BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is still a real threat in the management of kidney transplantation. Immunosuppressive treatment disrupts the equilibrium between virus replication and immune response, and uncontrolled BKPyV replication leads to nephropathy (BKPyV nephropathy). The first evidence of BKPyV reactivation in transplant recipients is the detection of viral shedding in urine, which appears in 20% to 60% of patients, followed by BKPyV viremia in 10–20% of kidney transplant recipients. BKPyV nephropathy eventually occurs in 1–10% of this population, mainly within the first 2 years post-transplantation, causing graft loss in about half of those patients. Few data exist regarding the pediatric population and we focus on them. In this paper, we review the existing diagnostic methods and summarize the evidence on the role of BKPyV humoral and cellular immunity in modulating the clinical course of BKPyV infection and as potential predictors of the outcome. We look at the known risk factors for BKPyV nephropathy in the immunosuppressed patient. Finally, we propose a sensible clinical attitude in order to screen and manage BKPyV infection in kidney transplant children. Full article

In recent years, further evidence has emerged regarding the involvement of extracellular vesicles in various human physiopathological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and mental disorders. The biogenesis and cargo of such vesicles may reveal their impact on human health nd disease and set the underpinnings for the development of novel chemical compounds and pharmaceuticals. In this review, we examine the link between bacteria-derived exosomes in the gastrointestinal tract and mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety disorders. Crucially, we focus on whether changes in the gut environment affect the human mental state or the other way around. Furthermore, the possibility of handling bacteria-derived exosomes as vectors of chemicals to treat such conditions is examined. Full article

The substantial data volume within dynamic point clouds representing three-dimensional moving entities necessitates advancements in compression techniques. Motion estimation (ME) is crucial for reducing point cloud temporal redundancy. Standard block-based ME schemes, which typically utilize the previously decoded point clouds as inter-reference frames, often yield inaccurate and translation-only estimates for dynamic point clouds. To overcome this limitation, we propose an advanced patch-based affine ME scheme for dynamic point cloud geometry compression. Our approach employs a forward-backward jointing ME strategy, generating affine motion-compensated frames for improved inter-geometry references. Before the forward ME process, point cloud motion analysis is conducted on previous frames to perceive motion characteristics. Then, a point cloud is segmented into deformable patches based on geometry correlation and motion coherence. During the forward ME process, affine motion models are introduced to depict the deformable patch motions from the reference to the current frame. Later, affine motion-compensated frames are exploited in the backward ME process to obtain refined motions for better coding performance. Experimental results demonstrate the superiority of our proposed scheme, achieving an average 6.28% geometry bitrate gain over the inter codec anchor. Additional results also validate the effectiveness of key modules within the proposed ME scheme. Full article

This study aims to develop a procedure for the production of 3D-printed forearm prostheses (especially hard outer sockets). The production procedure is designed in the form of a parametric workflow (CAD model), which significantly speeds up the designing process of the prosthesis. This procedure is not fixedly dependent on the software (SW) equipment and is fully transferable into another SW environment. The use of these prostheses will significantly increase the comfort of their patients’ lives. It is possible to produce prostheses faster and in larger amounts and variants by the usage of additive technology. The input for the own production of the prosthesis is a model of the internal soft socket of the patient. This soft socket (soft bed) is made by a qualified prosthetist. A 3D-scanned CAD model is obtained afterward using the scanning method by an automatic laser projector. An editable, parametric external socket (modifiable in any CAD format) is generated from the obtained 3D scan using a special algorithmic model. This socket, after the necessary individual modifications, is transferred to 3D printing technology and produced using powder technology Multi Jet Fusion (HP MJF). The result of the designed and tested procedure is a quickly editable 3D-printed outer socket (main part of prosthesis), which is able to fully replace the current long-fiber composite solution. Production of current solutions is relatively time-consuming, and only one piece is produced in a given time. The newly designed technology eliminates this. This study summarized the possibilities of speeding up the production of forearm prostheses (but not only these) by creating a parametric CAD model that is applicable to different patients. Full article

The rapid and accurate estimation of aboveground forest phytomass remains a challenging research task. In general, methods for estimating phytomass fall mainly into the category of field measurements performed by ground-based methods, but approaches based on remote sensing and ecological modelling have been increasingly applied. The aim is to develop the scientific and methodological framework for the remote sensing estimation of qualitative and quantitative characteristics of forest stands, using the combination of surveys and machine learning models to determine phytomass of forest stands and calculate the carbon balance. Even-aged stands of different tree species growing in the forest steppe zone of the East European Plain were chosen as test objects. We have applied the modernized methodological approaches to compare and integrate forest and tree stand characteristics obtained by ground-based and UAV-based comprehensive surveys; additionally, we developed computer vision models and methods for determining the same characteristics by remote sensing methods. The key advantage of the proposed methodology for remote monitoring and carbon balance control over existing analogues is the minimization of the amount of groundwork and, consequently, the reduction inlabor costs without loss of information quality. Reliable data on phytomass volumes will allow for operational control of the forest carbon storage, which is essential for decision-making processes. This is important for the environmental monitoring of forests and green spaces of various economic categories. The proposed methodology is necessary for the monitoring and control of ecological–climatic and anthropogenic–technogenic transformations in various landscapes. The development is useful for organizing the management of ecosystems, environmental protection, and managing the recreational and economic resources of landscapes with natural forests and forest plantations. Full article

Extracts from medicinal plants are widely used in the treatment and prevention of different diseases. Micromeria frivaldszkyana is a Balkan endemic species with reported antioxidant and antimicrobial characteristics; however, its phytochemical composition is not well defined. Here, we examined the metabolome of M. frivaldszkyana by chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), ultra-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS-MS), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Amino acids, organic acids, sugars, and sugar alcohols were the primary metabolites with the highest levels in the plant extract. Detailed analysis of the sugar content identified high levels of sucrose, glucose, mannose, and fructose. Lipids are primary plant metabolites, and the analysis revealed triacylglycerols as the most abundant lipid group. Potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), and calcium (Ca) were the elements with the highest content. The results showed linarin, 3-caffeoil-quinic acid, and rosmarinic acid, as well as a number of polyphenols, as the most abundant secondary metabolites. Among the flavonoids and polyphenols with a high presence were eupatorin, kaempferol, and apigenin—compounds widely known for their bioactive properties. Further, the acute toxicity and potential anti-inflammatory activity of the methanolic extract were evaluated in Wistar rats. No toxic effects were registered after a single oral application of the extract in doses of between 200 and 5000 mg/kg bw. A fourteen-day pre-treatment with methanolic extract of M. frivaldszkyana in doses of 250, 400, and 500 mg/kg bw induced anti-inflammatory activity in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd hours after carrageenan injection in a model of rat paw edema. This effect was also present in the 4th hour only in the group treated with a dose of 500 mg/kg. In conclusion, M. frivaldszkyana extract is particularly rich in linarin, rosmarinic acid, and flavonoids (eupatorin, kaempferol, and apigenin). Its methanolic extract induced no toxicity in male Wistar rats after oral application in doses of up to 5000 mg/kg bw. Additionally, treatment with the methanolic extract for 14 days revealed anti-inflammatory potential in a model of rat paw edema on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd hours after the carrageenan injection. These results show the anti-inflammatory potential of the plant, which might be considered for further exploration and eventual application as a phytotherapeutic agent. Full article

Background: Acute variceal bleeding (AVB) is a critical complication of portal hypertension, contributing significantly to mortality worldwide. Pharmacological interventions, including terlipressin and octreotide, have evolved to manage AVB, yet consensus on their comparative effectiveness remains elusive. This study conducts a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials (RCTs) comparing terlipressin and octreotide in the management of AVB, aiming to provide insights into their relative benefits. Methods: This study included RCTs with head-to-head comparisons of terlipressin and octreotide. The search strategy covered PubMed, Scopus, and Cinahl databases, and the included studies involved adult patients with confirmed AVB undergoing endoscopic variceal band ligation (EVBL). Results: Seven RCTs meeting inclusion criteria were included in the meta-analysis. The assessed outcomes were: achieving haemostasis within 24 h, rebleeding rate, and mortality rate. The pooled analysis revealed no statistically significant differences between terlipressin and octreotide in achieving haemostasis (OR: 1.30, p = 0.23), rebleeding rates at 5 days (OR: 0.7, p = 0.23), and mortality at 42 days (OR: 0.9, p > 0.5). Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests that terlipressin and octreotide exhibit similar efficacy in reducing bleeding, rebleeding rates, and mortality when used as adjuvants to EVBL in AVB. Clinicians are encouraged to consider individual patient characteristics and the broader clinical context when choosing between these agents. Future research should focus on addressing existing evidence gaps and enhancing understanding of variables influencing EVBL outcomes. Full article

Amid the global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, unraveling the genomic intricacies of SARS-CoV-2 became crucial. This study explores viral evolution using an innovative high-throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach. By taking advantage of nasal swab and mouthwash samples from patients who tested positive for COVID-19 across different geographical regions during sequential infection waves, our study applied a targeted enrichment protocol and pooling strategy to increase detection sensitivity. The approach was extremely efficient, yielding a large number of reads and mutations distributed across 10 distinct viral gene regions. Notably, the genes Envelope, Nucleocapsid, and Open Reading Frame 8 had the highest number of unique mutations per 1000 nucleotides, with both spike and Nucleocapsid genes showing evidence for positive selection. Focusing on the spike protein gene, crucial in virus replication and immunogenicity, our findings show a dynamic SARS-CoV-2 evolution, emphasizing the virus–host interplay. Moreover, the pooling strategy facilitated subtle sequence variability detection. Our findings painted a dynamic portrait of SARS-CoV-2 evolution, emphasizing the intricate interplay between the virus and its host populations and accentuating the importance of continuous genomic surveillance to understand viral dynamics. As SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve, this approach proves to be a powerful, versatile, fast, and cost-efficient screening tool for unraveling emerging variants, fostering understanding of the virus’s genetic landscape. Full article

Background: Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a Gram-positive bacterium that causes substantial disease in pigs. S. suis is also an emerging zoonoses in humans, primarily in Asia, through the consumption of undercooked pork and the handling of infected pig meat as well as carcasses. The complexity of S. suis epidemiology, characterized by the presence of multiple bacterial serotypes and strains with diverse sequence types, identifies a critical need for a universal vaccine with the ability to confer cross-protective immunity. Highly conserved immunogenic proteins are generally considered good candidate antigens for subunit universal vaccines. Methods: In this study, the cross-protection of the sugar ABC transporter substrate-binding protein (S-ABC), a surface-associated immunogenic protein of S. suis, was examined in mice for evaluation as a universal vaccine candidate. Results: S-ABC was shown to be highly conserved, with 97% amino acid sequence identity across 31 S. suis strains deposited in GenBank. Recombinantly expressed S-ABC (rS-ABC) was recognized via rabbit sera specific to S. suis serotype 2. The immunization of mice with rS-ABC induced antigen-specific antibody responses, as well as IFN-γ and IL-4, in multiple organs, including the lungs. rS-ABC immunization conferred high (87.5% and 100%) protection against challenges with S. suis serotypes 2 and 9, demonstrating high cross-protection against these serotypes. Protection, albeit lower (50%), was also observed in mice challenged with S. suis serotype 7. Conclusions: These data identify S-ABC as a promising antigenic target within a universal subunit vaccine against S. suis. Full article

The Cunninghamella genus has been utilized for the production of PUFA-rich lipids. Therefore, we investigate the impact of plant oil supplementation in the culture medium (soybean oil, rice bran oil, and perilla oil), selected based on their different fatty acid predominant, on lipid production and fatty acid composition in C. elegans (TISTR 3370). All oils significantly boosted fungal growth, each influencing distinct patterns of lipid accumulation within the cells. The cells exhibited distinct patterns of lipid accumulation, forming intracellular lipid bodies, influenced by the different oils. Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) were found to be the most abundant, followed by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and saturated fatty acids (SFAs) in the fungal lipid cultures. Oleic acid was identified as the primary MUFA, while palmitic acid was the predominant SFA in perilla oil supplements. Remarkably, perilla oil supplement provided the highest total lipid production with arachidonic acid being exclusively detected. The percentage of PUFAs ranged from 12% in the control to 33% in soybean oil, 32% in rice bran oil, and 61% in perilla oil supplements. These findings offer valuable opportunities for advancing biotechnological applications in lipid production and customization, with implications for food and nutrition as well as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Full article

Accurate estimates of tropical cyclone (TC) intensity are important for improving forecasts as well as studying ocean dynamics during such extreme events. Since most cyclone life occurs over the open ocean, remote sensing techniques play an important role in obtaining the necessary data. The possibility of using the configuration of spiral signatures of mature tropical cyclones (TCs) observed in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images to estimate the maximum wind speed of a TC is considered. This study assessed the intensity of 14 TCs in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans using radar images obtained by the Radarsat Hurricane Application Project. TC intensity was estimated using the hyperbolic-logarithmic approximation of TC spiral signatures (HLS approximation). Additionally, the edges of the spiral signatures were partially fitted using a logarithmic spiral to improve the reliability of the HLS approximation. For the first time, a physical model of changing the crossing angle of the logarithmic portion of the edges was proposed and tested on SAR images of the TC. HLS maximum wind speed estimates were compared with Best Track estimates. The results showed the closeness of both estimates with a correlation of 0.95 and a standard deviation of 2.9 m s⁻¹. The results indicate the possibility of using the HLS approximation to estimate the intensity of mature TCs from SAR data. Full article

This review examines the techno-functional properties of lactic acid bacteria (LABs) in the food industry, focusing on their potential health benefits. We discuss current findings related to the techno-functionality of LAB, which includes acidification, proteolytic and lipolytic features, and a variety of other biochemical activities. These activities include the production of antimicrobial compounds and the synthesis of exopolysaccharides that improve food safety and consumer sensory experience. LABs are also known for their antioxidant abilities, which help reduce oxidative reactions in foods and improve their functional properties. In addition, LABs’ role as probiotics is known for their promising effects on gut health, immune system modulation, cholesterol control, and general wellbeing. Despite these advantages, several challenges hinder the effective production and use of probiotic LABs, such as maintaining strain viability during storage and transport as well as ensuring their efficacy in the gastrointestinal tract. Our review identifies these critical barriers and suggests avenues for future research. Full article

Brucellosis is an infection widely distributed around the world, and in some countries it is considered a public health problem. Brucellosis causes insidious symptoms that make it difficult to diagnose. Infection can also trigger chronic pain and neuropsychiatric complications. Antibiotics are not always effective to eradicate infection, contributing to chronicity. We aimed to investigate the effects of antibiotic treatment on proinflammatory cytokines, neurotransmitters, corticosterone, and behavior in a murine model of infecrion of B. abortus strain 2308. Four study groups were created: (a) control; (b) antibiotic control; (c) infected with B. abortus 2308; and (d) infected and treated with rifampicin and doxycycline. We determined B. abortus 2308 colony-forming units (CFUs), the count of dendritic cells, and macrophages in the spleen; serum levels of cytokines and corticosterone; levels of serotonin, dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine in the brain; and equilibrium, physical strength, anxiety, and hopelessness tests. The infected and treated mice group was compared with the control and infected mice to assess whether treatment is sufficient to recover neuroimmunoendocrine parameters. Our results showed that despite the treatment of brucellosis with rifampicin and doxycycline, antibiotic-treated mice showed a persistence of B. abortus 2308 CFUs, an increased count in macrophage number, and higher circulating levels of corticosterone. Furthermore, the levels of IL-12, IL-6, and TNF-α remained higher. We found a decrease in muscular strength and equilibrium concomitant to changes in neurotransmitters in the hippocampus, cerebellum, and frontal cortex. Our data suggest that the remaining bacterial load after antibiotic administration favors inflammatory, neurochemical, and behavioral alterations, partly explaining the widespread and paradoxical symptomatology experienced by patients with chronic brucellosis. Full article

Thyme remains an indispensable herb today, finding its place in gastronomy, medicine, cosmetics, and gardens worldwide. It is highly valued in herbal remedies and pharmaceutical formulations for its antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties derived from the richness of its essential oil, which comprises various volatile components. However, climate change poses a significant challenge today, potentially affecting the quality of thyme, particularly the extracted essential oil, along with other factors such as biotic influences and the plant’s geographical distribution. Consequently, complex diversity in essential oil composition was observed, also influenced by genetic diversity within the same species, resulting in distinct chemotypes. Other factors contributing to this chemodiversity include the chosen agrotechnology and processing methods of thyme, the extraction of the essential oil, and storage conditions. In this review, we provide the latest findings on the factors contributing to the chemovariability of thyme essential oil. Full article

A lack of labeled examples is a problem in different domains, such as text and image processing, medicine, and static reservoir characterization, because supervised learning relies on vast volumes of these data to perform successfully, but this is quite expensive. However, large amounts of unlabeled data exist in these domains. The deep semi-supervised learning (DSSL) approach leverages unlabeled data to improve supervised learning performance using deep neural networks. This approach has succeeded in image recognition, text classification, and speech recognition. Nevertheless, there have been few works on pre-stack seismic reservoir characterization, in which knowledge of rock and fluid properties is fundamental for oil exploration. This paper proposes a methodology to estimate acoustic impedance using pre-stack seismic data and DSSL with a recurrent neural network. The few labeled datasets for training were pre-processed from raw seismic and acoustic impedance data from five borehole logs. The results showed that the acoustic impedance estimation at the well location and outside it was better predicted by the DSSL compared to the supervised version of the same neural network. Therefore, employing a large amount of unlabeled data can be helpful in the development of seismic data interpretation systems. Full article

Open-top chambers (OTCs) consist of semi-open enclosures used to investigate the impact of elevated carbon dioxide [CO₂] on crops and larger plant communities. OTCs have lower operational costs than alternatives such as controlled environment cabinets and Free Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment (FACE). A low-cost design is presented for an OTC with a surface area of 1.2 m² and a target elevated CO₂ concentration [CO₂] of 650 µmol mol⁻¹ adequate for trials involving cereals or grain legumes. The elevated CO₂ chambers maintained an average concentration ± standard deviation of 652 ± 37 µmol mol⁻¹ despite wind and air turbulences, in comparison to 407 ± 10 µmol mol⁻¹ for non-enriched chambers. Relative to ambient (non-chamber) conditions, plants in the chambers were exposed to slightly warmer conditions (2.3 °C in daylight hours; 0.6 °C during night environment). The materials’ cost for constructing the chambers was USD 560 per chamber, while the CO₂ control system for four chambers dedicated to CO₂-enriched conditions cost USD 5388. To maintain the concentration of 650 µmol mol⁻¹ during daylight hours, each chamber consumed 1.38 L min⁻¹ of CO₂. This means that a size G CO₂ cylinder was consumed in 8–9 days in the operation of two chambers (at USD 40). Full article

The purpose of this study was to investigate nutrition perspectives, basic nutrition knowledge, and preferred sources of nutrition information among students at a southwestern university in the US. An original online survey was used to evaluate common sources of nutrition information, factors viewed as comprising a healthy dietary pattern, and attitudes toward nutrition information and recommendations. A total of 316 participants completed the survey. Prioritizing fruits and vegetables was the most common response (97%) for characterizing healthy eating. When asked which factors characterize a non-healthy pattern of eating, eating sweets was the top response (83%). The most common sources of nutrition information reported were word of mouth/friends and family (56%), followed by social media (45%). The majority felt that nutrition recommendations are constantly changing (78%) and that nutrition information is confusing (55%). Our data indicate that most students rely primarily on informal sources of nutrition information. However, our preliminary data also suggest that many students have a fair understanding of basic principles of healthy eating. More research in a broader and more diverse sample is needed to validate these findings. Full article

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has disproportionately affected certain demographics in England, exacerbating existing health disparities. Effective therapeutics are a critical line of defence against COVID-19, particularly for patients at elevated risk for severe disease. Surveillance systems were established to monitor the usage of COVID-19 therapeutics in hospital and community settings and to inform stewardship. Three antiviral therapies—nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir (Paxlovid^®), remdesivir (Veklury^®), and molnupiravir (Lagevrio^®)—and two neutralising monoclonal antibody therapies (nMAbs)—sotrovimab (Xevudy^®) and casirivimab with imdevimab (Ronapreve^®)—were in use in England between July 2020 and April 2023. This paper aims to illuminate trends in the utilisation of COVID-19 therapeutics treatment in both hospital and community settings, stratified by the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) in England. Chapter 3 of the English Surveillance Programme for Antimicrobial Utilisation and Resistance (ESPAUR) Report 2022 to 2023 also discusses the epidemiological surveillance of these five directly acting antiviral COVID-19 therapeutics’ use in England between 2022 and 2023. Full article

This paper presents the process of digital data flow in RE/CAD/RP/CAI systems to develop models for planning surgical procedures in the craniofacial area. At the first RE modeling stage, digital data processing, segmentation, and the reconstruction of the geometry of the anatomical structures were performed. During the CAD modeling stage, three different concepts were utilized. The first concept was used to create a tool that could mold the geometry of the cranial vault. The second concept was created to prepare a prototype implant that would complement the anterior part of the mandibular geometry. And finally, the third concept was used to design a customized prototype surgical plate that would match the mandibular geometry accurately. Physical models were made using a rapid prototyping technique. A Bambu Lab X1 3D printer was used for this purpose. The process of geometric accuracy evaluation was carried out on manufactured prototypes of surgical plates made of ABS+, CPE, PLA+, and PETG material. In the geometric accuracy evaluation process, the smallest deviation values were obtained for the ABS plus material, within a tolerance of ±0.1 mm, and the largest were obtained for CPE (±0.2 mm) and PLA plus (±0.18 mm). In terms of the surface roughness evaluation, the highest value of the Sa parameter was obtained for the PLA plus material, which was 4.15 µm, and the lowest was obtained for the CPE material, equal to 3.62 µm. The knowledge of the flow of digital data and the identification of factors determining the accuracy of mapping the geometry of anatomical structures allowed for the development of a procedure that improves the modeling and manufacturing of anatomical structures within the craniofacial region. Full article

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a human pathogenic virus that encodes for a helicase (SC2Hel) that is essential for viral replication. SC2Hel has the ability to unravel dsRNA or dsDNA in an NTP-dependent manner from the 5′ to 3′ directionality. The standard helicase assay from studies involving SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 have relied on the concept of fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Adding to the collection of helicase assays, herein, we have developed a novel tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay system for the detection of ADP that is produced via SC2Hel activity. This SC2Hel assay combines three enzyme-coupled steps involving the ADP-dependent Thermococcus litoralis glucokinase (TlGlcK), Leuconostoc mesenteroides glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (LmG6PDH), and Clostridium kluyveri diaphorase (CkDIA). Iodonitrotetrazolium chloride (INT), a colorimetric tetrazolium reagent, was used in the final step of the assay that converted into INT-formazan during reduction. INT-formazan in the assay’s buffered solution at pH 7.6 exhibited an intense colorimetric response at a wavelength maximum of 505 nm. The assay exhibited excellent performance characteristics as it revealed a Z’ factor of 0.87 and it has the potential to be further adopted into high-throughput screening studies for therapeutic drug discovery research. Full article

Swallowing disorders, or dysphagia, can lead to bolus aspiration in the airway, causing serious adverse health effects. Current clinical interventions for dysphagia are mainly empirical and often based on symptoms rather than etiology, of which a thorough understanding is still lacking. However, it is challenging to study the swallowing process that involves sequential structural motions and is inaccessible to standard visualization instruments. This study proposed an in vitro method to visualize swallowing hydrodynamics and identify the fundamental mechanisms underlying overflow aspirations. An anatomically accurate pharynx–epiglottis model was developed from patient-specific CT images of 623 µm isotropic resolution. A compliant half-pharynx cast was prepared to incorporate dynamic structures and visualize the flow dynamics in the mid-sagittal plane. Three locations of frequent overflow aspiration were identified: the epiglottis base, cuneiform tubular recesses, and the interarytenoid notch. Water had a consistently higher aspiration risk than a 1% w/v methylcellulose (MC) solution. The contracting–relaxing pharynx and flapping epiglottis spread the liquid film, causing a delayed esophageal entry and increased vallecular residual, which was more pronounced with the MC solution. Dispensing the liquid too slowly resulted in water aspiration, whereas this was not observed with the MC solution. An incomplete epiglottis inversion, such as horizontal or down-tilt 45°, aggravated the aspiration risks of water. This study suggests that it is practical to use anatomically accurate respiratory–digestive models to study the swallowing process by incorporating varying physiological details. Full article

The German health authorities’ guidelines for medical devices in 2012 highlighted the importance of cleaning ultrasound probes, emphasizing their validation and reliability. In addition to automated and validated options, alternative manual methods such as wipe disinfection have gained traction due to their independence from additional hardware. The study examines the effectiveness of a manual cleaning process using wipes, addressing concerns raised by the Robert Koch Institute regarding the lack of validation for wipe disinfection of semi-critical devices. The EQUINOS colored wipe disinfection kit identified wetting gaps in all cleanings across four probes tested. The results indicate significant challenges in ensuring complete surface wetting, particularly in complex device parts such as clip-on areas and fixtures for additional biopsy attachments, suggesting that manual methods alone may not adequately mitigate the risk of infection transmission (p value < 0.0001). The study concludes that while manual disinfection methods are a commonly used alternative to automated reprocessing, there is a critical need for enhanced training and potentially the development of more effective manual disinfection techniques or colored wipes to ensure patient safety and compliance with healthcare hygiene standards. Full article