Advances in Bidirectional Neural Interaction for Intelligent Upper-Limb Prostheses

Bidirectional neural interaction pathways play a critical role in determining the performance of intelligent upper-limb prostheses. Specifically, the nervous system should be able to control prosthetic movements according to the user’s intention, while the operating state of the prosthesis should be conveyed back to the user through sensory feedback interfaces, thereby establishing a bidirectional interface between the prosthesis and the human nervous system. This paper introduces the major approaches for neural motor control, including brain–computer interfaces and myoelectric interfaces, discusses stimulation modalities and sensory mapping strategies for sensory feedback, and analyzes future directions for bidirectional sensorimotor interfaces in upper-limb prostheses.

Progress in Research on Abiotic Stress in Apple Trees in China

As the leading global producer of apples, China’s apple industry faces substantial challenges posed by abiotic stresses. Consequently, it is imperative to carry out an in-depth synthesis and refinement of the unique physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying apple stress resistance, as well as to comprehensively and precisely uncover their response patterns under diverse abiotic stress conditions. Such endeavors are crucial for fostering the sustainable development of the apple industry. Presently, research on abiotic stresses in Chinese apples is intricately linked to industrial issues prevalent in major apple-producing regions, with a primary emphasis on improving drought, cold, and salt-alkali tolerance. This review synthesizes studies on Chinese apples, spanning tree growth, physiological biochemistry, and molecular regulation. Key questions and future directions are outlined to inform research on stress resistance and precision breeding strategies.

Advanced Neuroscience: Connecting Mechanisms, Systems, and Translation

Etomidate Analogs: State of Development

As an anesthetic agent, etomidate provides profound hemodynamic stability, superior to propofol even when it is dose reduced. However, its use has been curtailed due to concerns regarding adrenal cortical suppression demonstrated clinically in the setting of prolonged infusion for sedation in the intensive care unit. In addition, etomidate reproducibly results in significant myoclonus when employed in the absence of other pharmacology. Recently, utilizing both pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations, a number of etomidate analogs have been developed that retain the favorable properties of their parent agent, including rapid onset of hypnosis and rapid recovery, amnesia, and cardiovascular stability, but do not result in inhibition of steroidogenesis. A few of these analogs have now entered clinical trials and are poised to transform acute care and anesthesia for critically ill patients.

The Relevance of Neurocircuitry-Based TMS EEG Biomarkers and EVs in Next Generation Versatile Therapeutic Approaches of the Human Glymphatic System: A Hypothesis-Driven Perspective

This Perspective paper is motivated by a novel understanding of the human glymphatic system (GS) functional anatomy, its critical role in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and other neurodegenerative and autoimmune disorders, as well as by novel therapeutic possibilities critically relevant in enhancing the GS function and its healing. Non-invasive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) technology and administration of cell-free extracellular vesicles (EVs) in clinical conditions may well constitute potentially synergistic, versatile, and effective next generation neurotherapeutic approaches to treat human GS dysfunctions. Brain stimulation approaches, such as TMS, act upon brain circuits, which have been strongly considered candidate endophenotypes and factual targets in neuromodulation interventions using multimodal neuroimaging. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) has been proposed as a potential target for neuromodulating the GS, a fluid-compartment mechanism involved in waste disposal that is not entirely elucidated in humans, yet considered of critical importance for the normal functioning of the brain and a key factor for its dysfunction in such neurodegenerative conditions as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Likewise, EVs have been proposed as potential GS therapeutic agents, given their capability to traverse the blood-brain barrier (BBB), reduce neuroinflammation, increase cellular communication and central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis, and promote healing. The combined effect of TMS-EEG (TMS-Electroencephalography), and EV approach is putatively complementary, and thus we envision their combined use as a promising, versatile, and potentially effective next generation neurotherapeutic strategy to treat human GS dysfunctions and to become a powerful asset in the treatment of neurodegenerative and autoimmune disorders. Furthermore, anatomically accurate neuroimaging-based navigation of TMS and the assessment of GS functionality via diffusion tensor imaging analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) enable precision-medicine personalized interventions in these disorders. On these grounds, we formulate a hypothesis-driven conceptual framework connecting neurocircuitry-based neuromodulation, EV-mediated neuroimmune effects, and DTI-ALPS assessable glymphatic function to identify directions for future experimental and translational clinical research.

Research Progress on Motor Imagery Decoding in Brain-Computer Interface Based on EEG-fNIRS Multimodal Fusion

Motor imagery-based brain-computer interface (MI-BCI) decodes subjective motor intentions to achieve proactive output control of external devices, representing a core research direction in BCI with important applications in post-stroke motor rehabilitation. Neural signals for motor imagery can be recorded using electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Combining the high temporal resolution of EEG with the high spatial resolution of fNIRS through multimodal fusion enhances the decoding accuracy of motor imagery commands and provides comprehensive insights into brain dynamics. This paper systematically reviews EEG-fNIRS multimodal fusion strategies and representative algorithms from traditional machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) for decoding fused data. We also discuss current challenges and potential solutions to facilitate MI-BCI research and support future BCI-related industries.

Comprehensive Evaluation of an Intelligent Feeding Robot for the Elderly: Effectiveness, Safety, and Human-Robot Interaction

To address the growing demand for assisted feeding in aging societies, our team developed an intelligent feeding robot named “Xiao Xi”. This robot integrates multimodal interaction (voice control, handheld button, foot pedal, and mechanical button), deep learning-based food recognition and mouth positioning, and a novel spoon-chopstick integrated mechanism capable of handling both solid and semi-solid foods. To systematically evaluate its clinical value, we enrolled 40 healthy elderly participants in a randomized crossover trial, comparing a robot-assisted feeding session (RFS) with a human-assisted feeding session (HFS). Outcome measures included food intake percentage, successful feeding percentage, average feeding duration, QUEST 2.0 satisfaction score, and safety outcomes. RFS showed a lower food intake percentage than HFS (adjusted mean difference = −33.90%, 95% CI: −35.57 to −32.23, p < 0.001) and required a longer average feeding duration (adjusted mean difference = 2.78 s, 95% CI: 2.35 to 3.21, p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in the successful feeding percentage or QUEST 2.0 satisfaction score. No adverse events occurred during either feeding condition. These findings suggest that “Xiao Xi” is safe and acceptable for healthy elderly users, but its feeding efficiency remains lower than HFS. Further optimization and validation in elderly individuals with real feeding assistance needs are required.

An Anti-Aging Tissue-Made Cosme-Nutraceutical Product: Effectiveness and Safety by an In Vitro and In Vivo Study

The evolution of the skin Industry, together with the consumer’s dream to maintain a younger appearance for living longer, has pushed the industry to formulate and distribute science-oriented cosmetics and diet supplements. Consequently, the worldwide production and selling of cosmeceuticals (specialized Cosmetics) and nutraceuticals (specialized diet supplements) have been notably increased for the consumer request of the Beauty from Within also. Thus the increased studies, formulations, and consumer requests of products more effective and safe. At this purpose the paper reports some data of a new pro-aging formulation controlled in vitro by the use of aged keratinocytes and fibroblasts and in vivo by controlling the skin of 30 selected women aged between 58 and 67 years. The studies have involved the use of an innovative anti-aging/pro-aging cosmeceutical-formulation con eyes by a specialized tissue (carrier-tissue). This tissue, made by selected active ingredients embedded into a biodegradable tissue-vehicle (activated-tissue), has been compared to the same actives embedded into a normal emulsion. The active ingredients used as anti-aging skin-repairing agents have been Nicotinamide, Allantoin, and sodium ascorbyl phosphate enriched by the fish-Collagen-peptides, considered an ingredient useful to increase the product’s penetrability through the skin’s Stratum Corneum when applied on its surface. On the other hand, both the tissues might be used as nutraceuticals also, due to their water-solubility, effectiveness, and safety. The selected and positive results, obtained by both the in vitro by keratinocytes/fibroblasts cultures and in vivo by engineering methods, will be reported and discussed, trying to show the effectiveness and safety of the realized tissues and the innovative cosme-nutraceutical’formulation.

Age-Related Utility of Dental Records in Human Identification

Forensic odontology can be considered a very reliable tool for human identification, especially when the use of fingerprints and DNA analysis is not feasible. Forensic odontology achieves this reliability through the comparison between antemortem dental records and postmortem dental findings. Antemortem dental records can include radiographs, charts, photographs, and three-dimensional images of the deceased, while postmortem records include photographs, radiographs, and all the records of dental findings obtained from the deceased. However, the conclusion for identification results from the comparison of unique features present in the antemortem and postmortem records. Features that can offer the best results for comparison include dental treatments such as fillings, crowns, root canal treatment, dental implants, and prostheses. Therefore, dental treatment can be considered the gold standard, as no two people typically can have the same dental work. In the absence of dental work, the unique features of dentition, maxillofacial morphological structures, along with congenital anomalies, can offer the best results for identification. The present research aims to assess the usefulness of dental information sources for human identification, focusing on different age groups. This research article is a retrospective analysis of 81 forensic odontology cases conducted at the Department of Applied Forensic Sciences at Mercyhurst University. The cases were divided into three different age groups: juvenile, adult, and elderly. Each case was analyzed with respect to the types of dental information used for human identification, such as restorations, prostheses, surgical devices, and anatomy. The results showed that, for human identification, each of the three age groups has different challenges and benefits. In the juvenile group, individuals lacked dental treatment, requiring the use of anatomy for human identification. In the adult group, individuals showed unique restoration procedures that served as effective markers for human identification. In the elderly, the presence of dentures and the use of prosthetics made the label on the dentures and the fit of the bone critical for human identification. This research article confirms the importance of the role of forensic odontology in human identification.

Enhancement on Properties of MgO-MgAlON Composite Refractories by Introducing Solid Waste Containing BN and AlN

Driven by the goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, the resource utilization of solid waste has attracted considerable attention due to its scientific importance and environmental benefits. For this purpose, MgO-MgAlON-BN refractories with enhanced thermal shock and slag resistance were designed and successfully fabricated by introducing BN solid waste as an additive. The results indicate that the sample containing BN additives exhibits superior overall performance compared with those without additives. At a BN content of 3.26 wt.%, the cold compressive strength increases by 21.20%, and the contact angle at 1723 K increases by 50.01%. Further analysis reveals that the improved wetting behavior is mainly attributed to the introduction of BN additives, which promote the formation of numerous micro-convex structures. These structural characteristics restrict slag infiltration and inhibit slag penetration into the refractory matrix, thereby enhancing slag resistance. Consequently, a cost-effective and feasible reinforcement strategy for MgO-MgAlON-BN refractories is proposed, providing a promising pathway for the high-value utilization of solid waste resources.