Search Results (399)

Background: Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) and extremely low gestational age (ELGA) remain major challenges in neonatology, contributing to neonatal morbidity and mortality. This study aims to examine the association between functional variants of MTHFR and PON1, genes involved in homocysteine metabolism, and the risk of ELGA, ELBW, and other complications of prematurity. A meta-analysis was also conducted to integrate literature data with the results of this study. Methods: The study included 377 premature infants, 164 mothers, and a population-based sample of 404 individuals. Genotyping was performed using TaqMan assays. Results: The fetal, but not maternal, MTHFR rs1801133 genotype was associated with ELBW (OR = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.09–2.51; p = 0.017, dominant model), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (p = 0.028), patent ductus arteriosus (p = 0.017), and neonatal mortality. The meta-analysis, which included five studies spanning 1156 cases and 1124 controls, confirmed the association between the neonatal MTHFR genotype and low birth weight (LBW), demonstrating an association of the rs1801133T allele with LBW in the TT homozygote model (vs. CT: OR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.08–1.80; p = 0.0097). Subgroup analyses indicated that the rs1801133T allele is a protective factor against LBW in more developed countries, such as Canada and the UK (dominant model), whereas in other countries, such as China, Turkey, and Poland, it is a risk factor for LBW (recessive model). No association with PON1 variants with ELBW or ELGA was found. Conclusions: This study provides the first global evidence confirming that the neonatal MTHFR genotype contributes to LBW, underscoring the population-specific effects of this genetic variant. Full article

Objective: False lumen (FL) thrombosis plays a key role in aortic remodeling after Frozen Elephant Trunk (FET) surgery, yet current imaging assessments are limited to categorical classifications. This study aimed to evaluate an unsupervised artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm based on a variational autoencoder (VAE) for automated, continuous quantification of FL thrombosis using serial computed tomography angiography (CTA). Methods: In this retrospective study, a VAE model was applied to axial CTA slices from 30 patients with aortic dissection who underwent FET surgery. The model encoded each image into a structured latent space, from which a continuous “thrombus score” was developed and derived to quantify the extent of FL thrombosis. Thrombus scores were compared between postoperative and follow-up scans to assess individual remodeling trajectories. Results: The VAE successfully encoded anatomical features of the false lumen into a structured latent space, enabling unsupervised classification of thrombus states. A continuous thrombus score was derived from this space, allowing slice-by-slice quantification of thrombus burden across the aorta. The algorithm demonstrated robust reconstruction accuracy and consistent separation of fully patent, partially thrombosed, and completely thrombosed lumen states without the need for manual annotation. Across the cohort, 50% of patients demonstrated an increase in thrombus score over time, 40% a decrease, and 10% remained unchanged. Despite these individual differences, no statistically significant change in overall thrombus burden was observed at the group level (p = 0.82), emphasizing the importance of individualized longitudinal assessment. Conclusions: The VAE-based method enables reproducible, annotation-free quantification of FL thrombosis and captures patient-specific remodeling patterns. This approach may enhance post-FET surveillance and supports the integration of AI-driven tools into personalized aortic imaging workflows. Full article

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with substantial socioeconomic impact, characterized by the gradual loss of dopaminergic neurons, dopamine deficiency, and pathological processes such as neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and α-synuclein aggregation. Monoamine oxidases (MAOs) are enzymes responsible for the degradation of neuroactive amines, including dopamine, a neurotransmitter essential for motor, cognitive, and behavioral functions. Among these, MAO-B plays a central role in dopamine metabolism, producing reactive metabolites and oxidative species that contribute to the oxidative stress associated with PD pathophysiology. In this context, MAO-B inhibition has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy. However, specific limitations, such as motor complications linked to prolonged levodopa use and the adverse effects of currently available MAO inhibitors, remain significant clinical challenges. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and SciFinder databases. Keywords such as “MAO inhibitors”, “Parkinson’s pathology,” and “Parkinson’s disease” were combined with Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT). The search covered publications from 2010 to 2025. Results: While previous reviews, particularly those by the groups of Guglielmi and Alborghetti, mainly emphasized the clinical use of MAO-B inhibitors and advances in patents, the present review identified approximately 300 compounds synthesized and evaluated as MAO inhibitors, encompassing diverse chemical classes. Among them, selective MAO-B inhibitors exhibited the greatest pharmacological potential, reinforcing the relevance of this isoform as a strategic target in PD therapy. Conclusion: These findings highlight the advances of Medicinal Chemistry in the development of novel MAO-B inhibitors, both as monotherapies for early-stage PD and as adjuvants to levodopa in advanced disease. Collectively, they emphasize the promise of MAO-B inhibitors as candidates for more effective therapeutic interventions in Parkinson’s disease. Full article

Background: One of the primary strategies for preventing and reducing infectious diseases is vaccination. There are numerous licensed vaccinations of various kinds that can prevent viral infection by triggering the immune system’s reaction to specific antigens beforehand. To elicit a stronger immune response, however, two elements of the immune system—humoral and cellular immunity—should be addressed. Since they target proteins that are difficult to alter, recent innovative techniques for vaccine delivery systems—such as liposomes, nanogels, microemulsions, etc.—have shown excellent immunogenicity qualities. Methods: PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were used as the databases for literature search, and keywords such as “Virosomes”, “Hemagglutinin”, and “IRIV” were selected to ensure relevant articles were included. Results: This article examines a cutting-edge method called virosomes, which are an effective way to deliver pharmaceutically active ingredients that target a variety of illnesses and ailments, as well as vaccines. This resulted from the fact that virosomes possess numerous structural characteristics that might trigger sophisticated immune reactions by utilizing the inactivated virus’s envelope or by imitating it through recombinant methods. Conclusions: Here, we will walk you through the history of virosome development, explore various manufacturing techniques, provide an overview of the latest patents, and conclude with the potential for more virosomal revolutions. Full article

The selection of an appropriate technological process is essential to achieve optimal results in manufacturing companies. This affects quality, efficiency and competitiveness. In the modern industry, multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods are increasingly used to evaluate, optimize and solve various manufacturing challenges. In this review article, existing methodologies and patents related to optimization and decision making are investigated. The main characteristics and applications of the methods are outlined. The purpose of this article is to provide a systematic review and evaluation of the main MCDM methods used in industrial practice, including through an analysis of relevant methodologies and patents. The methodology involves a structured literature and patent review, focusing on applications of widely used MCDM techniques such as the AHP (analytic hierarchy process), ANP (analytic network process), FUCOM (full consistency method), TOPSIS (technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution), and VIKOR (višekriterijumsko kompromisno rangiranje). The analysis outlines each method’s strengths, limitations and areas of applicability. Special attention is given to the potential of the FUCOM for process evaluation in manufacturing. The findings are intended to guide researchers and practitioners in selecting appropriate decision-making tools based on specific industrial contexts and objectives. In conclusion, from the comparative analysis made, the methodologies reveal their advantages and disadvantages as well as limitations that arise in their application. Full article

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) constitutes a significant clinical condition, frequently associated with a spectrum of complications that may profoundly compromise the health status of neonates, particularly those born preterm. Multiple predisposing factors—including prematurity, low birth weight, and respiratory insufficiency—have been consistently documented in the scientific literature. In this study, we investigated the influence of genetic polymorphisms in genes associated with the arachidonic acid–prostaglandin metabolic pathway. Specifically, we analyzed polymorphisms in genes encoding phospholipase A2 (rs10798059, rs1549637, rs4375, rs1805017, rs1051931), cyclooxygenase-1 (rs1236913), prostaglandin synthase 2 (rs13283456), and the prostaglandin E2 receptor EP4 (rs4613763). The study cohort comprised 99 preterm neonates born between 24 and 32 weeks of gestation. Genetic analyses were performed to identify polymorphisms in the aforementioned genes. Statistical evaluation demonstrated that selected polymorphic were significantly associated with an increased risk of patent ductus arteriosus development. This study represents a preliminary step toward elucidating the contribution of genetic variability to the pathogenesis of patent ductus arteriosus. Improved understanding of these molecular mechanisms may facilitate the early identification of neonates at increased risk and support the implementation of targeted monitoring and preventive strategies in this high-risk population. Full article

In the contemporary economic landscape shaped by globalization and digital transformation, patent-intensive industries have emerged as critical engines for enhancing national competitiveness. This study analyzed 98,464 collaborative patent application records (2012–2023) from listed companies in patent-intensive sectors, sourced from the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) database. Through kernel density estimation, social network analysis, and community detection techniques, we examined the evolutionary trajectories of innovation networks and spatial patterns within these industrial clusters. Our findings indicate a notable spatial agglomeration trend in patent-intensive industries, exhibiting a prominent “core-periphery” structural feature. The core nodes of this cluster network closely align with economically developed regions, and the network structure has gradually shifted from a triangular framework supported by Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, Yangtze River Delta, and Pearl River Delta to a diversified multilateral framework. Moreover, the community structure of the collaborative network within China’s patent-intensive industrial clusters exhibits distinct characteristics driven by technological relevance and strategic synergy, rather than strictly adhering to the principle of geographical proximity. These discoveries not only enrich the application of innovation network theory in the specific context of China, but also provide valuable guidance for cluster enterprises in selecting partners and achieving collaborative innovation. Full article

Aerogels (AGs) are highly porous, low-density, disordered, ultralight macroscopic materials with immense surface areas. Traditionally synthesized using aqueous sol–gel chemistry, starting by molecular precursors, the nanoparticles (NPs) dispersions gelation method is nowadays the most used procedure to obtain AGs with improved crystallinity and broader structural, morphological and compositional complexity. The Sol–gel process consists of preparing a solution by hydrolysis of different precursors, followed by gelation, ageing and a drying phase, via supercritical, freeze-drying or ambient evaporation. AGs can be classified based on various factors, such as appearance, synthetic methods, chemical origin, drying methods, microstructure, etc. Due to their nonpareil characteristics, AGs are completely different from common NPs, thus covering different and more extensive applications. AGs can be applied in supercapacitors, acoustic devices, drug delivery, thermal insulation, catalysis, electrocatalysis, gas absorption, gas separation, organic and inorganic xenobiotics removal from water and air and radionucleotides management. This review provides first an analysis on AGs according to data found in CAS Content Collection. Then, an AGs’ classification based on the chemical origin of their precursors, as well as the different methods existing to prepare AGs and the current optimization strategies are discussed. Following, focusing on AGs of inorganic origin, silica and metal oxide-based AGs are reviewed, deeply discussing their properties, specific synthesis and possible uses. These classes were chosen based on the evidence that they are the most experimented, patented and marketed AGs. Several related case studies are reported, some of which have been presented in reader-friendly tables and discussed. Full article

Polymorphism critically influences the solid-state properties of organic molecules, affecting stability, solubility, and functionality. We investigated the polymorphic behavior of enantiomerically pure (+)-(6aS,11aS)-medicarpin through combined experimental and computational analyses. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction revealed two distinct chiral polymorphs: the previously reported monoclinic P2₁ form and a newly identified orthorhombic P2₁2₁2₁ form with a fully chiral packing arrangement. The discovery of this previously unreported polymorph underscores the subtle yet decisive effects of solvent and conformational flexibility in directing crystallization. Detailed structural analysis reveals that, whereas the P2₁ form is only stabilized by a single dominant electrostatic interaction, the P2₁2₁2₁ form features a more complex network comprising C-H···π contacts, bifurcated C-H···O hydrogen bonds, and aromatic edge-to-face interactions. Further investigation of a functionalized p-nitrobenzoate derivative corroborates the critical influence of molecular substituents and crystallization conditions on packing motifs. Lattice energy DFT calculations confirm that each polymorph is stabilized by distinct electrostatic and dispersive interaction patterns, illustrating the complex energetic landscape of polymorph selection. Altogether, this work provides a framework for understanding and anticipating which polymorph is likely to form under specific solvent and crystallization conditions, offering insights for future strategies in materials design and guiding the pursuit of patentable crystalline forms in pharmaceutical applications. Full article

Background: The dysregulation of both glucose and lipid metabolism is the main clinical features of type 2 diabetes. Qihua Tongtiao Formula (QHTTF) is our team’s current clinical empirical formula, and the related patent has been granted. It is composed of Astragalus membranaceus, Atractylodes macrocephala koidz, Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, Radix Bupleuri, Ligusticum chuanxiong hort, Angelicae sinensis radix, Raphanus sativus, and Polyporus umbellatus. It can alleviate tissue pathological damage in type 2 diabetic rats by improving glycolipid metabolism disorders. Nevertheless, the specific mechanisms of QHTTF in the treatment of type 2 diabetes remain unclear. Purpose: This research aims to explore the fundamental effect and underlying mechanism of the QHTTF formula in ZDF rats via network pharmacology, biological validation, and metabolomics technology. Methods: The chemical compounds of QHTTF were initially identified via UHPLC-MS/MS analysis. Meanwhile, drug targets, genes, related diseases, and differential metabolites of QHTTF in the treatment of T2DM were obtained through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and metabolomics. Then, we conducted animal experiments to further explore the therapeutic molecular mechanism of QHTTF in ZDF rats. Results: A total of 39 main chemical components were recognized through LC-MS/MS technology, and 22 remained after the second screening. Network pharmacology and molecular docking results revealed that 59 intersection targets were involved in the treatment of glycolipid metabolic disorders, and the PPARα, PPARγ, and TNF proteins were identified as crucial targets through PPI network analysis. Additionally, serum metabolomics analysis of ZDF rats showed that QHTTF could regulate linoleic acid metabolism, fructose and mannose metabolism, galactose metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, and other related signaling pathways. The results of biological experiments proved that QHTTF effectively lowered blood glucose and lipid levels, alleviated hepatic and pancreatic pathological damage, increased the expression of IRS-1 and GLUT4 in the pancreas, and improved insulin resistance, while inhibiting the inflammatory response and oxidative stress, as well as enhancing the expression of liver PPARα, PPARγ, and AMPK proteins in ZDF rats. Conclusions: In summary, QHTTF exerted a significant effect in improving glycolipid metabolism disorders of ZDF rats, which might show therapeutic effects by relieving insulin resistance, mitigating inflammation and oxidative damage, regulating related glucose, fatty acid, and amino acid metabolism, and increasing the expression of PPARα, PPARγ, and AMPK proteins by combining network analysis, metabolomics, and biological research. Full article

LED strips are increasingly used as lighting sources in public and private spaces. However, traditional photometric methods, such as integrating spheres, are unsuitable for measuring their light parameters, often resulting in significant errors and requiring expensive instrumentation or calibration. These errors are typically caused by non-uniform illumination of the internal surface or improper internal geometry, especially when measuring LED sources. This article presents the development of a low-cost integrating device specifically designed to measure LED strips’ light parameters. The device is a compact cube with a volume of less than 1.0 m³. It was tested against alternative methods using an integrating sphere and a goniophotometer in a professional photometric laboratory. The verification results confirmed its effectiveness. The device showed the maximum relative error of luminous flux measurement to be around 5% compared with the accurate, expensive goniophotometric method. For colorimetric measurements, the maximum Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) absolute error was about 35 K for an LED strip with a CCT of 4000 K, indicating a difference imperceptible to the human eye. These results demonstrate the device’s proper relevance in the research and development of LED strip-based lighting equipment to improve lighting equipment quality and control processes. The device is easy to replicate, significantly reducing production and transportation costs, making it an excellent solution for companies and research units seeking a cost-effective method for LED strip measurements. Additionally, the device can measure other light sources or luminaires with reasonably small sizes emitting light in only one hemisphere. The device is the basis of a patent application. Full article

A novel skin test for an in vivo assessment of SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell immunity was developed using CoronaDermPS, a multiepitope recombinant polypeptide encompassing MHC II–binding CD4+ T-cell epitopes of the SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins (S, E, M) and full length nucleocapsid (N). In silico epitope prediction and modeling guided antigen design, which was expressed in Escherichia coli, was purified (>95% purity) and formulated for intradermal administration. Preclinical evaluation in guinea pigs, mice, and rhesus macaques demonstrated a robust delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) response at optimal doses (10–75 µg), with no acute or chronic toxicity, mutagenicity, or adverse effects on reproductive organs. An integrated clinical analysis included 374 volunteers stratified by vaccination status (EpiVacCorona, Gam-COVID-Vac, CoviVac) prior to COVID-19 infection (Wuhan/Alpha, Delta, Omicron variants), and SARS-CoV-2–naïve controls. Safety assessments across phase I–II trials recorded 477 adverse events, of which >88% were mild and self-limiting; no severe or anaphylactic reactions occurred. DTH responses were measured at 24 h, 72 h, and 144 h post-injection by papule and hyperemia measurements. Overall, 282/374 participants (75.4%) exhibited a positive skin test. Receiver operating characteristic analysis yielded an overall AUC of 0.825 (95% CI: 0.726–0.924), sensitivity 79.5% (95% CI: 75.1–83.3%), and specificity 85.5% (95% CI: 81.8–88.7%), with comparable diagnostic accuracy across vaccine, and variant subgroups (AUC range 0.782–0.870). CoronaDerm-PS–based skin testing offers a simple, reproducible, and low-cost method for qualitative evaluation of T-cell–mediated immunity to SARS-CoV-2, independent of specialized laboratory equipment (Eurasian Patent No. 047119). Its high safety profile and consistent performance across diverse cohorts support its utility for mass screening and monitoring of cellular immune protection following infection or vaccination. Full article

With the global surge in patent filings, accurately evaluating similarity between patent documents has become increasingly critical. Traditional similarity assessment methods—primarily based on unimodal inputs such as text or bibliographic data—often fall short due to the complexity of legal language and the semantic ambiguity that is inherent in technical writing. To address these limitations, this study introduces a novel multimodal patent similarity evaluation framework that integrates weak AI techniques and conceptual similarity analysis of patent drawings. This approach leverages a domain-specific pre-trained language model optimized for patent texts, statistical correlation analysis between textual and bibliographic information, and a rule-based classification strategy. These components, rooted in weak AI methodology, significantly enhance classification precision. Furthermore, the study introduces the concept of conceptual similarity—as distinct from visual similarity—in the analysis of patent drawings, demonstrating its superior ability to capture the underlying technological intent. An empirical evaluation was conducted on 9613 patents in the manipulator technology domain, yielding 668,010 document pairs. Stepwise experiments demonstrated a 13.84% improvement in classification precision. Citation-based similarity assessment further confirmed the superiority of the proposed multimodal approach over existing methods. The findings underscore the potential of the proposed framework to improve prior art searches, patent examination accuracy, and R&D planning. Full article

Phytochemicals exhibit a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including significant anticancer potential. However, their clinical translation is often hampered by poor aqueous solubility, low bioavailability, and chemical instability. Lipid-based nanocarriers, especially solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), have proven to be effective strategies for addressing these challenges. These nanocarriers improve the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of phytochemical-based anticancer agents, while enabling controlled and tumor-specific drug release. Encapsulation of anticancer phytochemicals such as curcumin, quercetin, resveratrol, silymarin, and naringenin in SLNs and NLCs has demonstrated improved therapeutic efficacy, cellular uptake, and reduced systemic toxicity. Co-delivery strategies, combining multiple phytochemicals or phytochemical–synthetic drug pairs, further contribute to synergistic anticancer effects, dose reduction, and minimized side effects, particularly important in complex cancers such as glioblastoma, breast, and colon cancers. This review presents a comparative overview of SLNs and NLCs in terms of formulation methods, in vitro characterization, and classification of key phytochemicals based on chemical structure and botanical sources. The roles of these lipidic carriers in enhancing anticancer activity, challenges in formulation, and recent patent filings are discussed to highlight ongoing innovations. Additionally, hybrid lipid–polymer nanoparticles are introduced as next-generation carriers combining the benefits of both systems. Future research should aim to develop scalable, biomimetic, and stimuli-responsive nanostructures through advanced surface engineering. Collaborative interdisciplinary efforts and regulatory harmonization are essential to translate these lipid-based carriers into clinically viable platforms for anticancer phytochemical delivery. Full article

As a crucial vehicle for green technological innovation, cooperative networks significantly promote resource integration and knowledge sharing. Yet, their dynamic evolution and micro-mechanism remain underexplored. Drawing on data from the joint applications of green invention patents between 2006 and 2021, this study constructed a multi-agent GTCIN involving multiple stakeholders, such as enterprises, universities, and research institutions, and analyzed the topological structure and evolutionary characteristics of this network; an exponential random graph model (ERGM) was introduced to elucidate its endogenous and exogenous driving mechanisms. The results indicate that while innovation connections increased significantly, the connection density decreased. The network evolved from a “loose homogeneity” to “core aggregation” and then to “outward diffusion”. State-owned enterprises in the power industry and well-known universities are located at the core of the network. Preferential attachment and transitive closure as endogenous mechanisms exert strong and continuous positive effects by reinforcing local clustering and cumulative growth. The effects of exogenous forces exhibit stage-specific characteristics. State ownership and regional location become significant positive drivers only in the mid-to-late stages. The impact of green innovation capability is nonlinear, initially promoting but later exhibiting a significant inhibitory effect. In contrast, green knowledge diversity exerts an opposite pattern, having a negative effect in the early stage due to integration difficulties that turns positive as technical standards mature. Geographical, technological, social, and institutional proximity all have a positive promoting effect on network evolution, with technological proximity being the most influential. However, organizational proximity exerts a significant inhibitory effect in the later stages of GTCIN evolution. This study reveals the shifting influence of endogenous and exogenous mechanisms across different evolutionary phases, providing theoretical and empirical insights into the formation and development of green innovation networks. Full article