Search Results (13,059)

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a complex metabolic disease characterized by insulin resistance, progressive β-cell dysfunction, and persistent hyperglycemia. While GLP-1 receptor agonists have revolutionized the management of T2D by improving glycemic control and reducing body weight, their insulinotropic effects increase the workload on pancreatic β-cells, which may hasten β-cell decline in certain individuals. Peptide YY (PYY), a gut-derived hormone secreted alongside glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) from L-cells, presents a unique and complementary therapeutic approach. In contrast to GLP-1, PYY does not directly induce insulin release but confers metabolic advantages by suppressing appetite through Y2 receptor pathways, enhancing insulin sensitivity via peripheral Y1/Y4 receptors, and slowing gastric emptying to minimize postprandial glucose surges. Notably, recent research suggests PYY supports the preservation and restoration of pancreatic islets by improving their structure and function without increasing the secretory demand. PYY levels are substantially increased after bariatric surgery, where it plays a pivotal role in weight-loss-independent improvements in glycemic regulation and islet hormone dynamics. These attributes position PYY as a strong candidate for use in combination with GLP-1 analogs, especially in individuals with advanced β-cell impairment or those who respond inadequately to GLP-1 monotherapy. This review discusses PYY’s physiological functions, mechanistic actions, and therapeutic opportunities in T2D, highlighting its potential as a valuable adjunct or alternative in gut-hormone-oriented treatment strategies. Full article

Background: Intranasal (I.N.) vaccination holds promise to elicit mucosal immunity that counters respiratory pathogens at the site of infection. For subunit protein vaccines, immunostimulatory adjuvants are typically required. Methods: We screened a panel of 22 lipid-phase adjuvants to identify which ones elicited antigen-specific IgA with I.N. immunization of liposome-displayed SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD). Results: Initial screening showed the TLR-4 agonist Kdo2-Lipid A (KLA) effectively elicited RBD-specific IgA. A second round of screening identified further inclusion of the invariant NKT cell ligands α-Galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) and its synthetic analog 7DW8-5 as complementary adjuvants for I.N. immunization, resulting in orders-of-magnitude-greater mucosal IgA response relative to intramuscular (I.M.) immunization. The inclusion of cationic lipids conferred capacity for mucosal adhesion and maintained immune responses. In K18 hACE2 transgenic mice, vaccination significantly reduced viral replication and prevented mortality from SARS-CoV-2 challenge. Conclusions: These results point towards the potential for the use of KLA and α-GalCer for I.N. subunit vaccines. Full article

This paper studies a mixed PDE containing the second time derivative and a quadratic nonlinearity of the Monge–Ampère type in two spatial variables, which is encountered in geophysical fluid dynamics. The Lie group symmetry analysis of this highly nonlinear PDE is performed for the first time. An invariant point transformation is found that depends on fourteen arbitrary constants and preserves the form of the equation under consideration. One-dimensional symmetry reductions leading to self-similar and some other invariant solutions that described by single ODEs are considered. Using the methods of generalized and functional separation of variables, as well as the principle of structural analogy of solutions, a large number of new non-invariant closed-form solutions are obtained. In general, the extensive list of all exact solutions found includes more than thirty solutions that are expressed in terms of elementary functions. Most of the obtained solutions contain a number of arbitrary constants, and several solutions additionally include two arbitrary functions. Two-dimensional reductions are considered that reduce the original PDE in three independent variables to a single simpler PDE in two independent variables (including linear wave equations, the Laplace equation, the Tricomi equation, and the Guderley equation) or to a system of such PDEs. A number of specific examples demonstrate that the type of the mixed, highly nonlinear PDE under consideration, depending on the choice of its specific solutions, can be either hyperbolic or elliptic. To analyze the equation and construct exact solutions and reductions, in addition to Cartesian coordinates, polar, generalized polar, and special Lorentz coordinates are also used. In conclusion, possible promising directions for further research of the highly nonlinear PDE under consideration and related PDEs are formulated. It should be noted that the described symmetries, transformations, reductions, and solutions can be utilized to determine the error and estimate the limits of applicability of numerical and approximate analytical methods for solving complex problems of mathematical physics with highly nonlinear PDEs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Intramedullary (IM) nailing for hip fractures can cause iatrogenic abductor muscle injury, leading to pain and functional impairment. This study evaluated whether early extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) safely accelerates recovery. Methods: In this open-label randomized controlled trial, 51 patients (≥50 years; intention-to-treat: ESWT n = 26; control n = 25) received either standard postoperative care (control) or standard care plus three ESWT sessions. The primary outcome was pain (Visual Analog Scale, VAS); the secondary outcome was hip function (modified Harris Hip Score, mHHS), assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months. Results: Linear mixed-effects modeling showed significantly faster pain reduction in the ESWT group (group × time β = 0.086 points/month; p = 0.027), corresponding to an additional 1.0-point VAS reduction over 12 months. Functional improvement (mHHS) did not reach statistical significance (group × time β = 0.485; p = 0.462). No ESWT-related adverse events were observed. Conclusions: Early postoperative ESWT is a safe adjunctive therapy that accelerates pain relief after IM nailing for hip fractures. Although functional improvements were not statistically significant, pain reduction may facilitate early mobilization and rehabilitation. Full article

The ongoing integration of information technology in education has rendered the monitoring of student behavior in smart classrooms essential for improving teaching quality and student engagement. Classroom environments frequently provide many problems, such as heterogeneous student behaviors, significant obstructions, loss of intricate details, and complications in recognizing diminutive targets. These limitations lead to current approaches remaining inadequate in accuracy and stability. This paper enhances YOLOv11 with the following improvements: developed the CSP-PMSA module to enhance contextual modeling in complex backgrounds, developed a scale-aware head (SAH) to improve the perception and localization of small targets via channel unification and scale adaptation, and introduced a Multi-Head Self-Attention (MHSA) mechanism to model global dependencies and positional bias across various subspaces, thereby enhancing the discrimination of visually analogous behaviors. The experimental findings indicate that in intricate classroom settings, the model attains mAP@50 and mAP@50–95 scores of 91.6% and 75.7%, respectively. This indicates enhancements of 2.7% and 2.6% compared to YOLOv11, and 4.6% and 3.6% relative to DETR, demonstrating remarkable detection precision and dependability. Additionally, the model was implemented on the Jetson Orin Nano platform, confirming its viability for real-time detection on edge devices and offering substantial assistance for practical implementations in smart classrooms. Full article

We demonstrate photogating in a graphene/Si–SiO₂ stack, where vertical motion of photogenerated charge is converted into a corresponding change in graphene channel conductance in real time. Under pulsed illumination, holes accumulate at the Si/SiO₂ interface, creating a surface photovoltage that shifts the flat-band condition and electrostatically suppresses graphene conductance. A dual-readout scheme—simultaneously tracking interfacial charging dynamics and the graphene channel—cleanly separates optical charge injection (cause) from electronic transduction (effect). This separation allows for the direct extraction of practical figures of merit without conventional transfer sweeps, including flat-band shift per pulse, retention time constants, and trap occupancy. Interface kinetics then define two operating regimes: a fast, resettable detector when traps are sparse or rapid, and a trap-assisted analog-memory state when slow traps retain charge between pulses. The mechanism is CMOS-compatible and needs no cryogenics or exotic materials. Together, these results outline a compact route to engineer integrating photodetectors, pixel-level memory for adaptive imaging, and neuromorphic optoelectronic elements that couple sensing with in situ computation. Full article

The article presents a study of the computational complexity and efficiency of various parallel algorithms that implement the numerical solution of the equation in the hereditary $\alpha \left(t\right)$-model of radon volumetric activity (RVA) in a storage chamber. As a test example, a problem based on such a model is solved, which is a Cauchy problem for a nonlinear fractional differential equation with a Gerasimov–Caputo derivative of a variable order and variable coefficients. Such equations arise in problems of modeling anomalous RVA variations. Anomalous RVA can be considered one of the short-term precursors to earthquakes as an indicator of geological processes. However, the mechanisms of such anomalies are still poorly understood, and direct observations are impossible. This determines the importance of such mathematical modeling tasks and, therefore, of effective algorithms for their solution. This subsequently allows us to move on to inverse problems based on RVA data, where it is important to choose the most suitable algorithm for solving the direct problem in terms of computational resource costs. An analysis and an evaluation of various algorithms are based on data on the average time taken to solve a test problem in a series of computational experiments. To analyze effectiveness, the acceleration, efficiency, and cost of algorithms are determined, and the efficiency of CPU thread loading is evaluated. The results show that parallel algorithms demonstrate a significant increase in calculation speed compared to sequential analogs; hybrid parallel CPU–GPU algorithms provide a significant performance advantage when solving computationally complex problems, and it is possible to determine the optimal number of CPU threads for calculations. For sequential and parallel algorithms implementing numerical solutions, asymptotic complexity estimates are given, showing that, for most of the proposed algorithm implementations, the complexity tends to be $n^2$ in terms of both computation time and memory consumption. Full article

In this paper we consider a reaction–diffusion model with nonlocal diffusion and a nonlinear reaction term analogous to a local reaction–diffusion problem with Robin boundary conditions. Firstly, we investigate the existence of solutions in a two-dimensional spatial domain. Then we attach a semi-implicit numerical scheme by using finite differences in order to approximate the solution. We use the iterative Newton method to numerically solve the resulting implicit problem. Based on theoretical results we generate an adaptive mesh in time that ensures the stability of the corresponding numerical scheme. Numerical experiments that illustrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results are provided. Full article

Background/Objectives: We compared the efficacy of audiovisual sexual stimulation (AVSS) using 3D virtual glasses with a desktop monitor. Methods: In this randomized crossover study, 60 patients with ED underwent two penile duplex Doppler ultrasound sessions 1 week apart, each after intracavernosal prostaglandin E1 injection. Patients were randomly assigned to receive AVSS via 3D virtual glasses or a desktop monitor in the first session, with crossover in the second. We measured the resistive index (RI), erectile hardness score (EHS), peak systolic velocity (PSV), anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), and satisfaction (visual analog scale). Results: 3D virtual glasses were associated with superior outcomes. The linear mixed models analysis showed higher adjusted mean RI (p < 0.001), PSV (p < 0.001), and satisfaction (p < 0.001) for 3D glasses. Generalized estimating equations analysis showed patients were 6.68 times more likely to achieve functional erection (EHS ≥ 3) with 3D glasses (odds ratio 6.68, 95% confidence interval [2.54, 17.55], p < 0.001). Anticipatory anxiety before subsequent examinations was lower with virtual glasses (p < 0.001). Conclusions: AVSS with 3D virtual glasses is associated with superior hemodynamic parameters and clinical responses consistent with reduced false-positive diagnoses. It also lowers anticipatory anxiety for subsequent procedures, enhancing patient experience. Full article

Canine otitis externa (OE) presents a significant challenge in veterinary medicine due to its complex, multifactorial nature and the growing issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) associated with conventional antibiotic use. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of a novel, antibiotic-free topical ear solution (Therapy A) containing antimicrobial peptides and encapsulated plant extracts (chamomile, calendula, rosemary, and hops) against a standard conventional treatment (Therapy B) composed of gentamicin, betamethasone valerate, and clotrimazole. A longitudinal, randomized study was conducted over four weeks with 40 domestic dogs diagnosed with OE. The dogs were divided into two groups, each receiving one of the therapies. Evaluations were performed weekly, assessing clinical signs using the Otitis Index Scoring System (OTIS-3) and a pruritus visual analog scale (pVAS), as well as ear canal pH and cytology. The results showed that Therapy A provided similar clinical efficacy in OTIS-3 and pVAS scores that were comparable to Therapy B. Cytological analysis also revealed a significant reduction in microbial presence for both groups. Notably, Therapy A was clinically effective in two of the three dogs presenting multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial infections. The novel formulation also demonstrated a favorable safety profile, with no adverse drug reactions reported, in contrast to one dog in the conventional treatment group that experienced an adverse reaction. These findings suggest that the plant-based formulation is a safe and effective alternative for managing canine OE, offering a promising solution to reduce the reliance on antibiotics and corticosteroids. Full article

Irreducible polynomials are widely used in modern cryptography; however, algorithms for finding such polynomials remain quite complex and require significant computational resources. In this study, a new approach to finding irreducible equations over Galois fields $GF\left(p\right)$ is proposed. It is shown that such irreducible equations can be obtained by solving a system of linear equations over the base Galois field, generated by any element of the field $GF\left(p^K\right)$ that is distinct from the elements of the base field and from elements corresponding to lower-degree extensions. The connection of the proposed approach with algorithms based on the Frobenius automorphism is established. The case corresponding to the field $GF\left(3\right)$ and matrices over this field is examined in detail. It has been shown that the proposed method makes it possible to obtain complete sets of irreducible polynomials over a given Galois field. It has also been demonstrated that generating such sets is of particular interest for the development of new methods of digital monitoring of the information space, which are based on analogies with error-correcting coding techniques. Full article

Background: Computed tomography (CT)-based image-guided surgery (IGS) is of great importance in functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and requires IGS-specific imaging protocols to ensure high intraoperative accuracy. This study aimed to compare photon-counting CT (PCCT), dual-energy dual-source CT (DECT), and spectral detector CT (SDCT) of the paranasal sinuses with respect to image quality, IGS accuracy and radiation dose. Methods: A formalin-fixed cadaver skull was examined using PCCT, DECT and SDCT at 100 kV tube voltage with descending tube currents (mAs). The setup of electromagnetic IGS was evaluated using a visual analog scale. Accuracy was analyzed endoscopically using defined anatomical landmarks. Diagnostic image quality as well as bone and soft tissue noise were assessed qualitatively using a 5-point Likert scale and quantitatively by determination of signal-to-noise ratio. Radiation dose was evaluated using the dose length product. Results: While PCCT datasets could be registered and navigated accurately down to 10 mAs (1.5 mm error at 10 mAs), both DECT and SDCT exhibited significantly increased inaccuracies below 40 mAs (4.35/5.15 mm for DECT/SDCT at 25 mAs). Using PCCT therefore enabled a 45% radiation dose reduction at the minimally required dose length product using PCCT. Quantitative and qualitative image quality were superior for PCCT compared to DECT and SDCT. Conclusions: PCCT provides excellent accuracy of anatomical landmarks in IGS with superior image quality of the paranasal sinuses in low-mA scans and substantially reduced radiation exposure. Full article

Sleep is a fundamental biological process essential for health and homeostasis. Traditionally investigated through laboratory-based polysomnography (PSG), sleep research has undergone a paradigm shift with the advent of wearable technologies that enable non-invasive, long-term, and real-world monitoring. This review traces the evolution from early analog and actigraphic methods to current multi-sensor and AI-driven wearable systems. We summarize major technological milestones, including the transition from movement-based to physiological and biochemical sensing, and the growing role of edge computing and deep learning in automated sleep staging. Comparative studies with PSG are discussed, alongside the strengths and limitations of emerging devices such as wristbands, rings, headbands, and camera-based systems. The clinical applications of wearable sleep monitors are examined in relation to remote patient management, personalized medicine, and large-scale population research. Finally, we outline future directions toward integrating multimodal biosensing, transparent algorithms, and standardized validation frameworks. By bridging laboratory precision with ecological validity, wearable technologies promise to redefine the gold standard for sleep monitoring, advancing both individualized care and population-level health assessment. Full article

This study explores the use of a homemade mung bean protein extract solution (MP) as the moisture source in high-moisture extrusion to produce pea–mung bean composite textured protein (PMP). Single-factor experiments assessed the effects of MP addition amount (30–70%), screw speed (140–220 rpm), and extrusion temperature (140–180 °C) on the textural, physicochemical, and structural properties, followed by optimization using response surface methodology (RSM). MP addition amounts between 50% and 60% promoted higher surface hydrophobicity, a higher disulfide bond content, more ordered secondary structures, and a higher intrinsic fluorescence, accompanied by improved water- and oil-holding capacities, bulk density, and texturization degree (p < 0.05). Screw speeds of 160–180 rpm enhanced texturization and texture via increased shear and reduced residence time, whereas higher extrusion temperatures darkened the color (Maillard browning) and reduced texturization and the bulk density. RSM found that the optimal conditions were 53% MP, 160 rpm, and 150 °C, yielding a theoretical maximum texturization degree of 1.55, which was experimentally validated (1.53 ± 0.02). These findings support MP as an effective green moisture source to tailor the structure and functionality of pea-based high-moisture extrudates. Future work will integrate calibrated SME, sensory evaluation, and application testing in meat-analog formats. Full article

Family dogs stand out with regard to their special (human-like) attachment behavior towards their owners. This dog–owner attachment bond, analogous to the human infant–mother relationship, has been extensively documented at the behavioral level. Capitalizing on the fully non-invasive polysomnography protocol, the current study compares family dogs’ sleep structure when sleeping in the company of their owners versus an experimenter (a friendly stranger human). Subjects (N = 9) participated in three recording sessions, each lasting 3 h. The first session served as an adaptation to the recording environment, while the second and third were the test sessions analyzed for the present paper. On these two occasions, dogs slept, in a counterbalanced order, once in the company of their owner, while on the other occasion they slept in the company of an experimenter, while the owner was outside the room. Polysomnography recordings were used to extract high-resolution information (in 20 s epochs) on the time dogs spend awake and in each of the sleep stages (drowsiness, non-REM, and REM). Our results show a robust difference between dogs’ sleep structure with and without the owner. In addition to an increased sleep latency and worsened sleep efficiency, dogs spent considerably less time in deep sleep (non-REM) when their owner was absent. These findings add to the increasing body of literature dealing with dog-to-owner attachment and provide unique physiological evidence for the phenomenon, complementing the widely reproduced behavioral data. Full article