Search Results (2,075)

Agave species are plants with great economic value and multiple possibilities of use as ornamentals, medicinal plants, and fibers, as well as being significant sources of bioethanol. However, their long life cycles hinder their conventional breeding. Therefore, biotechnology tools are the most effective means for clonal propagation and genetic improvement. In vitro micropropagation of A. sisalana via axillary shoot proliferation from bulbil explants was attained using Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) supplemented with cytokinins (CKs), such as 6-benzyladenine (BA), kinetin (KIN), or thidiazuron (TDZ). The optimum significant shoot proliferation (14.67 shoots/explant) was achieved on 1.0 mg L⁻¹ TDZ. The carry-over effect of CKs on subsequent rooting could be detected. Control and KIN treatments could enhance the rooting of shoots on shoot proliferation media. The regenerated plantlets were acclimatized directly with 100% survival. To mitigate this carry-over effect, that causes hindering further root growth and development, and promote healthy growth of roots, subculturing shoots onto a CK-free medium is a recommended practice. The shoots induced on all BA treatments, and TDZ at 0.5 and 1.0 mg L⁻¹ could be rooted after two subcultures on CK-free medium, then they were acclimatized with 100% survival. However, the higher concentrations of TDZ inhibited in vitro rooting even after two subcultures on CK-free medium, and the acclimatization percentage was reduced by increasing the TDZ concentration recorded from 10 to 0%. Full article

Machining chromium–nickel alloy steel is challenging due to its material properties, such as high strength and toughness. These properties often lead to tool damage and degradation of tool life, which overall impacts the production time, cost, and quality of the product. Therefore, it is essential to investigate early signs of tool damage to determine the effective machining conditions for chromium–nickel alloy steel, thereby increasing tool life and improving product quality. In this study, the early signs of tool wear were observed in a physical vapor deposition (PVD) carbide-coated tool (Seco Tools, Björnbacksvägen, Sweden) during the machining of X5CrNi18-10 steel under both dry and wet conditions. A finish turning operation was performed on the outer diameter (OD) of the workpiece with a 0.4 mm nose radius tool. At the early stage, the tool was examined from the functional side (f–side) and the passive side (p–side). The results indicate that dry machining leads to increased coating removal, more heat generation, and visible damage, such as pits and surface scratches. By comparison, wet machining helps reduce heat and wear, thereby improving tool life and machining quality. These findings suggest that a coolant must be used when machining chromium–nickel alloy steel with a PVD carbide-coated tool. Full article

Ongoing changes in the distribution and abundance of several tick species of medical relevance in Canada have prompted the development of the eTick platform—an image-based crowd-sourcing public surveillance tool for Canada enabling rapid tick species identification by trained personnel, and public health guidance based on tick species and province of residence of the submitter. Considering that more than 100,000 images from over 73,500 identified records representing 25 tick species have been submitted to eTick since the public launch in 2018, a partial automation of the image processing workflow could save substantial human resources, especially as submission numbers have been steadily increasing since 2021. In this study, we evaluate an end-to-end artificial intelligence (AI) pipeline to support tick identification from eTick user-submitted images, characterized by heterogeneous quality and uncontrolled acquisition conditions. Our framework integrates (i) tick localization using a fine-tuned YOLOv7 object detection model, (ii) resolution enhancement of cropped images via super-resolution Generative Adversarial Networks (RealESRGAN and SwinIR), and (iii) image classification using deep convolutional (ResNet-50) and transformer-based (ViT) architectures across three datasets (12, 6, and 3 classes) of decreasing granularities in terms of taxonomic resolution, tick life stage, and specimen viewing angle. ViT consistently outperformed ResNet-50, especially in complex classification settings. The configuration yielding the best performance—relying on object detection without incorporating super-resolution—achieved a macro-averaged F1-score exceeding 86% in the 3-class model (Dermacentor sp., other species, bad images), with minimal critical misclassifications (0.7% of “other species” misclassified as Dermacentor). Given that Dermacentor ticks represent more than 60% of tick volume submitted on the eTick platform, the integration of a low granularity model in the processing workflow could save significant time while maintaining very high standards of identification accuracy. Our findings highlight the potential of combining modern AI methods to facilitate efficient and accurate tick image processing in community science platforms, while emphasizing the need to adapt model complexity and class resolution to task-specific constraints. Full article

Sleep disorders and stroke are intricately linked through a complex, bidirectional relationship. Sleep disturbances such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), insomnia, and restless legs syndrome (RLS) not only increase the risk of stroke but also frequently emerge as consequences of cerebrovascular events. OSA, in particular, is associated with a two- to three-fold increased risk of incident stroke, primarily through mechanisms involving intermittent hypoxia, systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and autonomic dysregulation. Conversely, stroke can disrupt sleep architecture and trigger or exacerbate sleep disorders, including insomnia, hypersomnia, circadian rhythm disturbances, and breathing-related sleep disorders. These post-stroke sleep disturbances are common and significantly impair rehabilitation, cognitive recovery, and quality of life, yet they remain underdiagnosed and undertreated. Early identification and management of sleep disorders in stroke patients are essential to optimize recovery and reduce the risk of recurrence. Therapeutic strategies include lifestyle modifications, pharmacological treatments, medical devices such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and emerging alternatives for CPAP-intolerant individuals. Despite growing awareness, significant knowledge gaps persist, particularly regarding non-OSA sleep disorders and their impact on stroke outcomes. Improved diagnostic tools, broader screening protocols, and greater integration of sleep assessments into stroke care are urgently needed. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on the interplay between sleep and stroke, emphasizing the importance of personalized, multidisciplinary approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Advancing research in this field holds promise for reducing the global burden of stroke and improving long-term outcomes through targeted sleep interventions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adult Spinal Deformity (ASD) is a pathologic malalignment of the spine that can lead to significant reductions in quality of life, functional limitations, and increased morbidity. While poor mental health is commonly observed among patients undergoing ASD surgery, its impact on surgical outcomes remains poorly understood. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the association between preoperative mental health and outcomes following surgical correction for ASD. Methods: A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus was performed from inception to April 2025 to identify studies investigating the relationship between preoperative mental health and postoperative health-related quality of life outcomes or complications. Data was pooled using a restricted maximum likelihood (REML) random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran’s Q statistic, and between-study variance was reported as τ². Study quality was assessed with the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale, and risk of bias was evaluated using the ROBINS-I tool. Results: Twenty-four studies comprising a total of 248,427 patients met inclusion criteria. In pooled analyses, patients with poor preoperative mental health showed comparable improvements in health-related quality of life measures after surgery (standardized mean difference [SMD] −0.04, 95% CI −0.30 to 0.22; I² = 91.5%, τ² = 0.42) and in pain scores (SMD −0.15, 95% CI −0.42 to 0.11; I² = 71.8%, τ² = 0.09). However, patients with poor mental health had significantly higher odds of postoperative complications (odds ratio [OR] 1.44, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.67; I² = 97.4%, τ² = 0.08). These patients also demonstrated worse preoperative disease severity (SMD –0.94, 95% CI −1.41 to −0.47; I² = 95.5%, τ² = 1.64) and worse postoperative disease severity (SMD –0.34, 95% CI −0.44 to −0.25; I² = 48.9%, τ² = 0.03). Conclusions: While patients with poor preoperative mental health have a greater disease severity both before and after ASD surgery, they appear to experience comparable benefits from surgical intervention compared to those without. Recognizing and managing mental health may be useful in preoperative management of ASD patients. Further prospective studies to further elucidate these associations are necessary. Full article

The article presents a comprehensive review of key issues and challenges related to enhancing the durability of hot forging tools. It discusses modern strategies aimed at increasing tool life, including modifications to tool materials, heat treatment, surface engineering, tool and die design, die geometry, tribological conditions, and lubrication. The review is based on extensive literature data, including recent publications and the authors’ own research, which has been implemented under industrial conditions at the modern forging facility in Forge Plant “Glinik” (Poland). The study introduces original design and technological solutions, such as an innovative concept for manufacturing forging dies from alloy structural steels with welded impressions, replacing traditional hot-work tool steel dies. It also proposes a zonal hardfacing approach, which involves applying welds with different chemical compositions to specific surface zones of the die impressions, selected according to the dominant wear mechanisms in each zone. General guidelines for selecting hardfacing material compositions are also provided. Additionally, the article presents technological processes for die production and regeneration. The importance and application of computer simulations of forging processes are emphasized, particularly in predicting wear mechanisms and intensity, as well as in optimizing tool and forging geometry. Full article

Smart cities are technologically advanced urban environments where interconnected systems and data-driven technologies enhance public service delivery and quality of life. These cities rely on information and communication technologies, the Internet of Things, big data, cloud computing, and other Industry 4.0 tools to support efficient city management and foster citizen engagement. Often referred to as digital cities, they integrate intelligent infrastructures and real-time data analytics to improve mobility, security, and sustainability. Ubiquitous sensors, paired with Artificial Intelligence, enable cities to monitor infrastructure, respond to residents’ needs, and optimize urban conditions dynamically. Given the increasing significance of Industry 4.0 in urban development, this study adopts a bibliometric approach to systematically review the application of these technologies within smart cities. Utilizing major academic databases such as Scopus and Web of Science the research aims to identify the primary Industry 4.0 technologies implemented in smart cities, assess their impact on infrastructure, economic systems, and urban communities, and explore the challenges and benefits associated with their integration. The bibliometric analysis included publications from 2016 to 2023, since the emergence of urban researchers’ interest in the technologies of the new industrial revolution. The task is to contribute to a deeper understanding of how smart cities evolve through the adoption of advanced technological frameworks. Research indicates that IoT and AI are the most commonly used tools in urban spaces, particularly in smart mobility and smart environments. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are frequently associated with psychiatric and cognitive comorbidities. These conditions have been shown to significantly impact quality of life and clinical outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and cognitive deficits in patients with CVD and to compare the results with existing evidence in the literature. Methods: A total of 74 patients were assessed using the following standardized screening tools: Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). A systematic review was then conducted to compare the findings with those reported in the literature. Results: Most previous studies using the MoCA reported an over 70% absence of cognitive impairment, whereas this study shows a balanced distribution between the absence of (32.4%) and mild (35%) or moderate (32%) impairment. Studies with the MMSE indicated high rates of absence of cognitive deficits (74–79%), but here, the rate of absence was lower (58%), with an increase in mild impairment (42%). Regarding depression, compared with studies showing only absence or moderate/severe forms, this study reveals a more balanced profile, with 57% without depression and with varying severity levels (22% mild, 19% moderate, and 3% severe). Finally, for anxiety, unlike previous asymmetric distributions, greater variability was observed, with 58% without anxiety and significant percentages of mild (26%), moderate (12%), and severe (4%) anxiety. Conclusions: The results highlight a significant and varied prevalence of anxiety, depression, and cognitive deficits, emphasizing the importance of a multidimensional assessment to improve clinical management and therapeutic outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Accurately assessing the independence level of older adults using useful assessment tools is an important step toward providing them with the necessary care while preserving their dignity. These tools allow older adults to receive effective, personalized home care, which improves their quality of life. This study aimed to clarify the current prevalence of severe and complete functional dependence and associated factors among Kazakhstan’s older adults aged >60 years. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in several polyclinics and geriatric service care centers in two cities of Kazakhstan from March to May 2024. Functional status was assessed by the Barthel Index. We combined the selection into two categories: total dependency and severe dependency in the category “dependent”, and moderate dependency, slight dependency, and total independence in the category “active patients”. Results: Among the 642 older people in this study, 43.3% were dependent patients, and 56.7% were active patients. The odds of severe and total functional dependence are significantly higher for frail participants (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.70, 5.16], p < 0.001) compared to those that are not frail; eleven times higher for those at home (AOR =11.90, 95% CI [5.77, 24.55], p < 0.001) than those in nursing homes; two times higher for participants with sarcopenia (AOR =2.61, 95% CI [1.49, 4.55], p < 0.001) compared to those with no sarcopenia; and three times higher for participants with high risk of fracture (AOR =3.30, 95% CI [1.94, 5.61], p < 0.001) compared to those with low risk. The odds of having severe and total functional dependence are significantly higher for participants with low dynamometry (AOR =1.05, 95% CI [1.03, 1.07], p < 0.001) compared to those with normal dynamometry. Conclusions: Old age, low dynamometry (for men ≤ 29 kg, for women ≤ 17 kg), frailty, being at home, high risk of fracture and osteoporosis, and sarcopenia were associated with increased risk of severe and total functional dependence. Full article

Cancer disparities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) arise from multifaceted interactions between environmental exposures, infectious agents, and systemic inequities, such as limited access to care. The exposome, a framework encompassing the totality of non-genetic exposures throughout life, offers a powerful lens for understanding these disparities. In LMICs, populations are disproportionately affected by air and water pollution, occupational hazards, and oncogenic infections, including human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and neglected tropical diseases, such as schistosomiasis. These infectious agents contribute to increased cancer susceptibility and poor outcomes, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Moreover, climate change, food insecurity, and barriers to healthcare access exacerbate these risks. This review adopts a population-level exposome approach to explore how environmental and infectious exposures intersect with genetic, epigenetic, and immune mechanisms to influence cancer incidence and progression in LMICs. We highlight the critical pathways linking chronic exposure and inflammation to tumor development and evaluate strategies such as HPV and HBV vaccination, antiretroviral therapy, and environmental regulation. Special attention is given to tools such as exposome-wide association studies (ExWASs), which offer promise for exposure surveillance, early detection, and public health policy. By integrating exposomic insights into national health systems, especially in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and South Asia, LMICs can advance equitable cancer prevention and control strategies. A holistic, exposome-informed strategy is essential for reducing global cancer disparities and improving outcomes in vulnerable populations. Full article

Liquid storage is an important tool used to prolong fresh semen shelf-life while protecting spermatozoa from damage, conserving their overall functionality, and ensuring better fertility than frozen semen from sheep. The increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during sperm storage leads to a decline in sperm quality, particularly with regard to sperm nuclear DNA damage and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). This study evaluated the effect of storing Sarda ram semen at 15 °C for 7 h on its redox status, motility, morphology, acrosome integrity, ATP content, mitochondrial potential membrane, and in vivo fertility after artificial insemination. Two different extenders were compared: a lab-made skimmed milk (SM)-based extender and a commercial extender (OviXcell^®, IMV-Technologies, France). Lower ROS levels in the SM (p < 0.001) indicated that its oxidative status was better maintained compared to the commercial extender (CE). Antioxidant defenses (total antioxidant capacity, TEAC; superoxide dismutase, SOD; total thiols) were higher in the SM (p < 0.01) than in the CE. SM also had higher MMP (p < 0.05), acrosome integrity (p < 0.05), ATP content (p < 0.01), and in vivo fertilizing capacity (p < 0.05) compared to the CE, which indicated higher semen quality. In conclusion, the SM extender, while maintaining a better oxidative/antioxidant balance, ensured higher semen quality after 7 h of storage at 15 °C in vitro compared to the CE. Full article

The rapid increase in the global population of older adults presents a significant challenge, but also a unique opportunity to leverage technological advancements for promoting independent living and well-being. This study introduces the CIREI framework, which is a comprehensive model designed to enhance the integration of smart home and assistive technologies specifically for pre-frail older adults. Developed through a systematic literature review and innovative and comprehensive co-design activities, the CIREI framework captures the nuanced needs, preferences, and challenges faced by older adults, caregivers, and experts. Key findings from the co-design workshop highlight critical factors such as usability, privacy, and personalised learning preferences, which directly influence technology adoption. These insights informed the creation of an intelligent middleware prototype named WISE-WARE, which seamlessly integrates commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) devices to support health management and improve the quality of life for older adults. The CIREI framework’s adaptability ensures it can be extended and refined to meet the ever-changing needs of the ageing population, providing a robust foundation for future research and development in user-centred technology design. All workshop materials, including tools and methodologies, are made available to encourage the further exploration and adaptation of the CIREI framework, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness in the dynamic landscape of ageing and technology. This research contributes significantly to the discourse on ageing in place, digital inclusion, and the role of technology in empowering older adults to maintain independence. Full article

Background/Objectives: In late 2019, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused a pandemic called the ‘coronavirus disease 2019’ (COVID-19). After the acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, many individuals (up to 33%) complained of unexplained symptoms involving multiple organ systems and were diagnosed as having Long COVID-19 (LC-19). Currently, LC-19 is inadequately defined, requiring the formation of consistent diagnostic parameters to provide a foundation for ongoing and future studies of epidemiology, risk factors, clinical characteristics, and therapy. LC-19 represents a significant burden on multiple levels. The reduced ability of workers to return to work or compromised work efficiency has led to consequences at national, economic, and societal levels by increasing dependence on community services. On a personal scale, the isolation and helplessness caused by the disease and its subsequent impact on the patient’s mental health and quality of life are incalculable. Methods: In this paper, we used Walker and Avants’ eight-step approach to perform a concept analysis of the term “Long COVID-19” and define its impact across these parameters. Results: Using this methodology, we provide an improved definition of LC-19 by connecting the clinical symptomology with previously under-addressed factors, such as mental, psychological, economic, and social effects. This definition of LC-19 features can help improve diagnostic procedures and help plan relevant healthcare services. Conclusions: LC-19 represents a complex and pressing public health challenge with diverse symptomology, an unpredictable timeline, and complex pathophysiology. This concept analysis serves as a tool for improving LC-19 definition, but it remains a dynamic disease with evolving diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, requiring deeper investigation and understanding of its long-term effects. Full article

Studying the nutritional ecology of Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans) at different temperatures is a fundamental tool for improving mass production for use in biological control of pest mites. The current research studied the impact of both food types and temperatures on the life history and demographic parameters of the predator mite N. cucumeris. Mite cultures in the laboratory were developed using Tetranychus urticae Koch, and N. cucumeris was collected from field plants. The developmental stages of N. cucumeris fed on date palm pollen and the immature stages of T. urticae were investigated in a laboratory setting at different temperatures. Our research revealed that N. cucumeris readily accepted both food types at all the tested temperatures. The developmental stages and adult longevity of N. cucumeris, both female and male, decreased dramatically when the temperature increased from 18 °C to 34 °C. The net reproductive rate (R₀) reached its greatest values of 22.52 and 9.72 offspring/individual at 26 °C, and the intrinsic rate of increase (r_m) reached its maximum values of 0.17 and 0.13 day⁻¹ at 34 °C and minimum of 0.12 and 0.10 day⁻¹ at 18 °C, when fed on date palm pollen and immature stages of T. urticae, respectively. Conversely, the average generation time (T) showed a notable reduction from 22.48 to 16.48 and 20.88 to 16.76 days, accompanied by an upsurge in temperature from 18 °C to 34 °C, when fed on date palm pollen and immature stages of T. urticae, respectively. The finite rate of growth (λ) exhibited distinct variations, reaching its highest value at 34 °C, 26 °C, and 18 °C when fed on date palm pollen and immature stages of T. urticae, respectively. From these results, we can conclude that N. cucumeris was successfully fed date palm pollen as an alternate source of nourishment. In addition, the immature stages of T. urticae are suitable as food sources for N. cucumeris because they shorten the mean generation time. Therefore, the success of mass-rearing the predator mite N. cucumeris on a different, less expensive diet, such as date palm pollen, and determining the most suitable temperature for it has increased its spread as a biocontrol agent. Full article

As digital technologies and food environments evolve, ensuring children’s food safety has become a pressing public health priority. This study examines how the policy discourse on children’s dietary safety in Korea has shifted over time by applying Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic modeling to news articles from 2010 to 2024. Using a large-scale news database (BigKinds), the analysis identifies seven key themes that have emerged across five phases of the national Comprehensive Plans for Safety Management of Children’s Dietary Life. These include experiential education, data-driven policy approaches, safety-focused meal management, healthy dietary environments, nutritional support for children’s growth, customized safety education, and private-sector initiatives. A significant increase in digital keywords—such as “big data” and “artificial intelligence”—highlights a growing emphasis on data-oriented policy tools. By capturing the evolving language and priorities in food safety policy, this study provides new insights into the digital transformation of public health governance and offers practical implications for adaptive and technology-informed policy design. Full article