Search Results (2,273)

Novel bread formulations with natural improvers have become an essential part of improving the quality of bakery products. In the present study, novel bread improvers made using Gagome kelp cellulose (GC) were systemically evaluated, and cellulose-improved dough (GC-dough), gluten (GC-gluten), and gluten protein and starch (GC-starch) were all studied. The results indicated that the water and oil holding capacity, cholesterol-adsorptive capacity, and the unsaturated fat and saturated fat adsorptive capacities of GC had increased. GC also showed high glucose adsorptive capacity, antioxidant activity, α-amylase inhibition, and glucose diffusion inhibition activity. Furthermore, the color of the GC-dough was improved with the addition of the GC, which also affected the content of glutenin, the water holding capacity in GC-gluten, and the solubility of GC-starch. In addition, the cross-linked network formed by GC could be observed in the GC-bread, indicating an improvement in texture and sensory evaluation. Bread with 1% (m/m) added GC provided the highest sensory characteristics and the best cold storage stability, which suggests that it is the best strategy for further study. The results might show a potential application of by-products of marine origin in commercial bakery production. Full article

A fundamental step to foster a sustainable future is enhancing students’ awareness of responsible food consumption. The present research study assessed students’ awareness of food waste (FW) issues, attitudes towards school catering and lunch management, and the reasons for plate waste (PW) in Rezekne city schools, Latvia. A survey was conducted in April 2024 involving 944 students in grades 2 to 7 across four selected schools (S1, S2, S3, and S4), provided with state and municipality-funded free lunches. Statistical analysis methods (Mean ± SD, Kruskal–Wallis H test, Mann–Whitney U post hoc test, and Spearman’s correlation analysis) were used to analyze the results. The findings revealed limited awareness and knowledge of students about FW issues, and generally indifferent attitude towards FW and school meals. In addition, significant dissatisfaction with the sensory qualities of meals was observed, yet sensory satisfaction did not correlate with FW levels, pointing to broader issues within the catering model. The restrictive pre-served portion system was found ineffective in reducing FW and fostering responsible consumption. A sustainable catering model should empower students to independently choose the type and quantity of food, combining their abilities and motivation with practical actions. These findings provide a basis for strategies aimed at reducing FW and promoting responsible and sustainable food consumption in Latvian schools. Full article

Background: Children with disabilities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), face heightened risks of vaccine-preventable diseases due to a range of systemic and social barriers. Although immunization is a fundamental human right and a proven public health intervention, this vulnerable group is often overlooked in policy and practice. Understanding the factors compromising vaccine equity for these children is critical to reducing zero-dose prevalence and improving health outcomes. Methods: This scoping review examined peer-reviewed, gray literature from 2010 to 2024. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, and relevant organizational reports (WHO, UNICEF). Studies addressing children with disabilities and focusing on immunization barriers, interventions, or lessons learned were selected. English-language publications were screened in title/abstract and full-text stages. Key data extracted included population, barriers, and immunization outcomes. Since this review focused on articles in English, this is a key limitation. Results were synthesized thematically to identify recurring patterns and to guide improved interventions and policies. Results: Twelve articles met the inclusion criteria. Key barriers identified were inadequate healthcare infrastructure, insufficient provider training, limited follow-up services in rural regions, societal stigma, and pervasive misconceptions around both disability and vaccines. Factors such as maternal education, logistical support for caregivers, and using low-sensory, inclusive vaccination settings were consistently linked with better outcomes. Effective strategies included mobile vaccination units, tailored interventions (e.g., distraction or sedation techniques), school-based immunization programs, and robust community engagement to address stigma. Lessons learned underscored the importance of flexible, individualized care plans and empowering families through transparent communication. Conclusions: Children with disabilities continue to experience significant gaps in immunization coverage, driven by intersecting barriers at the individual, health system, and societal levels. Scaling tailored interventions, inclusive policies, strengthened infrastructure, and ongoing research can help ensure these children receive equitable access to life-saving vaccinations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Olfaction is in many ways the least understood sensory modality. Its organization and connectivity are still under debate. The aim of this study was to investigate the anatomy of the olfactory system by using a cadaver fiber dissection technique and in vivo tractography to attain a deeper understanding of the subcortical connectivity and organization. Methods: Ten cerebral hemispheres were used in this study for white matter dissection according to Klingler’s technique. Measurements of different cortical structures and interhemispheric symmetry were compared. Diffusion tensor imaging sequences from twenty-five healthy individuals from the Human Connectome Project dataset were used to explore the connectivity of the olfactory system using DSI Studio. White matter connectivity between the following were reconstructed in vivo: (1) Olfactory bulb to primary olfactory cortices; (2) Olfactory bulb to secondary olfactory cortices; (3) Primary to secondary olfactory cortices. The DTI metrics of the identified major associative, projection and commissural pathways were subsequently correlated with olfactory function and cognition in seventy-five healthy individuals with Spearman’s rank correlation and the Benjamini–Hochberg method for false discoveries (CI 95%, p < 0.05) using R. Results: 1. The dissection showed that the lateral stria was significantly longer on the left side and projected towards the amygdala, the entorhinal and piriform cortex. 2. The medial stria was not evident as a consistent white matter structure. 3. Both dissection and tractography showed that major associative white matter pathways such as the uncinate fasciculus, the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus and cingulum supported the connectivity between olfactory areas together with the anterior commissure. 4. No significant correlation was found between DTI metrics and sensory or cognition test results. Conclusions: We present the first combined fiber dissection analysis and tractography of the olfactory system. We propose a novel definition where the primary olfactory network is defined by the olfactory tract/bulb and primary olfactory cortices through the lateral stria only. The uncinate fasciculus, inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus and cingulum are the associative pathways supporting the connectivity between primary and secondary olfactory areas together with the anterior commissure. We suggest considering these structures as a secondary olfactory network. Further work is needed to attain a deeper understanding of the pathological and physiological implications of the olfactory system. Full article

The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) systems, such as predictive AI, generative AI, and explainable AI, is in contrast to the slower development and uptake of robotic AI systems. Dynamic environments, sensory processing, mechanical movements, power management, and safety are inherent complexities of robotic intelligence capabilities that can be addressed using novel AI approaches. The current AI landscape is dominated by machine learning techniques, specifically deep learning algorithms, that have been effective in addressing some of these challenges. However, these algorithms are subject to computationally complex processing and operational needs such as high data dependency. In this paper, we propose a computation-efficient and data-efficient framework for robotic motion intelligence (RMI) based on vector symbolic architectures (VSAs) and blockchain-based smart contracts. The capabilities of VSAs are leveraged for computationally efficient learning and noise suppression during perception, motion, movement, and decision-making tasks. As a distributed ledger technology, smart contracts address data dependency through a decentralized, distributed, and secure transactions ledger that satisfies contractual conditions. An empirical evaluation of the framework confirms its value and contribution towards addressing the practical challenges of robotic motion intelligence by significantly reducing the learnable parameters by 10 times while preserving sufficient accuracy compared to existing deep learning solutions. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study evaluated the effects of a tactile-discrimination compensatory real-time feedback device on hand sensorimotor function in cervical spinal cord injury patients. The study assessed changes in hand numbness, dexterity, and electroencephalogram (EEG) activity, particularly γ-wave power in the sensorimotor area during skilled finger movements. Methods: Three patients with cervical spinal cord injury who presented with hand sensorimotor dysfunction underwent treatment with this device. All cases underwent the intervention using an AB design; A is the exercise task without the system device, and B is the exercise task under the system device. To confirm the reproducibility and minimize the influence of confounding factors, a multiple-baseline design, in which the intervention period was staggered for each subject, was applied. To determine efficacy, the hand numbness numerical rating scale, peg test, and EEG were measured daily, and Tau-U calculations were performed. Results: In two of three cases, moderate or very large changes were observed in numbness in B. In all cases, there was a large or very large change in the peg test results in the B. Regarding EEG activity, the non-skilled participants showed amplification of γ-wave power in the sensorimotor area during the B. Conversely, in the skilled participants, the γ-wave power of the sensorimotor area was attenuated during skillful movements. Conclusions: These findings indicate that the ability of the brain to compare and align predictive control with sensory feedback might be compromised in patients with damage to the afferent pathways of the central nervous system. Moreover, the use of this device appears to have played a role in supporting functional recovery. Full article

Many neurobehavioral tests are used for the assessment of human-like behaviors in animals. Most of them were developed in rodents and are used for the assessment of animal models that mimic human neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders (NDDs). We have described tests for assessing social behavior, social interaction, and social communication; tests for restricted and repetitive behaviors; tests for cognitive impairment, for sensory stimuli, for anxiety like behavior, and for motor coordination deviations. These tests are used to demonstrate autistic-like behavior as well as other NDDs. We described possible general pitfalls in the performance of such studies, as well as probable individual errors for each group of tests assessing specific behavior. The mentioned pitfalls may induce crucial errors in the interpretation of the results, minimizing the reliability of specific models of defined human NDD. It is imperative to minimize these pitfalls and use sufficient and reliable tests that can demonstrate as many of the traits of the human disorder, grade the severity of the specific deviations and the severity of the tested NDD by using a scoring system. Due to possible gender differences in the clinical presentations of NDD, it is important to carry out studies on males and females. Full article

Due to the increasing concern about the negative impact of the modern food system and the need to design foods to improve their healthiness and sustainability, in the current study, a fortified cheesecake was developed by using juice, peels, and pomace from prickly pears, which are fruit by-products rich in active compounds. After proper dehydration and being ground to produce a fine powder, some traditional ingredients were substituted with fruit juice and by-products. The water content loss during dehydration and the energy consumed per g of dehydrated by-product were assessed using a proper mathematical approach. A sensory evaluation was carried out using a panel test, thus verifying that the new dessert made with prickly pears was comparable to the traditional one; both recorded high scores of acceptability (sensory score ranged between 8 and 9). The centesimal composition of the two cheesecakes also demonstrated that the ingredient substitution did not affect the energetic value of the final product (290 vs. 248 kcal/100 g); on the contrary, it promoted an increase in carbohydrates (27.38 vs. 26.26 g/100 g), lipids (16.98 vs. 12.94 g/100 g), and total fibers (5.7 vs. 4.2 g/100 g). To demonstrate that the recycling of by-products from prickly pears could represent an advantage from an environmental point of view, a full Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was carried out. In relation to this, three environmental impact categories, such as Global Warming Potential, Acidification and Eutrophication, which are associated with three different biowaste treatment options—such as composting, landfilling, and recycling—were assessed. The results from the LCA highlighted that recycling always emerged as the most sustainable biowaste management option. For all environmental impact categories analyzed, recycling resulted in an overall environmental saving (−7.63 kgCO₂eq/kg biowaste; −0.116 kgSO₂eq/kg biowaste; and −0.055 kgPO₄³⁻eq/kg biowaste). In addition, the comparison between the traditional cheesecake and the fortified one, in terms of impacts per kg of cheesecake, demonstrated that replacing food items with recycled biowaste may result in a general reduction in emissions and resources. Therefore, this case study represents a valid example of zero-waste production, offering a concrete suggestion as to how processed foods can be redesigned to make them healthier from a more sustainable perspective. Full article

(1) Background: Based on the reafference principle, our system creates an efferent signal copy to distinguish external inputs from our activities in the afferent signal. According to this principle, sensory and motor information from the outside world travel together from the periphery to the brain. (2) Methods: This work introduces signal processing methods that extract contextual sensory preferences from motor streams. Speed and acceleration data were collected as participants walked under different conditions: in silence (with open and closed eyes), while listening to two different songs (each with open and closed eyes), and finally while walking to their favorite song. Ten individuals completed a total of seven conditions. (3) Results: Variations in the walking patterns of each participant were identified, revealing the sensory inputs they perceived. The results also indicated the audio and visual conditions that optimized the participant’s sensory–motor system performance. (4) Conclusions: The outcomes suggest that we can extract from motor stream particulars that go beyond an individual’s movement qualities and toward the contextual sensory inputs accompanying the movement data, even when participants execute the very same task of walking. Full article

Recurrent and intense headache is a well appreciated cardinal feature of migraine, a common and incapacitating neurological disorder. Often, there are associated canonical sensory abnormalities, such as light and sound sensitivity, as well as associated nausea. Given this phenotype of disordered sensory processing and, in a third of patients, the phenomenon called aura accompanying migraine attacks, it has been suggested that the pathophysiology of migraine is likely to involve glutamate, the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). Glutamate plays a role in nociception, central sensitization, and cortical spreading depression (CSD), three processes that are deemed important in migraine biology. With an emphasis on the therapeutic potential of targeting various glutamate receptors in migraine, this review will discuss the currently available literature and emerging findings on the role of targeting glutamatergic pathways for the treatment of migraine. A thorough literature review was carried out on the functions of both metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), and the ionotropic glutamate receptors (NMDA, AMPA, and kainate) in migraine pathogenesis. The ever-present need for new treatments, the role of glutamate in the migraine aura phenomenon, and the consequences of monogenic migraine mutations on mediating prolonged, complex, or permanent aura are all discussed, culminating in a suggestion that glutamatergic targeting may hold particular promise in the management of migraine aura. There are plausible roles for metabotropic receptors in regulating pain processing in important migraine-related brain structures, like the thalamus and trigeminal nucleus. Similarly, ionotropic receptors contribute to excitatory neurotransmission and neuronal hyperexcitability. Recent studies have shown preclinical and early clinical results for treatments targeting these receptors, but there are still significant issues with treatment response, including drug transport, side effects, and efficacy. With ongoing and emerging discoveries in the field, there is increasing promise of new migraine medications targeting glutamate receptors. For bench to bedside translation in this area, continued study of the molecular basis of migraine, receptor subtypes, and exploration of potential drug delivery methods are needed. Full article

This paper presents an alarm system and teleoperation control framework, comparing ROS 1 and ROS 2 within a local network to mitigate the risk of robots failing to reach their goals during autonomous navigation. Such failures can occur when the robot moves through irregular terrain, becomes stuck on small steps, or approaches walls and obstacles without maintaining a safe distance. These issues may arise due to a combination of technical, environmental, and operational factors, including inaccurate sensor data, sensor blind spots, localization errors, infeasible path planning, and an inability to adapt to unexpected obstacles. The system integrates a web-based graphical interface developed using frontend frameworks and a joystick for real-time monitoring and control of the robot’s localization, velocity, and proximity to obstacles. The robot is equipped with RGB-D and tracking cameras, a 2D LiDAR, and odometry sensors, providing detailed environmental data. The alarm system provides sensory feedback through visual alerts on the web interface and vibration alerts on the joystick when the robot approaches walls, faces potential collisions with objects, or loses stability. The system is evaluated in both simulation (Gazebo) and real-world experiments, where latency is measured and sensor performance is assessed for both ROS 1 and ROS 2. The results demonstrate that both systems can operate effectively in real time, ensuring the robot’s safety and enabling timely operator intervention. ROS 2 offers lower latency for LiDAR and joystick inputs, making it advantageous over ROS 1. However, camera latency is higher, suggesting the need for potential optimizations in image data processing. Additionally, the platform supports the integration of additional sensors or applications based on user requirements. Full article

Background and Objectives: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has been shown to modulate various voltage-gated ion channels and both excitatory and inhibitory synapses. Nonetheless, its exact effect on nociceptive signaling in the trigeminal system has yet to be elucidated. The purpose of the current investigation was to assess if acute DHA given intravenously to rats diminished the excitability of wide dynamic range spinal trigeminal nucleus caudalis (SpVc) neurons in response to mechanical stimulation in vivo. Methods: Single-unit extracellular activity was recorded from SpVc neurons in response to mechanical stimulation of the whisker pad in anesthetized rats. Responses to both non-noxious and noxious mechanical stimuli were analyzed in the present study. Results: The mean firing frequency of SpVc wide dynamic range neurons in response to both non-noxious and noxious mechanical stimuli was significantly dose-dependently inhibited by DHA, and the effect was seen within 5 min. After approximately 20 min, the inhibiting effects dissipated. Conclusions: These results suggest that, in the absence of inflammatory or neuropathic pain, the acute intravenous administration of DHA reduces the activity of trigeminal sensory neurons, including those responsible for pain, indicating that DHA could be utilized as an adjunct and alternative therapeutic agent for managing trigeminal nociceptive pain, including hyperalgesia. Full article

This study aimed to manufacture kefir from camel milk using an extensive production system with different amounts of kefir grains, as well as to highlight their nutritional, sensorial, and technological characteristics. During processing, the pasteurization of camel milk, the addition of three doses of kefir grains (2%, 5%, and 10%), and incubation for 18 h were carried out. The microbiological and nutritional properties of the camel milk, kefir grains, and resulting kefirs were assessed. The sensory evaluation and technological processes involved in the production of the selected kefir were then carried out. The results showed that the chemical composition of the camel milk was as follows: fat: 41.7 ± 3.18 g/L; protein content: 37.82 ± 0.66 g/L; ash: 8.92 ± 0.61 g/L; dry matter: 114.21 ± 0.11 g/L; and lactose: 41.3 ± 0.21 g/L. Kefir grains were acidic and moist and contained low fat content (0.02 ± 0.01). The total aerobic flora in camel milk was FAMT 4.77 × 10⁴ CFU/mL. The bacterial load of lactic acid bacteria in the camel kefir prepared with 10% kefir grains was 5.1 ± 0.6 log₁₀ CFU/mL, while the yeast and mold load was 4.24 ± 0.83 log₁₀ CFU/mL. The amount of kefir grains present had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on pH, acidity, and viscosity and improved the protein content, resulting in higher nutritional quality. According to a sensory evaluation, the ranking test showed that the best camel kefir can be produced by the addition of 2% kefir grains. It was the most appreciated by 73% of the tasters based on its physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory characteristics. All obtained camel kefirs were able to fulfill the Codex Alimentarius requirements, ensuring their safety and quality, with overall improvements in taste, texture, and acceptability. A phenotypic and morphological study of lactic acid bacteria isolated from the selected kefir (CK 2%, 18H) showed that these bacteria are Gram+, citrate+, catalase−, shell−, and rod-shaped. All the strains isolated showed good lipolytic and proteolytic activity, with areas of proteolysis between 8 and 15 mm. These strains were also revealed to have antibacterial activity and good acidifying and texturizing effects. Full article

Background/Objectives: Tentonin-3/TMEM150C is a pore-forming protein of a mechanically activated channel recently identified that typically displays rapid activation followed by slow inactivation. It has been detected in murine dorsal root ganglia, nodose ganglion baroreceptors, and muscle spindles. Nevertheless, primary sensory neurons expressing tentonin-3/TMEM150C fall into the categories of nociceptors, mechanoreceptors, and proprioceptors. Methods: We used immunohistochemistry and image analysis (examining the size of the neuronal bodies in the dorsal root ganglia) to investigate the distribution of tentonin-3/TMEM150C in human cervical dorsal root ganglia, sensory nerve formations in the glabrous skin, especially cutaneous end-organ complexes or sensory corpuscles, and muscle spindles. Results: In dorsal root ganglia, 41% of neurons were tentonin-3/TMEM150C-positive, with a distribution of small (12.0%), intermediate (18.1%), and large (10.9%). In the glabrous skin, tentonin-3/TMEM150C was observed in the axon of Meissner, Pacinian, and Ruffini corpuscles as well as in the axon of the Merkel cell–axon complexes. Furthermore, tentonin-3/TMEM150C-positive axons were observed in muscle spindles. No free nerve endings displaying immunoreactivity were found. Conclusions: This is the first report on the distribution of tentonin-3/TMEM150C immunoreactivity in the human peripheral somatosensory system, and although it is a brief preliminary study, it opens new perspectives for the study of this new mechano-gated ion channel. Full article

Migraine headache (MH) and cluster headache (CH) are debilitating primary headache disorders that impose a significant global burden. While they share certain clinical features, such as unilateral pain and autonomic dysfunction, their underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain distinct. Advances in the understanding of neurophysiological features, such as neuroimaging and biomarker research, have provided critical insights into both their overlapping and divergent characteristics. Neurophysiological research has revealed differences in nociceptive processing, cortical excitability, and sensory integration, underscoring the complexity of these conditions. Neuroimaging studies reveal common activation patterns within pain-processing networks, including the trigeminal system and hypothalamus, while highlighting key differences, such as hypothalamic hyperactivity in CH and cortical alterations in MH. Additionally, biomarker research has identified shared elements, including elevated calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), yet distinct variations in its regulation and genetic predispositions. Genome-wide association studies have further elucidated the genetic architecture of these disorders, uncovering susceptibility loci that reinforces their unique yet occasionally intersecting genetic foundations. These multifield advancements not only enhance the understanding of MH and CH pathophysiology but also pave the way for improved diagnostic precision, personalized therapeutic strategies, and future research. Full article