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Sustainable Development of Domestic Tourism in Kazakhstan: Analysis of Economic Conditions and Assessment of Factorial Impacts
Zhanar Dulatbekova
,Araigul Ondassinova
,Gulnash Askarova
,Akmaral Zhakypova
Posted: 23 December 2025
Design of DEGDA-Crosslinked Semi-IPN Dextran/Inulin Hydrogels for Antitumor Drug Delivery
Tamara Erceg
,Miloš Radosavljević
,Ružica Tomičić
,Milorad Miljić
,Aleksandra Cvetanović Kljakić
,Aleksandra Torbica
Colon-targeted drug delivery systems are of considerable interest for improving the therapeutic efficacy of anticancer agents while minimizing systemic side effects. In this study, semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) hydrogels based on methacrylated dextran and native inulin were designed as biodegradable carriers for the colon-specific delivery of uracil as a model antitumor compound. The hydrogels were synthesized via free-radical polymerization, using diethylene glycol diacrylate (DEGDA) as a crosslinking agent at varying concentrations (5, 7.5, and 10 wt%), and their structural, thermal, and biological properties were systematically evaluated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed successful crosslinking and physical incorporation of uracil through hydrogen bonding. At the same time, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed an increase in glass transition temperature (Tg) with increasing crosslinking density (149, 153, and 156 °C, respectively). Swelling studies demonstrated relaxation-controlled, first-order swelling kinetics under physiological conditions (pH 7.4, 37 °C), and high gel fraction values (84.75, 91.34, 94.90%, respectively) indicated stable network formation. All formulations exhibited high encapsulation efficiencies (>86%), which increased with increasing crosslinker content, consistent with the observed gel fraction values. Simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion showed negligible drug release under gastric conditions and controlled release in the intestinal phase, primarily governed by crosslinking density. Antimicrobial assessment against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis, used as an initial or indirect indicator of cytotoxic potential, revealed no inhibitory activity, suggesting low biological reactivity at the screening level. Overall, the results indicate that DEGDA-crosslinked dextran/inulin semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) hydrogels represent promising carriers for colon-targeted antitumor drug delivery.
Colon-targeted drug delivery systems are of considerable interest for improving the therapeutic efficacy of anticancer agents while minimizing systemic side effects. In this study, semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) hydrogels based on methacrylated dextran and native inulin were designed as biodegradable carriers for the colon-specific delivery of uracil as a model antitumor compound. The hydrogels were synthesized via free-radical polymerization, using diethylene glycol diacrylate (DEGDA) as a crosslinking agent at varying concentrations (5, 7.5, and 10 wt%), and their structural, thermal, and biological properties were systematically evaluated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed successful crosslinking and physical incorporation of uracil through hydrogen bonding. At the same time, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed an increase in glass transition temperature (Tg) with increasing crosslinking density (149, 153, and 156 °C, respectively). Swelling studies demonstrated relaxation-controlled, first-order swelling kinetics under physiological conditions (pH 7.4, 37 °C), and high gel fraction values (84.75, 91.34, 94.90%, respectively) indicated stable network formation. All formulations exhibited high encapsulation efficiencies (>86%), which increased with increasing crosslinker content, consistent with the observed gel fraction values. Simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion showed negligible drug release under gastric conditions and controlled release in the intestinal phase, primarily governed by crosslinking density. Antimicrobial assessment against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis, used as an initial or indirect indicator of cytotoxic potential, revealed no inhibitory activity, suggesting low biological reactivity at the screening level. Overall, the results indicate that DEGDA-crosslinked dextran/inulin semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) hydrogels represent promising carriers for colon-targeted antitumor drug delivery.
Posted: 23 December 2025
The QICT Program: From Gauge-Coded Microscopic Unitary Dynamics to an Audited Micro–Macro Closure
Mohamed Sacha
Posted: 23 December 2025
Safety-Aware Multi-Agent Deep Reinforcement Learning for Adaptive Fault-Tolerant Control in Sensor-Lean Industrial Systems: Validation in Beverage CIP
Apolinar González-Potes
,Ramón Felix-Cuadras
,Luis J. Mena
,Vanessa G. Félix
,Rafael Martínez-Peláez
,Rodolfo Ostos
,Pablo Velarde-Alvarado
,Alberto Ochoa-Brust
Posted: 23 December 2025
An Experimental–Numerical Framework for Springback Prediction and Angle Compensation in Air Bending with Additively Manufactured Polymer Tools
Vesna Mandic
,Marko Delić
,Dragan Adamovic
,Dušan Arsić
,Nada Ratković
,Djordje Ivković
,Andjelka Ilic
Additive manufacturing of polymer tools represents a promising alternative to conventional steel tooling for low-force and low-volume sheet metal air bending. However, accurate prediction of sheet springback and the resulting deviation of the bending angle after elastic unloading remains a major challenge. This study presents an integrated experimental–numerical framework for the analysis of air bending with additively manufactured polymer tools, with emphasis on material characterization, springback prediction, and tool angle compensation. The methodology combines uniaxial tensile testing, controlled air-bending experiments, finite element modelling with rigid and deformable tools, and optical 3D scanning for angle measurement. Low-carbon steel DC04 sheets were modeled using an elastoplastic constitutive law, while FDM-printed ABS tools were described by experimentally calibrated material models. Numerical simulations were performed over a range of forming forces to evaluate springback behavior and elastic tool deformation. The results show very good agreement between experiments and simulations. Deviations in bending angle were below 1.5% for metallic tools and below 0.5% for springback compensation, with the smallest discrepancy obtained using a two-dimensional model with deformable tools. Experimental validation with ABS tools confirmed bending accuracy within ±1°. The proposed framework provides a reliable basis for springback prediction and rational design of additively manufactured polymer tools for air-bending applications.
Additive manufacturing of polymer tools represents a promising alternative to conventional steel tooling for low-force and low-volume sheet metal air bending. However, accurate prediction of sheet springback and the resulting deviation of the bending angle after elastic unloading remains a major challenge. This study presents an integrated experimental–numerical framework for the analysis of air bending with additively manufactured polymer tools, with emphasis on material characterization, springback prediction, and tool angle compensation. The methodology combines uniaxial tensile testing, controlled air-bending experiments, finite element modelling with rigid and deformable tools, and optical 3D scanning for angle measurement. Low-carbon steel DC04 sheets were modeled using an elastoplastic constitutive law, while FDM-printed ABS tools were described by experimentally calibrated material models. Numerical simulations were performed over a range of forming forces to evaluate springback behavior and elastic tool deformation. The results show very good agreement between experiments and simulations. Deviations in bending angle were below 1.5% for metallic tools and below 0.5% for springback compensation, with the smallest discrepancy obtained using a two-dimensional model with deformable tools. Experimental validation with ABS tools confirmed bending accuracy within ±1°. The proposed framework provides a reliable basis for springback prediction and rational design of additively manufactured polymer tools for air-bending applications.
Posted: 23 December 2025
Trained Immunity in People Living with HIV
Larisa Dubrovsky
,Tatiana Pushkarsky
,Beda Brichacek
,Ashley Bastin
,Afsoon Roberts
,Jose Lucar
,Maria Elena Ruiz
,Oleksandr Semeniuk
,Marc Siegel
,Dmitri Sviridov
+1 authors
Background: Trained immunity (TRIM) enhances innate immune responses through epigenetic and metabolic reprogramming but can become maladaptive, contributing to chronic inflammation. In people living with HIV (PLWH), maladaptive TRIM has been proposed but remains insufficiently defined. Methods: We examined inflammatory cytokine production in monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) obtained from PLWH and age-matched individuals without HIV infection. Baseline cytokine output and responses to Toll-like receptor (TLR) stimulation were measured. We also assessed whether TRIM influenced susceptibility of MDMs to HIV infection. Results: Unstimulated MDMs from male, but not female, PLWH produced significantly higher levels of IL-6 compared with uninfected controls. IL-6 production positively correlated with duration of HIV infection, suggesting cumulative TRIM imprinting. TLR engagement markedly amplified cytokine responses in PLWH-derived MDMs, consistent with a trained phenotype. Despite enhanced inflammatory responsiveness, TRIM did not confer protection from HIV infection of MDMs, indicating functional maladaptation rather than beneficial priming. Conclusions: These findings provide evidence of maladaptive TRIM in PLWH, characterized by persistent inflammation and heightened cytokine responsiveness. The observed sex-specific differences suggest distinct TRIM programming in male and female PLWH. Further studies are needed to elucidate mechanisms driving these disparities and to determine their impact on HIV-associated inflammation and clinical outcomes.
Background: Trained immunity (TRIM) enhances innate immune responses through epigenetic and metabolic reprogramming but can become maladaptive, contributing to chronic inflammation. In people living with HIV (PLWH), maladaptive TRIM has been proposed but remains insufficiently defined. Methods: We examined inflammatory cytokine production in monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) obtained from PLWH and age-matched individuals without HIV infection. Baseline cytokine output and responses to Toll-like receptor (TLR) stimulation were measured. We also assessed whether TRIM influenced susceptibility of MDMs to HIV infection. Results: Unstimulated MDMs from male, but not female, PLWH produced significantly higher levels of IL-6 compared with uninfected controls. IL-6 production positively correlated with duration of HIV infection, suggesting cumulative TRIM imprinting. TLR engagement markedly amplified cytokine responses in PLWH-derived MDMs, consistent with a trained phenotype. Despite enhanced inflammatory responsiveness, TRIM did not confer protection from HIV infection of MDMs, indicating functional maladaptation rather than beneficial priming. Conclusions: These findings provide evidence of maladaptive TRIM in PLWH, characterized by persistent inflammation and heightened cytokine responsiveness. The observed sex-specific differences suggest distinct TRIM programming in male and female PLWH. Further studies are needed to elucidate mechanisms driving these disparities and to determine their impact on HIV-associated inflammation and clinical outcomes.
Posted: 23 December 2025
Enabling Effective Physiotherapy Provision in Remote Communities: A Qualitative Exploration of Partnership Models
Ulrich Noubissie
Posted: 23 December 2025
Adverse Childhood Experiences Promote Increased and Selective Caregiving in Adulthood
Ray M. Merrill
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) prompt parentification, which is related to providing regular caregiving as adults. This study examines the association between the number and types of ACEs and caregiving as adults, and to whom caregiving is extended. Analyses were based on 91,193 adults from 13 states in the U.S. in 2020-2024 and involved binomial and multinomial logistic regression, adjusted for selected covariates. Approximately 21% of participants provided regular care and 66% had ≥1 ACEs. Each of 11 ACEs considered was positively associated with providing regular care. As the number of ACEs increased, the odds of providing regular care increased. The strongest ACE predictor of providing regular care was living with a parent or adult who was depressed, mentally ill, or suicidal, and the weakest was when the parents were divorced, separated, or an unmarried couple. As the number of ACEs increased, providing regular care for a parent significantly decreased, whereas providing regular care for a friend/nonrelative significantly increased. Among those receiving regular care, if the caregiver had more ACEs versus less, they were significantly less likely to care for a parent or grandparent but more likely to care for a spouse, child, friend or non-relative.
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) prompt parentification, which is related to providing regular caregiving as adults. This study examines the association between the number and types of ACEs and caregiving as adults, and to whom caregiving is extended. Analyses were based on 91,193 adults from 13 states in the U.S. in 2020-2024 and involved binomial and multinomial logistic regression, adjusted for selected covariates. Approximately 21% of participants provided regular care and 66% had ≥1 ACEs. Each of 11 ACEs considered was positively associated with providing regular care. As the number of ACEs increased, the odds of providing regular care increased. The strongest ACE predictor of providing regular care was living with a parent or adult who was depressed, mentally ill, or suicidal, and the weakest was when the parents were divorced, separated, or an unmarried couple. As the number of ACEs increased, providing regular care for a parent significantly decreased, whereas providing regular care for a friend/nonrelative significantly increased. Among those receiving regular care, if the caregiver had more ACEs versus less, they were significantly less likely to care for a parent or grandparent but more likely to care for a spouse, child, friend or non-relative.
Posted: 23 December 2025
Mediapipe Pose AI Motion Capture Software for Upper Limb Exercise and Rehabilitative Therapy
Wenfa Ng
Artificial intelligence (AI) based motion capture has revolutionized the field of biomechanics and locomotion analysis by enabling more widespread adoption of the technique. In this realm, the Google based Mediapipe Pose AI motion capture software is a robust platform for close-to-real-time motion capture of many body landmarks stretching from the upper limbs to lower limbs. This preprint reports an attempt to code an in-house Mediapipe Pose based Python motion capture platform useful for upper limb exercise performance analysis, and rehabilitative therapy of upper limbs with dysfunctional muscle control and movement such as in mild stroke patients. Specifically, the software is capable of tracking real-time position and movement of the elbow, wrist, and shoulder joints, and can calculate both the shoulder and elbow joint angle evolution, and angular velocity changes. More importantly, such data are chronicled in both graphs and a frame-by-frame catalogue of joint angle and angular velocity changes, that altogether, serves as useful data for personal evaluation of exercise performance, as well as physiotherapy post-rehab assessment of treatment progress. The software is capable of tracking the full range of motions of the shoulder-elbow movement system, and can be used for a variety of exercise performance tests, as well as for diagnosing and tracking upper limb movement disorders in mild stroke and musculoskeletal dysfunction patients.
Artificial intelligence (AI) based motion capture has revolutionized the field of biomechanics and locomotion analysis by enabling more widespread adoption of the technique. In this realm, the Google based Mediapipe Pose AI motion capture software is a robust platform for close-to-real-time motion capture of many body landmarks stretching from the upper limbs to lower limbs. This preprint reports an attempt to code an in-house Mediapipe Pose based Python motion capture platform useful for upper limb exercise performance analysis, and rehabilitative therapy of upper limbs with dysfunctional muscle control and movement such as in mild stroke patients. Specifically, the software is capable of tracking real-time position and movement of the elbow, wrist, and shoulder joints, and can calculate both the shoulder and elbow joint angle evolution, and angular velocity changes. More importantly, such data are chronicled in both graphs and a frame-by-frame catalogue of joint angle and angular velocity changes, that altogether, serves as useful data for personal evaluation of exercise performance, as well as physiotherapy post-rehab assessment of treatment progress. The software is capable of tracking the full range of motions of the shoulder-elbow movement system, and can be used for a variety of exercise performance tests, as well as for diagnosing and tracking upper limb movement disorders in mild stroke and musculoskeletal dysfunction patients.
Posted: 23 December 2025
The Use of Faculty Inventor Social Capital to Facilitate University Technology Transfer: A Multiple Case Study Inquiry Using Qualitative Comparative Analysis
Malcolm Townes
Posted: 23 December 2025
Lipedema in Women and Its Interrelationship with Endometriosis and Other Gynecologic Diseases: A Scoping Review
Diogo Pinto da Costa Viana
,Adriana Luckow Invitti
,Eduardo Schor
Posted: 23 December 2025
The First Innovative Use of Optical Coherence Tomography to Diagnose Early Breast Cancer via Nipple Orifice
Fatih Levent Balci
,Sheldon Marc Feldman
Posted: 23 December 2025
Psychological Distress and Quality of Life in a Community-Based Population with Atopic Dermatitis
Florence Mei Fung Wong
,Crystal Pui Ka Fung
,Karen Hoi Yan Mak
,Richard Yi Tsun Kao
Posted: 23 December 2025
Calibrated Trust in AI for Security Operations: A Conceptual Framework for Analyst–AI Collaboration
Israt Jahan Chowdhury
,Md Abu Yousuf Tanvir
Posted: 23 December 2025
Hypotony-Related Optic Disc Oedema in a Patient with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis-Associated Uveitis and Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
Wei Jia Liu
,Jasvir Virdee
Ocular hypotony is an uncommon but vision-threatening cause of optic disc oedema. We present a case of a young woman with a complex ophthalmic history, including juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), JIA-associated uveitis, secondary glaucoma, and suspected idiopathic intracranial hypertension, who developed significant hypotony-related optic disc oedema on a background of mild bilateral disc swelling. The case emphasises the importance of recognising hypotony maculopathy as a differential diagnosis for disc swelling, particularly in patients with fluctuating intraocular pressure and coexisting inflammatory eye disease. We discuss the concepts of the translaminar pressure gradient and its role in the development of optic disc oedema in the presence of both ocular hypotony and probable raised intracranial pressure.
Ocular hypotony is an uncommon but vision-threatening cause of optic disc oedema. We present a case of a young woman with a complex ophthalmic history, including juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), JIA-associated uveitis, secondary glaucoma, and suspected idiopathic intracranial hypertension, who developed significant hypotony-related optic disc oedema on a background of mild bilateral disc swelling. The case emphasises the importance of recognising hypotony maculopathy as a differential diagnosis for disc swelling, particularly in patients with fluctuating intraocular pressure and coexisting inflammatory eye disease. We discuss the concepts of the translaminar pressure gradient and its role in the development of optic disc oedema in the presence of both ocular hypotony and probable raised intracranial pressure.
Posted: 23 December 2025
Diagnostic Value of 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT Versus Planar Scintigraphy in Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Association with PTH and Calcium Levels
Ismet Bajrami
,Armend Jashari
,Elena Drakalska Sersemova
,Emilija Janevik-Ivanovska
,Sinisha Stojanoski
Background/Objectives: Accurate preoperative localization of hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue is essential for minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. Conventional planar dual-phase 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy is widely used but shows reduced diagnostic accuracy in patients with thyroid nodules or ectopic glands. Hybrid triple-head SPECT/CT integrates functional and anatomical imaging and may improve lesion detection. This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of triple-head SPECT/CT compared with planar scintigraphy and explored correlations between biochemical markers and imaging positivity. Methods: A retrospective single-center study included 90 adults referred for suspected primary hyperparathyroidism between January 2021 and August 2025. Demographic data, laboratory parameters (PTH, total and ionized calcium, 25-hydroxyvitamin D), and imaging results were collected. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed in patients with surgical confirmation or robust clinical verification. Correlations between biochemical markers and imaging positivity were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients. Results: SPECT/CT demonstrated significantly higher sensitivity than planar scintigraphy (62.5% vs. 14.3%) and an excellent negative predictive value (95.1%), whereas planar imaging showed slightly higher specificity (79.5%). Ionized calcium correlated significantly with SPECT/CT positivity (r = 0.39; p = 0.009), while PTH and 25-hydroxyvitamin D showed no significant association. SPECT/CT accurately localized ectopic parathyroid glands and lesions in patients with coexisting thyroid nodularity, overcoming limitations of planar imaging. Several lesions undetected by planar scintigraphy were identified on SPECT/CT, supporting its role in anatomically complex or subtle cases. Conclusions: Triple-head SPECT/CT provided superior diagnostic performance over planar scintigraphy for preoperative localization in primary hyperparathyroidism, particularly in patients with thyroid nodularity or ectopic glands. Ionized calcium may serve as a complementary predictor of lesion detectability. These findings support hybrid SPECT/CT as the preferred first-line imaging modality, facilitating targeted minimally invasive surgery and optimizing surgical planning.
Background/Objectives: Accurate preoperative localization of hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue is essential for minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. Conventional planar dual-phase 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy is widely used but shows reduced diagnostic accuracy in patients with thyroid nodules or ectopic glands. Hybrid triple-head SPECT/CT integrates functional and anatomical imaging and may improve lesion detection. This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of triple-head SPECT/CT compared with planar scintigraphy and explored correlations between biochemical markers and imaging positivity. Methods: A retrospective single-center study included 90 adults referred for suspected primary hyperparathyroidism between January 2021 and August 2025. Demographic data, laboratory parameters (PTH, total and ionized calcium, 25-hydroxyvitamin D), and imaging results were collected. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed in patients with surgical confirmation or robust clinical verification. Correlations between biochemical markers and imaging positivity were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients. Results: SPECT/CT demonstrated significantly higher sensitivity than planar scintigraphy (62.5% vs. 14.3%) and an excellent negative predictive value (95.1%), whereas planar imaging showed slightly higher specificity (79.5%). Ionized calcium correlated significantly with SPECT/CT positivity (r = 0.39; p = 0.009), while PTH and 25-hydroxyvitamin D showed no significant association. SPECT/CT accurately localized ectopic parathyroid glands and lesions in patients with coexisting thyroid nodularity, overcoming limitations of planar imaging. Several lesions undetected by planar scintigraphy were identified on SPECT/CT, supporting its role in anatomically complex or subtle cases. Conclusions: Triple-head SPECT/CT provided superior diagnostic performance over planar scintigraphy for preoperative localization in primary hyperparathyroidism, particularly in patients with thyroid nodularity or ectopic glands. Ionized calcium may serve as a complementary predictor of lesion detectability. These findings support hybrid SPECT/CT as the preferred first-line imaging modality, facilitating targeted minimally invasive surgery and optimizing surgical planning.
Posted: 23 December 2025
Removal of Sulfamethoxazole from Water by Activated Corn Stover Biochar: Preparation, Efficiency, and Influencing Factors
Xiaojing Lin
,Xianwei Yin
,Zhe Zhang
,Dong Pan
,Zhanlan Zeng
,Zhan-ang Niu
,Yihan Yin
,Dejuan Jiang
,Jinshi Xu
,Jincheng Zuo
Posted: 23 December 2025
Screening and Qualification for Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Interventions – Preliminary Findings from the CAPTURE Pilot Study
Adam Rdzanek
,Adam Piasecki
,Ewa Pędzich
,Ewa Ostrowska
,Paweł Pawłowicz
,Ewa Borowiak
,Agnieszka Kapłon-Cieślicka
,Janusz Kochman
,Mariusz Tomaniak
,Piotr Scislo
+1 authors
Posted: 23 December 2025
A Systematic Literature Review on the Evolution of Skyline Query on Uncertain Database: Trends and Insights
H. M. Ikram Kays
,Raini Hassan
,Dini Oktarina Dwi Handayani
Posted: 23 December 2025
Molecular Evolution of the Fusion (F) Genes in Human Metapneumovirus Genotype B
Tatsuya Shirai
,Fuminori Mizukoshi
,Mitsuru Sada
,Kazuya Shirato
,Takeshi Saraya
,Haruyuki Ishii
,Ryusuke Kimura
,Toshiyuki Sugai
,Akihide Ryo
,Hirokazu Kimura
Posted: 23 December 2025
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