How does it affect the willingness to continue rehabilitation training? A usability evaluation of a multi-sensory rehabilitation interactive game system (MRIGS) for older adults with mild dementia.

The prevalence of dementia is increasing every year, with one person developing dementia every 3 s. Therefore, this study proposes a novel multi-sensory rehabilitation interactive game system (MRIGS), which uses grip assistive devices combined with different colors and tactile stimulation to achieve multi-sensory training effects of vision, hearing, and touch. This study involved 17 older adults (72.

Succession-driven potential functional shifts in microbial communities in the tire-plastisphere: Comparison of pristine and scrap tire.

Tire microplastics (TMPs) represent a major contributor to microplastic pollution, posing threats to aquatic ecosystems. As carbon-rich substrates, TMPs influence microbial colonization and ecological functions. This study investigates the impacts of pristine (P-TMPs) and scrap (S-TMPs) TMPs from the same brand on microbial communities within the tire-plastisphere.

Bacterial Diversity Dynamics in Sandy Loam Soils in Tanzania Under Varying Fertilizer-Derived Uranium Concentrations.

The presence of radiotoxic uranium (U) in mineral fertilizers is of global concern. A pilot study was conducted in Tabora (Tanzania) to determine the release of U from three brands of phosphate fertilizers and its impact on soil bacteria. The experiment used three types of fertilizer: Minjingu Powder (MP), Nafaka Plus (NP), a mixed and granulated fertilizer made from Minjingu Phosphate Rock (MPR), and YaraMila Cereal (YC) fertilizer.

Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Delivery of AntimiR-Conjugated Bio-Gold Nanoparticles for In Vivo Tumor Targeting.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are involved in cell-to-cell communication and delivery of signaling molecules and represent an interesting approach in targeted therapy. This project focused on EV-mediated facilitation and cell-specific delivery of effector antimiR molecules carried by biologically produced gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). First, we loaded EVs derived from cancer cells 4T1 with AuNPs-antimiR.

Assessment of Durability and Degradation Resistance of Geopolymer Composites in Water Environments.

This article presents experimental studies on the characterization of geopolymer composites intended for applications in aquatic environments, with particular emphasis on underwater infrastructure. The motivation for conducting the research was the growing need to develop durable and ecological building materials that will be resistant to long-term exposure to moisture and aggressive chemical agents, typical for the underwater environment, where traditional cement concretes undergo gradual degradation due to long-term water impact, including hydrotechnical and underwater infrastructure. Geopolymer binders were produced based on metakaolin activated by alkaline solutions containing sodium hydroxide.

Effect of Waste Metal and Chamotte Fillers on the Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Geopolymer Composites for Energy Storage Applications.

This study investigates the effects of varying filler content on the thermal and mechanical performance of metakaolinite-based geopolymer composites designed for thermal energy storage applications. The composites were formulated using a geopolymer binder, combined with a thermally stable filler (ground chamotte) and a thermal energy storage filler (waste steel chips) in different proportions. Chamotte content within the binder matrix (binder + chamotte) ranged from 20 to 40 wt.

Inter Laminar Shear Strength of Flax-Glass Hybrid Polymer Composites for Automotive Frame: Numerical Modelling and Experimental Analysis.

This study deals with the mechanical performance in the case of hybrid polymer composites developed from sandwiched reinforcements using natural fibre and glass fibre-based fabrics. The composites developed by using different combinations and arrangements of the glass and flax fabrics were tested for the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS). Finite element analysis based on ANSYS was used to determine the ILSS for the hybrid composites.

Mechanical Properties of Dental Enamel in Patients with Genetic Caries Susceptibility.

This study evaluated the physicochemical and morphological properties of tooth enamel in patients with caries-predisposing SNPs (rs4694075 in and rs2337359 in genes), based on the DMFT index. We included 40 of 120 individuals (aged 19-43), collecting stimulated saliva and 58 healthy teeth extracted for orthodontic/surgical reasons. Saliva DNA was genotyped.

Microbial diversity at remediated former gold and copper mines and the metal tolerance of indigenous microbial strains.

Metamorphic Devonian rocks in the northern Moravian Jeseník district (Czech Republic) contain non-vein polymetallic, copper, and gold deposits. Sulfide leaching following previous mining activities has caused significant chemical and physical alterations in the local environment, resulting in biological process shifts. Here, we present a detailed microbiological survey of the Zlaté Hory mine and its adjacent features, including tailings, sediments, and treated mine water.

Brackish Water Desalination Using Electrodialysis: Influence of Operating Parameters on Energy Consumption and Scalability.

Groundwater is one of the main water sources for consumption, domestic use, agriculture, and tourism in coastal communities. However, high total dissolved solids (TDS) levels in the water (700-2000 mg L TDS) and electrical conductivity (3000-5000 µS cm) threaten the health and economic growth opportunities for residents. This research aims to evaluate the performance of a laboratory-scale electrodialysis system as a technology for desalinating brackish water.

Analytical approach for modelling of thread crimp in jacquard woven two-dimensional fabrics.

This study investigates and discusses the thread crimp in the jacquard woven two-dimensional (2D) fabrics. The study of thread crimp is important for technologists and weavers from a practical point of view, as it has a considerable influence on the behavior of the fabric during weaving on the weaving machine, and subsequently in the finishing process. The basis of the study is the creation of an analytical approach that allows estimating the thread crimp before weaving.

Dual acute effects of tire microplastics and their leachates on Spirodela polyrhiza and phyllosphere bacteria.

Tire microplastics (TMPs) significantly contribute to global plastic pollution, entering aquatic environments primarily through runoff, where they pose potential threats to aquatic ecosystems. Beyond the particles themselves, TMPs-derived leachates further exacerbate environmental risks. Despite growing concern over plastic pollution, the influences of TMPs and their leachates on aquatic systems remain largely understudied.

Nanofibrous polyamide homopolymers and copolymers as advanced sorbents for on-line solid phase extraction coupled with liquid chromatography determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

New polyamide (PA) homopolymers and copolymers nanofibers with different alkyl chain lengths as novel materials have been investigated for the automation of on-line sample preparation step and extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from the environment. PA 4/6 nanofiber copolymer showed the highest extraction yield of tested analytes and comparable performance with commercial reversed phase C18 sorbent. Our study presents an automation of on-line solid phase extraction method coupled with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection for the analysis of nine PAHs in river water.

Expanding our knowledge of Synurales (Chrysophyceae) in Florida, United States: Proposing three novel Mallomonas taxa.

We conducted a survey of Synurales diversity in Florida (United States), focusing on two established hotspots-Ocala National Forest and Myakka River State Park-and two previously unexplored sites-Manatee Lake and Lake Lee. Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we identified 69 species, increasing the total number recorded from Florida to 90. Among these, three species-Mallomonas cornea sp.

Radiative Heat Transfer Properties of Fiber-Aerogel Composites for Thermal Insulation.

Fiber-aerogel composites have gained significant attention as high-performance thermal insulation materials due to their unique microstructure, which suppresses conductive, convective, and radiative heat transfer. At room temperature, silica aerogels in particular exhibit ultralow thermal conductivity (<0.02 W/m·K), which is two to three times lower than that of still air (0.

Programmable flow heart cutting solid phase extraction using polydopamine coated microfibrous sorbent as a front-end to UHPLC for direct determination of xenobiotic residues in surface water.

Automation and hyphenation of multiple steps were used for the sensitive determination of xenobiotic residues in surface waters. The online hyphenated sequential injection analysis instrumentation used surface-modified microfibrous sorbent for the effective solid phase extraction of 1.0 mL of sample into 100 μL zone, then subjected to the reversed-phase ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (SIA-SPE-UHPLC).

Liraglutide-Conjugated Poly(methyl vinyl ether--maleic acid)-Coated Core-Shell Upconversion Nanoparticles for Theranostics of Diabetes.

In the diagnostics of diabetes, specific targeting of drugs (e.g., liraglutide) to insulin-deficient β-cells with their simultaneous noninvasive imaging is currently needed.

Preventive effect of precautionary lowered exposure or adaptation of nanomaterial workers?

Objectives: Nanotechnology is a fast-growing field in both science and industry. However, experimental studies brought warning data concerning the negative effect of engineered nanoparticle exposure leading to oxidative stress, inflammation, decreased immune cell viability, and genotoxicity. The consequences of human exposure may appear with decades of latency.

Comparison of Coculture Models of Eukaryotic Cells With Pathogenic and/or Commensal Bacteria for Tissue Engineering.

Appropriate in vitro systems are needed to evaluate effective strategies to prevent implant-associated infections, which remain a significant complication in today's medicine. Conventional in vitro models involving monocultures cannot fully reflect the tissue environment in vivo. Coculturing eukaryotic and prokaryotic pathogenic and commensal cells in in vitro models configured according to the needs of each tissue could better mimic complex tissue structures and actual clinical conditions.

Elucidation of new sulfamethoxazole catabolic pathways in whole-cell catalyst of bacterium Kocuria rhizophila SA117.

Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and its residues exhibit high environmental persistence due to their resistance to conventional degradation processes. The bacterial strain Kocuria rhizophila SA117, isolated from polluted soils, was characterized biochemically, phylogenetically, and -omically. Herein, we describe a complete degradation pathway for SMX and determine two putative pathways: cleavage of the benzene ring and the degradation of the substituted isoxazole, leading to the formation of non-toxic Krebs cycle metabolites.

Transitions of 24-H Movement Behaviour Profiles From Schooldays to Weekends and Their Associations With Health-Related Quality of Life and Well-Being in Czech Adolescents.

Background: Adolescents' movement behaviours (MB) vary between schooldays and weekends, potentially impacting health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and well-being. This study aimed to identify transitions between 24-h MB profiles on schooldays and weekends and examine their associations with HRQoL and well-being.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 1070 Czech adolescents (average age: 13.

Optimizing the Composition of Geopolymer Composites Incorporating Secondary Aluminium Industry By-Products Using Mathematical Modelling.

Geopolymer composite materials are a viable alternative to conventional construction materials. The research problem of geopolymer composites revolves around the imperative to comprehensively address their synthesis, structural performance, and environmental impact. The derived mathematical model facilitates precisely determining the optimal proportions of two crucial constituents in the geopolymer matrix: silica sand and secondary aluminum by-product.

Gamma radiation in highly compacted FEBEX bentonite: Key microbial and mineralogical behavior for safety assessment of nuclear repositories.

One of the major challenges for future Deep Geological Repositories (DGRs) for radioactive waste is to ensure long-term safety over timescales exceeding 100,000 years. The effect of gamma radiation on bentonite microorganisms remains poorly understood, with even less research exploring its combined impact with other key repository conditions. This study investigates the combined effects of high bentonite compaction density (1.

Increase in calcidiol level is associated with improved sternal bone healing after cardiac surgery with sternotomy-REINFORCE-D trial results.

Introduction: Heart surgery is associated with a sternotomy in most patients. Low serum calcidiol level below 80 nmol/l carries the risk of bone loss as a risk factor in sternotomy healing.

Objectives: The primary objective was to compare postoperative complications of sternotomy healing in two groups of patients treated with cholecalciferol or placebo.

BoneDat, a database of standardized bone morphology for in silico analyses.

In silico analysis is key to understanding bone structure-function relationships in orthopedics and evolutionary biology, but its potential is limited by a lack of standardized, high-quality human bone morphology datasets. This absence hinders research reproducibility and the development of reliable computational models. To overcome this, BoneDat has been developed.