Search Results (146)

Background/Objectives: Transcutaneous spinal stimulation (TSS) is a noninvasive stimulation approach for spasticity reduction in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). We enrolled 17 individuals with SCI who experience lower extremity hyperreflexia for this randomized crossover study to compare single-session effects of 3 TSS conditions: single-site continuous (SS-CONT), single-site burst (SS-BURST), and dual-site continuous (DS-CONT). Methods: Each TSS condition was delivered for 30 min with participants in supine via a cathode over the thoracic spine (T11–T12) and an anode over the abdomen. A second cathode was placed over the lumbar spine (L1/2 or L2/3) for DS-CONT. SS-CONT and DS-CONT stimulation was delivered as continuous 50 Hz stimulation with a 1 ms pulse width. SS-BURST stimulation was delivered as 4 bursts/second of 50 Hz stimulation with a 1 ms pulse width. Pendulum test first swing excursion (FSE) and ankle clonus drop test first drop excursion (FDE) were measured at baseline and immediately post-intervention to assess quadriceps and soleus spasticity, respectively. FSE and FDE of the first trial (FSE_T1 and FDE_T1) and the average of 3 trials (FSE_avg and FDE_avg) were included in analyses. Subgroup analyses were performed based on baseline level of spasticity (high vs. low). Results: Between-condition analyses showed no significant differences; however, SS-CONT (FSE_T1 d = 0.30, FSE_avg d = 0.27) and DS-CONT (FSE_T1 d = 0.33, FSE_avg d = 0.12) stimulation demonstrated the largest effect sizes for FSE measures, and SS-CONT (FDE_T1 d = 0.32, FDE_avg d = 0.31) stimulation demonstrated the largest effect size for FDE measures. Significant fair correlations between baseline FSE measures and change in FSE were identified when all conditions were combined. A significant fair correlation between baseline FDE_T1 and change in FDE_T1 was identified when data were collapsed across conditions. In subgroup analyses, only participants with high baseline quadriceps spasticity showed a significant decrease in quadriceps spasticity with DS-CONT (∆FSE_T1 = 14.8 ± 13.0°), SS-BURST (∆FSE_T1 = 4.1 ± 4.5°), and with all conditions combined (∆FSE_T1 = 11.3 ± 16.5°, ∆FSE_avg = 7.2 ± 13.1°). For participants with low baseline soleus spasticity, DS-CONT stimulation significantly increased soleus spasticity (∆FDE_T1 = −12.2 ± 9.3°, ∆FDE_avg = −8.5 ± 8.4°). Conclusions: When data were collapsed across conditions, TSS did not result in a significant reduction in quadriceps or soleus spasticity. Continuous stimulation at both single- and dual-sites was associated with the largest effect on quadriceps spasticity when all participants were combined. Lastly, TSS reduced spasticity in a severity-dependent manner. Full article

Positive (+) sense RNA viruses include many important pathogens that exploit noncanonical translation mechanisms to express their genomes within the host cells. Unlike DNA or negative (−) sense RNA viruses, (+) sense RNA viruses can directly function as mRNAs, even though they lack typical features of host mRNAs, such as the 5′ cap structure required for canonical translation initiation. Instead, they exploit structured RNA elements to recruit host translational machinery without the 5′ cap, bypassing the canonical translation initiation mechanism. Prominent examples include internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) and 3′ cap-independent translation enhancers (3′ CITEs). These RNA modules facilitate translation initiation by recruiting the ribosomal subunits, either directly or through initiation factors, and mediating long-range RNA-RNA interactions. Other regulatory motifs, such as frameshifting signals, allow the ribosome to shift reading frames to regulate protein output. All these RNA elements function through RNA-protein interactions and often utilize host and virus-encoded proteins to hijack the host’s translational apparatus. Over the past several years, various structural biology approaches, including biochemical and enzymatic probing, X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM), have revealed the unique structural roles of these viral RNA elements and their protein complexes. Although a few structures of IRES and CITE domains have been solved through these methods, the structures of these RNA elements and their structure-function relationship have remained largely unknown. This review discusses the current understanding of translation-related RNA structures in (+) sense RNA viruses, the critical RNA-protein interactions they mediate, and various structural biology approaches used to study them. Since the genome of these viruses serves as a template for two mutually exclusive virological processes, namely genome translation and replication, the review also discusses how viruses can utilize RNA structure-based strategies to regulate the switch between genome translation and replication, highlighting future directions for exploring these fundamental virological processes to develop antiviral therapeutics able to combat diseases caused by these pathogens. Full article

The rapid proliferation of water lettuce, Pistia stratiotes, poses significant ecological challenges. This study investigates the use of Pistia stratiotes as a substrate for producing black soldier fly larvae. The experiment used 40 g of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) pupae for all five substrates (T0, T25, T50, T75, and T100). Each treatment had three replicates. The physicochemical parameters, such as the temperature and pH, ranged from 27.30 °C to 27.40 °C and from 7.03 to 7.60, respectively. The survival rates ranged from 90.13% to 94.73%. The biochemical parameters showed significant differences, including dry matter, organic matter, ash, crude protein, crude lipid, crude fiber, carbohydrate, and energy (p < 0.05). Regarding the larvae’s growth and substrate use, the BSFL production varied depending on the rearing substrate. The highest growth was observed in substrates without water lettuce leaf (WLL) (T0), followed by those in treatment at 25% (T25) and 50% (T50) inclusion of WLL and then the substrate made solely of WLL (T100). The substrates degradation rate in this study varied significantly, ranging from 46.40% to 67.38%. The physicochemical characteristics of the substrates are associated with the growth performance of the BSFL, and the inclusion of WLL influenced the nutritional composition of the larvae. Full article

Goji berries (Lycium barbarum L.) are extremely rich in bioactive compounds, including phenolics, flavonoids, and vitamin C, which contribute to the strong antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties, positioning them as a promising candidate for nutraceutical applications. However, due to some limitations such as poor bioavailability and instability, encapsulation via spray drying with polymeric carriers provides a practical strategy to improve their stability, bioavailability, and applicability in the health sector. In this study, goji berry extract (GBE) was obtained via ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and encapsulated using spray drying with four different polymers: alginate, pectin, Eudragit E100 and RS30D. GBE-loaded microparticles showed improved production yields (e.g., 40.3% for Alginate + GBE vs. 13.9% for Alginate alone) and varying particle sizes (1.9–4.4 µm). The antioxidant/antiradical activities were retained to different extents, depending on the carrier, with RS30D + GBE displaying the highest TPC (15.51 mg GAE (gallic acid equivalents)/g), FRAP (59.83 µmol FSE (ferrous sulphate equivalents)/g), and DPPH activities (3.50 mg TE (Trolox equivalents)/g). Biocompatibility was confirmed in HT29-MTX cell lines for all produced microparticles. These findings support the use of spray-dried polymeric carriers to enhance the functional performance and stability of goji berry bioactive compounds in future nutraceutical applications. Full article

Current cavitating water jet technology for mineral liberation predominantly relies on the micro-jet impact generated by bubble collapse. Consequently, conventional nozzle designs often overlook the shear effects on mineral particles within the internal flow path. Moreover, the cavitation cloud evolution mechanisms in nozzles operating on this innovative principle remain insufficiently explored. This study systematically evaluates the cavitation performance of an innovatively designed cavitating jet nozzle with friction-shear effects (CJN-FSE), whose optimized internal structure enhances the interlayer shear and stripping effects crucial for the liberation of layered minerals. Utilizing high-speed imaging, we visualized submerged friction-shear cavitating water jets and systematically investigated the dynamic evolution patterns of cavitation clouds under jet pressures ranging from 15 to 35 MPa. The results demonstrate that the nozzle achieves effective cavitation, with jet pressure exerting a significant influence on the morphology and evolution of the cavitation clouds. As the jet pressure increased from 15 to 35 MPa, the cloud length, width, and average shedding distance increased by 37.05%, 45.79%, and 211.25%, respectively. The mean box-counting dimension of the cloud contour rose from 1.029 to 1.074, while the shedding frequency decreased from 1360 to 640 Hz. Within the 15–25 MPa range, the clouds showed periodic evolution, with each cycle comprising four stages: inception, development, shedding, and collapse. At 30 MPa, mutual interference between adjacent clouds emerged, leading to unsteady shedding behavior. This study thereby reveals the influence of jet pressure on the dynamic evolution patterns and unsteady shedding mechanisms of the clouds. It provides a theoretical and experimental basis for subsequent research into the nozzle’s application in liberating layered minerals and proposes a new design paradigm for cavitation nozzles tailored to the mechanical properties of specific minerals. Full article

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) remains a critical problem within Brazilian higher education institutions, where deep-rooted cultural norms and institutional shortcomings continue to foster unsafe environments for female students. Although national and international bodies have raised concerns, few studies have thoroughly examined the layered causes of VAWG in academic settings using comprehensive analytical methods. This study aims to explore the causal factors of VAWG within Brazilian universities by applying a structured survey and analyzing the responses using the Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation (FSE) approach. This method allows for a nuanced interpretation of the collected data by assigning weighted values to various contributing factors. The research assessed five major dimensions—individual, interpersonal, institutional, community and societal causal factors. The findings reveal that societal and institutional causes significantly contribute to VAWG, while individual factors play a comparatively minor role. These insights point to the structural and systemic nature of VAWG in academic settings, emphasizing the need for broad reforms. Based on the results, practical recommendations, including cultural reorientation, stricter institutional policies, and gender-sensitive training are recommended. By applying FSE in this context, the study offers a novel approach to evaluating and addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in higher education, contributing to a valuable model for future research and institutional policymaking. The results offer critical insights that can guide interventions to foster safer and more inclusive university environments in Brazil. Full article

This study examined the association between formal sex education (FSE), sensory disability status, and contraceptive use among U.S. women. Women with disabilities face barriers to contraceptive decision-making, such as limited accessible FSE content and topics. Data were weighted and analyzed from the 2011–2019 National Survey of Family Growth among women 15–25 years of age. Multivariable logistic regression and moderation analysis examined the association between sensory disability status, contraceptive use during last sexual encounter, and FSE topics. Women with hearing loss or both hearing loss and vision loss were less likely to use contraceptives during last sexual encounter than women without sensory disability (hearing loss: adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.36; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.14, 0.96; both: aOR: 0.28; CI: 0.08, 0.91). Exploratory moderation analysis showed women with vision loss who received FSE on birth control methods (aOR: 6.14; 95% CI: 1.70, 22.23) and on sexually transmitted infections (aOR: 28.24; 95% CI: 1.71, 46.63). The estimates were based on small numbers of individuals within each subgroup and wide confidence intervals, and thus should be interpreted with caution. The findings point to differences in contraceptive use according to sensory disability status, indicating future studies need larger sample sizes to better understand the role of FSE for women with sensory disability. Full article

Background: Food-allergic reactions in restaurants often result from miscommunication between customers with allergies and staff, or from staff members’ insufficient knowledge of food allergies. This study examined the behaviors, attitudes, and risk perceptions of food-allergic consumers when dining out or ordering from foodservice establishments (FSEs) compared to consumers without food allergies. Methods: A representative pan-Canadian survey was conducted amongst three groups: one of individuals without food allergies (n = 500) and two of food-allergic individuals (allergic-convenience sample [n = 500] and allergic-general population [n = 500]). The convenience sample comprised members of Food Allergy Canada, a national patient advocacy organization. Some participants with food allergies had experienced reactions linked to an FSE (43% convenience, 27% general). Weighted responses from food-allergic groups were compared to those of non-allergic ones using chi-square (p < 0.05). Statistical comparison between allergic groups was not attempted due to inherent differences in their allergic condition. Results: In several questions, responses from the non-allergic group differed significantly from those of the allergic-convenience sample, but not from those of the allergic-general population. Food-allergic-convenience respondents were more likely to avoid ordering food or dining out than non-allergic ones, with the highest avoidance (66%) noted for third-party platforms. Cost was the main barrier for non-allergic and allergic-general populations, whereas the allergic-convenience sample prioritized allergy-related concerns. Although at a lower rate than for participants with food allergies, food allergies influenced restaurant selection for 44% of participants without food allergies when dining with individuals outside their household. Most allergic respondents perceived that FSEs underestimate the seriousness of food allergies (82% convenience, 71% general), yet they felt safe while dining out (60% convenience, 85% general), pointing at loyalty to specific FSEs as a risk mitigation strategy. Conclusions: This study highlights a potentially higher burden of disease (psychological and social strain, reduced quality of life) among a subgroup of the food-allergic population (convenience sample), as reflected in their behaviors, attitudes, and risk perceptions towards meals prepared in FSEs. Nevertheless, both allergic groups expressed shared concerns and needs related to safety (e.g., ingredient disclosure for all menu items, prevention of allergen cross-contact, ability of an FSE to offer a safe meal, establishing clear communication processes for allergy-related information), which FSEs and regulators should consider when designing risk management strategies. Full article

Rapid urbanisation and population growth call for more Industrialised Construction (IC) as a swifter, safer, higher-quality and affordable means of delivering housing and infrastructure. Meanwhile, rising global temperatures and extreme weather patterns call for immediate action to combat environmental degradation. The Building Construction Industry (BCI) is a leading contributor to global resource extraction and waste generation, posing a significant threat to our environment and planet. Design for Circular Manufacturing and Assembly (DfCMA) is an overarching design framework that synergises circularity (Design for Circularity (DfC)) and modularity (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA)) by enhancing their shared values. This study explores the functional apparatus of DfCMA by identifying 21 DfMA constructs and 20 DfC constructs in the BCI through a rigorous literature review, first analysed descriptively, followed by Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation (FSE) of the initial findings from a suitably focused questionnaire survey. The study findings confirm the significance of applying the 41 constructs above in advancing the concept of DfCMA in the BCI. This study thus adds value to research and practice, exploring the underlying mechanism of this novel DfCMA concept, which synergises two imperatives, promoting a Circular Economy (CE) and DfMA principles and practices in IC. Full article

Background/Objectives: Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men in Italy, yet no national population-based screening program exists. In response to new European Council recommendations, the Lombardy Region launched a pilot in November 2024 to assess the feasibility of a digitally enabled, risk-adapted screening model. Methods: Men turning 50 were invited to voluntarily self-enroll through the regional electronic health record (FSE). A digital questionnaire assessed eligibility and family history (FH); eligible individuals (97,849 men without a PSA test in the past two years in the regional database) were offered free PSA testing. Risk stratification guided follow-up: men with PSA >3 ng/mL or a positive FH were referred to urology; others were assigned 2- or 5-year recall based on PSA level. Results: By June 2025, 8558 men had enrolled (8.7% uptake), 6072 were eligible; 644 (10.6%) reported a positive FH. Among those tested, 58.4% had PSA < 1 ng/mL and were FH-negative, 25.8% had PSA > 1 and <3 ng/mL and were FH-negative, and 15.9% met referral criteria. Digital triage was efficient and ensured care continuity without burdening specialists. Participation varied by local health authority (ATS), depending on implementation context. Preliminary data show a 25.9% reduction in urology consultations and a 35% reduction in MRI use compared to standard care, with no biopsy rate increase. Conclusions: The pilot demonstrates the technical feasibility, safety, low administrative burden, and potential sustainability of digital, risk-stratified prostate cancer screening. While participation was low without active invitations, early results support expansion with improved outreach. Lombardy’s experience offers a scalable, EU-aligned model for broader implementation across Italy and other health systems seeking to balance early detection with resource efficiency. Full article

Public–Private Partnership (PPP) procurement is a relatively new approach in Nigeria’s housing sector. This study introduces a Fuzzy Risk Allocation Decision Model (FRADM) designed to address the complex and subjective nature of risk allocation in PPP-procured Mass Housing Projects (MHPs). A structured quantitative approach involving 40 purposively selected PPP housing experts was employed. Using a fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE) technique, critical risk factors were assessed based on partners’ risk management capabilities and allocation criteria. Constants (Ci) normalized the risk-carrying capacity indices (RCCIs) of both public and private sectors. Results show that risk attitude ranks highest among nine allocation criteria (MIS = 6.21), with the private sector demonstrating higher overall risk management capability. For instance, the availability of finance risk is optimally shared 53.48% to the private and 46.52% to the public sector. The FRADM was validated as reliable, practical, and replicable. Implications point to enhanced transparency, equitable risk-sharing, and support for SDG 11. The model is a strategic tool for decision-makers in PPP housing delivery in Nigeria and can inform similar efforts in other emerging economies. Further research should examine applications across other infrastructure sectors. Full article

Surrogate modelling is increasingly used in engineering to improve computational efficiency in complex simulations. However, traditional data-driven surrogate models often face limitations in generalizability, physical consistency, and extrapolation—issues that are especially critical in safety-sensitive fields such as fire safety engineering (FSE). To address these concerns, physics-informed surrogate modelling (PISM) integrates physical laws into machine learning models, enhancing their accuracy, robustness, and interpretability. This systematic review synthesises existing applications of PISM in FSE, classifies the strategies used to embed physical knowledge, and outlines key research challenges. A comprehensive search was conducted across Google Scholar, ResearchGate, ScienceDirect, and arXiv up to May 2025, supported by backward and forward snowballing. Studies were screened against predefined criteria, and relevant data were analysed through narrative synthesis. A total of 100 studies were included, covering five core FSE domains: fire dynamics, wildfire behaviour, structural fire engineering, material response, and heat transfer. Four main strategies for embedding physics into machine learning were identified: feature engineering techniques (FETs), loss-constrained techniques (LCTs), architecture-constrained techniques (ACTs), and offline-constrained techniques (OCTs). While LCT and ACT offer strict enforcement of physical laws, hybrid approaches combining multiple strategies often produce better results. A stepwise framework is proposed to guide the development of PISM in FSE, aiming to balance computational efficiency with physical realism. Common challenges include handling nonlinear behaviour, improving data efficiency, quantifying uncertainty, and supporting multi-physics integration. Still, PISM shows strong potential to improve the reliability and transparency of machine learning in fire safety applications. Full article

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to be a threat to public health. An emerging technique with promise in the context of fighting HIV type 1 (HIV-1) focuses on targeting ribosomal frameshifting. A crucial –1 programmed ribosomal frameshift (PRF) has been observed in several pathogenic viruses, including HIV-1. Altered folds of the HIV-1 RNA frameshift element (FSE) have been shown to alter frameshifting efficiency. Here, we use RNA-As-Graphs (RAG), a graph-theory based framework for representing and analyzing RNA secondary structures, to perform conformational analysis in motif space to propose how sequence length may influence folding patterns. This combined analysis, along with all-atom modeling and experimental testing of our designed mutants, has already proven valuable for the SARS-CoV-2 FSE. As a first step to launching the same computational/experimental approach for HIV-1, we compare prior experiments and perform SHAPE-guided 2D-fold predictions for the HIV-1 FSE embedded in increasing sequence contexts and predict structure-altering mutations. We find a highly stable upper stem and highly flexible lower stem for the core FSE, with a three-way junction connecting to other motifs at increasing lengths. In particular, we find little support for a pseudoknot or triplex interaction in the core FSE, although pseudoknots can form separately as a connective motif at longer sequences. We also identify sensitive residues in the upper stem and central loop that, when minimally mutated, alter the core stem loop folding. These insights into the FSE fold and structure-altering mutations can be further pursued by all-atom simulations and experimental testing to advance the mechanistic understanding and therapeutic strategies for HIV-1. Full article

The documentation of cultural heritage, particularly built heritage, represents a critical component in ensuring its preservation, sustainable management, and effective transmission to future generations. As the field increasingly undergoes a digital transformation, there is a growing need for structured, standardised approaches that can guide professionals and stakeholders through the complexities of documentation practices. Despite the availability of numerous standards and charters, a clear synthesis of consolidated methodologies and recent technological shifts remains limited. This study addresses this gap by conducting a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to assess current documentation practices. The research is part of a larger initiative funded by the FSE REACT-EU programme under the Italian PON Ricerca e Innovazione 2014–2020, specifically aiming to support public and private stakeholders in developing practical documentation strategies. Using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework, over 266 publications were analysed to reconstruct the state of the art. The findings confirm widely adopted practices among research groups while also highlighting emerging trends driven by technological advancements in geomatics. These insights will contribute to the formulation of practical guidelines to support operators in the field and reinforce the integration of innovative tools in Cultural Heritage documentation workflows. Full article

Blast-induced mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) occurs when shock waves travel through blood vessels and cerebrospinal fluid, leading to cerebral demyelination, which results in cognitive impairments and neuropsychiatric issues that impact quality of life. This study aims to evaluate myelin changes in white matter in mice with mTBI induced by an open-field low-intensity blast (LIB) using a newly implemented 3D adiabatic T1ρ prepared fast spin echo (Adiab-T1ρ-FSE) sequence for quantitative T1ρ MRI mapping. Thirty male C57BL/6 mice, including 15 mTBI and 15 sham controls, were scanned on a 3T Bruker MRI scanner. Luxol fast blue (LFB) staining was performed to assess myelin content differences between the mTBI and sham control groups. A significantly higher T1ρ value in the medial corpus callosum (MCC) was found in mTBI mice compared to controls (126.8 ± 2.5 ms vs. 129.8 ± 2.5 ms; p < 0.001), consistent with the reduced myelin observed in LFB staining (0.80 ± 0.14 vs. 1.02 ± 0.06; p = 0.004). Moreover, a significant negative correlation between T1ρ and histological myelin content measurements was observed (r = −0.57, p = 0.02). Our findings demonstrate that T1ρ is a promising biomarker for detecting mTBI-associated demyelination in the brain. Full article