fusarium research where integrated, high-resolution approaches are transforming diagnosis, classification, and management. Full article

(1) Background and objectives: Large language models (LLMs) such as GPT, Mistral, and LLaMA exhibit strong capabilities in text generation, yet assessing the quality of their reasoning—particularly in open-ended and argumentative contexts—remains a persistent challenge. This study introduces Dialectical Agent, an internally developed modular framework designed to evaluate reasoning through a structured three-stage process: opinion, counterargument, and synthesis. The framework enables transparent and comparative analysis of how different LLMs handle dialectical reasoning. (2) Methods: Each stage is executed by a single model, and final syntheses are scored via two independent LLM evaluators (LLaMA 3.1 and GPT-4o) based on a rubric with four dimensions: clarity, coherence, originality, and dialecticality. In parallel, a rule-based semantic analyzer detects rhetorical anomalies and ethical values. All outputs and metadata are stored in a Neo4j graph database for structured exploration. (3) Results: The system was applied to four open-weight models (Gemma 7B, Mistral 7B, Dolphin-Mistral, Zephyr 7B) across ten open-ended prompts on ethical, political, and technological topics. The results show consistent stylistic and semantic variation across models, with moderate inter-rater agreement. Semantic diagnostics revealed differences in value expression and rhetorical flaws not captured by rubric scores. (4) Originality: The framework is, to our knowledge, the first to integrate multi-stage reasoning, rubric-based and semantic evaluation, and graph-based storage into a single system. It enables replicable, interpretable, and multidimensional assessment of generative reasoning—supporting researchers, developers, and educators working with LLMs in high-stakes contexts. Full article

The detection of glucose concentration has a wide range of applications and plays a significant role in the fields of the food industry, medical health, and illness diagnostics. The utilization of sensor technology for glucose concentration detection is an effective approach. Glucose sensors utilizing nanomaterials, with high sensitivity, strong resistance to interference, and compact size, exhibit tremendous potential in glucose concentration detection. Traditional enzyme-based sensors exhibit superior selectivity and high sensitivity; however, they are deficient in terms of interference resistance capabilities. With the development of nanotechnology, the performance of glucose sensors has been significantly improved. This review discusses the research progress in non-enzymatic electrochemical glucose nanosensors, including noble metal-based glucose sensors and non-noble transition metal compound-based glucose sensors, as well as the applications of multimetallic materials in nanosensors. Additionally, the application of nanosensors based on fluorescence and colorimetric principles in the detection of glucose concentration is introduced in this review. Finally, a perspective on the challenges and prospects of nanosensors in the field of glucose detection is presented. Full article

Mitochondria, pivotal organelles in cellular metabolism and energy production, have emerged as critical players in the pathogenesis of cancer. This review outlines the progress in mitochondrial profiling through mass spectrometry-based metabolomics and its applications in cancer research. We provide unprecedented insights into the mitochondrial metabolic rewiring that fuels tumorigenesis, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive guide for the implementation of mitochondrial metabolomics, integrating advanced methodologies—including isolation, detection, and data integration—with insights into cancer-specific metabolic rewiring. We first summarize current methodologies for mitochondrial sample collection and pretreatment. Furthermore, we then discuss the recent advancements in mass spectrometry-based methodologies that facilitate the detailed profiling of mitochondrial metabolites, unveiling significant metabolic reprogramming associated with tumorigenesis. We emphasize how recent technological advancements have addressed longstanding challenges in the field and explore the role of mitochondrial metabolism-driven cancer development and progression for novel drug discovery and translational research applications in cancer. Collectively, this review delineates emerging opportunities for therapeutic discovery and aims to establish a foundation for future investigations into the therapeutic modulation of mitochondrial pathways in cancer, thereby paving the way for innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches targeting mitochondrial pathways. Full article

Continuous monitoring of environmental and physiological parameters is essential for early diagnostics, real-time decision making, and intelligent system adaptation. Recent advancements in bio-microelectromechanical systems (BioMEMS) sensors have significantly enhanced our ability to track key metrics in real time. However, continuous monitoring demands sustainable energy supply solutions, especially for on-site energy replenishment in areas with limited resources. Artificial intelligence (AI), particularly large language models, offers new avenues for interpreting the vast amounts of data generated by these sensors. Despite this potential, fully integrated systems that combine self-powered BioMEMS sensing with AI-based analytics remain in the early stages of development. This review first examines the evolution of BioMEMS sensors, focusing on advances in sensing materials, micro/nano-scale architectures, and fabrication techniques that enable high sensitivity, flexibility, and biocompatibility for continuous monitoring applications. We then examine recent advances in energy harvesting technologies, such as piezoelectric nanogenerators, triboelectric nanogenerators and moisture electricity generators, which enable self-powered BioMEMS sensors to operate continuously and reducereliance on traditional batteries. Finally, we discuss the role of AI in BioMEMS sensing, particularly in predictive analytics, to analyze continuous monitoring data, identify patterns, trends, and anomalies, and transform this data into actionable insights. This comprehensive analysis aims to provide a roadmap for future continuous BioMEMS sensing, revealing the potential unlocked by combining materials science, energy harvesting, and artificial intelligence. Full article

Adhesive capsulitis is a painful and progressive condition marked by significant limitations in shoulder mobility, particularly affecting external rotation. Although magnetic resonance imaging is regarded as the reference standard for assessing intra-articular structures, its high cost and limited availability present challenges in routine clinical use. In contrast, musculoskeletal ultrasound has emerged as an accessible, real-time, and cost-effective imaging modality for both the diagnosis and treatment guidance of adhesive capsulitis. This narrative review compiles and illustrates current evidence regarding the role of ultrasound, encompassing static B-mode imaging, dynamic motion analysis, contrast-enhanced techniques, and sonoelastography. Key sonographic features—such as thickening of the coracohumeral ligament, fibrosis in the axillary recess, and abnormal tendon kinematics—have been consistently associated with adhesive capsulitis and demonstrate favorable diagnostic performance. Advanced methods like contrast-enhanced ultrasound and elastography provide additional functional insights (enabling evaluation of capsular stiffness and vascular changes) which may aid in disease staging and prediction of treatment response. Despite these advantages, the clinical utility of ultrasound remains subject to operator expertise and technical variability. Limited visualization of intra-articular structures and the absence of standardized scanning protocols continue to pose challenges. Nevertheless, ongoing advances in its technology and utility standardization hold promise for the broader application of ultrasound in clinical practice. With continued research and validation, ultrasound is positioned to play an increasingly central role in the comprehensive assessment and management of adhesive capsulitis. Full article

This narrative review explores the integration of theranostics and artificial intelligence (AI) in neuro-oncology, addressing the urgent need for improved diagnostic and treatment strategies for brain tumors, including gliomas, meningiomas, and pediatric central nervous system neoplasms. A comprehensive literature search was conducted through PubMed, Scopus, and Embase for articles published between January 2020 and May 2025, focusing on recent clinical and preclinical advancements in personalized neuro-oncology. The review synthesizes evidence on novel theranostic agents—such as Lu-177-based radiopharmaceuticals, CXCR4-targeted PET tracers, and multifunctional nanoparticles—and highlights the role of AI in enhancing tumor detection, segmentation, and treatment planning through advanced imaging analysis, radiogenomics, and predictive modeling. Key findings include the emergence of nanotheranostics for targeted drug delivery and real-time monitoring, the application of AI-driven algorithms for improved image interpretation and therapy guidance, and the identification of current limitations such as data standardization, regulatory challenges, and limited multicenter validation. The review concludes that the convergence of AI and theranostic technologies holds significant promise for advancing precision medicine in neuro-oncology, but emphasizes the need for collaborative, multidisciplinary research to overcome existing barriers and enable widespread clinical adoption. Full article

Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) represent one of the most problematic complications following total joint replacement, with a significant impact on the patient’s quality of life and healthcare costs. The early and accurate diagnosis of a PJI remains the key factor in the management of such cases. However, with traditional diagnostic measures and risk assessment tools, the early identification of a PJI may not always be adequate. Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms have been integrated in most technological domains, with recent integration into healthcare, providing promising applications due to their capability of analyzing vast and complex datasets. With the development and implementation of AI algorithms, the assessment of risk factors and the prediction of certain complications have become more efficient. This review aims to not only provide an overview of the current use of AI in predicting PJIs, the exploration of the types of algorithms used, and the performance metrics reported, but also the limitations and challenges that come with implementing such tools in clinical practice. Full article

Healthcare data rapidly increases, and patients seek customized, effective healthcare services. Big data and machine learning (ML) enabled smart healthcare systems hold revolutionary potential. Unlike previous reviews that separately address AI or big data, this work synthesizes their convergence through real-world case studies, cross-domain ML applications, and a critical discussion on ethical integration in smart diagnostics. The review focuses on the role of big data analysis and ML towards better diagnosis, improved efficiency of operations, and individualized care for patients. It explores the principal challenges of data heterogeneity, privacy, computational complexity, and advanced methods such as federated learning (FL) and edge computing. Applications in real-world settings, such as disease prediction, medical imaging, drug discovery, and remote monitoring, illustrate how ML methods, such as deep learning (DL) and natural language processing (NLP), enhance clinical decision-making. A comparison of ML models highlights their value in dealing with large and heterogeneous healthcare datasets. In addition, the use of nascent technologies such as wearables and Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) is examined for their role in supporting real-time data-driven delivery of healthcare. The paper emphasizes the pragmatic application of intelligent systems by highlighting case studies that reflect up to 95% diagnostic accuracy and cost savings. The review ends with future directions that seek to develop scalable, ethical, and interpretable AI-powered healthcare systems. It bridges the gap between ML algorithms and smart diagnostics, offering critical perspectives for clinicians, data scientists, and policymakers. Full article