Search Results (25,560)

This study investigates how perceptual and emotional factors—perceived naturalness, aesthetic pleasure, environmental concern, and disgust—shape consumer acceptance of a human-hair-derived bio-fabricated textile product (a unisex cardholder). In a scenario-based online survey, participants viewed an AI-generated image accompanied by a short vignette. A purposive sample of young adults in Istanbul with prior experience purchasing sustainable textile products was recruited and screened. All constructs were measured with standard Likert-type scales and translated into Turkish using a two-way back-translation procedure. Data were analyzed with PLS-SEM. Model fit was acceptable, and the model accounted for a substantial share of the variance in adoption intention. Aesthetic pleasure showed a clear positive influence on adoption intention, whereas perceived naturalness did not display a direct effect. Environmental concern modestly strengthened the link between naturalness and adoption. Disgust emerged as the dominant moderator, fully conditioning the naturalness pathway and reducing—but not eliminating—the effect of aesthetic pleasure. Together, these findings indicate that perceived naturalness, aesthetic pleasure, environmental concern, and disgust jointly shape adoption intention and that practical emphasis should be placed on reducing feelings of disgust while enhancing aesthetic appeal. Full article

Undaria pinnatifida fucoidan (UPF), a sulphated polysaccharide derived from brown seaweed, has attracted scientific and clinical interest for its wide-ranging anti-inflammatory and neurodegenerative properties. A growing body of research shows that UPF inhibits NF-κB and MAPK signalling pathways, reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), decreases ROS production, and suppresses iNOS and COX-2 activity, thereby mitigating oxidative and inflammatory damage in vitro. In vivo studies confirm these actions, demonstrating reduced systemic inflammation, promoted antioxidant defence, modulated gut microbiota composition, and improved production of beneficial microbial metabolites. In parallel, emerging evidence highlights UPF’s neuroprotective potential, characterised by protection against neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, the attenuation of amyloid-beta deposition, and improvement in neuronal function. Importantly, low- to medium-molecular-weight and highly sulphated UPF fractions consistently exhibit stronger bioactivities, suggesting a structural basis for its therapeutic potential. This review integrates mechanistic evidence from cellular, preclinical, and emerging clinical studies, highlighting UPF as a versatile marine-derived agent with therapeutic relevance for inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases, and outlines future research directions toward clinical translation. Full article

Online education has become an important channel for extensive, inclusive and flexible learning experiences. However, significant gaps persist in providing truly accessible, personalized and adaptable e-learning environments, especially for students with disabilities, varied language backgrounds, or limited bandwidth. This paper presents AccessiLearnAI, an AI-driven platform, which converges accessibility-first design, multi-format content delivery, advanced personalization, and Progressive Web App (PWA) offline capabilities. Our solution is compliant with semantic HTML5 and ARIA standards, and incorporates features such as automatic alt-text generation for images using Large Language Models (LLMs), real-time functionality for summarization, translation, and text-to-speech capabilities. The platform, built on top of a modular MVC and microservices-based architecture, also integrates robust security, GDPR-aligned data protection, and a human-in-the-loop to ensure the accuracy and reliability of AI-generated outputs. Early evaluations indicate that AccessiLearnAI improves engagement and learning outcomes across multiple ranges of users, suggesting that responsible AI and universal design can successfully coexist to bring equity through digital education. Full article

Nowadays, the consumption of “free from” foods by non-specific consumers is increasing, partly due to a misperception of labels that make them seem healthier. These foods are formulated for consumers with allergies or diseases that limit their diet, and it is not known if there are more benefits than risks for healthy consumers. For example, there is no work investigating the interaction between lactose-free milk and the colonic microbiome of healthy individuals. To focus on the potential modulation of gut microbiota of healthy subjects by lactose-free milk, we performed an in vitro simulation of digestion and fermentation, integrating microbiomics and metabolomics approaches to study changes in gut microbiota populations and metabolite production. Results indicated that lactose-free and lactose-containing milk differently modulated colonic microbiota based on several microbiological indicators, including the reduction in Bifidobacteriaceae (approximately more than two times) and Lactobacillales and the reduction in the beneficial production of microbial compounds (approximately six times less acetic acid and two times less butanoic acid). Such features suggest that lactose-free milk increases the risk of dysbiosis in healthy subjects. Our work identifies the drivers of this dysbiosis among hundreds of molecules and microbes of the gut microbiota, assigning specific names and ecological niches for the first time. It employs an in vitro model, which represents a new standard for sustainable research and improves translatability. Our findings support the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) guidelines, which do not recommend the routine consumption of lactose-free diets in the absence of diagnosed intolerance. Full article

Background: Traditional morphology-based classification of the Oriental Plover (Anarhynchus veredus) is inconsistent with molecular evidence, underscoring the necessity of incorporating molecular data to elucidate its evolutionary relationships within Charadriidae. Methods: Here, we present the first complete mitochondrial genome of A. veredus by Illumina NovaSeq Sequencing and explore its evolutionary implications within Charadriidae. Results: The mitogenome spans 16,886 bp and exhibits conserved structural features typical of Charadriidae, including gene order, overlapping coding regions, and intergenic spacers. Nucleotide composition analysis revealed a GC content of 44.3%, aligning with other Charadriidae species (44.5–45.8%), and hierarchical GC distribution across rRNA, tRNA, and protein-coding genes (PCGs) reflects structural and functional optimization. Evolutionary rate heterogeneity was observed among PCGs, with ATP8 and ND6 showing accelerated substitution rates (Ka/Ks = 0.1748 and 0.1352) and COX2 under strong purifying selection (Ka/Ks = 0.0678). Notably, a conserved translational frameshift in ND3 (position 174) was identified. Phylogenetic analyses (ML/NJ) of 88 Charadriiformes species recovered robust topologies, confirming that the division of Charadriidae into four monophyletic clades (Pluvialis, Vanellus, Charadrius, and Anarhynchus) and supporting the reclassification of A. veredus under Anarhynchus. Conclusions: This study resolves the systematic position of A. veredus and highlights the interplay between conserved mitochondrial architecture and lineage-specific adaptations in shaping shorebird evolution. Full article

Background and Aims: Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can lead to life-threatening consequences. Despite growing awareness of food allergies, schools in Saudi Arabia remain underprepared to manage allergic reactions. This study aimed to evaluate the preparedness of primary schools in Rabigh, Saudi Arabia, in managing allergic reactions, with a focus on their policies and training practices to prevent food-related anaphylaxis. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving all 24 primary schools in Rabigh. We used a previously published questionnaire that was translated into Arabic and contextually adapted; however, no formal psychometric validation was performed. The questionnaire assessed school preparedness to manage allergic reactions and existing protocols for allergy management. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 25 to examine associations between preparedness level and the presence of pupils with food allergy or anaphylaxis. Results: Nineteen schools (79%) completed the survey. Most schools (95%) had emergency communication systems, and 74% designated a staff member to manage allergic reactions. However, only 58% were aware of pupils with food allergies. Preventive measures such as food-handling guidance and a no-nut policy were present in most schools. Still, policies against food sharing and closer supervision of high-risk pupils were inconsistently implemented. A comparison between schools with and without pupils with allergies revealed that schools with such pupils were more likely to identify allergy risks and provide closer supervision during mealtimes (p = 0.042). Conclusions: While some primary schools in Rabigh reported strengths such as designated staff and emergency communication systems, substantial gaps were observed in preventive measures, including mealtime supervision and food-sharing policies. Preparedness varied across schools, with those without known allergic pupils less likely to implement preventive practices. These findings underscore the importance of standardised policies and regular staff training to ensure readiness for allergic emergencies in all schools. Full article

Background: Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) has emerged as a physiological alternative to conventional pacing, offering improved ventricular synchrony and clinical outcomes. However, extraction of deeply implanted LBBAP leads remains challenging, particularly in the context of device-related infections. Case Summary: We report two cases of successful extraction of chronically implanted LBBAP leads using a novel technique based on femoral countertraction with pigtail catheters. In the first case, a deep septal implanted 3830 lead was extracted in a patient with persistent bacteremia and suspected device-related endocarditis. Continuous traction was applied to the mid-portion of the lead using a pigtail catheter introduced via femoral access, facilitating safe removal without the use of powered sheaths proximal to the distal tip of the lead. In the second case, three leads (RA, RV, LBBAP) from a cardiac resynchronization therapy with deffibrilation support (CRT-D) system were completely removed in a patient with device extrusion and pocket erosion, using a dual pigtail approach anchored to the atrial and septal leads. Results: In both cases, the technique enabled successful extraction without complications. Procedural times were approximately 70 and 65 min, respectively. In vitro testing suggested that the pigtail catheter applied a sustained moderate traction force (~0.06 kgf), translating to an estimated pressure of 0.85–1.91 kgf/cm² at the septal lead interface. Conclusions: This case series demonstrates that LBBAP lead extraction is feasible using a novel femoral countertraction technique with pigtail catheters. Steady, moderate traction over time may provide a safer alternative to forceful subclavicular extraction, especially in chronically implanted deep septal leads. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the reproducibility, safety, and clinical applicability of this approach. Full article

Agriculture is under increasing pressure to change practices and technologies due to climate change, market forces and community pressures. The strongest influences on farmers’ adoption of practices and technologies are their perceptions of the relevant benefits and costs. Differences in the fine-grained characteristics of farm systems can lead to diversity in farmers’ perceptions. Where this is the case, the rate of adoption is best increased through product development rather than promotion. The extent to which differences in the characteristics of farm systems translate into diversity in farmers’ perceptions of innovations has rarely been explored. Our purpose was to investigate whether the diversity in farmers’ perceptions of practices correlated with fine-grained differences in the characteristics of their farm systems using survey data on four management practices used by livestock farmers in New Zealand. We found that the diversity in farmers’ perceptions did correlate with subtle differences in a variety of characteristics of farm systems. This result has important implications for research, extension and policy. Full article

In the standard genetic code, the CUG triplet is translated as leucine. The pathogenic yeast Candida albicans and other CTG-clade yeasts contain tRNA_CAG, which is recognized by both leucine- and serine-tRNA synthetases. The CUG codon in these yeasts is translated most often as serine, and only in 3–5% of cases as leucine. Therefore, CTG Candida species have unstable proteomes. The effect of serine–leucine exchange on the structure and function of proteins has only been experimentally examined for a few cases. In C. albicans, CUG codons occur even in genes deemed to be essential. This means that serine–leucine ambiguity either does not affect the structure and function of the respective proteins, or that the presence of these amino acids at specific positions is associated with meaningful alteration of the proteins’ function. This study employed AlphaFold2 to evaluate the potential effects of serine-to-leucine exchange in 12 proteins encoded by essential genes lacking orthologs in other yeasts and human genomes. The low homology with known proteins allowed us to make only low-confidence predictions. The analyzed proteins could be grouped into subsets based on the structural outcomes. Structural changes were observed only in four proteins. The remaining eight proteins showed no significant differences between serine and leucine variants. Full article

Despite aggressive current therapies against glioblastoma (GB), residual tumor cells may remain at the edge of the surgical cavity after resection. These cells can rapidly proliferate, giving rise to tumor recurrence in more aggressive and drug-resistant forms. As photodynamic therapy (PDT) has advanced, it has emerged as an option to treat this brain tumor. The oncological basis of PDT involves the selective accumulation of a photosensitizer (PS) in the tumor, followed by its activation with electromagnetic radiation to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which induce tumor cell death. Given that first- and second-generation PSs present significant limitations, including poor tumor selectivity, suboptimal biodistribution, limited absorption within the therapeutic window, and slow systemic clearance, research has progressed toward the development of third-generation PSs based on nanotechnology to optimize their therapeutic properties. This review addresses the types of tumor cell death induced by PDT, as well as the advancements of PS design, focusing on titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. These nanomaterials can be designed as carriers, encapsulating or conjugating conventional PSs, or act as PSs themselves, due to their favorable biocompatibility and intrinsic photoreactivity. Additionally, they can be functionalized with targeting ligands to achieve tumor-specific delivery, enhancing therapeutic selectivity while minimizing toxicity to healthy tissue. Overall, these nanotechnology-based PSs represent a versatile and promising therapeutic paradigm that warrants further investigation through basic research, supporting the development and potential clinical translation of a more precise and effective PDT-based intervention for glioblastoma, initially aimed at eliminating intra-surgical post-resection residual tumor cells. Full article

Cancer, a leading global cause of death responsible for nearly 10 million deaths annually, demands innovative therapeutic strategies. Intrinsic cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have rendered them promising nanoplatforms in oncology. We herein systematically review their applications for targeted cancer chemotherapy, with a focus on physicochemical properties, drug delivery mechanisms, and interactions with the tumor microenvironment (TME). We searched PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science from inception through December 2024 for peer-reviewed preclinical studies on cancer models. Results were qualitatively synthesized. Quality was assessed with the SYRCLE risk of bias tool. Among 20 eligible studies, ZnO-NPs were frequently functionalized with ligands to enhance tumor targeting and minimize systemic toxicity. Chemotherapeutic agents (doxorubicin, 5-fluorouracil, docetaxel, cisplatin, gemcitabine, and tirapazamine) were loaded into ZnO-based carriers, with improved anticancer efficacy compared to free drug formulations, particularly in multidrug-resistant cell lines and in vivo murine xenografts. The mildly acidic TME was exploited for pH-responsive drug release, premature leakage reduction, and improvement of intratumoral accumulation. Enhanced therapeutic outcomes were attributed to reactive oxygen species generation, zinc ion-mediated cytotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and efflux pump inhibition. Deep tumor penetration, apoptosis induction, and tumor growth suppression were also reported, with minimal toxicity to healthy tissues. ZnO-NPs might constitute a versatile and promising strategy for targeted cancer chemotherapy, offering synergistic anticancer effects and improved safety profiles. Future studies emphasizing long-term toxicity, immune responses, and scalable production could lead to clinical translation of ZnO-based nanomedicine in oncology. Full article

Despite their disadvantages, preclinical models in vitro are still crucial for every area of biomedical science. They remain a necessary basis for biological, biochemical, and mechanistic studies of pathophysiology of human disease, evaluation of diagnostic tests, assessment of vaccines, as well as screening of potential and repurposed drugs before they are adapted to clinical use. In contrast to animal models in vivo, preclinical in vitro models are cost and time effective. They are easier to use, and, in most cases, they are not associated with ethical concerns. Therefore, they are extensively used in cancer research. Conditional cell reprogramming (CCR) has been one of the novel technologies utilized as a preclinical model in vitro for various common cancers and other diseases. It may be even more important for the research related to rare cancers—elusive, difficult to study, and with insufficient number of relevant models available. Applications of this technology for the basic and translational studies of rare cancers are described in this article. Evaluation of the mechanisms of tumorigenicity and metastasis in neuroblastoma, neuroendocrine cervical carcinoma, ependymoma and astrocytoma, as well as screening of potential drugs and other therapeutic approaches for the laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma, demonstrate that the CCR technology is a potential reliable model for various aspects of rare cancer research in the future. Full article

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), once regarded solely as a toxic gas, is now recognized as a vital endogenous signaling molecule with important roles in both health and disease. Growing evidence supports the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) framework, in which early-life disturbances in H₂S signaling may drive the later development of cardiovascular–kidney–metabolic (CKM) syndrome—a condition that encompasses chronic kidney disease, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. This review highlights the emerging importance of H₂S in CKM programming and the potential of H₂S-based interventions during gestation and lactation to prevent long-term adverse health outcomes in offspring. Findings from animal studies suggest that maternal supplementation with sulfur-containing amino acids, N-acetylcysteine, H₂S donors, and related sulfur-containing biomolecules can attenuate CKM-related risks in progeny. Despite these advances, several critical areas remain underexplored, including the role of gut microbiota-derived H₂S, the epigenetic mechanisms influenced by H₂S during development, and the clinical translation of preclinical findings. Targeting H₂S signaling offers a promising strategy for early-life prevention of CKM syndrome and may also hold broader potential for preventing other DOHaD-related chronic diseases. Full article

The complex pathological mechanisms of atherosclerosis (AS) involve lipid metabolism disorders, inflammatory responses, and plaque instability, resulting in significant challenges to effective clinical management. Current therapeutic approaches, such as statins and stent implantation, suffer from issues including single-target action, notable side effects, and the risk of restenosis. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have demonstrated considerable promise by enabling the codelivery of multiple agents directly to atherosclerotic lesions, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy and minimizing systemic toxicity. Among various nanomaterials, organic nanoparticles have recently emerged as a research hotspot in the field of AS treatment due to their excellent biocompatibility, degradability, and potential for targeted modification. This review systematically summarizes the recent advances and emerging trends in the application of organic nanoparticles for AS treatment, employing bibliometric analysis to delineate research frontiers. We employed bibliometric tools to analyze 1999 articles on organic nanocarriers for AS therapy indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection. The analysis included co-occurrence and clustering techniques to explore influential keywords and key contributors. Temporal analysis was applied to identify emerging research hotspots and track the evolution of this field. The literature reveals three major current focal areas: (1) the development of engineered biomimetic organic nanoparticles; (2) the design of multifunctional polymer-based organic nanocarriers; and (3) the innovation of organic-coated stents. This article not only provides a comprehensive overview of cutting-edge organic nanotechnologies for AS therapy, but also critically discusses the challenges in clinical translation, offering insights into future directions for the development of safe, effective, and personalized nanomedicine strategies against AS. Full article

Functional foods enriched with bioactive compounds—including vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, probiotics, fatty acids, and amino acids—have gained growing attention due to their ability to modulate immune responses. This review aims to summarize and critically evaluate evidence from both preclinical and clinical studies on the immunomodulatory effects of these compounds. A structured literature search was performed across major scientific databases in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Seventy studies met the predefined eligibility criteria and were included. Evidence indicates that functional ingredients support immune function via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and microbiome-mediated pathways. Clinical trials further report benefits including a reduced risk of respiratory infections and enhanced vaccine responses. Nonetheless, important challenges remain regarding bioavailability, inter-individual variability, and the long-term safety of supplementation. Emerging research on precision nutrition and innovative delivery systems may further enhance the efficacy of these bioactive compounds. Overall, functional foods and nutraceuticals show strong potential as adjunct strategies for maintaining immune health; however, further well-designed clinical studies are required to confirm their translational applicability. Full article