Search Results (24,909)

Lung ischemia–reperfusion injury (LIRI) remains a major contributor to perioperative morbidity and mortality in thoracic surgery, especially for lung transplantations, where it is one of the principal drivers of primary graft dysfunction (PGD). Although substantial advances have been made in surgical technique, donor management, and perioperative care, LIRI continues to pose a significant clinical challenge. Mechanistically, LIRI reflects a combined pathology of oxidative stress, endothelial and glycocalyx disruption, innate immune activation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and regulated cell death, resulting in loss of alveolar–capillary barrier integrity and gas exchange failure. Current management is phase-specific and multimodal, spanning donor care and preservation, controlled reperfusion and lung-protective ventilation, and pharmacological treatments. Treatment candidates that target oxidative stress and inflammatory cascades (e.g., antioxidants, complement and adenosine pathways, mesenchymal stromal cell products, and dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 inhibition) show promise, yet translation into a clinical scenario remains difficult. Increasing evidence supports endothelial-preserving and mitochondria-sparing strategies, rigorous perioperative bundles, and biomarker-guided trials to move from pathophysiology to practice. Ultimately, addressing LIRI requires an integrated, multidisciplinary approach that spans surgical, anesthetic, and pharmacologic domains, with the goal of improving both early outcomes and long-term graft survival in lung transplant patients. Full article

(1) Background: Prolonged hypoxia contributes to irreversible organ damage, particularly in the brain and heart. While chronic hypoxia is harmful, mild short-term hypoxia can trigger protective mechanisms. This study investigates how such hypoxic conditions affect BV-2 tolerant microglial cells in vitro, focusing on inflammation, metabolism, and functional activity. Although in vitro models provide a controlled setting, our findings may offer insights into microglial behavior in vivo under similar conditions. (2) Methods: We used various molecular and biochemical techniques to assess the inflammatory state of BV-2 microglia under hypoxia, measuring glycolytic activity (via lactate production), and evaluating migratory and phagocytic capacities in vitro. (3) Results: Hypoxic conditions induced a more tolerant, anti-inflammatory phenotype in BV-2 cells, with decreased pro-inflammatory mediators and reduced glycolytic activity, regulated by the MyD88/NF-κB p65 pathway. Tolerance supports increased migration and phagocytosis, but under hypoxic conditions, these effects were significantly declined compared to normoxic conditions, mediated through the ERK1/2 pathway. (4) Conclusions: These findings suggest that short-term hypoxia may regulate microglial behavior and restore homeostasis, with implications for neuroinflammatory conditions. Full article

Audio watermarking has been introduced to give authors and owners control over the use of audio signals. The need for control has increased with advances in digital communications. Due to the diversity of applications and trade-offs in performance, different works on audio watermarking have been reported, and new algorithms have been proposed. Being an active area of research, an updated background on the reported algorithms helps designers understand the trends and tools used in published works. The recent emergence of innovative methods to enhance performance, the need for new requirements due to increased potential attacks, advancements in technology with a tendency toward improved audio quality, and the development of new applications have made it challenging to fit these developments into existing reviews and classifications. This paper fills this gap, presenting a review, analysis, and classification of the most recent conventional watermarking algorithms from 2016 to the present. Our study reveals the predominance of blind watermarking approaches and the widespread adoption of wavelet-domain techniques due to their favorable balance between robustness and imperceptibility. We proposed organizing, discussing, and comparing the methods based on performance criteria, imperceptibility, capacity, security, computational complexity, and robustness, and setting thresholds to categorize them. Additionally, a novel systematization based on the processes involved in the various stages of watermarking is presented. The purpose is to make it easier to identify the performance criteria that could be useful and important for different applications. Full article

Hepatitis C represents a critical global health crisis, causing approximately 1.4 million deaths annually. Although 98% of cases are treatable, only about 20% of infected individuals know their hepatitis C virus (HCV) status, highlighting the urgent need for rapid and more efficient diagnostic management. Viral genetic material can be detected in serum or plasma within just one week of exposure, making it the most reliable marker and the gold standard for active HCV infection diagnosis. In this study, a biosensor was developed to detect conserved nucleotide sequences of HCV using a 3D surface electrode composed of poly-L-lysine (PLL) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). PLL is a positively charged biocompatible polymer rich in amine groups, attractive for the immobilization of proteins, DNA, and other biomolecules. PLL was employed to construct a 3D surface with vertically aligned CNTs, achieving a high electron transfer rate. Cyclic voltammetry technique and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the sensor platform, and analytical responses were measured by differential pulse voltammetry. This HCV biosensor detected the hybridization event by a significant reduction in DPV peaks in the presence of the ferri/ferrocyanide redox probe, without any intercalator agents. DNA responses were observed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and cDNA-spiked serum samples, demonstrating its analytical specificity. These findings represent advances in analytical tools that can effectively address the challenges of timely diagnosis for asymptomatic HCV carriers. Full article

First responders operate in high-stakes environments, demanding rapid, accurate decision-making. Recent research has provided recommendations on how Augmented Reality (AR) could be utilized to support their efforts. Building off of these studies, this paper presents EasyVizAR, an AR system designed to enhance situational awareness and operational efficiency in challenging indoor scenarios. Leveraging edge computing and advanced computer vision techniques, EasyVizAR addresses critical challenges, such as object detection, localization, and information sharing. This research details the system’s architecture, including its use of ParaDrop-based edge computing, and explores its application in rescue and active-shooter scenarios. We present our work in developing key features, including real-time object saliency cues, improved object detection, person identification, multi-user 3D map generation and visualization, and multimodal AR navigation cues. Full article

Percocypris pingi is an endangered protected fish species in China. Its albino variants exhibit growth retardation and physiological abnormalities. Understanding its albinism mechanism holds significant scientific importance for molecular breeding programs and disease model development. This study integrated transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, combined with histopathological and molecular biological techniques, to systematically compare molecular differences in skin tissues between albino and wild-type P. pingi, with a focus on elucidating the multidimensional regulatory mechanisms underlying skin albinism. Our findings suggest that albinism in P. pingi is synergistically driven by hyperactivation of ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis (which suppressed TYR/TYRP1 enzymatic activity and disrupted the pH homeostasis of melanosomes), and inhibition of calcium signaling (which impeded melanin transport). This discovery provides novel insights into the mechanisms of pigment loss in fish species and offers a valuable reference for molecular breeding of endangered species as well as research on pigmentation-related disorders. Full article

A comparative study was performed between some waste materials to assess their ability to produce natural pigment from Bacillus subtilis KU710517 isolated from the marine sponge Pseudoceratina arabica. Bacillus subtilis KU710517 was able to produce a yellowish-brown pigment with wheat bran and molokhia stems in both water and synthetic media. Some factors affecting the pigment production by Bacillus subtilis KU710517 were studied. The pigments produced had been assessed for their use in dyeing wool fabrics (at a liquor ratio of 50:1 across various pH levels), and the color strength values of samples were examined. The highest color strength value of dyed wool fabrics was obtained when using water containing 6% molokhia stems (K/S 6.98) for 2 days at pH 9. Also, good fastness properties were obtained with molokhia stems. Therefore, the yellowish-brown pigment produced from Bacillus subtilis KU710517 is highly appropriate for dyeing and printing wool textiles and serves as a safe alternative to synthetic dyes that create environmental issues. Moreover, using waste materials and water in the production of dye is an economical and ecofriendly method. HPLC analysis of the pigment produced from molokhia stems in a water medium indicated the presence of rutin and syringic acid, which are responsible for the yellowish-brown color. The antimicrobial properties of the produced pigment were examined with the cup agar diffusion technique. Nutrient agar plates were inoculated with 0.1 mL of 105–106 cells/mL of yeast and bacteria. Czapek-Dox agar plates were heavily inoculated with 0.1 mL (106 cells/mL) of fungal culture. 100 microliters of the dye sample were added to each cup. The pigment showed considerable antimicrobial activity against bacteria, yeast, and fungi and displayed the strongest antimicrobial activity against E. coli (28 mm zone of inhibition). Therefore, the produced pigment can be used in the pharmaceutical field, especially in the dyeing of surgical dressings and clothing. Full article

Ammonia, due to its favorable physicochemical properties, is considered an effective hydrogen carrier, enabling the storage of surplus energy generated from renewable sources. Large-scale implementation of this concept requires the safe transport of ammonia over long distances, commonly achieved through pipeline systems—a practice with global experience dating back to the 1960s. However, operational history demonstrates that failures in such infrastructures remain inevitable, often leading to severe environmental consequences. This article reviews both passive and active methods for preventing and mitigating incidents in ammonia pipeline systems. Passive measures include the assessment of material compatibility with ammonia and the designation of adequate buffer zones. Active methods focus on leak detection techniques, such as balance-based systems, acoustic monitoring, and ammonia-specific sensors. Additionally, the article highlights the potential environmental risks associated with ammonia release, emphasizing its contribution to the greenhouse effect, as well as its adverse impacts on soil, surface and groundwater, and human health. By integrating historical lessons with modern safety technologies, the article contributes to the development of reliable ammonia transport infrastructure for the hydrogen economy. Full article

Background: Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, releases outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) that may contribute to infection and modulate the host immune response. Although interest in OMVs is growing, few studies have systematically compared methods for isolating OMVs from B. burgdorferi. Methods: In this study, we evaluated two OMV isolation techniques—standard ultracentrifugation and an ion-exchange chromatography-based ExoBacteria™ kit—and examined how serum supplements (rabbit serum vs. exosome-depleted fetal bovine serum, ED-FBS) influence Bb-OMV yield and composition. Gene expression profiles were assessed using RT-PCR, and specific protein content was identified by Western blot analyses. To assess the ability of Bb-OMVs to interact with host cells, Bb-OMVs were co-cultured with MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells. Results: Transmission electron microscopy confirmed that both methods produced spherical Bb-OMVs with intact membrane bilayers. Ultracentrifugation generated larger vesicles (15–180 nm), while the ExoBacteria™ kit yielded smaller vesicles (<50 nm) with a higher double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) content, and protein levels were similar across samples. Cultures grown with rabbit serum produced more Bb-OMVs and had cleaner backgrounds in the TEM images than those grown with ED-FBS. All Bb-OMV samples lacked intracellular markers (DnaK and 16S rRNA) and consistently expressed the outer surface protein OspA, confirming high purity. All isolated Bb-OMVs were taken up by the cells, as indicated by OspA expression, without detectable 16S rRNA, confirming vesicle internalization without bacterial contamination. Conclusions: These findings indicate that isolated OMVs are biologically active and capable of interacting with mammalian cells, highlighting their potential role in host–pathogen interactions and the broader relevance of OMVs in studying bacterial modulation of mammalian cell behavior. Overall, both isolation methods produced high-quality OMVs, with ultracentrifugation yielding slightly more pure vesicles, emphasizing the importance of selecting appropriate isolation methods and culture conditions for functional OMV studies. Full article

Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) is a typical persistent organic pollutant, which presents a significant risk to the ecosystem and human health. Therefore, the development of a highly sensitive and effective detection technique for PFOS has aroused wide concern. In this study, for the mesoporous metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), Cr-MIL-101 were used as the precursor. And the poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) using as molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) was loaded on Cr-MIL-101 to form a core–shell structure. The obtained Cr-MIL-101@PEDOT/MIP composites integrate the high specific surface area of Cr-MIL-101 and the specific recognition capability of PEDOT/MIP. The glassy carbon electrode (GCE) interface modified by them can specifically adsorb PFOS through electrostatic interactions, coordination by Cr metal nodes, hydrophobic interaction, and hydrogen bonding, etc. The adsorbed PFOS molecules could block the active sites at the electrode interface, causing the current decay of the redox probe. Following the quantitative analysis of peak current decay values using the Langmuir model and the Freundlich–Langmuir model, a wide detection range (0.1–200 nM) and a low detection limit (0.025 nM) were obtained. Characterization techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electrochemical methods were employed to validate the fabrication of the composites. Moreover, Cr-MIL-101@PEDOT/MIP/GCE showed satisfactory stability, repeatability, and selectivity, providing an effective method for the detection of PFOS in practical samples, showing a wide prospective application. Full article

Background: The paralyzed ankles of stroke patients show reduced range of motion, muscle tightness, and joint stiffness, further impeding their ability to maintain balance and walk properly. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a combined joint mobilization and active stretching intervention on ankle stiffness, balance, and gait in patients with stroke. Methods: In this study, 24 stroke patients were assigned to two groups of 12 each: the control group (general physical therapy) and the experimental group (joint mobilization technique and active stretching exercise). All interventions were conducted for 30 min a day, 3 times a week, for a total of 4 weeks. Tension and stiffness of the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles were measured using Myoton^®PRO. Balance was evaluated using BioRescue, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and the Timed-Up and Go tests (TUG). All measurements were evaluated before the start of the intervention and after four weeks. Results: The muscle tone and stiffness of the medial and lateral gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles of the experimental group were significantly improved compared with those of the control group. The experimental group had significantly increased moving areas in all directions and BBS scores compared with the control group. The experimental group showed a significant decrease in the time spent on the TUG test compared with the control group. Conclusions: We found that joint mobilization combined with active stretching intervention was more effective than general physical therapy in improving ankle joint movement, balance, and gait ability. Full article

Sesame seed oil is a bioactive-rich lipid source, notable for lignans, tocopherols, and unsaturated fatty acids that underpin its antioxidant and cardioprotective properties. This study optimized two innovative, non-thermal extraction techniques—pulsed electric field (PEF) and ultrasound bath-assisted extraction (UBAE)—to maximize yield and preserve oil quality for functional food applications. A blocked definitive screening design combined with response surface methodology modeled the effects of energy power (X₁, 60–100%), liquid-to-solid ratio (X₂, 10–20 mL/g), and extraction time (X₃, 10–30 min) on fat content, DPPH antiradical activity, and oxidative stability indices (Conjugated Dienes, CDs/Conjugated Trienes, CTs). UBAE achieved the highest fat yield—59.0% at low energy (60%), high X₂ (20 mL/g), and short X₃ (10 min)—while PEF maximized DPPH to 36.0 μmol TEAC/kg oil at high energy (100%), moderate X₂ (17 mL/g), and short X₃ (10 min). CDs were minimized to 19.78 mmol/kg (UBAE, 60%, 10 mL/g, 10 min) and CTs to 3.34 mmol/kg (UBAE, 60%, 12 mL/g, 10 min). Partial least squares analysis identified X₂ and X₃ as the most influential variables (VIP > 0.8), with energy–time interplay (X₁ × X₃) being critical for antioxidant capacity. Compared to cold-pressing and Soxhlet extraction, PEF and cold-pressing retained higher antioxidant activity (~19 μmol TEAC/kg) and oxidative stability (TBARS ≤ 0.30 mmol MDAE/kg), while Soxhlet—though yielding 55.65% fat—showed the poorest quality profile (Totox value > 560). Both non-thermal techniques can deliver bioactive-rich sesame oil with lower oxidative degradation, supporting their application in functional foods aimed at improving dietary antioxidant intake and mitigating lipid oxidation burden. PEF at high energy/short time and UBAE at low energy/short time present complementary, scalable options for producing high-value edible oils aligned with human health priorities. As a limitation, we did not directly quantify lignans or tocopherols in this study, and future work will address their measurement and bioaccessibility. Full article

In the current scenario of universal accessibility of data, organisations face highly complex challenges related to integrating and processing diverse sets of data in order to meet their analytical needs. This review paper analyses traditional and innovative methods used for data storage and integration, with particular focus on their implications for scalability, consistency, and interoperability within an analytical ecosystem. In particular, it contributes a cross-layer taxonomy linking integration mechanisms (schema matching, entity resolution, and semantic enrichment) to storage/query substrates (row/column stores, NoSQL, lakehouse, and federation), together with comparative tables and figures that synthesise trade-offs and performance/governance levers. Through schema mapping solutions addressing the challenges brought about by structural heterogeneity, storage architectures varying from traditional storage solutions all the way to cloud storage solutions, and ETL pipeline integration using federated query processors, the research provides specific attention for the application of metadata management, with a focus on semantic enrichment using ontologies and lineage management to enable end-to-end traceability and governance. It also covers performance hotspots and caching techniques, along with consistency trade-offs arising out of distributed systems. Empirical case studies from real applications in enterprise lakehouses, scientific exploration activities, and public governance applications serve to invoke this review. Following this work is the possibility of future directions in convergent analytical platforms with support for multiple workloads, along with metadata-centric orchestration with provisions for AI-based integration. Combining technological advancement with practical considerations results in an enabling resource for researchers and practitioners seeking the creation of fault-tolerant, reliable, and future-ready data infrastructure. This review is primarily aimed at researchers, system architects, and advanced practitioners who design and evaluate heterogeneous analytical platforms. It also offers value to graduate students by serving as a structured overview of contemporary methods, thereby bridging academic knowledge with industrial practice. Full article

Iran is a uniquely compelling case due to its ancient and diverse culinary heritage, coupled with a strategic national mandate to significantly boost tourism, making the development of this high-impact sector a crucial policy imperative. The present study adopts a scenario planning approach to first identify the key factors influencing food tourism in rural areas of Iran, then explores plausible future scenarios for rural tourism development, and finally ranks strategic alternatives for enhancing food tourism in these regions. Methodologically, the research combines a goal-oriented, descriptive-analytical approach with future study techniques. Data for the initial phase were collected through a literature review, field studies (surveys, interviews), and expert surveys, and subsequently analyzed using MICMAC and ScenarioWizard software tools. Strategic alternatives were then evaluated using Picture Fuzzy Sets (PFSs) and the COPRAS method based on six critical factors. The findings reveal that six primary factors—promotional activities, pricing, food quality, infrastructure, government support, and investment—play pivotal roles in advancing food tourism in rural Iran. Based on these six primary factors, the study constructs three future scenarios: optimistic, stagnant, and crisis-driven scenarios. In the third phase of the analysis, employing Picture Fuzzy COPRAS and Picture Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (PF-AHP), the results indicate that “food festivals and promotional campaigns” carry the greatest weight and are deemed the most influential in attracting tourists, whereas “investment” ranks the lowest. Following normalization and application of weights, COPRAS analysis identifies “improving the quality of tourism infrastructure” as the most effective strategy, receiving the highest score (464.0620). A sensitivity analysis further confirms that the overall ranking of the strategies remains stable despite changes in the criteria weights, with only minor shifts observed among mid-ranked alternatives. These results offer policymakers a practical decision-making tool to allocate limited resources efficiently and focus on high-impact strategies that support the sustainable development of food tourism in Iran’s rural areas. Full article

Modern machining industries require high precision and efficiency in machine tools, where thermal deformations significantly impact accuracy. This study focuses on optimizing the structural parameters of a vertical turning center to minimize thermal displacements affecting machining precision. The optimization process is divided into parametric and topological methodologies. The parametric approach targets three primary objectives: minimizing mass (q₁), maximizing static stiffness (q₂), and reducing thermal displacement (q₃). Multi-criteria optimization techniques, including Pareto-based and scalarization methods, are applied to balance these conflicting factors. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) models assist in evaluating machine stiffness and displacement, with constraints imposed on structural mass and stiffness to maintain performance. Parametric optimization, using iterative computational algorithms such as Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), refines rib and wall thicknesses of the lathe table to achieve displacement reductions. The optimization process successfully lowers displacement at critical measurement points while maintaining structural integrity. Hybrid PSO (hPSO) outperforms other algorithms in achieving optimal parameter sets with minimal computational effort. Topological optimization, based on the Solid Isotropic Microstructure with Penalization (SIMP) method, further enhances structural efficiency by refining material distribution. The iterative process identifies optimal energy flow paths while ensuring compliance with mechanical constraints. A hybrid approach integrating parametric adjustments with topological refinement leads to superior performance, achieving a 43% reduction in displacement at key measurement points compared to the initial design. The final optimized design reduces mass by 1 ton compared to the original model and 2.5 tons compared to the best rib–wall optimization results. The study’s findings establish a foundation for implementing active deformation compensation systems in machine tools, enhancing machining precision. The integration of parametric and topological optimization presents a robust framework for designing machine tool structures with improved thermal stability and structural efficiency. Full article