Gut microbiota profiles are associated with different spontaneous cortical activity in healthy older people.

It has been shown that the gut and the brain are linked through a multimodal, bidirectional pathway called the gut-brain axis. In the gut-to-brain way, the gut microbiota has been shown to be the main regulator. In clinical practice, evidence of microbiota and brain interactions comes from the association of gut microbiota alterations with neurological and psychiatric conditions.

Functional Profile Differences Across Diagnostic Categories Using WHODAS 2.0 in Adults with Neurological, Musculoskeletal, and Chronic Pain Conditions.

: Functional disability is a growing concern in aging populations with chronic health conditions, yet few studies have compared disability profiles across diagnostic categories using standardized tools. : This study aimed to characterize the functional profiles of adults with neurological, musculoskeletal, and chronic pain conditions using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.

Mini-scale traffic flow optimization: an iterative QUBOs approach converting from hybrid solver to pure quantum processing unit.

Traffic congestion continues to pose a significant challenge in urban environments, necessitating innovative approaches to traffic management. This paper explores the application of Quantum Annealing (QA) for real-world traffic optimization, expanding on the pioneering work of Volkswagen and D-Wave. In 2017, a collaborative team demonstrated the potential of QA to optimize traffic flow by solving a complex Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO) problem involving 418 cars, which required 1,254 qubits.

Blood Biomarkers of Neurodegeneration over Four Decades After Toxic Oil Syndrome: A Case-Control Study.

Toxic oil syndrome (TOS) is a multisystemic disease that emerged in Spain in 1981 due to the ingestion of aniline-adulterated rapeseed oil fraudulently sold as olive oil. Although neurological sequelae, including cognitive deficits, have been documented in long-term survivors, it remains unclear whether TOS leads to chronic or progressive neurodegeneration. In this case-control study, we measured blood concentrations of neurofilament light chain (NfL), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and phosphorylated tau 217 (pTau217) in 50 individuals with clinically confirmed TOS and 50 matched healthy controls.

fNIRS Feasibility to Measure Brain Oxygenation Patterns of the Motor Cortex in Relation to Massage and Reflex Locomotion Therapy in Babies.

Newborns' plasticity allows the brain to adapt and reorganize in response to external stimuli; therefore, tactile stimuli could generate brain changes. The objective of this study was to verify the feasibility of using fNIRS to measure the degree of brain oxygenation with tactile techniques in babies. Oxygenation was recorded continuously and bilaterally before, during, and after the interventions (massage protocol and Reflex Locomotion Therapy) with functional near-infrared spectroscopy in 11-week-old babies.

Cognitive Functioning in Toxic Oil Syndrome Survivors: A Case-Control Study Four Decades After the Epidemic.

Toxic oil syndrome (TOS) was a major food-borne epidemic that occurred in Spain in May 1981, caused by the ingestion of rapeseed oil adulterated with aniline. While the somatic sequelae of TOS have been well documented, its long-term cognitive consequences remain poorly understood more than four decades after exposure. In this case-control study, 50 individuals with clinically confirmed TOS were compared to 50 healthy controls matched for age, sex, and education.

Sustainable machining of Inconel 718 using minimum quantity lubrication: Artificial intelligence-based process modelling.

Governments and industries are developing aggressive policies to reduce carbon emissions and shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy. On the other hand, industries struggle to reduce energy consumption and depend on production lot sizes to control energy requirements. In this regard, energy-efficient processing through CNC machine tools can potentially influence energy demand and requires energy-aware power consumption strategies for machining processes.

Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation combined with robotic-assisted body weight-supported treadmill training enhances motor score and gait recovery in incomplete spinal cord injury: a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background: Although transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) has been suggested as a safe and feasible intervention for gait rehabilitation, no studies have determined its effectiveness compared to sham stimulation.

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of tSCS combined with robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) on lower limb muscle strength and walking function in incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) participants.

Methods: A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial was conducted.

Sustainability metrics targeted optimization and electric discharge process modelling by neural networks.

Aluminium and its alloys, especially Al6061, have gathered significant interest among researchers due to its less density, great durability, and high strength. Due to their lightweight properties, the precise machining of these alloys can become expensive through conventional machining operations for intricate products. Therefore, non-traditional machining such as electric discharge machining (EDM) can potentially be opted for the cutting of Al6061.

A new modular neuroprosthesis suitable for hybrid FES-robot applications and tailored assistance.

Background: To overcome the application limitations of functional electrical stimulation (FES), such as fatigue or nonlinear muscle response, the combination of neuroprosthetic systems with robotic devices has been evaluated, resulting in hybrid systems that have promising potential. However, current technology shows a lack of flexibility to adapt to the needs of any application, context or individual. The main objective of this study is the development of a new modular neuroprosthetic system suitable for hybrid FES-robot applications to meet these needs.

Leveraging Generative AI Models in Urban Science.

Since the late 2000s, cities have emerged as the primary human habitat across the globe, and this trend is anticipated to continue strengthening in the coming decades. As we increasingly inhabit human-designed urban spaces, it becomes crucial to understanding better how these environments influence human behavior and how individuals perceive the city. In this chapter, we begin by examining the interplay between urban form and social behavior, highlighting key indicators of urban morphology, and presenting state-of-the-art methodologies for data collection.

Orthopedic Conditions and Interplay with Functional Abilities and MECP2 Variant Subtype in Rett Syndrome Patients.

Purpose: Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare multi-systemic disorder primarily linked to mutations in MECP2 gene. This study aims to describe the prevalence of orthopedic conditions in RTT patients, and examine their intricate interplay with functional capabilities, and MECP2 variant subtypes.

Methods: Conducted as a cross-sectional retrospective observational study, the research encompassed 55 patients meeting clinical RTT criteria and holding MECP2 mutations.

Humanoid Head Camera Stabilization Using a Soft Robotic Neck and a Robust Fractional Order Controller.

In this paper, a new approach for head camera stabilization of a humanoid robot head is proposed, based on a bio-inspired soft neck. During walking, the sensors located on the humanoid's head (cameras or inertial measurement units) show disturbances caused by the torso inclination changes inherent to this process. This is currently solved by a software correction of the measurement, or by a mechanical correction by motion cancellation.

Innovative Metaheuristic Optimization Approach with a Bi-Triad for Rehabilitation Exoskeletons.

The present work proposes a comprehensive metaheuristic methodology for the development of a medical robot for the upper limb rehabilitation, which includes the topological optimization of the device, kinematic models (5 DOF), human-robot interface, control and experimental tests. This methodology applies two cutting-edge triads: (1) the three points of view in engineering design (client, designer and community) and (2) the triad formed by three pillars of Industry 4.0 (autonomous machines and systems, additive manufacturing and simulation of virtual environments).

Exploring Cognitive Dysfunction in Long COVID Patients: Eye Movement Abnormalities and Frontal-Subcortical Circuits Implications via Eye-Tracking and Machine Learning.

Background: Cognitive dysfunction is regarded as one of the most severe aftereffects following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Eye movements, controlled by several brain areas, such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and frontal-thalamic circuits, provide a potential metric for assessing cortical networks and cognitive status. We aimed to examine the utility of eye movement measurements in identifying cognitive impairments in long COVID patients.

Assessing Cognitive Workload in Motor Decision-Making through Functional Connectivity Analysis: Towards Early Detection and Monitoring of Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and frontotemporal dementia, among others, are increasingly prevalent in the global population. The clinical diagnosis of these NDs is based on the detection and characterization of motor and non-motor symptoms. However, when these diagnoses are made, the subjects are often in advanced stages where neuromuscular alterations are frequently irreversible.

Physeal Migration During Knee-guided Growth With Tension Band Plates: Influence of Implant Position.

Objective: Physeal migration during guided growth with tension band plates (TBPs) has been poorly described. The positioning factors associated with this phenomenon and its clinical implications are unknown. Our aim is to determine the influence of implant position on the risk of physeal migration during knee-guided growth with TBP.

Structural modeling and analysis of fuel cell: a graph-theoretic approach.

A fuel cell, an energy conversion system, needs analysis for its performance at the design and off-design point conditions during its real-time operation. System performance evaluation with logical methodology is helpful in decision-making while considering efficiency and cross-correlated parameters in fuel cells. This work presents an overview and categorization of different fuel cells, leading to the developing of a method combining graph theory and matrix method for analyzing fuel cell system structure to make more informed decisions.

Scoliosis in Adolescent Patients With Down Syndrome: Correlation Between Curve Magnitude and Functional Level.

Study Design: This is a retrospective, observational comparative study.

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine whether a relationship exists between the functional level and spinal deformity in patients with Down syndrome (DS).

Summary Of Background Data: Patients with DS have a higher incidence of scoliosis than the general population; however, it is unknown whether functional level influences the characteristics and severity of the deformity.

Is There a Relationship Between the Functional Level of Juvenile and Adolescent Patients With Down Syndrome and Hip Dysplasia?

Background: The prevalence of hip dysplasia among patients with Down syndrome (DS) is higher than in the general population. We hypothesize that a relationship may exist between functional level and hip dysplasia in DS, but this has not been studied to date. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether there is a relationship between functional level and radiographic parameters of hip dysplasia or other measures.

Long-term Impact of Planovalgus Foot on Activities of Daily Living in Patients With Down Syndrome.

Introduction: Planovalgus foot (PVF) is the most common orthopaedic abnormality in children with Down syndrome (DS), and as a result these patients rarely develop an adequate plantar arch in adulthood. The present study aims to evaluate the impact of PVF on activities of daily living and participation in sports among young adults with DS and determine whether this impact is related to the degree of foot deformity based on clinical and imaging studies.

Methods: Observational analytical study examining a database of 649 patients with DS from a pediatric referral center, identifying those individuals over age 20 years at the time of the study with a childhood diagnosis of PVF.

Helical Milling of CFRP/Ti6Al4V Stacks Using Nano Fluid Based Minimum Quantity Lubrication (NF-MQL): Investigations on Process Performance and Hole Integrity.

The structural components in the aeronautical industry require CFRP/Ti6Al4V stacks to be processed together, which results in poor hole integrity due to the thermal properties of the materials and challenges related to processability. These challenges include quality variation of the machined holes because of the limitations in process properties. Therefore, a novel solution through helical milling is investigated in the study using nano fluid based minimum quantity lubrication (NF-MQL).