Search Results (37,856)

Nanosized titanium dioxide is widely used by the industry, e.g., in pigments, suncreams, and food colors. Its environmental and biological effects have been investigated in the past; however, few studiesd have focused on its crystal structure-specific effects. In our experiments, the toxicity of two types of synthetic nanoparticles was examined on primary neural cultures with different cell compositions using MTT and LDH assays. Primary murine cell cultures containing only astroglia cells originated from two brain regions, as well as mixed neurons and glia cells or microglia cells exclusively, were treated with anatase (15.8 ± 1.7 nm average diameter) and rutile (46.7 ± 2.2 nm average length and 13.7 ± 0.7 nm average diameter) TiO₂ nanoparticles at varying concentrations for 24 or 48 h. Our results show that neither anatase nor rutile nanoparticles reduced viability in cell cultures containing a mixture of neurons and glial cells, independently of the applied concentration and treatment time. Rutile but not anatase form induced cell death in cortical astroglia cultures already at 24 h of treatment above 10 µg/mL, while hippocampus-derived glial cultures were much less sensitive to rutile. The rutile form also damaged microglia. These findings suggest that products containing rutile-form nano-titanium particles may pose a targeted risk to astroglia and microglial cells in the central nervous system. Full article

Camelids are increasingly recognized as important livestock species. They are valuable sources of meat, fiber, and milk. Despite their growing popularity, many aspects of their reproductive physiology and pathology remain unclear. Their reproductive performance is reported to be low in many countries. Advances in camelid veterinary care have identified several disorders, some of which are species-specific. This article describes an approach to and the diagnosis of infertility and subfertility cases in alpacas, llamas, and camels referred to the authors over the past 35 years. Ultrasonography, endometrial cytology, and biopsy are the primary diagnostic tools for practitioners. However, laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, and cytogenetics are indicated for cases referred to theriogenologists. The incidence of congenital and acquired reproductive disorders is presented. A high incidence of congenital defects of the reproductive tract is found in South American camelids, which raises concerns about animal welfare. Acquired disorders are similar to those described in other species. Endometritis and endometrosis are major disorders contributing to infertility and early pregnancy loss. However, studies on uterine defense mechanisms and the pathogenesis of these disorders are lacking. Hydrobursitis, a common cause of infertility in dromedary camels, warrants further research. The implications of some contagious diseases (tuberculosis, campylobacteriosis, and brucellosis) in female infertility are discussed. These findings emphasize the importance of including camelid medicine in veterinary education to ensure a high standard of care for this species. Full article

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in long-term locomotor impairments, and strategies to enhance functional recovery remain limited. While epidural electrical stimulation (EES) has shown clinical promise, our understanding of the mechanisms by which it improves function remains incomplete. Here, we use genetic tools in an animal model to perform neuromodulation and treadmill rehabilitation in a manner similar to EES, but with the benefit of the genetic tools and animal model allowing for targeted manipulation, precise quantification of the cells and circuits that were manipulated, and the gathering of extensive kinematic data. We used a viral construct that selectively transduces large diameter afferent fibers (LDAFs) with a designer receptor exclusively activated by a designer drug (hM3Dq DREADD; a chemogenetic construct) to increase the excitability of large fibers specifically, in the rat contusion SCI model. As changes in locomotion with afferent stimulation can be subtle, we carried out a detailed characterization of the kinematics of locomotor recovery over time. Adult Long-Evans rats received contusion injuries and direct intraganglionic injections containing AAV2-hSyn-hM3Dq-mCherry, a viral vector that has been shown to preferentially transduce LDAFs, or a control with tracer only (AAV2-hSyn-mCherry). These neurons then had their activity increased by application of the designer drug Clozapine-N-oxide (CNO), inducing tonic excitation during treadmill training in the recovery phase. Kinematic data were collected during treadmill locomotion across a range of speeds over nine weeks post-injury. Data were analyzed using a mixed effects model chosen from amongst several models using information criteria. That model included fixed effects for treatment (DREADDs vs. control injection), time (weeks post injury), and speed, with random intercepts for rat and time point nested within rat. Significant effects of treatment and treatment interactions were found in many parameters, with a sometimes complicated dependence on speed. Generally, DREADDs activation resulted in shorter stance duration, but less reduction in swing duration with speed, yielding lower duty factors. Interestingly, our finding of shorter stance durations with DREADDs activation mimics a past study in the hemi-section injury model, but other changes, including the variability of anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) height, showed an opposite trend. These may reflect differences in injury severity and laterality (i.e., in the hemi-section injury the contralateral limb is expected to be largely functional). Furthermore, as with that study, withdrawal of DREADDs activation in week seven did not cause significant changes in kinematics, suggesting that activation may have dwindling effects at this later stage. This study highlights the utility of high-resolution kinematics for detecting subtle changes during recovery, and will enable the refinement of neuromechanical models that predict how locomotion changes with afferent neuromodulation, injury, and recovery, suggesting new directions for treatment of SCI. Full article

Over the past decade, digitalization in the logistics sector has heightened the significance of autonomous systems and AI-based applications, while the integration of advanced deep learning technologies with air cargo carriers has ushered in a new era in the logistics industry. This study systematically addresses the current applications of these technological advances in logistics planning, the challenges faced, and perspectives for the future. These developments are transforming the role of UAVs and autonomous systems in logistics operations by improving last-mile efficiency and reducing costs. Key functions of autonomous vehicles, including environmental perception, decision-making, and route optimization, have shown notable progress through deep learning algorithms. However, major obstacles remain to their widespread adoption, particularly in terms of energy efficiency, data security, and the absence of a mature regulatory framework. Accordingly, this paper discusses these issues in detail and highlights areas for further research. This systematic literature review reveals the disruptive potential of AACV for the logistics industry and presents findings that can guide both academic inquiry and industrial practice. The results underscore that establishing a sustainable and efficient logistics ecosystem is essential in the context of these emerging technologies. Full article

Over the past few decades, people have become increasingly aware of how the ingredients in their food affect their health, leading to significant changes in dietary habits. A notable trend is the growing demand for high-protein foods. However, as consumption of high-protein products increases, manufacturers face challenges in sourcing enough protein to meet this rising demand. One promising alternative is insect protein, which has attracted considerable attention in recent years due to its high nutritional value, with Acheta domesticus protein containing up to 80% protein per gram. To explore this potential, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of integrating different concentrations (10%, 12.5%, and 15%) of Acheta domesticus protein powder into cocoa cream products. The study’s findings indicated that incorporation of Acheta Domesticus protein resulted in a limited alteration in the particle size distribution of the cocoa cream, while sensory evaluations confirmed the absence of a gritty texture. In addition to sensory analysis, the study examined chemical composition, rheological properties, texture, color, and thermal characteristics. These results were compared with a control sample. The findings of this study indicate that the samples with 12.5 and 15% of the added protein can claim a nutritional statement “source of protein”. Full article

Autosomal-dominant sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy (ADSHE) was the first distinct genetic epilepsy proven to be caused by mutation of the CHRNA4 gene, originally reported in 1994. In the past three decades, pathomechanisms of ADSHE associated with mutant nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have been explored via various studies, including in vitro experiments and genetic rodent models. However, findings emphasize that functional abnormalities of ADSHE-mutant nAChRs alone cannot generate ictogenesis; rather, development of abnormalities in various other transmission systems induced by ADSHE-mutant nAChRs during the neurodevelopmental process before the ADSHE onset is involved in development of epileptogenesis/ictogenesis. Intra-thalamic GABAergic disinhibition induced by loss-of-function of S284L-mutant nAChRs (S286L-mutant nAChRs in rat ADSHE models) contributes to enhancing propagation of physiological ripple-burst high-frequency oscillation (HFO) and Erk signaling during sleep, leading to enhancement of the trafficking of pannexin1, connexin43, and P2X7 purinergic receptor to the astroglial plasma membrane. The combination of activation of physiological ripple-HFO and upregulation of astroglial hemichannels under the GABAergic disinhibition plays an important role in generation of epileptogenic fast-ripple-HFO during sleep. Therefore, loss-of-function of the S284L-mutation alone cannot drive ictogenesis but contributes to the development of epileptogenesis as an initial abnormality. Based on these recent findings using genetic rat ADSHE models, harboring the rat S286L-mutant Chrna4 corresponding to the human S284L-mutant CHRNA4, this report proposes hypothetical pathomechanisms of ADSHE. Full article

Objective: The primary objective of this systematic review is to present current knowledge about the oncobiome of gynecological cancers. Methods: Our systematic review contains data about the oncobiome of uterine corpus cancer, ovarian cancer and cervical cancer. Articles about other gynecological cancers were excluded. Results: A total of 72 articles were included in our systematic review. In uterine corpus cancer, cervical cancer and ovarian cancer, representatives of bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites can be found. The oncobiome of ovarian cancer is connected with the oncobiome of head and neck cancers. Our systematic review proved that the human papilloma virus is connected with ovarian and cervical cancer. Gut dysbiosis can be used as a marker of ovarian cancer. In cervical cancer, we found the difference between the microbiota of healthy patients and patients with cervical cancer. Methylobacter, Robignitomaculum, Klebsiella, Micromonospora and Microbispora have an impact on overall survival. The microbiome of uterine corpus cancer is more differentiated than in cancer-free samples. Chronic endometrial inflammation has an impact on endometrial microbiome. Discussion: Treatment of gynecological cancers is changing permanently. Chemotherapy, as a systematic treatment, is being left in the past. Modern methods of therapy are addressed to specific genes. In the past, researchers claimed that tumors are sterile. However, the newest research indicates that malignancies were found to have genetic fragments of pathogens, which can be used as vectors for medications or as markers for the detection of a specific malignancy. Three most common gynecological cancers are as follows: endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer and cervical cancer. Each of these has their specific microbiome, which can be used for oncological treatment. These discoveries create possibilities for new, efficient methods of treatment. This systematic review analyzes publications about the composition of the gynecological tumor microenvironment, correlation between microbiomes of different organs, the female reproductive tract and the microbiome of the female reproductive tract during malignancy. Moreover, we provide information on the influence of some pathogens on the treatment. Full article

Sintered nano-silver paste is widely used in electronic packaging due to its excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. A phenomenological variable-order fractional constitutive model has been developed to characterize the evolution of its mechanical properties, incorporating dependencies on both temperature and strain rate. Based on the Weissenberg number and classical Arrhenius equation, a formulation for relaxation time with temperature and strain rate dependence has been proposed. A temperature- and rate-sensitive fractional order is introduced to capture the coupled influences of thermal and strain rate effects. Furthermore, the effects of temperature and the strain rate on the elastic modulus and relaxation time are quantitatively described through established coupling criteria. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed model offers high accuracy and strong predictive capability. Comparisons with the classical Anand model highlight the effectiveness of the variable-order fractional model, particularly at lower temperatures. Full article

In dynamic and information-rich contexts, systems must be capable of making instantaneous, context-aware decisions. Such scenarios require optimization methods that are both fast and flexible. This paper introduces an innovative hardware-based intelligent optimization framework, deployed on FPGAs, designed to support autonomous decisions in real-time systems. In contrast to conventional methods based on a single chaotic map, our scheme brings together six separate chaotic generators in simultaneous operation, orchestrated by an adaptive voting system based on past results. The system, in conjunction with the Secretary Bird Optimization Algorithm (SBOA), constantly adjusts its optimization approach according to the changing profile of the objective function. This delivers first-rate, timely solutions with improved convergence, resistance to local minima, and a high degree of adaptability to a variety of decision-making contexts. Simulations carried out on reference standards and engineering problems have demonstrated the scalability, responsiveness, and efficiency of the proposed model. These characteristics make it particularly suitable for use in embedded intelligence applications in sectors such as intelligent production, robotics, and IoT-based infrastructures. The suggested solution was tested using post-synthesis simulations on Vivado 2022.2 and experimented on three concrete engineering challenges: welded beam design, pressure equipment design, and tension/compression spring refinement. In each situation, the adaptive selection process dynamically determined the most suitable chaotic map, such as the logistics map for the Welded Beam Design Problem (WBDP) and the Tent map for the Pressure Vessel Design Problem (PVDP). This led to ideal results that exceed both conventional static methods and recent references in the literature. The post-synthesis results on the Nexys 4 DDR (Artix-7 XC7A100T, Digilent Inc., Pullman, WA, USA) show that the initial Q16.16 implementation exceeded the device resources (128% LUTs and 100% DSPs), whereas the optimized Q4.8 representation achieved feasible deployment with 80% LUT utilization, 72% DSP usage, and 3% FF occupancy. This adjustment reduced resource consumption by more than 25% while maintaining sufficient computational accuracy. Full article

Exhaled breath (EB) contains numerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can reflect pathological metabolic processes, making breath analysis a promising non-invasive diagnostic approach. In particular, volatile aldehydes and ketones have been identified as disease biomarkers in EB. Gas sensors are expected to play a crucial role in the diagnosis of numerous diseases at an early stage. Among the various available approaches, sensors stand out as especially attractive tools for diagnosing diseases such as lung cancer (LC) and diabetes, due to their affordability and operational simplicity. There is an urgent need in the field of disease detection for the development of affordable, non-invasive, and user-friendly sensors capable of detecting various biomarkers. Devices of the new generation should also demonstrate high repeatability of measurements and extended operational stability of the employed sensors. Due to these demands, the past few years have seen significant advancements in the development and implementation of electronic noses (ENs), which are composed of an array of sensors for the determination of VOCs present in EB. To meet these requirements, the development and integration of advanced receptor coatings on sensor transducers is essential. These coatings include nanostructured materials, molecularly imprinted polymers, and bioreceptors, which collectively enhance selectivity, sensitivity, and operational stability. However, reliable biomarker detection in point-of-care (PoC) mode remains a significant challenge, constrained by several factors. This review provides a comprehensive and critical evaluation of recent studies demonstrating that the detection of VOCs using gas sensor platforms enables disease detection and can be implemented in PoC mode. Full article

Hydrogen is a sustainable, clean source of energy and a viable alternative to carbon-based fossil fuels. To support the transport sector’s transition from fossil fuels to hydrogen, a hydrogen refuelling station network is being developed to refuel hydrogen-powered vehicles. However, hydrogen’s inherent properties present a significant safety challenge, and there have been several hydrogen incidents noted, with severe impacts to people and assets reported from operational hydrogen refuelling stations worldwide. This paper presents the outcome of an analysis of hydrogen incidents that occurred at hydrogen refuelling stations. For this purpose, the HIAD 2.1 and H2tool.org databases were used for the collection of hydrogen incidents. Forty-five incidents were reviewed and analysed to determine the frequent equipment failures in the hydrogen refuelling stations and the underlying causes. This study adopted a mixed research approach for the analysis of the incidents in the hydrogen refuelling stations. The analysis reveals that storage tank failures accounted for 40% of total reported incidents, hydrogen dispenser failures accounted for 33%, compressors accounted for 11%, valves accounted for 9%, and pipeline failures accounted for 7%. To enable the safe operation of hydrogen refuelling stations, hazards must be understood, effective barriers implemented, and learning from past incidents incorporated into safety protocols to prevent future incidents. Full article

Swarm Robotics (SR) is a relatively new field, inspired by the collective intelligence of social insects. It involves using local rules to control and coordinate large groups (swarms) of relatively simple physical robots. Important tasks that robot swarms can handle include demining, search, rescue, and cleaning up toxic spills. Over the past decade, the research effort in the field of Swarm Robotics has intensified significantly in terms of hardware, software, and systems integrated developments, yet significant challenges remain, particularly regarding standardization, scalability, and cost-effective deployment. To contextualize the state of Swarm Robotics technologies, this paper provides a systematic literature review (SLR) of Swarm Robotic technologies published from 2014 to 2024, with an emphasis on how hardware and software subsystems have co-evolved. This work provides an overview of 40 studies in peer-reviewed journals along with a well-defined and replicable systematic review protocol. The protocol describes criteria for including and excluding studies and outlines a data extraction approach. We explored trends in sensor hardware, actuation methods, communication devices, and energy systems, as well as an examination of software platforms to produce swarm behavior, covering meta-heuristic algorithms and generic middleware platforms such as ROS. Our results demonstrate how dependent hardware and software are to achieve Swarm Intelligence, the lack of uniform standards for their design, and the pragmatic limits which hinder scalability and deployment. We conclude by noting ongoing challenges and proposing future directions for developing interoperable, energy-efficient Swarm Robotics (SR) systems incorporating machine learning (ML). Full article

Diabetic wounds, especially diabetic foot ulcers, pose a major global clinical challenge due to their slow healing and high infection susceptibility. Their typical pathological features include impaired angiogenesis, chronic hypoxia, persistent inflammation, oxidative stress, bacterial colonization, and neuropathy. Traditional treatment methods have limited efficacy, creating an urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies. In recent years, biomaterials have emerged as a research focus in diabetic wound treatment, owing to their biocompatibility, versatility, and tissue regeneration potential. This article comprehensively reviews the pathological mechanisms of diabetic wounds. It also summarizes the application progress of biomaterials in diabetic wound healing. Over the past decade, researchers have explored the properties, mechanisms of action, and roles of various natural and synthetic biomaterials. These biomaterials include DNA nanomaterials, peptide hydrogels, cells, exosomes, and cytokines. These biomaterials play significant role in promoting angiogenesis, regulating inflammation, inhibiting bacteria, and enhancing cell proliferation and migration. Full article

The goal of this study is to analyze trends in clinical utilization of CT brain perfusion (CTP) across the past 10 years, during which there have been substantial changes in neuro-interventional and neuroimaging guidelines related to emergent stroke therapy, particularly intra-arterial mechanical thrombectomy. The Cosmos platform, a multi-institutional data aggregation tool containing health record data from billions of encounters, was used to retrospectively identify millions of patients with active clinical encounters during the study period (2015–2024). For each calendar quarter, numbers and proportions of active patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy or brain CTP were obtained using billing code queries. CTP utilization per 100,000 active patients grew slowly from Q1-2015 to Q3-2017, ranging from 4.32 to 9.45, but beginning in Q4-2017, coinciding with the publication of landmark stroke trials, CTP utilization began to increase more rapidly, almost 4-fold higher as determined through segmented linear regression, reaching 61.24 per 100,000 in Q4-2024. Although causation cannot be proven in this study, the observed increases in CTP utilization likely reflect rapid adoption of evidence-based adjustments to stroke triage guidelines after eligibility for mechanical neurointervention had been widened to 24 h from symptom onset. Full article