Efficient Delivery Research Articles

Recent advances in nanogels for drug delivery and biomedical applications.

Nanotechnology has shown great promise for researchers to develop efficient nanocarriers for better therapy, imaging, and sustained release of drugs. The existing treatments are accompanied by serious toxicity limitations, leading to severe side effects, multiple drug resistance, and off-target activity. In this regard, nanogels have garnered significant attention for their multi-functional role combining advanced therapeutics with imaging in a single platform. Nanogels can be functionalized to target specific tissues which can improve the efficiency of drug delivery and other challenges associated with the existing nanocarriers. Translation of nanogel technology requires more exploration towards stability and enhanced efficiency. In this review, we present the advances and challenges related to nanogels for cancer therapy, ophthalmology, neurological disorders, tuberculosis, wound healing, and anti-viral applications. A perspective on recent research trends of nanogels for translation to clinics is also discussed.

Streamlined line-defect taper design for broadband and efficient mode coupling: connecting a silicon strip with a planar valley photonic crystal zigzag interface.

The integration of planar valley photonic crystal (VPC) interfaces into high-speed data communication chips markedly improves data rates and system robustness. This Letter presents a novel, to the best of our knowledge, edge coupler, termed the line-defect taper, which is crucial for efficient and broadband light delivery to planar VPC interfaces via silicon strip waveguides. The coupling performance of the line-defect taper is evaluated through full-wave three-dimensional finite-element simulations. The results demonstrate a -3 dB transmission bandwidth of 65.5 nm, covering 41.2% of the topological bandgap, and a -1 dB transmission bandwidth of 16.3 nm, accounting for 10.3%. With its compact design (only 3.6 µm in length), simplicity, and scalability, the line-defect taper is a promising candidate for integration into densely packed chips, highlighting its potential in advancing on-chip devices.

Modulating versatile pathways using a cleavable PEG shell and EGFR-targeted nanoparticles to deliver CRISPR-Cas9 and docetaxel for triple-negative breast cancer inhibition.

Human antigen R (HuR), an RNA-binding protein, is implicated in regulating mRNA stability and translation in cancer, especially in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a highly aggressive form. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated HuR knockout (HuR CRISPR) presents a promising genetic therapeutic approach, but it encounters transfection limitations. Docetaxel (DTX), an effective cytotoxic agent against metastatic breast cancer (BC), faces challenges related to vehicle-associated adverse events in DTX formulations. Therefore, we designed multifunctional nanoparticles with pH-sensitive PEG derivatives and targeting peptides to enable efficient HuR CRISPR and DTX delivery to human TNBC MDA-MB-231 cells and tumor-bearing mice. Our findings indicated that these nanoparticles displayed pH-responsive cytotoxicity, precise EGFR targeting, efficient tumor penetration, successful endosomal escape, and accurate nuclear and cytoplasmic localization. They also demonstrated the ability to spare normal cells and prevent hemolysis. Our study concurrently modulated multiple pathways, including EGFR, Wnt/β-catenin, MDR, and EMT, through the regulation of EGFR/PI3K/AKT, HuR/galectin-3/GSK-3β/β-catenin, and P-gp/MRPs/BCRP, as well as YAP1/TGF-β/ZEB1/Slug/MMPs. The combined treatment arrested the cell cycle at the G2 phase and inhibited EMT, effectively impeding tumor progression. Tissue distribution, biochemical assays, and histological staining revealed the enhanced safety profile of pH-responsive PEG- and peptide-modified nanoformulations in TNBC mice. The DTX-embedded and peptide-modified nanoparticles mitigated the side effects of DTX, enhanced cytotoxicity in TNBC MDA-MB-231 cells, and exhibited remarkable antitumor efficacy and safety in TNBC-bearing mice with HuR CRISPR deletion. Collectively, the combination therapy of DTX and CRISPR/Cas9 offers an effective platform for delivering antineoplastic agents and gene-editing systems to combat tumor resistance and progression in TNBC.

PEGylated lipid polymeric nanoparticles for management of rheumatoid arthritis

PEGylation, an extensively used surface modification method for nanoparticles (NPs), continues to hold promise for optimizing therapy for various medical conditions by achieving efficient and selective delivery of multiple therapeutics and nanocarriers. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune and inflammatory disease treated mainly by disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) (e.g., leflunomide); however, these drugs suffer from systemic exposure and adverse effects. Leflunomide (LEF) was loaded into PEGylated (PEG)-lecithin chitosan nanoparticles (LCNPs) to enhance its therapeutic efficacy and safety profile. LEF-PEG-LCNPs showed a particle size of 115.31 ±3.24 nm, a zeta potential of 31.3±1.8 mV, an entrapment efficiency of 89.63 ±2.25 %, and an improved release profile than non-pegylated LCNPs and LEF-pure. Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were also performed. The effects of orally administrated LEF-pure, LEF-marketed, LEF-LCNPs and LEF-PEG-LCNPs against Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA)-induced rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in rats were investigated. LEF-PEG-LCNPs showed more significant inhibition of paw edema (72.74%), rheumatoid factor RF (40.76%), TNF-α (55.6%), IL-6 (47.42%), ALT (80.59%), and AST (39.83%) as compared to positive control. Furthermore, histopathological studies showed a nearly normal appearance of bone trabecular tissue, liver, kidney, lung, and heart. This highlights LEF-PEG-LCNPs as an exceptional anti-rheumatoid arthritis therapy compared to pure and marketed formulations.

Hair follicle-targeted delivery for hair recoloration using scalp-curvature-conforming microneedles based on sodium alginate and polyvinylpyrrolidone

Hair-related disorders are currently widely concerned issues for not only the scientific society but also the public attentions. Microneedle-based drug delivery system has been regarded as a promise hair follicle-targeted drug delivery approach, largely because they can effectively penetrate the stratum corneum barrier and deliver drugs to hair follicles within dermis. However, the currently reported microneedles for treating hair-related disorders usually rely on rigid backings, showing poor adaptability to the curved scalp and thereby restricting their usability for hair follicles targeted drug delivery. To this end, this study utilized sodium alginate and polyvinylpyrrolidone to construct a scalp-curvature-conforming microneedle with flexible backing. Subsequently, Psoralea corylifolia extract (PE) was loaded into the microneedles to investigate its capability in delivering PE to the hair follicle site for treating leukotrichia associated with vitiligo. These PE-loaded microneedles can effectively conform to the curvature of skin, enhancing the efficiency of microneedle insertion and ensuring stable drug delivery. Moreover, animal studies demonstrate that the PE loaded microneedles can effectively penetrate the stratum corneum, benefiting the drug delivery to hair follicles located site, and consequently showing a successful inhibition of hair graying. In summary, the present study reports a design and preparation of scalp-curvature-conforming microneedle. This design may offer a potential solution for efficient drug delivery using microneedles to the curved skin.

Nanorevolution Unleashing the Power of Nanotechnology

Abstract: Nanotechnology, the manipulation of matter at the nanoscale, has been an extraordi-nary scientific frontier that has revolutionized various fields, with one of the most promising ap-plications being in the realm of medicine. Nanomedicine, an interdisciplinary field at the intersec-tion of nanotechnology and medicine, holds tremendous potential to transform the landscape of healthcare, diagnosis, and treatment. This abstract delves into the burgeoning advancements of nanotechnology in nanomedicine, highlighting its significance, potential benefits, and ethical con-siderations. The primary focus of nanomedicine is to engineer and utilize nanoscale materials, such as nano-particles and nanostructures, to improve the effectiveness and precision of medical interventions. Nano-sized drug delivery systems can target specific cells or tissues, enhancing therapeutic out-comes and reducing side effects. These nanocarriers can penetrate biological barriers and accu-mulate at disease sites, enabling more efficient drug delivery and increasing the bioavailability of therapeutic agents. Furthermore, nanotechnology has opened new horizons in medical imaging. Nanoparticles can be engineered to be responsive to certain diseases or conditions, providing val-uable information for early detection and precise diagnosis. Novel contrast agents based on na-nomaterials have the potential to revolutionize imaging techniques, offering higher sensitivity and specificity, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes. Beyond diagnostics and drug delivery, nanotechnology is fostering breakthroughs in regenerative medicine. Nanomaterials can act as scaffolds, guiding tissue repair and promoting cellular regen-eration. By harnessing the unique properties of nanoscale materials, tissue engineering, and organ transplantation may witness unparalleled advancements, bringing hope to countless patients awaiting life-saving treatments. However, the unprecedented potential of nanomedicine also rais-es ethical concerns that demand careful consideration. As nanotechnology progresses, concerns about the safety of nanomaterials, potential toxicity, and long-term effects must be addressed to ensure responsible and sustainable development.

Lipid Nanoparticle-Mediated Oip5-as1 Delivery Preserves Mitochondrial Function in Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Inhibiting the p53 Pathway.

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury, a major contributor to poor prognosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction, currently lacks effective therapeutic strategies in clinical practice. The long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) Oip5-as1 can regulate various cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Oip5-as1 may have potential as a therapeutic target for MI/R injury as its upregulated expression has been associated with reduced infarct size and improved cardiac function in animal models, although how to effectively and safely overexpress Oip5-as1 in vivo remains unclear. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are a versatile technology for targeted drug delivery in numerous therapeutic applications. Herein, we aimed to assess the therapeutic efficacy and safety of LNPs coloaded with Oip5-as1 and a cardiomyocyte-specific binding peptide (LNP@Oip5-as1@CMP) in a murine model of MI/R injury. To achieve this, LNP@Oip5-as1@CMP was synthesized via ethanol injection method. The structural components of LNP@Oip5-as1@CMP were physicochemically analyzed. A hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model in HL-1 cells and coronary artery ligation in mice were used to simulate MI/R injury. Our results demonstrated that LNPs designed for cardiomyocyte targeting and efficient Oip5-as1 delivery were successfully synthesized. In HL-1 cells, LNP@Oip5-as1@CMP treatment significantly reduced mitochondrial apoptosis caused by H/R injury. In the murine MI/R model, the intravenous administration of LNP@Oip5-as1@CMP significantly decreased myocardial infarct size and improved cardiac function. Mechanistic investigations revealed that Oip5-as1 delivery inhibited the p53 signaling pathway. However, the cardioprotective effects of Oip5-as1 were abrogated by administrating Nutlin-3a, a p53 activator. Furthermore, no signs of major organ damage were detected after LNP@Oip5-as1@CMP injection. Our study reveals the therapeutic potential of LNPs for targeted Oip5-as1 delivery in mitigating MI/R injury. These findings pave the way for advanced targeted treatments in cardiovascular diseases, emphasizing the promise of lncRNA-based therapies.

Herbal Candies: A Potential Source of Health Benefits

Abstract: Candy is a popular product consumed by children, young and elderly alike. The major ingredient sugar makes it an instant source of energy, mostly blended with a variety of flavors and colors for sensory and aesthetic appeal. Flavors such as caramel, chocolate, peppermint, butterscotch, and vanilla are the most popular among many, that comprises of more than 2000 kinds. Although synthetic flavors and colors are predominant, natural sources such as herbs are being increasingly used. Herbal (made from herbs) products have lesser effects, more therapeutic effects, and health benefits. The advantages of herbs used in candy manufacturing are safe, with good efficacy, lower side effect, compatibility with the human body, and wide cultural acceptability. Herbal candies are used as an efficient delivery system for vitamins, minerals, and numerous bioactive compounds like anthocyanin, lycopene, ascorbic acid, etc. They are a remedy of choice in case of cough, sore throat, digestive and stomach problems. The choice of herb often is influenced based on the target health problem, reduced side effects, availability, and preferences. Apart from sugar, these candies are also manufactured using sweetening agents. Sugar and sweeteners consumption is associated with various myths and prejudices owing to increased health concerns. The review is thus designed to justify various aspects of herbal candy like production process, ingredients, historical importance, and types of herbal candies, myths, facts and risks, consumer awareness towards herbal candies. The paper will also draw a roadmap for the future of herbal candy amongst today’s health-wary consumers.

Dual pH-responsive polypeptide nanoprobes for lysosomes enhanced bioimaging and tumor photothermal therapy under 1064 nm irradiation.

Cancer cell precise fluorescence imaging and following tumor photothermal therapy have garnered ongoing interest. Lysosomes in cancer cells in a typical acidic environment can be used for smart bioimaging, and intelligent NIR-II fluorescence probes are attractive for tumor phototheranostics. Here, we successfully synthesized a pH-responsive NIR-II fluorescent dye FPZ and the introduction of N-methylpiperazine moiety at the ring position in the dye-endowed FPZ with fluorescence enhancement under acidic response. A pH-sensitive amphiphilic polypeptide was selected as the carrier to prepare FPZ-PN nanoparticles, which could be disassembled under acidic stimulation for efficient drug delivery and enrichment, and its fluorescence was significantly restored and enhanced (fluorescence enhancement of about 4.2 times) because of the blockage of the photoinduced electron transfer process, which allowed for efficient NIR-II fluorescence imaging, especially the lysosomes in cancer cells. In addition, the nanoparticles exhibited great photostability and a significant photothermal effect, with a photothermal conversion efficiency reaching as high as 69.96 % when subjected to a 1064 nm laser irradiation, which can effectively kill tumor cells. Thus, this work provides a new effective strategy for designing smart-responsive nanomedicine systems for precise localization and tumor elimination.

Nanoparticle Carriers: A New Era of Precise CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing.

The revolutionary CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology holds immense potential for treating genetic diseases and tackling conditions like cancer. However, efficient delivery remains a significant challenge. This is where nanoparticles come into play, emerging as powerful allies in the realm of drug delivery. Nanoparticles can accommodate larger insertion sizes, enabling the incorporation of larger Cas9 enzymes and complex guide RNAs, thus opening up the possibility of editing previously inaccessible genetic regions. Their relatively straightforward and scalable production processes make them cost-effective options for wider applications. Notably, nanoparticles excel in vivo, demonstrating efficient tissue penetration and targeted delivery, which are crucial for maximizing therapeutic impact while minimizing side effects. This review aims to explore the potential of nanoparticle-based delivery systems for CRISPR/Cas9, highlighting their advantages and challenges in gene editing applications. The diverse range of nanoparticles further bolsters their potential. Polymeric nanoparticles, for instance, offer tunable properties for customization and controlled release of the CRISPR cargo. Lipid-based nanoparticles facilitate efficient cellular uptake and endosomal escape, ensuring the CRISPR components reach the target DNA. Even gold nanoparticles, known for their unique biocompatibility and photothermal properties, hold promise in light-activated editing strategies. Non-viral delivery systems, particularly those based on nanoparticles, stand out due to their inherent advantages. Collectively, the evidence paints a promising picture: nanoparticles are not merely passive carriers but active participants in the CRISPR/Cas9 delivery landscape. Their versatility, efficiency, and safety position them as key enablers of a future where gene editing can revolutionize drug development, offering personalized and targeted therapies for a wide range of diseases.

Unlocking Genome Editing: Advances and Obstacles in CRISPR/Cas Delivery Technologies

CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats associated with protein 9) was first identified as a component of the bacterial adaptive immune system and subsequently engineered into a genome-editing tool. The key breakthrough in this field came with the realization that CRISPR/Cas9 could be used in mammalian cells to enable transformative genetic editing. This technology has since become a vital tool for various genetic manipulations, including gene knockouts, knock-in point mutations, and gene regulation at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. CRISPR/Cas9 holds great potential in human medicine, particularly for curing genetic disorders. However, despite significant innovation and advancement in genome editing, the technology still possesses critical limitations, such as off-target effects, immunogenicity issues, ethical considerations, regulatory hurdles, and the need for efficient delivery methods. To overcome these obstacles, efforts have focused on creating more accurate and reliable Cas9 nucleases and exploring innovative delivery methods. Recently, functional biomaterials and synthetic carriers have shown great potential as effective delivery vehicles for CRISPR/Cas9 components. In this review, we attempt to provide a comprehensive survey of the existing CRISPR-Cas9 delivery strategies, including viral delivery, biomaterials-based delivery, synthetic carriers, and physical delivery techniques. We underscore the urgent need for effective delivery systems to fully unlock the power of CRISPR/Cas9 technology and realize a seamless transition from benchtop research to clinical applications.

Evolutionary Game Analysis of Electric Vehicle Distribution Entities with Shared Charging Facilities

This study investigates the evolutionary game dynamics among electric vehicle distribution entities in the context of shared charging facilities, addressing the critical issue of inadequate charging resources. To understand the behavior of different stakeholders under government incentive policies, we develop an evolutionary game model involving a government department and two logistics enterprises (A and B). Through stability analysis, we explore equilibrium conditions of evolutionarily stable strategies (ESSs) for the tripartite evolutionary game. To ensure the robustness of our findings, we conduct a MATLAB simulation analysis to validate the analytical results. Our findings highlight that government subsidies, the costs incurred by logistics enterprises to share charging facilities, and the additional distribution income derived from this sharing are critical in determining whether the evolutionary game can achieve a stable equilibrium state. This research enables logistics companies to optimize the use of charging resources, lower operating costs, and enhance delivery efficiency. Additionally, government subsidy policies play a crucial role in encouraging logistics enterprises to engage in charging facility sharing, thereby fostering the sustainable development of the entire logistics industry. Based on these insights, the paper offers practical recommendations to further promote the sharing of charging facilities in electric vehicle distribution.

Oncolytic viruses: a potential breakthrough immunotherapy for multiple myeloma patients

Oncolytic virotherapy represents an innovative and promising approach for the treatment of cancer, including multiple myeloma (MM), a currently incurable plasma cell (PC) neoplasm. Despite the advances that new therapies, particularly immunotherapy, have been made, relapses still occur in MM patients, highlighting the medical need for new treatment options. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) preferentially infect and destroy cancer cells, exerting a direct and/or indirect cytopathic effect, combined with a modulation of the tumor microenvironment leading to an activation of the immune system. Both naturally occurring and genetically modified viruses have demonstrated significant preclinical effects against MM cells. Currently, the OVs genetically modified measles virus strains, reovirus, and vesicular stomatitis virus are employed in clinical trials for MM. Nevertheless, significant challenges remain, including the efficiency of the virus delivery to the tumor, overcoming antiviral immune responses, and the specificity of the virus for MM cells. Different strategies are being explored to optimize OV therapy, including combining it with standard treatments and targeted therapies to enhance efficacy. This review will provide a comprehensive analysis of the mechanism of action of the different OVs, and preclinical and clinical evidence, focusing on the role of oncolytic virotherapy as a new possible immunotherapeutic approach also in combination with the current therapeutic armamentarium and underlying the future directions in the context of MM treatments.

Revolutionizing Procurement: How AI & Data Analytics Driving Cost Effective Solutions in EPC

This paper, therefore, discusses the revolution brought by AI and Data Analytics in the procurement processes of EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) and how each of the challenges, including cost control, enhanced efficiency and procurement downtime, could be solved using the two technologies. When the use of the procurement models is applied, the following benefits will be realized: supplier selection is facilitated using artificial intelligence, thereby automating the entire process; there is increased accuracy of costs compared to manual estimation, therefore reducing bias. The use of AI will allow better historical and real-time data analysis for procurement needs forecast, supplier evaluation and material cost prediction. Furthermore, machine learning algorithms can automate adjustments depending on real-time market variability, such for instance, a change in the price of the materials or a disruption in the supply chain, as well as execution flexibility regarding the project needs. Data Analytics also adds more weightage to procurement efficiency because it gives detailed analysis of the past and present procurement data. By utilizing state-of-the-art analytical frameworks, top managements are allowed to make powerful supplier analyses in relation to reliability, lead time, and cost of contracts prior to negotiations on contract supplier contracts and before contracting risks. What this study aims to do is to highlight real-life implementations of these technologies and how EPC firms can capitalize on these technologies to drive procurement efficiency, cost reduction, project delivery, and supplier relationship all for efficient project delivery. This paper thus provides a detailed discussion on the MI and TI of implementing AI and DA within procurement in the EPC sector via case studies and examples.

Telehealth innovations for cardiovascular disease management

Telehealth innovations and wearable technologies are revolutionizing the management of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), providing patients with more accessible and continuous care. The integration of remote monitoring tools and mobile health applications allows for real-time tracking of vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, enabling early detection of abnormalities and timely medical interventions. These technologies empower patients to actively participate in their own health management, encouraging adherence to prescribed lifestyle changes, such as increased physical activity and improved dietary habits, which are essential for preventing and controlling CVD. Wearable devices, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, play a critical role in the continuous monitoring of cardiovascular health. Combined with telehealth platforms, they offer personalized insights and facilitate communication between patients and healthcare providers, enhancing care coordination. This leads to improved patient outcomes, particularly in managing chronic conditions like hypertension and heart failure, where early intervention is key to preventing complications. Additionally, telehealth solutions reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, cutting healthcare costs and making care more convenient and accessible for patients in remote or underserved areas. As telehealth and wearable technologies continue to advance, they hold the potential to further transform cardiovascular care, contributing to more efficient healthcare delivery and better management of cardiovascular risk factors.

Enhancing HIV/AIDS and TB medication logistics: A comprehensive approach to global healthcare distribution

The distribution of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB) medications is critical to the success of global healthcare initiatives, particularly in regions with limited infrastructure and resources. This review examines the logistical challenges hindering the efficient delivery of these life-saving medications, including supply chain inefficiencies, poor infrastructure, and geographical barriers. It also explores innovative approaches to optimizing logistics, such as the use of blockchain, drones, and artificial intelligence (AI), alongside public-private partnerships (PPPs) and supportive policy frameworks. These emerging technologies have the potential to enhance the availability and effectiveness of HIV/AIDS and TB treatments by improving supply chain transparency, reducing stockouts, and overcoming transportation challenges in remote areas. The paper further assesses the impact of these logistical improvements on healthcare outcomes, demonstrating how they contribute to improved patient adherence, reduced disease transmission, and cost savings. Finally, recommendations are provided for policymakers, healthcare organizations, and stakeholders to adopt these innovations, and future research directions are proposed to expand these models to other medications and diseases.

Improving DC power supply performance: insights into cuk and modified cuk converters' stability and power factor

Abstract The conversion of alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) is pivotal for modern electrical systems, significantly influencing power delivery efficiency and stability. As the reliance on DC-powered electronic devices grows, optimizing AC-DC converters becomes increasingly important. Various converter topologies, including buck, boost, buck-boost, Cuk, and SEPIC configurations, exhibit unique characteristics that affect their efficiency and impact on the power grid.
This study examines the performance of Cuk and modified Cuk converters, utilizing PSIM software to simulate these converters for a 1.4 kW power supply. The simulations reveal that both the Cuk and modified Cuk converters achieve reduced ripple in voltage and current outputs, addressing a significant concern for DC power supplies. Additionally, the modified Cuk converter demonstrates a marked reduction in the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the source current.
This study explored the interaction between converter topologies and varying load conditions, emphasizing their impact on power factor—a measure of electrical power consumption. A higher power factor indicates improved efficiency and reduced reactive power, benefiting both the electrical system and the grid. The research further investigates how load variations affect power factor and converter performance, providing insights into designing converters that enhance system reliability and efficiency.
By validating the simulation results with experimental data, it has been established that the modified Cuk converter topology offers superior performance and stability. This advancement supports the development of converters that optimize power factor and energy consumption, which are crucial for advancing electrical infrastructure. By bridging the gap between simulation and real-world performance, this work aims to provide valuable insights that can inform future enhancements in domestic EV charging infrastructure, ultimately contributing to the broader adoption of electric vehicles.

Delivery Efficiency of Albuterol Pressurized Metered Dose Inhaler Through Small Size Laryngeal Mask Airways in an Infant and Child Model.

Intraoperative bronchospasm in pediatric patients supported through laryngeal mask airways (LMAs) is commonly treated with pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) albuterol. The aim of the study was to evaluate delivery of pMDI albuterol through LMAs under different conditions in a model of infant/child supported with a ventilator. We compared drug delivery efficiency of 4 actuations of albuterol pMDI (captured on a filter placed between the LMA and a test lung), drug deposition in the circuit (elbow) and in the LMA under different experimental conditions. Outcomes were expressed of percentage of nominal dose. We compared devices (valved holding chamber [VHC] and adapter), timing of administration (inspiration and expiration), tidal volumes (50 mL and 100 mL), mode of actuation (single and multiple), and LMA sizes (1, 1.5, and 2). Multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate the contribution of each to these components to the outcomes. P < .05 was considered statistically significant. Results are expressed as median (interquartile range) of pooled data. Drug delivery efficiency was 0% (0-1.1) and 6.3% (3.2-14.7) for adapter and VHC, respectively. Elbow deposition was 25.8% (19.2-63.3) and 2.9% (1.4-6.4) for adapter and VHC, respectively. LMA deposition was 2.6% (1.3-4.6) and 4.6% (2.9-6.1) for adapter and VHC, respectively. Multiple regression analysis showed that device, timing of actuation, and LMA size explained 33%, 17%, and 8% of the observed variation in delivery efficiency (R2 0.63), respectively. Multiple regression analysis showed that device and timing of actuation explained 52% and 16% of the observed variation, respectively (R2 0.70). Multiple regression analysis poorly explained factors associated with LMA deposition (R2 0.22). Using a VHC, actuating the pMDI during exhalation, and using a small LMA size increased drug delivery efficiency. The adapter was an inefficient add-on device for aerosol delivery with a pMDI through an LMA that caused significant circuit deposition.

Security of Magnetic Resonance Medical Images using Region-based Lossless Image Compression in Healthcare Information Systems

Purpose The purpose of region-based medical image compression is to optimize the compression process by focusing on specific regions of interest within medical images. Unlike traditional compression methods that treat the entire image uniformly, region-based compression techniques identify and prioritize certain areas or regions within the image that are deemed more diagnostically significant or relevant. By allocating more resources to compressing these critical regions while reducing compression in less important areas, region-based compression methods aim to achieve higher compression efficiency while preserving diagnostic quality. This approach is particularly valuable in medical imaging, where accurate representation of anatomical structures or pathological findings is paramount for clinical diagnosis and decision-making. Region-based compression can help reduce storage requirements, transmission bandwidth, and processing time without compromising the diagnostic integrity of medical images, thereby facilitating more efficient healthcare delivery and telemedicine applications. Methods In this study, we utilized distortion-limiting compression techniques to optimize the compression process for specific regions within medical images. We employed lossless scalable RBC (Region-Based Compression) using Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) for Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine (DICOM) images. The initial step involved medical image pre-processing, followed by segmentation to separate the image into regions of interest (ROI) and non-ROI. Compression techniques were then applied to reduce network bandwidth and storage requirements. Fractal lossy compression was employed for the non-ROI portion, while context-tree weighting lossless compression was proposed for the ROI portion, effectively compressing the image while rejecting noisy background elements. During decompression, the original medical image can be reconstructed using the reverse process. This approach optimizes storage and transmission efficiency while preserving diagnostic integrity in medical imaging applications. Results The experiment involved testing various medical images, and the proposed method outperformed previous techniques in terms of results. According to the findings, the improvement in Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) over current techniques reached up to 24.23 dB compared to the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG). Additionally, it achieved up to 12.22 dB improvement compared to other transform approaches. These significant enhancements prompted the development of a web and mobile platform for compressing and sending medical images, particularly microscopic ones, in real time. Conclusion This research focuses on employing wavelet transform techniques to compress the Region of Interest (ROI) within medical images. This ROI-based compression approach is particularly valuable as it retains essential diagnostic information while reducing the overall file size. Such a technique holds significant promise for telemedicine systems, especially in rural regions where network resources may be limited or constrained. By selectively compressing the most diagnostically relevant areas of medical images, this approach ensures that critical information is preserved while optimizing data transmission and storage efficiency. This can ultimately enhance access to medical imaging services and facilitate remote diagnosis and treatment in underserved areas with limited network infrastructure.

Elevating logistics performance: harnessing the power of artificial intelligence in e-commerce

PurposeArtificial intelligence (AI) usage improves e-commerce logistics efficiency. However, many actors can play significant roles, such as supply chain consistency (SCC), last-mile logistics (LML) performance and collaboration and coordination among logistics firms. This study aims to assess how SCC and LML performance mediate and collaboration and coordination moderate the relationship between AI usage and logistics efficiency.Design/methodology/approachA structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. A total of 245 valid responses were received from Indian e-commerce businesses. The data were then analysed using AMOS v25 and structural equational modelling using SPSS for regression, PROCESS macro for mediation and moderated mediation analysis.FindingsThe findings show that AI usage independently impacts logistics efficiency, with SCC and last-mile delivery performance as mediating variables. Collaboration and coordination among logistic firms are also critical moderators in enhancing AI’s efficacy in logistic operations. The study findings suggest the integration of AI into logistic operations and provide implications to managers on the urgency of fostering a collaborative and synchronised environment to utilise the full potential of AI in e-commerce businesses.Originality/valueThis study not only contributes to the field of logistics theory by presenting empirical data on the various ramifications of AI but also offers practical guidance for logistics firms, particularly those operating in developing economies, on how to strategically employ AI to enhance operational efficiency and attain a competitive advantage in the era of e-commerce logistics in the digital age.