Search Results (882)

Background: Pain is a complex phenomenon characterized by unpleasant experiences with profound heterogeneity influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. According to the National Health Interview Survey, 50.2 million U.S. adults (20.5%) experience pain on most days, with the annual cost of prescription medication for pain reaching approximately USD 17.8 billion. Theranostic pain nanomedicine therefore emerges as an attractive analgesic strategy with the potential for increased efficacy, reduced side-effects, and treatment personalization. Theranostic nanomedicine combines drug delivery and diagnostic features, allowing for real-time monitoring of analgesic efficacy in vivo using molecular imaging. However, clinical translation of these nanomedicines are challenging due to complex manufacturing methodologies, lack of standardized quality control, and potentially high costs. Quality by Design (QbD) can navigate these challenges and lead to the development of an optimal pain nanomedicine. Our lab previously reported a macrophage-targeted perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion (PFC NE) that demonstrated analgesic efficacy across multiple rodent pain models in both sexes. Here, we report PFC-free, biphasic nanoemulsions formulated with a biocompatible and non-immunogenic plant-based coconut oil loaded with a COX-2 inhibitor and a clinical-grade, indocyanine green (ICG) near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) dye for parenteral theranostic analgesic nanomedicine. Methods: Critical process parameters and material attributes were identified through the FMECA (Failure, Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis) method and optimized using a 3 × 2 full-factorial design of experiments. We investigated the impact of the oil-to-surfactant ratio (w/w) with three different surfactant systems on the colloidal properties of NE. Small-scale (100 mL) batches were manufactured using sonication and microfluidization, and the final formulation was scaled up to 500 mL with microfluidization. The colloidal stability of NE was assessed using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and drug quantification was conducted through reverse-phase HPLC. An in vitro drug release study was conducted using the dialysis bag method, accompanied by HPLC quantification. The formulation was further evaluated for cell viability, cellular uptake, and COX-2 inhibition in the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. Results: Nanoemulsion droplet size increased with a higher oil-to-surfactant ratio (w/w) but was no significant impact by the type of surfactant system used. Thermal cycling and serum stability studies confirmed NE colloidal stability upon exposure to high and low temperatures and biological fluids. We also demonstrated the necessity of a solubilizer for long-term fluorescence stability of ICG. The nanoemulsion showed no cellular toxicity and effectively inhibited PGE2 in activated macrophages. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first instance of a celecoxib-loaded theranostic platform developed using a plant-derived hydrocarbon oil, applying the QbD approach that demonstrated COX-2 inhibition. Full article

Kombucha is a fermented tea beverage of Asian origin, widely consumed due to its functional properties; yet, it typically lacks sufficient levels of probiotic micro-organisms to be classified as a probiotic product. This review analyzes the occurrence of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in kombucha, reporting that concentrations rarely exceed 4–5 log CFU/mL and often decline during fermentation or storage. Strategies to enhance probiotic viability, including the use of robust LAB strains and encapsulation technologies, are critically evaluated. Notably, encapsulation using pea and whey protein has been shown to sustain LAB levels above 6 log CFU/mL during fermentation and up to 21 days under refrigerated storage for whey protein. Fortified kombucha beverages with probiotic strains have also been shown to possess enhanced functional and health-promoting benefits compared to traditional control samples. Despite promising approaches, inconsistencies in microbial survival and regulatory constraints remain key challenges. Future research should focus on the optimization of delivery systems for probiotic cultures, identification of kombucha-compatible LAB strains and standardized protocols to validate probiotic efficacy in real-world beverage conditions. Full article

The adoption of biological control strategies plays a crucial role in ensuring the sustainability of organic agricultural practices. A field experiment was conducted in 2023 and 2024 to evaluate the impact of biological treatments using lactic acid bacteria (LAB) Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and mycoparasitic fungus (MPF) Trichoderma virens applied through seed treatment and foliar application separately and in combination on agronomic characteristics and pea yield in organic cultivation. Seed treatment with LAB and MPF resulted in a notable improvement in shoot length and root dry weight, while an increase in root nodule number was observed exclusively with LAB. The combined application of MPF as a seed treatment and LAB as a foliar application at the flowering stage significantly enhanced pod weight per plant, seed number per pod and per plant, and seed weight compared to treatments with LAB applied as either a foliar or seed treatment separately, as well as the untreated control. However, the yield responses to individual and combined treatments under field conditions demonstrated variability and inconsistency. Protein content ranged from 21.24% to 21.61%, and no significant differences observed between treatments. This is the first field report directly comparing the effectiveness of treatments on organic pea production. The findings offer promising avenues for assessing the long-term impacts of these treatments on the sustainable intensification of pea cultivation. Full article

The use of augmented reality (AR) tools and innovative learning environments in education have increased over the last few years due to the rapid advancement of technology. In this study, an AR mathematics learning intervention has been proposed which consisted of the creation of 3D multibase blocks to perform AR arithmetic calculations conducted through active methodologies in the future classroom lab (FCL). The aim of this study was to analyze pre-service teachers’ (PSTs) affective domain (emotion, self-efficacy, and attitude), engagement, motivation, and confidence. The sample consisted of 97 PSTs enrolled on the second year of the Primary Education degree, who were attending the “Mathematics and its Didactics” subject. The findings revealed a significant increase in PSTs’ satisfaction, fun, confidence, and pride, and a decrease in uncertainty, nervousness, and concern. Regarding PSTs’ self-efficacy, a significant improvement was observed in knowing the necessary steps to teach mathematical concepts and work in the FCL. No significant differences were found in attitude, engagement, and motivation; however, the PSTs showed a high disposition in all of them before starting the intervention. Additionally, the PSTs reported to be more confident, and it enhanced their knowledge in the use of 3D design and AR applications to create multibase blocks to support the teaching–learning content of arithmetic operations. Full article

Background: Among all ambulatory antibiotic prescriptions, about 20% are non-visit-based (ordered outside of an in-person clinical encounter), and about 30% are not associated with an infection-related diagnosis code. Objective/Methods: To identify the rationale for ambulatory antibiotic prescribing, we queried the electronic health record (EHR) of a single, large health system in the Midwest United States to identify all oral antibiotics prescribed from November 2018 to February 2019 and examined visit, procedure, lab, department, and diagnosis codes. For the remaining antibiotic prescriptions—mostly non-visit-based, no-infectious-diagnosis-documented—we randomly selected and manually reviewed the EHR to identify a prescribing rationale and, if none was present, surveyed prescribers for their rationale. Results: During the study period, there were 47,619 antibiotic prescriptions from 1177 clinicians to 41,935 patients, of which 2608 (6%) were eligible non-visit-based, no-infectious-diagnosis-documented. We randomly selected 2298. There was a documented rationale for 2116 (92%) prescriptions. The most common documented reasons—not mutually exclusive—were patient-reported symptoms (71%), persistence of symptoms after initial management (18%), travel (17%), and responding to lab or imaging results (11%). We contacted 160 clinicians who did not document any prescribing rationale in the EHR and received responses from 62 (39%). Clinicians’ stated reasons included upcoming or current patient travel (19%), the antibiotic was for the prescriber’s own family member (19%), or the clinician made a diagnosis but did not document it in the EHR (18%). Conclusions: Non-visit-based, no-infectious-diagnosis-documented antibiotic prescriptions were most often in response to patient-reported symptoms, though they also occur for a variety of other reasons, some problematic, like in the absence of documentation or for a family member. Full article

Background: The number of women veterans has been rising steadily since the Gulf War and many assume the functions of their male counterparts. Women face unique obstacles in their service, and it is imperative that differences in physiology not be overlooked so as to provide better and appropriate care to our women in uniform. Despite this influx and incorporation of female talent, dedicated reports contrasting female and male veterans are rare, outside of specific psychological studies. We therefore attempt to contrast gut constituents, absorption, innate immune system, and nutritional differences to provide a comprehensive account of similarities and differences between female and male veterans, from our single-center perspective, as this has not been carried out previously. Herein, we obtained a detailed roster of commonly used biomedical tests and some novel entities to detect differences between female and male veterans. The objective of this study was to detect differences in the innate immune system and other ancillary test results to seek differences that may impact the health of female and male veterans differently. Methods: To contrast biochemical and sociomedical parameters in female and male veterans, we studied the data collected on 450 female veterans and contrasted them to a group of approximately 1642 males, sequentially from 1995 to 2022, all selected because of above-average risk for CRC. As part of this colorectal cancer (CRC) screening cross-sectional and longitudinal study, we also collected stool, urine, saliva, and serum specimens. We used ELISA testing to detect stool p87 shedding by the Adnab-9 monoclonal and urinary organ-specific antigen using the BAC18.1 monoclonal. We used the FERAD ratio (blood ferritin/fecal p87), a measure of the innate immune system to gauge the activity of the innate immune system (InImS) by dividing the denominator p87 (10% N-linked glycoprotein detected by ELISA) into the ferritin level (the enumerator, a common lab test to assess anemia). FERAD ratios have not been performed elsewhere despite past Adnab-9 commercial availability so we have had to auto-cite our published data where appropriate. Results: Many differences between female and males were detected. The most impressive differences were those of the InImS where males clearly had the higher numbers (54,957 ± 120,095) in contrast to a much lower level in females (28,621 ± 66,869), which was highly significantly different (p < 0.004). Mortality was higher in males than females (49.4% vs. 24.1%; OR 3.08 [2.40–3.94]; p < 0.0001). Stool p87, which is secreted by Paneth cells and may have a protective function, was lower in males (0.044 ± 0.083) but higher in females (0.063 ± 0.116; p < 0.031). Immunohistochemistry of the Paneth cell-fixed p87 antigen was also higher in females (in the descending colon and rectum). In contrast, male ferritin levels were significantly higher (206.3 ± 255.9 vs. 141.1 ± 211.00 ng/mL; p < 0.0006). Females were less likely to be diabetic (29.4 vs. 37.3%; OR 0.7 [0.55–0.90]; p < 0.006). Females were also more likely to use NSAIDs (14.7 vs. 10.7%, OR 1.08 [1.08–2.00]; p < 0.015). Females also had borderline less GI bleeding by fecal immune tests (FITs), with 13.2% as opposed to 18.2% in males (OR 0.68 [0.46–1.01]; p = 0.057), but were less inclined to have available flexible sigmoidoscopy (OR 0.68 [0.53–0.89]; p < 0.004). Females also had more GI symptomatology, a higher rate of smoking, and were significantly younger than their male counterparts. Conclusions: This study shows significant differences with multiple parameters in female and male veterans. Full article

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been reported to contaminate soil as a result of improper management of waste, wastewater, landfill leachate, biosolids, and a large and indiscriminate use of aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF), posing potential risks to human health. However, their high chemical and thermal stability pose a great challenge for remediation. As a result, there is an increasing interest in identifying and optimizing very effective and sustainable technologies for PFAS removal. This review summarizes both traditional and innovative remediation strategies and technologies for PFAS-contaminated soils. Unlike existing literature, which primarily focuses on the effectiveness of PFAS remediation, this review critically discusses several techniques (based on PFAS immobilization, mobilization and extraction, and destruction) with a deep focus on their sustainability and scalability. PFAS destruction technologies demonstrate the highest removal efficiencies; however, thermal treatments face sustainability challenges due to high energy demands and potential formation of harmful by-products, while mechanical treatments have rarely been explored at full scale. PFAS immobilization techniques are less costly than destruction methods, but issues related to the regeneration/disposal of spent sorbents should be still addressed and more long-term studies conducted. PFAS mobilization techniques such as soil washing/flushing are hindered by the generation of PFAS-laden wastewater requiring further treatments, while phytoremediation is limited to small- or medium-scale experiments. Finally, bioremediation would be the cheapest and least impactful alternative, though its efficacy remains uncertain and demonstrated under simplified lab-scale conditions. Future research should prioritize pilot- and full-scale studies under realistic conditions, alongside comprehensive assessments of environmental impacts and economic feasibility. Full article

Background: Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) are essential in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR); however, limited resources hinder their implementation. Arkstone, a biotechnology company, developed a machine learning (ML)-driven clinical decision support system (CDSS) to guide antimicrobial prescribing. While AI (artificial intelligence) applications are increasingly used, each model must be carefully validated. Methods: Three components of the ML system were assessed: (1) A prospective observational study tested its ability to distinguish trained from novel data using various validation techniques and BioFire molecular panel inputs. (2) An anonymous retrospective analysis of internal infectious disease lab results evaluated the recognition of novel versus trained complex datasets. (3) A prospective observational validation study reviewed clinical recommendations against standard guidelines by independent clinicians. Results: The system achieved 100% accuracy (F1 = 1) in identifying 111 unique novel data points across 1110 tests over nine training sessions. It correctly identified all 519 fully trained and 644 novel complex datasets. Among 644 clinician-trained reports, there were no major discrepancies in recommendations, with only 100 showing minor differences. Conclusions: This novel ML system demonstrated high accuracy in distinguishing trained from novel data and produced recommendations consistent with clinical guidelines. These results support its value in strengthening CDSS and ASP efforts. Full article

Mixed reality (MR) laboratories combine physical elements with virtual components, providing convenient experiential environments for testing engineering concepts. This article reports the design, validation, and implementation of an MR laboratory for engineering students to practice the implementation of control algorithms in microcontrollers. First, the design of the MR lab is described in detail. In this, a seesaw electromechanical system is emulated, being synchronized with electrical signals that represent sensors’ measurements and actuators’ commands. Thus, a control algorithm implemented by the students in a microcontroller can affect the simulated system in real time. The real seesaw system was used to validate the simulated plant in the MR lab, finding that the same control algorithm effectively controls both the simulated and physical seesaw systems. A practice, designed based on Kolb’s experiential learning cycle, where the students must implement P, PI, and PID controllers in the MR lab, was implemented. A survey was conducted to assess the students’ motivation, and a post-test was administered to evaluate their learning outcomes. Full article

Spiders and other arthropods can sometimes consume others of their kind, and this is most often associated with mating activity, whereby females cannibalize males during or after mating, or during mating attempts. Nonsexual cannibalism is less common but may be associated with food availability or territorial aggression. In the Southeastern United States, a non-native orb-weaving spider, Trichonephila clavata (the “jorō spider”), is expanding its range. Prior lab experiments indicated this species to be “shy” compared to other native spiders, based on behavioral reactions to stimuli. Here, we report descriptive observations and photo-documentation of nonsexual cannibalism by this species, including from anecdotal observations, plus findings from controlled pairings of spiders, both in the lab and in natural webs in the field. In the cases where cannibalism was witnessed, it involved one female biting and killing another, typically after a short fight. When two females of a similar size were placed together in a container (n = 25 trials), fights ensued 40% of the time. When females of different sizes were paired (n = 27 trials), fights happened 18% of the time, and the larger females were not always the aggressor. Across all the lab trials (n = 52), six bouts (9%) led to the direct killing of one female. In field trials where two females were placed on an empty web (n = 14 trials), we observed one fight (7%) where the aggressor ended up killing and wrapping the other spider in silk. Given that some of these instances happened away from any web, these observations imply that the aggression is not necessarily an act of territoriality. The intraspecific aggression could arise when females are provoked or stressed, which deserves more study. Full article

Background/Objectives: In Australia, attrition rates in undergraduate nursing degrees have been increasing nationally. The aim of this study was to explore if and how clinical laboratory-based peer-assisted learning (PAL) improved the first-year nursing student learning experience and retention at a regional university. A further aim was to explore any perceived benefits for third-year student participants. Methods: This is a descriptive study design. The study recruited eight third-year nursing students (named ‘LabPALs’) offering support to 42 first-year nursing students during their self-directed laboratory practice sessions. The first-year students included a high percentage of mature aged and ‘first in family’ students. Over an eight-week period, LabPALs provided peer support for up to four students per one-hour practice session. Unit grade outcomes were compared with students not exposed to the PAL sessions. Both the LabPAL mentors and first-year participants were asked to evaluate their experience. Results: It was found that PAL project participation was associated with higher completion rates when compared with non-participation. When combined with exposure to their experienced peers’ perspectives and support, participation was associated with academic success. Thematic analysis found that first-year nursing students reported developing both ‘confidence’ and ‘competence’ in their laboratory learning spaces. The third-year LabPAL students reported skills gained in facilitating peer learning and perceived their experience as very rewarding. Conclusions: This research suggests that PAL enhances clinical laboratory learning among undergraduate nursing students. Full article

Introduction: Bioinformatics is a relatively recent multidisciplinary research field continuously offering novel opportunities. Although many researchers are actively working in/with bioinformatics, some research centers still face difficulties in hiring bioinformaticians and establishing the appropriate (first) bioinformatics infrastructures and computational resources. In our research center, we started from scratch and established initial bioinformatics infrastructures for common use and also for the specific case of precision/personalized medicine. Case description: Here, we report a case study reflecting our specific needs and circumstances during the implementation of a novel bioinformatics laboratory. This involved the preparation of rooms, computer networks, computational resources novel designs, and upgrades to existing designs. Moreover, this work involved people from diverse areas and institutions, such as companies, institutional projects, informatics, and technical infrastructures services. Discussion and evaluation: The work resulted in the implementation of four novel designs dedicated to genomic medicine and in the adaptation of two existing designs dedicated to common use located in the dry-lab room. This is not an accurate and objective work, as it often depends on the available computer hardware and the target bioinformatics field(s). The four novel designs offered substantial improvements when compared to the upgraded designs, additionally corroborated by performance evaluations, which resulted in an overall highest performance of the novel designs. Conclusions: We present work that was developed over two years until completion with functioning infrastructure. This project enabled us to learn many novel aspects not only related to redundant disk technologies, but also related to computer networks, hardware, storage-management operating systems, file systems, performance evaluation, and also in the management of services. Moreover, additional equipment will be important to maintain and expand the potential and reliability of the bioinformatics laboratory. We hope that this work can be helpful for other researchers seeking to design their bioinformatics equipment or laboratories. Full article

This paper reports on a preliminary experimental study on binder jetting 3D printing of biomass–fungi composite materials. Biomass–fungi composite materials have potential applications in the packaging, furniture, and construction industries. Biomass particles (prepared from agricultural residues) act as the substrate of the composite materials. The filamentous roots of fungi intertwine and bind biomass particles together. In this study, the biomass (hemp hurd) powders used had two distinct average particle sizes. The liquid binder used contained fungi (Trametes versicolor) cells. T-shaped samples were printed using a lab-designed binder jetting setup. Printed samples were kept inside an incubator oven for four days to allow fungi to grow. Afterward, loose biomass powder was removed from the T-shaped samples. The samples were then kept inside the incubator oven for eight more days to allow further fungal growth. The samples were subsequently placed in an oven at 120 °C for four hours to terminate all fungal activity in the samples. SEM micrographs were taken of the cross-sectional surfaces of the samples. The micrographs showed a significant presence of fungi hyphae inside the printed samples, providing evidence of the binding of biomass particles by the hyphae. Full article

Background: Shirakiopsis indica (Willd.) (Family: Euphorbiaceae), a mangrove species found in the Asian region, is a popular folkloric plant. Locally, the plant is traditionally used to treat various types of ailments, especially for pain relief. Therefore, the current study investigates the neuropharmacological, antipyretic, thrombolytic, and anthelmintic properties of the S. indica fruit methanolic extract (SIF-ME). Methods: The neuropharmacological activity was evaluated using several bioactive assays, and the antipyretic effect was investigated using the yeast-induced pyrexia method, both in Swiss albino mice models. Human blood clot lysis was employed to assess thrombolytic activity, while in vitro anthelmintic characteristics were tested on Tubifex tubifex. Insights into phytochemicals from SIF-ME have also been reported from a literature review, which were further subjected to molecular docking, pass prediction, and ADME/T analysis and validated the wet-lab outcomes. Results: In the elevated plus maze test, SIF-ME at 400 mg/kg demonstrated significant anxiolytic effects (200.16 ± 1.76 s in the open arms, p < 0.001). SIF-ME-treated mice exhibited increased head dipping behavior and spent a longer time in the light box, confirming strong anxiolytic activity in the hole board and light–dark box tests, respectively. It (400 mg/kg) also significantly reduced depressive behavior during forced swimming and tail suspension tests (98.2 ± 3.83 s and 126.33 ± 1.20 s, respectively). The extract induced strong locomotor activity, causing mice’s mobility to gradually decrease over time in the open field and hole cross tests. The antipyretic effect of SIF-ME (400 mg/kg) was minimal using the yeast-induced pyrexia method, while it (100 μg/mL) killed T. tubifex in 69.33 ± 2.51 min, indicating a substantial anthelmintic action. SIF-ME significantly reduced blood clots by 67.74% (p < 0.001), compared to the control group’s 5.56%. The above findings have also been predicted by in silico molecular docking studies. According to the molecular docking studies, the extract’s constituents have binding affinities ranging from 0 to −10.2 kcal/mol for a variety of human target receptors, indicating possible pharmacological activity. Conclusions: These findings indicate that SIF-ME could serve as a promising natural source of compounds with neuropharmacological, anthelmintic, thrombolytic, and antipyretic properties. Full article

This case study aims to combine the advantage of the additive manufacturing of sensors with a mixed reality (MR) app, developed in a lab-scale workshop, to safely monitor and control the temperature of parts. Namely, the measurements were carried out in real time via a 3D-printed graphene–PLA nanocomposite sensor and communicated wirelessly using a low-power microcontroller with the IoT capability, and then transferred to the user display in the MR. In order to investigate the performance of the proposed computer-mediated reality, a user experience experiment (n = 8) was conducted. Statistical analysis results showed that the system leads to faster (>2.2 times) and more accurate (>82%) temperature control and monitoring by the users, as compared to the conventional technique using a thermal camera. Using a Holistic Presence Questionnaire (HPQ) scale, the users’ experience/training was significantly improved, while they reported less fatigue by 50%. Full article