Search Results (251)

Solanum betaceum (tamarillo) is Andean fruit rich in secondary metabolites with increasing relevance in food, nutraceutical, and biotechnological research. Despite growing scientific interest, the available evidence remains fragmented and methodologically heterogeneous. This systematic review consolidates and critically analyzes recent studies on the bioactive composition of S. betaceum, the effects of conventional and emerging processing technologies, and the functional activities reported for fresh fruits, by-products, and processed matrices. A comprehensive search of Lens.org, Scopus, and PubMed was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. From 1049 records identified, 65 studies published between 2020 and 2025 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. The literature reveals substantial variability in polyphenols, anthocyanins, carotenoids, vitamin C, and other metabolites, driven by cultivar, maturity stage, edaphoclimatic conditions, and analytical approaches. Emerging technologies such as ultrasound-assisted extraction, high-pressure homogenization, and spray drying generally improved the recovery and stability of bioactive compounds, whereas intensive thermal treatments were associated with degradation of thermolabile constituents. Functional evidence supports antioxidant, antimicrobial, metabolic modulatory, and cytotoxic activities; however, interpretation is limited by inconsistent reporting practices, limited bioaccessibility assessment, and the predominance of in vitro models. Overall, S. betaceum shows considerable functional and technological potential, but further standardized methodologies, mechanistic studies, and human-relevant models are required to support translational and industrial validation. Full article

In vitro manipulation of human spermatozoa during Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) can induce several damages to sperm structure and functions. This study investigated the protective effects of Raphanus sativus seed extract and its active compounds on several sperm parameters during in vitro incubation and cryopreservation. Extracts from five seed-batches were characterized by HPLC-DAD-MS and ¹H-NMR, identifying sinapine and sinipic glycosides as the main characteristic compounds. Sperm DNA fragmentation (sDF) was detected by the Sperm Chromatin Dispersion test and LiveTUNEL. Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was detected by MitoSOX Red in viable spermatozoa. Caspase activity was detected by FLICA. Cryopreservation was conducted with two alternative freezing media. In vitro incubation with the extract protected against the loss of motility and reduced the induction of sDF, sperm ROS production, and caspase activity. Similarly, during cryopreservation, it allowed much better recoveries of sperm viability, motility, and DNA integrity by decreasing sperm ROS production with both freezing media. Sinapine and sinapic acid completely mimicked the protective effects of the whole extract during both in vitro incubation and cryopreservation, suggesting that they are included among the active principles. These findings support Raphanus sativus seed extract and its active compounds as candidates for inclusion in handling and freezing media for human spermatozoa in ART. Full article

Mammalian oocyte maturation is a metabolically demanding process relying on lipid metabolism that supplies energy, structural substrates, and signaling mediators. However, a comprehensive cross-species understanding of the dynamic requirement for lipids during this process remains elusive, hindering the optimization of assisted reproductive technologies. Utilizing an integrated single-cell transcriptomic and targeted lipidomic approach, we mapped the metabolic landscape of bovine oocyte maturation. Our analysis uncovered a global transcriptional downregulation, with 3259 genes suppressed during the transition from the germinal vesicle (GV) to the metaphase II (MII) stage. This was particularly apparent in lipid catabolism pathways (e.g., for ACAA1), while mitochondrial energy production genes (ATP6) were upregulated. Lipidomics indicated a selective depletion of saturated fatty acids (SFAs; e.g., C16:0, C18:0) in MII oocytes, while monounsaturated (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were preferentially retained. Integrated network analysis specified hexadecanoic acid (C16:0) as a central metabolic hub, which rewires its interactions from biosynthetic genes (FASN, ELOVL6) in GV oocytes to degradative enzymes (ACADVL, HADH) in MII oocytes. Expanding to a cross-species transcriptomic atlas, we identified a core set of 59 lipid metabolism genes conserved across bovine, mouse, and human oocytes. Despite this conservation, we discovered stark species-specific regulatory strategies: bovine and human oocytes significantly downregulated fatty acid degradation and elongation post-maturation, whereas murine oocytes maintain pathway activity, upregulating key regulators like Acsl3. Our work unveils an evolutionarily conserved core lipid metabolic program in mammalian oocytes that is adaptively tuned to meet species-specific physiological demands. Bovine and human oocytes prioritize catabolic flexibility, using SFAs for energy, while mouse oocytes maintain their anabolic capacity for membrane biosynthesis. These findings provide a transformative resource for the field, offering biomarkers for oocyte quality and a rationale for enhancing species-tailored lipid formulations to develop in vitro maturation systems and amend reproductive outcomes in both agriculture and medicine. Full article

The reliable integration of high-performance noble metal interfaces with flexible substrates is a key requirement for wearable electronics. However, achieving uniform, mechanically robust and functionally active coatings on fabric surfaces remains highly challenging. This study reports the atomic-layered-deposition (ALD) growth of platinum (Pt) on textile at low temperatures. Through ozone plasma-assisted activation technology, Pt nucleation can be achieved at 100 °C, forming a dense and defect-suppressed Pt layer that substantially increases the surface oxygen functional groups and enhances binding affinity. The resulting Pt layer also significantly enhances the adsorption behavior and sensing performance of Ti₃C₂T_x MXene gel inks on textile. At the atomic scale, the engineered Pt–MXene interface promotes stronger adsorption of MXene sheets and establishes efficient electron/ion transport pathways within the gel network. Ultimately, the conductive textile treated with Pt functionalized layers (MXene/Pt@textile) exhibits significantly enhanced sensing sensitivity and signal stability, enabling precise detection of human motions, pressure, and subtle physiological vibrations. The synergistic effect of ALD Pt layers and MXene gel inks creates a textile platform combining robustness, breathability, and high responsiveness. Full article

Dietary fiber is an essential component of the human diet, and insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) accounts for a significant proportion. However, its poor solubility and rigid structure limit its high-value applications. In recent years, modification technologies have become key strategies for enhancing the functional properties of IDF and expanding its applications. This review systematically summarizes the latest advances in the field of IDF modification, emphasizing how different modification strategies precisely regulate the multilevel structure of IDF to selectively improve its physicochemical properties and physiological functions. The principles and mechanisms of physical, chemical, biological, and combined modification methods are explained, and the unique advantages and limitations of each method in terms of structural changes, functional enhancement, and application scenarios are compared. Using high-pressure hydrostatic pressure-assisted cellulase treatment on potato dietary fiber can effectively disrupt fiber rigidity, increase soluble dietary fiber (SDF), and markedly enhance cholesterol and glucose adsorption capacities, outperforming single-treatment approaches. Microwave-assisted enzymatic treatment of millet bran IDF raises its intestinal fermentation rate from 36% to 59% and doubles butyrate production, significantly boosting prebiotic activity and offering a new pathway for targeted modulation of gut microbiota; combined modification strategies further demonstrate synergistic benefits. Modified IDF can serve not only as a low-calorie fat replacer in foods but also, through specific structural alterations, be incorporated into plant-based meat products to improve their fiber attributes and nutritional density. Moreover, this review explores the emerging potential of modified IDF in pharmaceutical carriers and gut microecology regulation. The aim is to provide theoretical guidance for selecting and optimizing IDF modification strategies, thereby promoting the high-value utilization of agricultural processing by-products and the development of high-quality dietary fiber products. Full article

Powered ankle exoskeletons have become efficient ability-enhancing and rehabilitation tools that support human body movements. Traditionally, the control schemes for ankle exoskeletons were implemented relying on precise physical and kinematic models. However, this approach resulted in poor coordination of human–machine coupled motion and an increase in the wearer’s energy consumption. To solve the cooperative control issue between the wearer and the ankle exoskeleton, this work introduces an adaptive impedance control method for the ankle exoskeleton that is based on the surface electromyography (sEMG) of the calf muscles. The proposed method achieves cooperative control by leveraging an experience-based fuzzy rule interpolation (E-FRI) approach to dynamically adjust the impedance model parameters. This adaptive mechanism is driven by the wearer’s calf sEMG signals, which capture the wearer’s movement state. The adaptive impedance model then computes the desired torque for the ankle exoskeleton. To validate and evaluate the system, the control method was implemented on a simplified ankle exoskeleton. Experimental validation with five healthy participants (age 19 ± 1.35 years) demonstrated significant improvements over conventional fixed-impedance approaches: mean RMS reductions of 19.7% in gastrocnemius activation and 21.4% in soleus activation during treadmill walking. This study establish a new paradigm for responsive exoskeleton control through symbiotic integration of neuromuscular signals and adaptive fuzzy inference, offering critical implications for rehabilitation robotics and assistive mobility technologies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Approximately 50% of infertility cases are attributable to male factors; yet conventional semen examination can not identify the molecular abnormalities that hinder sperm functionality. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from sperm, such as testicular EVs, prostasomes, and epididymosomes, have become important modulators of oocyte activation, sperm maturation, capacitation, acrosome stability, motility, and early embryonic development. This study aimed to evaluate the potential diagnostic and translational uses of sperm-associated extracellular vesicles (EVs) in male infertility and assisted reproduction, while also consolidating recent insights on their origins, composition, and functional significance. Methods: A focused narrative search of PubMed (2000–2025) was conducted using backward and forward citation tracking. Studies that qualified included human clinical cohorts, functional sperm extracellular vesicle tests, and omics analyses using MISEV-aligned extracellular vesicle isolation and characterisation methodologies. When human mechanistic understanding was constrained, knowledge from animal research was selectively integrated. Results: The cargo signatures specific to the source identified in sperm-derived and seminal EVs encompass proteins, small RNAs, lipids, and enzymatic modules that govern sperm maturation, capacitation, acrosome reaction, redox balance, calcium signalling, zona binding, and DNA integrity. Density-resolved seminal extracellular vesicle subfractions (EV-H/EV-M/EV-L) have unique functional and proteomic characteristics linked to progesterone-induced hyperactivation, oxidative stress, and motility. Asthenozoospermia and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia are associated with changes in extracellular vesicle composition, reduced embryonic developmental potential, compromised oocyte activation (related to PLCζ), and increased sperm DNA fragmentation. Numerous EV-related miRNA and protein signatures may predict TESE results, identify functional sperm anomalies not recognised by conventional semen analysis, and differentiate between obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia. Conclusions: The available findings indicate that sperm-derived extracellular vesicles are significant functional regulators of sperm physiology and may serve as valuable non-invasive indicators for male infertility. The standardisation of EV isolation, characterisation, and clinical validation is essential prior to widespread use; nonetheless, their integration into liquid biopsy methods and assisted reproductive technology processes represents a significant improvement. Full article

Understanding how the human brain processes and interprets multimedia content represents a frontier challenge in neuroscience and artificial intelligence. This study introduces a novel approach to decode semantic information from electroencephalogram (EEG) signals recorded during visual stimulus perception. We present DCT-ViT, a spatial–temporal transformer architecture that pioneers automated semantic recognition from brain activity patterns, advancing beyond conventional brain state classification to interpret higher level cognitive understanding. Our methodology addresses three fundamental innovations: First, we develop a topology-preserving 2D electrode mapping that, combined with temporal indexing, generates 3D spatial–temporal representations capturing both anatomical relationships and dynamic neural correlations. Second, we integrate discrete cosine transform (DCT) embeddings with standard patch and positional embeddings in the transformer architecture, enabling frequency-domain analysis that quantifies activation variability across spectral bands and enhances attention mechanisms. Third, we introduce the Semantics-EEG dataset comprising ten semantic categories extracted from visual stimuli, providing a benchmark for brain-perceived semantic recognition research. The proposed DCT-ViT model achieves 72.28% recognition accuracy on Semantics-EEG, substantially outperforming LSTM-based and attention-augmented recurrent baselines. Ablation studies demonstrate that DCT embeddings contribute meaningfully to model performance, validating their effectiveness in capturing frequency-specific neural signatures. Interpretability analyses reveal neurobiologically plausible attention patterns, with visual semantics activating occipital–parietal regions and abstract concepts engaging frontal–temporal networks, consistent with established cognitive neuroscience models. To address systematic misclassification between perceptually similar categories, we develop a hierarchical classification framework with boundary refinement mechanisms. This approach substantially reduces confusion between overlapping semantic categories, elevating overall accuracy to 76.15%. Robustness evaluations demonstrate superior noise resilience, effective cross-subject generalization, and few-shot transfer capabilities to novel categories. This work establishes the technical foundation for brain–computer interfaces capable of decoding semantic understanding, with implications for assistive technologies, cognitive assessment, and human–AI interaction. Both the Semantics-EEG dataset and DCT-ViT implementation are publicly released to facilitate reproducibility and advance research in neural semantic decoding. Full article

Background: Rapid population aging poses significant challenges to health and wellness systems, necessitating innovative technological interventions. Smart home technologies, particularly voice-activated intelligent assistants (smart speakers), represent a promising avenue for supporting aging populations. Objectives: This study critically examines the empirical literature on smart speakers’ influence on older adults’ health and well-being, mapping the characteristics of existing studies, assessing the current state of this domain, and providing a comprehensive overview. Methods: A mixed-methods systematic review was conducted in accordance with published guidelines. Bibliometric data, article purposes and outcomes, keyword network analysis, and mixed-methods findings from articles retrieved from five major databases were managed through the Covidence and VosViewer applications. Results: The majority of studies were conducted in the American region. Bibliometric analysis revealed five predominant thematic clusters: health management, psychological support, social connectedness, technology adoption, and usability. Findings demonstrated multifaceted benefits across several domains. Older adults reported improvements in daily living activities, enhanced emotional well-being, strengthened social connections, and overall health benefits. Qualitative evidence particularly emphasized the advantages of medication adherence, routine maintenance, and facilitated social support. However, mixed-method synthesis revealed significant barriers to adoption and sustained use, including privacy concerns, technical difficulties, cost constraints, and limited digital literacy among older users. Conclusions: The integration of smart speakers into the homes of older adults offers considerable potential to enhance technological wellness and promote successful aging in place, underscoring the need for structured integration of smart speaker technology and human-centered designs within geriatric care systems. Full article

During medical school, students in Germany acquire knowledge, abilities, competencies, and skills in social medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate how human medicine students perceive the relevance of selected social medical issues and their knowledge gain depending on different teaching formats. The study was designed as a retrospective trend study. Included were four semester cohorts (n = 597 students). Five topics were selected as seminar subjects: work incapacity, rehabilitation, (long-term) care level, graded return to work, and assistive technology for activities of daily living. A new teaching format based on problem-based learning (PBL) and peer teaching (PT) was implemented. In the seminars, each student worked on one topic by him/herself (PBL; for this topic, the student is counted within group PBL in the statistical analysis). Through the presentations of fellow students, a student received information regarding other topics (PT; for these topics, the student is counted within group PT in the statistical comparison with group PBL). 550 students completed a standardized questionnaire at the end of the seminar, rating (a) their perceived relevance of these social medical topics with regard to clinical practice and (b) the personal knowledge gain regarding all topics. The results in group PBL tended to be better than those in group PT, indicating that active engagement with socio-medical topics increases the perception of their relevance. The students benefit more from working on topics themselves than from oral presentations or lectures: the probability of stating a notable knowledge gain regarding the respective topic was significantly higher for all topics in group PBL compared with in group PT (Work incapacity: OR: 1.3 (95%-CI: 1.07; 1.58), Rehabilitation: OR 1.8 (95%-CI: 1.41; 2.20), (Long-term) care level: OR: 1.6 (95%-CI: 1.25; 1.94); Graded return to work: OR: 1.95 (95%-CI: 1.57; 2.42), Assistive technology for activities of daily living: OR: 1.8 (95%-CI: 1.45; 2.31)). Medical students can be sensitized to the clinical relevance of social medicine, particularly when they experience its practical implications via appropriate activating teaching formats. The results suggest that PBL formats are preferable for increasing awareness of socio-medical issues. Full article

This paper provides a perspective on the use of RGB-D cameras and non-invasive brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) for human activity recognition (HAR). Then, it explores the potential of integrating both the technologies for active and assisted living. RGB-D cameras can offer monitoring of users in their living environments, preserving their privacy in human activity recognition through depth images and skeleton tracking. Concurrently, non-invasive BCIs can provide access to intent and control of users by decoding neural signals. The synergy between these technologies may allow holistic understanding of both physical context and cognitive state of users, to enhance personalized assistance inside smart homes. The successful deployment in integrating the two technologies needs addressing critical technical hurdles, including computational demands for real-time multi-modal data processing, and user acceptance challenges related to data privacy, security, and BCI illiteracy. Continued interdisciplinary research is essential to realize the full potential of RGB-D cameras and BCIs as AAL solutions, in order to improve the quality of life for independent or impaired people. Full article

People with disabilities often face challenges like moving around independently and depending on personal caregivers for daily life activities. Traditional assistive devices are universally accepted by these communities, but they are designed with one-size-fits-all approaches that cannot adjust to individual human sizes, are not easily customized, and are made from rigid materials that do not adapt as a person’s condition changes over time. This systematic review examines the integration of smart materials, sensors, actuators, and 3D/4D printing technologies in advancing assistive devices, with a particular emphasis on mobility aids. In this work, the authors conducted a comparative analysis of traditional devices with commercially available innovative prototypes and research stage assistive devices by focusing on smart adaptable materials and sustainable additive manufacturing techniques. The results demonstrate how artificial intelligence drives smart assistive devices in hospital decentralized additive manufacturing, and policy frameworks agree with the Sustainable Development Goals, representing the future direction for adaptive assistive technology. Also, by combining 3D/4D printing and AI, it is possible to produce adaptive, affordable, and patient centered rehabilitation with feedback and can also provide predictive and preventive healthcare strategies. The successful commercialization of adaptive assistive devices relies on cost effective manufacturing techniques clinically aligned development supported by cross disciplinary collaboration to ensure scalable, sustainable, and universally accessible smart solutions. Ultimately, it paves the way for smart, sustainable, and clinically viable assistive devices that outperform conventional solutions and promote equitable access for all users. Full article

Background: Dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that impairs cognitive functions such as memory, language comprehension, and problem-solving. Assistive technologies can provide vital support at various stages of dementia, significantly improving the quality of life by aiding daily activities and care. However, for these technologies to be effective and widely adopted, a human-centred design (HCD) approach is of consequence for both their development and evaluation. Objectives: This scoping review aims to explore how HCD principles have been applied in the design of assistive technologies for people with dementia and to identify the extent and nature of their involvement in the design process. Eligibility Criteria: Studies published between 2017 and 2025 were included if they applied HCD methods in the design of assistive technologies for individuals at any stage of dementia. Priority was given to studies that directly involved people with dementia in the design or evaluation process. Sources of Evidence: A systematic search was conducted across five databases: Web of Science, JSTOR, Scopus, and ProQuest. Charting Methods: Articles were screened in two stages: title/abstract screening (n = 350) and full-text review (n = 89). Data from eligible studies (n = 49) were extracted and thematically analysed to identify design approaches, types of technologies, and user involvement. Results: The 49 included studies covered a variety of assistive technologies, such as robotic systems, augmented and virtual reality tools, mobile applications, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. A wide range of HCD approaches were employed, with varying degrees of user involvement. Conclusions: HCD plays a critical role in enhancing the development and effectiveness of assistive technologies for dementia care. The review underscores the importance of involving people with dementia and their carers in the design process to ensure that solutions are practical, meaningful, and capable of improving quality of life. However, several key gaps remain. There is no standardised HCD framework for healthcare, stakeholder involvement is often inconsistent, and evidence on real-world impact is limited. Addressing these gaps is crucial to advancing the field and delivering scalable, sustainable innovations. Full article

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) has emerged not only as a cholinergic enzyme but also as a modulator of β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation via its peripheral anionic site (PAS), making it a dual-purpose target in Alzheimer’s disease. While classical AChE inhibitors provide symptomatic relief, they lack efficacy against the amyloidogenic cascade. This review highlights recent advances in multifunctional AChE pharmacophores that inhibit enzymatic activity while simultaneously interfering with Aβ aggregation, oxidative stress, metal dyshomeostasis, and neuroinflammation. Particular emphasis is placed on dual-site inhibitors targeting both catalytic and peripheral domains, multi-target-directed ligands (MTDLs) acting on multiple neurodegenerative pathways, and metal-chelating hybrids that address redox-active metal ions promoting Aβ fibrillization. We also discuss enabling technologies such as AI-assisted drug design, high-resolution structural tools, and human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neuronal models that support physiologically relevant validation. These insights reflect a paradigm shift towards disease-modifying therapies that bridge molecular pharmacology and pathophysiological relevance. Full article

This study investigates the integration of Large Language Models (LLMs) into supply chain workflow automation, with a focus on their technical, operational, financial, and socio-technical implications. Building on Dynamic Capabilities Theory and Socio-Technical Systems Theory, the research explores how LLMs can enhance logistics operations, increase workflow efficiency, and support strategic agility within supply chain systems. Using two developed prototypes, the Q inventory management assistant and the nodeStream© workflow editor, the paper demonstrates the practical potential of GenAI-driven automation in streamlining complex supply chain activities. A detailed analysis of system architecture and data governance highlights critical implementation considerations, including model reliability, data preparation, and infrastructure integration. The financial feasibility of LLM-based solutions is assessed through cost analyses related to training, deployment, and maintenance. Furthermore, the study evaluates the human and organisational impacts of AI integration, identifying key challenges around workforce adaptation and responsible AI use. The paper culminates in a practical roadmap for deploying LLM technologies in logistics settings and offers strategic recommendations for future research and industry adoption. Full article