Route Of Delivery Research Articles

Diagnostic Accuracy of Fetal Thigh Volume in Comparison with Conventional Ultrasound in Prediction of Fetal Weight

Abstract Background In utero estimation of fetal weight is an important component of management of pregnancy. It provides valuable information which aids the physician to take informed decisions concerning the timing and route of delivery. Fractional thigh volume can be added to two- dimensional sonographic measurements of the head and trunk to improve the precision of fetal weight estimation. This approach permits the inclusion of soft tissue development as part of a weight estimation procedure. The aim of this study to detect the accuracy of fetal thigh volume in prediction of fetal weight. Objective Detection the accuracy of fetal thigh volume in estimation of fetal weight in comparison to the gold standard method (hadlock’s formula) and comparing it with the actual birth weight after delivery. Patients and Methods Our study was conducted in Ain Shams University, maternity hospital/ultrasound unit from September 2022 to May 2023. This study was a cross-sectional study on 55 women who underwent delivery and fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Results There was statistically significant increase in the mean EFW by Hadlock’s formula (3192.35±488.46) than the mean actual birth weight after delivery (3024.36±439.36) with mean difference of 167.98±461.97 and with p-value = 0.009. There was no statistically significant difference found between mean EFW by fetal thigh volume (3138.04±441.46) and mean actual birth weight after delivery (3024.36±439.36) with mean difference of 113.67±429.36 and with p-value = 0.055. Conclusion Estimation of fetal weight is a very important antepartum assessment. Fetal 3D- fractional Thiv is consistent with actual birth weight The Measurement of fractional thigh volume can improve the accuracy of fetal weight prediction in comparison to the conventional method using Hadlock’s formula.

Histological Study on the Protective Role of Intranasally Applied Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Demyelinated Corpus Callosum in A Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract Introduction multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disease that leads to non-traumatic disability. Intranasal administration of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) is a non-invasive method that has recently received interests for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Aim to evaluate the possible protective effect of intranasally applied ADSCs on the structure of corpus callosum in adult mice in acute cuprizone-induced demyelination. Materials and Methods Thirty adult female mice were equally divided into three groups. Group I (control group); Group II (cuprizone group): in which mice were fed with 0.2% cuprizone daily for six weeks, and Group III (ADSCs treated group) in which mice were fed cuprizone as in group II, then they were given a single intranasally applied dose of ADSCs (1X106) on week four. All mice were sacrificed after six weeks and the corpus callosum was collected. Specimens were processed to hematoxylin and eosin, Luxol fast blue, Immunofluorescent techniques for detection of homing of ADSCs, histo-morphometric studies, and statistical analysis were also done. Results intranasally applied ADSCs effectively reached the corpus callosum. Light microscopic examination of the corpus callosum revealed unpacked disorganized fragmented, widely separated demyelinated nerve fibers with wide areas of vacuolation. Administration of ADSCs promoted myelin recovery. Conclusions Intranasal route was an effective route for delivery of ADSCs to the corpus callosum. ADSCs were effective in ameliorating structural changes in the corpus callosum in cuprizone model of MS. ADSCs promoted remyelination.

A Dual-Adjuvanted Parenteral-Intranasal Subunit Nanovaccine generates Robust Systemic and Mucosal Immunity Against SARS-CoV-2 in Mice.

Existing parenteral SARS-CoV-2 vaccines produce only limited mucosal responses, essential for reducing transmission and achieving sterilizing immunity. Appropriately designed mucosal boosters can overcome the shortcomings of parenteral vaccines and enhance pre-existing systemic immunity. Here, a new protein subunit nanovaccine is developed by utilizing dual-adjuvanted (RIG-I: PUUC RNA and TLR-9: CpG DNA) polysaccharide-amino acid-lipid nanoparticles (PAL-NPs) along with SARS-CoV-2 S1 trimer protein, that can be delivered both intramuscularly (IM) and intranasally (IN) to generate balanced mucosal-systemic SARS-CoV-2 immunity. Mice receiving IM-Prime PUUC+CpG PAL subunit nanovaccine, followed by an IN-Boost, developed high levels of IgA, IgG, and cellular immunity in the lungs and showed robust systemic humoral immunity. Interestingly, as a purely intranasal subunit vaccine (IN-Prime/IN-Boost), PUUC+CpG PAL-NPs induced stronger lung-specific T cell immunity than IM-Prime/IN-Boost, and a comparable IgA and neutralizing antibodies, although with a lower systemic antibody response, indicating that a fully mucosal delivery route for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination may also be feasible. The data suggest that PUUC+CpG PAL subunit nanovaccine is a promising candidate for generating SARS-CoV-2 specific mucosal immunity.

Modern Methods of Evaluating the Efficiency of Logistics Processes in a Company

The article discusses modern methods of assessing the efficiency of logistics processes, which are one of the most important components of the successful functioning of any company, especially in today's fierce competition and globalization. The article assesses the efficiency of logistics processes, which are an integral part of the company's strategic management and allow ensuring its stable development. The analysis of modern methods for assessing the efficiency of logistics processes in a company has allowed to identify three important tools, such as: data envelopment analysis (DEA), ABC analysis and cost analysis and control method. It is proved that the DEA method can be applied to a wide range of logistics systems, regardless of their complexity and specificity. In addition, DEA allows to identify factors that limit efficiency and develops recommendations for its improvement. The value of ABC analysis is highlighted, which lies in the potential to increase sales volumes by improving the availability of goods that are most valued by customers. An assessment of the efficiency of logistics processes in a company using ABC analysis is proposed. The importance of such a method as cost analysis and control is analyzed. Thanks to a detailed analysis and control of costs, it is possible to identify bottlenecks in the logistics chain, optimize delivery routes, reduce storage costs and increase the efficiency of vehicle use. The author proposes the key stages of the logistics cost analysis based on the “Five Steps” system. It is proved that the joint use of the proposed methods creates synergy, allowing for a deeper and more accurate analysis than when each of them is applied separately. The methods we have studied complement each other, providing company managers with tools for comprehensive analysis and evaluation of logistics efficiency.

A prospective review on delivery route of nutrition following oesophagectomy

A prospective review on delivery route of nutrition following oesophagectomy

Effect Of Cerclage Suture Type On Pregnancy And Newborn Results: Mersylene Suture Versus Prolene Suture

Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare pregnancy and neonatal outcomes according to the type of the suture material used in the transvaginal cerclage operation. Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent transvaginal cervical cerclage due to cervical insufficiency in a tertiary health center between 2020 and 2024 were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic data regarding cerclage indications (ultrasound-based, prophylactic or physical examination-based), number of weeks of gestation in cerclage, cerclage suture type (prolene, mersilen), gestational week at cerclage insertion and delivery, routes of delivery were recorded. In addition, birth weight, 1st and 5th minute APGAR scores, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) requirements were recorded as neonatal parameters. Patients were divided into two groups according to cerclage suture type (mersilene or prolene) and maternal, newborn and pregnancy outcomes were compared between these groups. Results: Comparison of the groups in terms of age, gravidity, parity, number of miscarriages and BMI revealed significantly higher mean gravidity in group 1 compared to group 2 (P0.05). No difference was determined with regard to gestational week at cerclage application, cervical length, cervical dilatation just before cerclage insertion, gestational age at cerclage removal and delivery and birth weight (p>0.05). Groups were comparable in terms of subgroups established according to their numbr number of previous deliveries (p>0.05). Groups were comparable in terms of indications for cerclage insertion (p>0.05). Cesarean delivery rate was 40 % in group 1 while it was 43.6 % in groups 2, no statistical difference was determined in terms of rate of cesarean delivery (p>0.05). Similar number of newborns needed NICU admission between the two groups following delivery (17.5% versus 17.9 %p>0.05). Mean APGAR scores at 1st (6.8 versus 7.4) and 5 th (7.8 versus 8.3) min were comparable between the groups (p>0.05) Conclusion: Although mersilen stitch is commonly preferred, data analysis revealed similar results with prolene stitch in terms of maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Enhancer AAV toolbox for accessing and perturbing striatal cell types and circuits.

We present an enhancer AAV toolbox for accessing and perturbing striatal cell types and circuits. Best-in-class vectors were curated for accessing major striatal neuron populations including medium spiny neurons (MSNs), direct and indirect pathway MSNs, as well as Sst-Chodl, Pvalb-Pthlh, and cholinergic interneurons. Specificity was evaluated by multiple modes of molecular validation, three different routes of virus delivery, and with diverse transgene cargos. Importantly, we provide detailed information necessary to achieve reliable cell type specific labeling under different experimental contexts. We demonstrate direct pathway circuit-selective optogenetic perturbation of behavior and multiplex labeling of striatal interneuron types for targeted analysis of cellular features. Lastly, we show conserved in vivo activity for exemplary MSN enhancers in rat and macaque. This collection of striatal enhancer AAVs offers greater versatility compared to available transgenic lines and can readily be applied for cell type and circuit studies in diverse mammalian species beyond the mouse model.

Designing a sustainable delivery network with parcel locker systems as collection and transfer points

Collection and delivery points, both attended and fully automated, have emerged as a popular solution in last-mile delivery. They offer not only operational advantages for the delivery company but also present a pathway to mitigating the negative environmental impact of parcel delivery operations. In this study, we explore a new approach, where parcel locker systems have a dual role: as collection points for customers and as transfer points for the delivery company. We introduce a variant of the Location-Routing Problem, optimizing the strategic location and capacity size of parcel locker systems as well as the delivery routes from those points. We develop an efficient branch-and-price algorithm and apply it to a real-life case study that focuses on the design of a delivery network with parcel lockers in a residential neighborhood in the city of Groningen, the Netherlands. Our case study findings underscore that the dual role of parcel locker systems considerably reduces the travel distance of delivery vehicles, is well-suited to deal with potential future increase in demand for parcel collection, and reduces the likelihood of customers traveling to parcel locker by car.

Drug Delivery System That Self-Emulsify: Transportation of Drug From Gut to Target Organs

Microemulsions are highly popular for their specific uses, including vivid applications and this is due to their special properties, which include very high interfacial interactions with demonstrated stability from a thermodynamics point of view, and on the other hand, also very low interfacial tension, which is required to solubilize highly immiscible dispersions. This review’s goal is to briefly outline potential uses of micro-emulsion systems, their uses, limitations and possible in-vitro and in-vivo techniques. To characterise such dispersion systems, it is commonly known that adding the right surfactant or surfactant mixture can combine large amounts of two non-dissolving-target liquids, such as water and oil, into a single phase that is macroscopically homogeneous but microscopically heterogeneous. Owing to the advantages of lymph drug delivery, the drug-lipid conjugates, when they enter the lymph route, become an ideal approach for enhancing the absorption of such drugs to combat metastatic cancers of the lymph nodes and their drainage to specific organ systems where the cancer is already spread. As the route of lymph delivery is important where a tumor has already been cancerous, this formulation approach has distinct opportunities to transport needy molecules to cancerous sites in various organs, which also includes the lymph nodes. This review, particularly, lays more stress on an overview of microemulsions in general, the in-vivo and in-vitro characterization methods and potential applications related to target drug delivery via the lymphatic circulatory system.

Revolutionizing Dermatology with Precision Delivery of Tazarotene via Nanogel Systems.

The field of dermatology is being revolutionized with the introduction of precision delivery strategies, especially nanogels, which are improving the therapeutic potential of dermatological interventions. The present review has been compiled to elaborate on the remarkable potential of nanogel systems in targeting tazarotene, a retinoid that is deeply and widely utilized for treating several skin ailments such as acne, psoriasis, and photoaging. Given their outstanding priority, nano gels have attracted significant attention due to their distinct extent characteristics, including high biocompatibility, governed discharge properties as well and fast skin penetration contributed to improving formulation contrast of the traditional method. In this review, we summarize the various mechanisms of how nanogels enhance tazarotene solubility, stability and bioavailability, finally achieving better therapeutic effects with lower side effects. The article also delves into the latest nanogel manufacturing methods and what they mean for potential dermatologic treatments of the future. Leveraging the power of nanogel-based delivery routes ensures more efficient, targeted treatments; these innovative nano-delivery vehicles will enable a revolution in dermatological practice.

Delivery Route Scheduling of Heterogeneous Robotic System with Customers Satisfaction by Using Multi-Objective Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm

This study addresses the route scheduling problem for the heterogeneous robotic delivery system (HRDS) that perform delivery tasks in an urban environment. The HRDS comprises two distinct types of vehicles: an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), which is constrained by road networks, and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which is capable of traversing terrain but has limitations in terms of energy and payload. The problem is formulated as an optimal route scheduling problem in a road network, where the goal is to find the route with minimum delivery cost and maximum customer satisfaction (CS) enabling the UAV to deliver packages to customers. We propose a new method of route scheduling based on an improved artificial bee colony algorithm (ABC) and the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) that provides the optimal delivery route. The effectiveness and superiority of the method we proposed are demonstrated by comparison in simulations. Moreover, the physical experiments further validate the practicality of the model and method.

Microtubular and high porosity design of electrospun PEGylated poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) fibrous implant for ocular multi-route administration and medication

Electrospun fibers have been gaining popularity in ocular drug delivery and cellular therapies. However, most of electrospun fibers are planar-shape membrane with large dimension relative to intraocular space, making difficult to use as therapeutic implants. Herein, fibrous microtubes with a hollow center were fabricated by electrospinning using linear diblock mPEG2000-PLGA. Uniform microfibers with 0.809 μm diameter was tailored using Box-Behnken Design model for electrospinning process optimization. The microtubes were 1 mm long with a 0.386 mm diameter. Their suitability for intraocular administration was demonstrated by both injection via a 22-gauge needle and implant via integration of intraocular lens into the vitreous or anterior chamber of eyes, respectively. Electrospun mPEG2000-PLGA had higher porosity, smaller specific surface area, and smaller water contact angle, than that of PLGA. Macroscopically, mPEG2000-PLGA microfibers can maintain overall geometry upon exposure to aqueous buffer for 12 h while having high water uptake and exhibited good elasticity. Hydrolysis with 90 % polymeric degradation in 10.5 weeks underlied sustained slow release of anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone. PEGylation of PLGA imparted preferential cell adhesion with markedly higher growth of human retinal epithelial cells than lens epithelial ones. This study highlights the potential utility of implantable electrospun PLGA-based microtubes for multiple intraocular delivery routes.

A Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based Algorithm for Multi-Objective Agricultural Site Selection and Logistics Optimization Problem

The challenge of optimizing the distribution path for location logistics in the cold chain warehousing of fresh agricultural products presents a significant research avenue in managing the logistics of agricultural products. The goal of this issue is to identify the optimal location and distribution path for warehouse centers to optimize various objectives. When deciding on the optimal location for a warehousing center, various elements like market needs, supply chain infrastructure, transport expenses, and delivery period are typically taken into account. Regarding the routes for delivery, efficient routes aim to address issues like shortening the overall driving distance, shortened travel time, and preventing traffic jams. Targeting the complex issue of optimizing the distribution path for fresh agricultural products in cold chain warehousing locations, a blend of this optimization challenge was formulated, considering factors like the maximum travel distance for new energy trucks, the load capacity of the vehicle, and the timeframe. The Location-Route Problem with Time Windows (LRPTWs) Mathematical Model thoroughly fine-tunes three key goals. These include minimizing the overall cost of distribution, reducing carbon emissions, and mitigating the depletion of fresh agricultural goods. This study introduces a complex swarm intelligence optimization algorithm (MODRL-SIA), rooted in deep reinforcement learning, as a solution to this issue. Acting as the decision-maker, the agent processes environmental conditions and chooses the optimal course of action in the pool to alter the environment and achieve environmental benefits. The MODRL-SIA algorithm merges a trained agent with a swarm intelligence algorithm, substituting the initial algorithm for decision-making processes, thereby enhancing its optimization efficiency and precision. Create a test scenario that mirrors the real situation and perform tests using the comparative algorithm. The experimental findings indicate that the suggested MODRL-SIA algorithm outperforms other algorithms in every computational instance, further confirming its efficacy in lowering overall distribution expenses, carbon emissions, and the depletion of fresh produce in the supply chain of fresh agricultural products.

A mixed-methods approach exploring acceptability and feasibility of trials designed to test drugs targeting prevention of post-traumatic osteoarthritis after knee injury.

To explore key stakeholder views around feasibility and acceptability of trials seeking to prevent post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) following knee injury, and provide guidance for next steps in PTOA trial design. Healthcare professionals, clinicians, and/or researchers (HCP/Rs) were surveyed, and the data were presented at a congress workshop. A second and related survey was then developed for people with joint damage caused by knee injury and/or osteoarthritis (PJDs), who were approached by a UK Charity newsletter or Oxford involvement registry. Anonymized data were collected and analyzed in Qualtrics. Survey responses (n = 19 HCP/Rs, 39 PJDs) supported studies testing pharmacological agents preventing PTOA. All HCP/Rs and 30/31 (97%) PJDs supported the development of new treatments that improved or delayed knee symptoms and damage to knee structure. PJDs thought that improving structural knee damage was more important than knee symptoms. Both groups found studies more acceptable as expected future benefit and risk of PTOA increased. All drug delivery routes were acceptable. Workshop participants (around n = 60) reflected survey views. Discussions suggested that stratifying using molecular testing for likely drug response appeared to be more acceptable than using characteristics such as sex, age, and BMI. Our findings supported PTOA drug intervention studies, including situations where there is low risk of disease, no expected benefit of treatment, and frequent treatment administration. PJDs appeared less risk-averse than HCP/Rs. This work reinforces the benefits of consensus and involvement work in the co-creation of PTOA drug trial design. Involvement of key stakeholders, such as PJDs with different risks of OA and regulatory representatives, are critical for trial design success.

Newer formulations of oral testosterone undecanoate: development and liver side effects.

Testosterone deficiency is a clinical disorder due to either failure of the testes to produce testosterone or failure of the hypothalamus or pituitary to produce sufficient gonadotropins. Previous formulations of oral testosterone therapy, particularly methyltestosterone, have been associated with adverse liver effects. Many different routes of testosterone delivery have been developed, each with their own administrative benefits and challenges. Newer formulations of oral testosterone undecanoate (TU) provide a convenient administration option, although their use has been limited by hepatotoxicity concerns based on older methyltestosterone data, and prescribing physicians may still be concerned about adverse liver effects. In this review, we discuss the history of oral testosterone development, clarify the mechanism of action of oral TU, and describe the relevant liver safety findings. Relevant literature was allocated to present a review on the history of oral TU development and the mechanism of action of oral TU. We pooled data from individual studies of oral TU products to present a safety summary. Overall, safety results from studies of the newer formulations of oral TU showed that increased liver function test values are not generally associated with oral TU formulations and that no clinically significant liver toxicities were noted in clinical trials of oral TU. Continued research into the safety of oral TU will contribute to a better understanding of the potential risks in patients receiving this therapy, an outcome that highlights the importance of providing patient education and reassurance regarding oral TU safety.

Meal Delivery Routing Problem with Stochastic Meal Preparation Times and Customer Locations

We investigate the Meal Delivery Routing Problem (MDRP), managing courier assignments between restaurants and customers. Our proposed variant considers uncertainties in meal preparation times and future order numbers with their locations, mirroring real challenges meal delivery providers face. Employing a rolling-horizon framework integrating Sample Average Approximation (SAA) and the Adaptive Large Neighborhood Search (ALNS) algorithm, we analyze modified Grubhub MDRP instances. Considering route planning uncertainties, our approach identifies routes at least 25% more profitable than deterministic methods reliant on expected values. Our study underscores the pivotal role of efficient meal preparation time management, impacting order rejections, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.

Application of K-Means Clustering and OR-Tools to Optimize Rice Distribution: A Case Study of Perum Bulog Indonesia

Food security is one of the Indonesian government's priority policies aimed at maintaining economic and political stability. To ensure the nutritional needs of its population are met, the government requires sufficient food availability distributed nationwide at stable and affordable prices. Rice is the main staple food in Indonesia. According to data from the National Food Agency, rice consumption in Indonesia is very high, averaging 139 kilograms per capita per year, with a dependency rate of 97%. In response to food security challenges, the Indonesian government has entrusted the Food Supply and Price Stabilization Program (SPHP) for rice to Perum BULOG, a State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) specializing in food logistics. To optimize distribution to Perum BULOG’s retailers, called Rumah Pangan Kita (RPK), efficient routes and transport capacity are prioritized. Therefore, this paper proposes an approach using the Heterogeneous Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem (HCVRP) to enhance distribution efficiency and reduce delivery costs. By employing the K-Means algorithm to cluster RPK addresses and Guided Local Search via OR-Tools to determine suitable transportation types, this study successfully identified optimal delivery routes for each cluster and corresponding vehicle types. The results demonstrated a reduction in delivery costs of up to 21%, significantly improving the efficiency of the SPHP rice distribution process. This outcome ultimately supports rice availability and price stability, crucial for maintaining food security in Indonesia.

Comparison of Djikstra, Hybrid-PSO algorithms for optimizing the distribution route of papaya seeds and honey products (Case Study: PT. Agro Apiari Mandiri)

Dynamic global competencies in the industrial sector drive fierce competition in capturing markets and increasing customer satisfaction, which requires efficiency in various aspects of business including distribution. PT. Agro Apiari Mandiri faces challenges in optimizing delivery routes to avoid delays. This study aims to compare the Dijkstra and Hybrid-PSO algorithms to determine the optimal distribution route in the Bogor, West Java, and Lebak, Banten regions, in order to reduce the distance and delivery time. The research methods include literature study, data collection, and route optimization model creation. The results show that PSO is more efficient in optimizing delivery routes than other methods, with variations in PSO parameters affecting total travel time, number of vehicles, and computing time. Implementation uses hardware and software such as MSI Laptops and Matlab. In conclusion, the use of PSO in distribution route optimization makes a significant contribution to the company's cost and distribution efficiency and can be a reference for further research in distribution route optimization.

Therapeutic efficacy of intracerebral hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy in an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model

The conditions supporting the generation of microglia-like cells in the central nervous system (CNS) after transplantation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPC) have been studied to advance the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we explored the transplantation efficacy of different cell subsets and delivery routes with the goal of favoring the establishment of a stable and exclusive engraftment of HSPCs and their progeny in the CNS of female mice. In this setting, we show that the CNS environment drives the expansion, distribution and myeloid differentiation of the locally transplanted cells towards a microglia-like phenotype. Intra-CNS transplantation of HSPCs engineered to overexpress TREM2 decreased neuroinflammation, Aβ aggregation and improved memory in 5xFAD female mice. Our proof of concept study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of HSPC gene therapy for Alzheimer’s disease.

Design of Auto-Adaptive Drug Delivery System for Effective Delivery of Peptide Drugs to Overcoming Mucus and Epithelial Barriers.

Oral administration of peptide represents a promising delivery route, however, it is hindered by the harsh gastrointestinal environment, leading to low in vivo absorption. In this study, auto-adaptive protein corona-AT 1002-cationic liposomes (Pc-AT-CLs) are constructed with the characteristic of hydrophilic and electrically neutral surface properties for the encapsulation of liraglutide. BSA protein corona is used to coat AT-CLs reducing the adherence of mucus, and may fall off after penetrating the mucus layer. Transmucus transport experiment demonstrated that the mucus penetration amount of Pc-AT-CLs are 1.45 times that of AT-CLs. After penetrating the mucus layer, AT-CLs complete transmembrane transport by the dual action of AT and cationic surface properties. Transmembrane transport experiment demonstrated that the apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) of AT-CLs is 2.03 times that of CLs. In vivo tests demonstrated that Pc-AT-CLs exhibited a significant hypoglycemic effect and enhanced the relative bioavailability comparing to free liraglutide. Pc-AT-CLs protect liraglutide from degradation, facilitate its absorption, and ultimately improve its oral bioavailability.