Increased Life Span Research Articles

Fabrication and Characterization of Biocompatible Multilayered Elastomer Hybrid with Enhanced Water Permeation Resistance for Packaging of Implantable Biomedical Devices

This study presents the synthesis and characterization of hexadecyl-modified SiO2 (HD-SiO2) nanoparticles and their application in the fabrication of a multilayered elastomer hybrid sheet to enhance water resistance in implantable biomedical devices. The surface modification of SiO2 nanoparticles was confirmed via FT-IR and TGA analyses, showing the successful grafting of hydrophobic hexadecyl groups. FE-SEM and DLS analyses revealed spherical HD-SiO2 nanoparticles with an average size of 360 nm. A multilayered elastomer hybrid sheet, consisting of a PDMS-based circuit-protecting body, a water resistance layer of HD-SiO2, a planarization layer, and a biocompatible layer of polydopamine, was fabricated and characterized. The water resistance layer exhibited superhydrophobic properties, with a water contact angle of 154.7° and a 27% reduction in water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) compared to the circuit-protecting body alone. The device packaged with both the circuit-protecting body and water resistance layer demonstrated a tenfold increase in operational lifespan in water medium compared to the device without the water resistance layer. Cytotoxicity and cell proliferation tests on human dermal fibroblast cells (HDFn) confirmed the biocompatibility of the multilayered sheet, with no significant cytotoxicity observed over 48 h.

The gut microbiota-brain axis role in neurodegenerative diseases and implications according to the sex

Recent advancements in neurodegenerative research have embraced a multisystemic approach, emphasizing the role of the gut microbiota and its interactions with various systems, including the central nervous system. This review explores the interactions between the gut-brain axis and neurological illnesses associated with ageing, with a particular focus on the potential influence of sex. Despite increased life expectancy, the chronological ceiling of human well-being remains unchanged, implying that conditions such as dementia and Parkinson's disease will continue to affect individuals for extended periods as lifespans increase. Understanding the microbiota-gut-brain axis in relation to neurodegenerative diseases may pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches. Additionally, emerging research suggests that sex-related variations in gut microbiota and the influence of sex hormones may impact the manifestation of several neurodegenerative conditions, including those related to mental health. This review updates the current knowledge on age-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and dementia with Lewy bodies. Future research should focus on exploring microbial therapeutics for the treatment and prevention of age-related neurodegenerative disorders, as well as gender-specific variations in gut microbiota. In this context, the EU-funded project MEMOIR will investigate the impact of a healthy diet on gut microbiota and the progression of Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Anti-tumor effects of recombinant human cyclophilin A combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors in the experimental model of melanoma B16 in vivo

Introduction. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have an exceptional position in cancer immunotherapy. Currently, anti-CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4) and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 (PD-1 – programmed cell death 1, PD-L1 – programmed death 1 ligand 1) therapies are most widely applied in clinical practice. Still, immune checkpoint inhibitors therapy is not always successful, and multiple studies have indicated that it should be combined with other immunotherapeutic strategies, including cytokines. Secreted cyclophilin A (CypA) could be of particular interest in this respect. Previously, we showed that recombinant human CypA (rhCypA) had pleiotropic immunostimulatory activity and anti-tumor effects. Studies of rhCypA as an anti-cancer factor pointed to its potential use in cancer chemoimmunotherapy and combination immunotherapy.Aim. To evaluate anti-tumor effects of combined immunotherapy using rhCypA and immune checkpoint inhibitors in the mouse model of melanoma B16 in vivo.Materials and methods. C57BL/6 mice were subcutaneously transplanted with melanoma B16. On days 6 and 9 posttumor transplantation, monoclonal antibodies to PD-1, PD-L1 and programmed cell death 1 ligand 2 (PD-L2), CTLA-4, lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3), or CD276 were intravenously injected into mice at a dose of 100 μg/mouse. RhCypA was injected s/c on days 6–10 post-tumor transplantation at a dose of 100 μg/mouse. The therapeutic effects of combined immunotherapy were evaluated by melanoma B16 growth dynamics and the survival of tumor-bearing mice.Results. In combination with anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibodies, rhCypA had the most distinct and prolonged synergic anti-tumor effects until day 19 post-immunotherapy, with an increase in animal lifespan of 70 %. When used with anti-LAG-3 monoclonal antibodies, rhCypA exhibited a synergic therapeutic effect by day 12 post-therapy. Combination of rhCypA with anti-PD-L1 or anti-CD276 monoclonal antibodies had short-term synergic effects until day 5 after therapy. Recombinant human CypA impeded the anti-tumor effects of dual anti-PD-1 + anti-LAG-3 therapy.Conclusion. Our findings pointed out that rhCypA could significantly improve therapeutic effects of individual immune checkpoint inhibitors. Therefore, rhCypA could be potentially proposed as a component of combined anti-tumor immunotherapy.

Super SEI-Forming Anion for Enhanced Interfacial Stability in Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries.

The extremely high chemical reactivity of lithium metal (Li°) electrodes and its enormous volume change during repetitive cycles cause continuous interfacial degradations in prevailing organic electrolytes, thus deteriorating the cycling performances of rechargeable lithium metal batteries (LMBs). Herein, departing from traditional wisdom on the design of electrolyte components, a super SEI-forming anion (SSA), as an efficient percussor for building stable interphases on Li° electrode, is proposed. Comprehensive investigations related to the unique anion chemistry of SSA reveal that the sulfonate and polyfluoroalkyl functionalities synergistically contribute to uniform spatial distributions of designer interfacial species, greatly improving the surface coverage property and conformal ability of the resulting interphases. Consequently, the incorporation of SSA leads to significant improvements in the cyclability of Li° electrode (exceeding 575 mAh cm-2 before failure) and the corresponding rechargeable Li°||LiFePO4 cells [a five-time increase in lifespan as compared to the benchmark cell with the popular SEI-forming anion bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (FSI)]. The present work offers a paradigm shift to tame the notorious interfacial issues via upgraded anion chemistry, which can promote the practical development of rechargeable LMBs and other kinds of metal batteries.

Lifetime healthcare expenditures across socioeconomic groups

BackgroundA socioeconomic gradient affects healthcare expenditures and longevity in opposite directions as less affluent individuals have higher current healthcare expenditures but simultaneously enjoy shorter lives. Yet, it is unclear whether this cross-sectional healthcare expenditure gradient persists from a lifetime perspective. This paper analyzes lifetime healthcare expenditures across socioeconomic groups using detailed individual-level healthcare expenditure data for the entire Danish population.MethodUsing full population healthcare expenditures from Danish registries, we estimate lifetime healthcare expenditures as age-specific mean healthcare expenditures times the probability of being alive at each age. Our data enables the estimation of lifetime healthcare expenditures by sex, socioeconomic status, and by various types of healthcare expenditure.ResultsOnce we account for mortality differences and all types of healthcare expenditures, all socioeconomic groups spend an almost equal amount on healthcare throughout a lifetime. Lower socioeconomic groups incur the lowest lifetime hospital expenditures, whereas higher socioeconomic groups experience the highest lifetime expenditures on long-term care services. Our findings remain robust across various socioeconomic measures and alternative estimation methodologies.ConclusionImproving the health status of lower socioeconomic groups to align with that of higher socioeconomic groups is costly but may ultimately reduce current healthcare expenditures. Enhanced health outcomes likely increase lifespan, leading to extended periods of healthcare consumption. However, since all socioeconomic groups tend to have similar lifetime healthcare expenditures, this prolonged consumption has limited impact on overall lifetime healthcare costs. Additionally, a significant benefit is the deferment of healthcare expenditures into the future. Overall, our results diminish concerns about socially inequitable utilization of healthcare resources while socioeconomic differences in health and longevity persist, even in a universal healthcare system.

Approaches to manufacturing affordable 3D printed modules to improve the durability of white canes for visually impaired people

In this study, 3D printing-based solutions are sought to improve the durability of guide canes of visually impaired individuals. The financial inaccessibility of technological white canes is a challenge that this study addresses by integrating additive manufacturing. The proposed solutions are designing a ball caster tip with a suspension mechanism, manufacturing a barrier detection and vibration alert system, and a 3D-printed flexible cover for the guide cane. Each solution is specially prototyped for this study using Computer-Aid Design (CAD). It aims to produce accessories that can upgrade any regular cane to a more durable and comfortable state by easily clipping them onto any cane. The solutions were assessed under three criteria, for which the visually impaired consultee of the research was assigned weights for further evaluation. The assessment has been conducted based on each solution’s effectiveness, cost, and comfort. According to the evaluation of the visually impaired consultee, the ball caster with suspension mechanism yielded the highest score for the assessment criteria. Further recommendations have been made for each solution to decrease the volume occupancy and increase lifespan, durability, and comfort.

Optimizing solarized desalination unit through the implementation of 4-step MED method using energy, exergy, economic and environmental analysis

The consumption of thermal energy in thermal desalination plants leads to a higher price for the fresh water they produce compared to other methods. By utilizing optimization techniques, it is possible to lower both energy consumption and price. The focus of this paper is on optimizing a solarized desalination unit through the implementation of the 4-step MED method with a PTC collector. To achieve this objective, the NSGA II algorithm was implemented in MATLAB using a function for optimization. This algorithm is known for its cost-effectiveness and high energy efficiency. According to the results, there has been an improvement in the fresh water flow rate, desalination efficiency, and GOR, with values reaching 126.87, 53.6%, and 3.66 respectively, compared to the previous values of 116.5, 49.21%, and 3.32. In the ideal condition, the power generated is 6089 kW, priced at 3.28 cents per kilowatt, and the cost of producing fresh water is 8.49 dollars per cubic meter, which decreases as the process lifespan increases. Solar collectors and thermal tanks account for the largest portion (64%) of exergy destruction, as indicated by the exergy analysis. Optimization of the process has led to energy and exergy efficiencies of 59.8% and 58%, respectively, representing a notable enhancement of around 10% in the system's lifespan. The optimal mode also includes the completion of the sensitivity analysis. The process was subjected to LCA analysis, and the results indicated that the largest impact is on human health, with the collectors and thermal storage tanks being responsible for most of the pollution. As a result, the optimized process has delivered outstanding results while also being environmentally conscious.

Chitosan nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery for linoleic acid isolated from Melastomastrum capitatum Fern. leaf extract against MCF-7 and OV7 cancer cells

The number of cancer cases worldwide is rising, resulting in approximately 40 million deaths each year due to the inability to effectively deliver drugs that specifically target cancer cells. The study's aim was to utilize chitosan nanoparticles containing linoleic acid extracted from Melastomastrum capitatum leaves to specifically target MCF-7 and OV7 cancer cells. The study conducted toxicity tests on Wistar rats to evaluate the potential harmful effects of the extract at different doses. It also examined the extract's impact on vital organs through histopathological analysis. Chitosan nanoparticles containing the extract were developed using the spray drying method. In addition, the study analyzed various characteristics of the chitosan-loaded extract, such as % yield, drug entrapment efficiency, morphology, particle size, thermal properties, drug release, and swelling index. In vitro studies were conducted on MCF-7 and OV7 cell lines to assess the extract's anticancer properties. In vivo studies were performed on tumor-induced Wistar rats, with five rats in each of the five groups, using hemocytometer trypan blue cell counting. The study found that the crude leaf extract of M. capitatum (MCE) was well tolerated at a dose of 5000 mg/kg in rats, with only partial congestion observed in the lungs and testis. The extract exhibited higher cytotoxicity against the ovarian cancer cell line OV7 compared to the breast cancer cell line MCF-7, with an IC50 value of 10.13±2.20. In vitro studies showed that a chitosan nanoparticle-loaded version of the extract (CSLA3) induced apoptosis and increased caspase-3 activity in OV7 cells. In vivo studies showed that treatment with the chitosan-loaded extract significantly increased mean survival time and percentage increase in life span in tumor-induced rats. Tumor cell volume and viable cell counts decreased, while non-viable cell count increased in the treated group. The study concluded that CSLA3 effectively inhibited the growth of ovarian cancer cells and demonstrated the potential of chitosan nanoparticles to deliver anticancer plant extracts. This also supports the traditional use of M. capitatum leaf extract as a treatment for ovarian cancer.

Bioactivity of biogenic silver/silver chloride nanoparticles from Maranta arundinacea rhizome extract: Antibacterial and antioxidant properties with anticancer potential against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma and human breast cancer cell lines

IntroductionThis study explores the synthesis and characterization of silver/silver chloride nanoparticles (Ag/AgCl-NPs) using Maranta arundinacea rhizome extract and evaluates their bioactivities, including antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer potentials. MethodsThe synthesis of Ag/AgCl-NPs was initially confirmed by a color change and a sharp peak at 463 nm in UV–visible spectroscopy. Further characterization was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Antibacterial properties were checked against four pathogenic bacteria (Shigella boydii, Escherichia coli, Shigella dysenteriae, and Staphylococcus aureus), and antioxidant activities were assessed using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) assay. In addition, the anticancer potential was evaluated in vitro using MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) colorimetric assay and in vivo using the mouse models. Finally, toxicity was determined by employing the brine shrimp nauplii lethality assay. ResultsAg/AgCl-NPs most effectively inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, showing maximum zone of inhibition and 7 μg/mL of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and prevented the biofilm formation by Escherichia coli at 40 μg/mL. They displayed antioxidant activities against DPPH and ABTS with IC50 values of 90.65 and 24.34 μg/mL, respectively. In vitro, they inhibited 61.96 % EAC and 49.63 % MCF-7 cells growth at 32 and 128 μg/mL, respectively. Subsequently, inhibition rates of EAC cells growth in mice were measured as 38.30 %, 57.38 %, and 31.81 % after employing 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg/day of Ag/AgCl-NPs, respectively. Moreover, Ag/AgCl-NPs treated mice were found to carry more apoptotic EAC cells with distorted morphology. Treated mice showed decreased tumor weight, increased mean survival time, and a lifespan increase of up to 30 %, with improved hematological parameters. Later, Ag/AgCl-NPs exhibited moderate toxicity with an LC50 value of 208.41 μg/mL in brine shrimp nauplii lethality assay. ConclusionThe promising antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities along with mild toxicity suggest the potential biomedical uses of Maranta arundinacea rhizome extract-mediated Ag/AgCl-NPs.

Design, Synthesis, and Anti-Prostate Cancer Potential of 2-(4-Nitrobenzyl) Malonates In Vitro and DAL Acute Oral Toxicity Assessment In Vivo.

New 4-nitrobenzyl derivatives were designed and synthesised by nucleophilic substitution reactions of 4-nitrobenzyl bromide with malonic acid and its derivatives. The synthesised molecules were characterised using mass analysis and spectroscopic techniques and tested for their antioxidant properties using various methods, such as nitric oxide, DPPH, and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging methods. The anti-inflammatory activities of the molecules were assessed using RBC membrane stabilisation and albumin denaturation methods. We evaluated the compounds' potential anti-prostate cancer activity using the DU145 cell line. The MTT assay determined the cell viability, indicating good anti-proliferative activity. The molecule 3 c exhibited the highest potency, with a CTC50 of 11.83 μg/mL. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to study the stability of the ligand within the protein after docking and the resulting protein-ligand complex. The in vivo analysis of molecule 3 c in the DAL xenograft model demonstrated promising results. The increase in life span, reduction in tumor volume, and comparable effects to standard drugs are encouraging features that suggest that molecule 3 c may possess significant potential as an anti-cancer agent. The research also implies that these molecules might be potential lead compounds for developing new prostate cancer drugs.

The IMPACT OF HONEYBEE GUT BACTERIA ON THE SURVIVAL OF HONEYBEES EXPOSED TO INSECTICIDES

The widespread use of insecticides poses a significant threat to the health and sustainability of honeybees (Apis mellifera). This study aimed to isolate, identify, and investigate the potential of honeybee gut bacterial strains in mitigating the detrimental effects of insecticides on honeybees and extending their lifespan. The efficacy of seven honeybee gut bacterial strains in reducing insecticide toxicity was evaluated. Through the identification of honeybee gut bacterial isolates using 16s rRNA, seven strains were identified, namely Priestia endophytica, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus, Peribacillus frigoritolerans, B. subtilis, Bacillus pumilus, and Bacillus tequilensis. The experimental results revealed that bees treated with these gut bacteria significantly reduced oxidative stress markers and detoxification enzyme levels compared to untreated bees. Moreover, the treated bees demonstrated enhanced immune responses. The bees treated with deltamethrin + intestinal bacteria showed an increase in bees' lifespan to 6.33 days compared to a lifespan of 4 days with deltamethrin only. Similarly, bees treated with acetamiprid intestinal bacteria had further extended to 10.33 days compared to a lifespan of 7.67 days with acetamiprid. These findings suggest that using honeybee gut bacterial strains may serve as a sustainable strategy to mitigate the harmful impacts of insecticides on honeybees, thereby promoting their overall health and contributing to the preservation of pollination services and apiculture. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimize the application of these natural products in honeybee management practices.

Internet of Things and mobile application for pill management for older adults

Advancements in specialized technology have been studied to improve quality of life and increase lifespan, especially in the healthcare industry. As part of this effort, a prototype of a pill monitoring system based on mobile phones has been proposed. This project aims to advance these objectives by creating and implementing an Internet of Things (IoT) device specifically designed for medication management. The prototype allows users to enter detailed medication information, set reminders, and monitor their medication intake. We have designed an easy-to-use interface, particularly for individuals who may not be very familiar with mobile technology. Additionally, the application generates visual graphs of medication usage, which can be extremely beneficial for healthcare professionals in monitoring and managing treatment plans. The prototype was developed using Flutter and ESP32 microcontroller, which controls and monitors the medication compartments. While it is still in the early stages of development, the functional prototype shows great potential as a valuable tool for older adults.

Stochasticity in Dietary Restriction-Mediated Lifespan Outcomes in Drosophila.

Dietary restriction (DR) is widely considered to be one of the most potent approaches to extend healthy lifespan across various species, yet it has become increasingly apparent that DR-mediated longevity is influenced by biological and non-biological factors. We propose that current priorities in the field should include understanding the relative contributions of these factors to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of DR. Our work conducted in two laboratories, represents an attempt to unify DR protocols in Drosophila and to investigate the stochastic effects of DR. Across 64 pairs of survival data (DR/ad libitum, or AL), we find that DR does not universally extend lifespan. Specifically, we observed that DR conferred a significant lifespan extension in only 26.7% (17/64) of pairs. Our pooled data show that the overall lifespan difference between DR and AL groups is statistically significant, but the median lifespan increase under DR (7.1%) is small. The effects of DR were overshadowed by stochastic factors and genotype. Future research efforts directed toward gaining a comprehensive understanding of DR-dependent mechanisms should focus on unraveling the interactions between genetic and environmental factors. This is essential for developing personalized healthspan-extending interventions and optimizing dietary recommendations for individual genetic profiles.

Stochasticity in Dietary Restriction-Mediated Lifespan Outcomes in Drosophila.

Dietary restriction (DR) is widely considered to be one of the most potent approaches to extend healthy lifespan across various species, yet it has become increasingly apparent that DR-mediated longevity is influenced by biological and non-biological factors. We propose that current priorities in the field should include understanding the relative contributions of these factors to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of DR. Our work conducted in two laboratories, represents an attempt to unify DR protocols in Drosophila and to investigate the stochastic effects of DR. Across 64 pairs of survival data (DR/ad libitum, or AL), we find that DR does not universally extend lifespan. Specifically, we observed that DR conferred a significant lifespan extension in only 26.7% (17/64) of pairs. Our pooled data show that the overall lifespan difference between DR and AL groups is statistically significant, but the median lifespan increase under DR (7.1%) is small. The effects of DR were overshadowed by stochastic factors and genotype. Future research efforts directed toward gaining a comprehensive understanding of DR-dependent mechanisms should focus on unraveling the interactions between genetic and environmental factors. This is essential for developing personalized healthspan-extending interventions and optimizing dietary recommendations for individual genetic profiles.

A laboratory investigation for assessing the effectiveness of wastewater treatment using flocculation process in building stone processing industry on stone surface quality and abrasive tool wear

In this study, the effect of presence and concentration of two synthetic polymeric flocculants with different charging mechanisms (anionic and cationic) on surface quality and abrasive tool wear in polishing process of building stones was investigated. The polishing tests were performed in laboratory scale on two stone samples (granite and marble). An index, entitled improvement index (I) was defined for evaluating the effectiveness of flocculants on surface quality and abrasive tool wear. The results revealed that flocculation process had a noticeable effect on enhancement of surface quality and reduction of abrasive tool wear for both stone samples. The cationic flocculant was more effective for granite sample and anionic flocculant was more effective for marble sample. The granite particles mainly exhibit negative surface charge while the marble particles have positive surface charge in the pH range of wastewater used for polishing tests. Therefore, charge neutralization mechanism plays a major role in flocculation process of granite and marble samples. It was found that the use of flocculation process for treatment of wastewater in stone processing plants leads to increase of abrasive tool lifespan and more high-quality products.

Nutrition, GH/IGF-1 signaling, and cancer.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States and among the most prevalent diseases globally, with an incidence expected to grow because of smoking, pollution, poor dietary habits, obesity, and the rise in the older population. Given their ability to reduce risk factors, albeit with varying efficacy, nutrition and fasting could help prevent cancer and other age-related disorders. Calorie restriction (CR), various forms of intermittent fasting (IF) or periodic fasting (PF), and fasting-mimicking diets (FMDs) have been shown to improve health span, increase lifespan, and prevent or postpone cancer in rodents. The effects of specific diets and fasting regimens on aging and cancer appear to be mediated in part by the reduction in the activity of the growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like-growth-factor-I (IGF-1) axis. Nevertheless, recent data indicate that the alternation of low and normal levels of these hormones and factors may be ideal for optimizing longevity and function. Here, we review the role of nutrition, CR, and fasting/FMD on cancer, focusing on the hypothesis that the modulation of GH, IGF-1, and insulin signaling partly mediates the effect of these dietary interventions on cancer prevention.

Optimal Electric Vehicle Battery Management Using Q-learning for Sustainability

This paper presents a comprehensive study on the optimization of electric vehicle (EV) battery management using Q-learning, a powerful reinforcement learning technique. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, there is an increasing need for efficient battery-management strategies to extend battery life, enhance performance, and minimize operating costs. The primary objective of this research is to develop and assess a Q-learning-based approach to address the intricate challenges associated with EV battery management. This paper starts by elucidating the key challenges inherent in EV battery management and discusses the potential advantages of incorporating Q-learning into the optimization process. Leveraging Q-learning’s capacity to make dynamic decisions based on past experiences, we introduce a framework that considers state-of-charge, state-of-health, charging infrastructure, and driving patterns as critical state variables. The methodology is detailed, encompassing the selection of state, action, reward, and policy, with the training process informed by real-world data. Our experimental results underscore the efficacy of the Q-learning approach in optimizing battery management. Through the utilization of Q-learning, we achieve substantial enhancements in battery performance, energy efficiency, and overall EV sustainability. A comparative analysis with traditional battery-management strategies is presented to highlight the superior performance of our approach. A comparative analysis with traditional battery-management strategies is presented to highlight the superior performance of our approach, demonstrating compelling results. Our Q-learning-based method achieves a significant 15% improvement in energy efficiency compared to conventional methods, translating into substantial savings in operational costs and reduced environmental impact. Moreover, we observe a remarkable 20% increase in battery lifespan, showcasing the effectiveness of our approach in enhancing long-term sustainability and user satisfaction. This paper significantly enriches the body of knowledge on EV battery management by introducing an innovative, data-driven approach. It provides a comprehensive comparative analysis and applies novel methodologies for practical implementation. The implications of this research extend beyond the academic sphere to practical applications, fostering the broader adoption of electric vehicles and contributing to a reduction in environmental impact while enhancing user satisfaction.

Characterization of Effects of mTOR Inhibitors on Aging in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Pharmacological inhibition of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway with rapamycin can extend lifespan in several organisms. Although this includes the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, effects in this species are relatively weak and sometimes difficult to reproduce. Here we test effects of drug dosage and timing of delivery to establish the upper limits of its capacity to extend life, and investigate drug effects on age-related pathology and causes of mortality. Liposome-mediated rapamycin treatment throughout adulthood showed a dose-dependent effect, causing a maximal 21.9% increase in mean lifespan, but shortening of lifespan at the highest dose, suggesting drug toxicity. Rapamycin treatment of larvae delayed development, weakly reduced fertility and modestly extended lifespan. By contrast, treatment initiated later in life robustly increased lifespan, even from Day 16 (or ~70 years in human terms). The rapalog temsirolimus extended lifespan similarly to rapamycin, but effects of everolimus were weaker. As in mouse, rapamycin had mixed effects on age-related pathologies, inhibiting one (uterine tumor growth) but not several others, suggesting a segmental antigeroid effect. These findings should usefully inform future experimental studies with rapamycin and rapalogs in C. elegans.

Overnutrition in persons with cystic fibrosis on modulator therapy and the relationship to obstructive sleep apnea.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) care is evolving with the ubiquitous use of modulator therapy and resultant increase in lifespan. It is important for CF clinicians to monitor the pathologic weight gain that is concomitantly being seen as obesity is a known risk factor for multiple other diseases. In this review we focus on obesity in CF, discuss screening and lifestyle considerations, outline CF-specific concerns with weight loss medications, and describe the vicious cycle of obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We discuss screening and treatment for OSA, as it directly correlates with weight fluctuation. We offer interim recommendations for CF teams as they continue to care for this population.

Rehabilitation Strategies for Patients With Spinal Muscular Atrophy in the Era of Disease-Modifying Therapy.

The impact of disease-modifying therapy ranges from cure to no impact with a wide range of intermediates. In cases where the intermediate group reaches a plateau after the acquisition of some muscle strength, it is necessary to set a functional level appropriate for increased motor power and establish a long-term exercise plan to maintain it. As the disease status stabilizes and the life span increases, early nonsurgical interventions are required, such as using a standing frame to prevent joint contracture, applying a spinal brace at the early stage of scoliosis, and maintaining sitting postures that exaggerate lumbar lordosis. In cases where scoliosis and hip displacement occur and progress even after conservative managements are implemented, early referral to surgery should be considered. Oromotor activity and swallowing function are influenced not only by the effects of disease-modifying drugs, but also by post-birth experience and training. Therefore, although the feeding tube cannot be removed, it is necessary to make efforts to simulate the infant feeding development while maintaining partial oral feeding. Since the application period of non-invasive ventilators has increased, it has become more important to prevent long-term complications such as facial abrasion, skin allergy, orthodontic deformities, and maxillary flattening caused by the interface. Dual ventilator mode or interface can also be utilized.