Search Results (102,360)

Flat-panel-type light field displays can generate three-dimensional images viewable without glasses; however, they often suffer from a narrow viewing zone, low light efficiency, low resolution, and moiré artifacts. Previously, flat-panel-type light field displays with a near-virtual-image mode were proposed, comprising a lens array and an aperture array; these displays offered an enhanced viewing zone, increased light efficiency, and improved resolution. In this study, a moiré reduction technique is proposed for near-virtual-image-mode light field displays. In this configuration, moiré artifacts arise from the periodic deformation of virtual subpixel images seen through the lens array, caused by the nonrectangular subpixel structures for the R, G, and B colors of the display panel. To suppress the differences in subpixel shapes, the aperture shapes in the aperture array were modified from straight to zigzag shapes. Zigzag-shaped slits were designed, and their effectiveness in reducing moiré artifacts was evaluated using a diffraction-based moiré analysis technique. Experimental results demonstrated a lower moiré contrast with the designed zigzag slit than with the conventional straight slit, confirming the effectiveness of the proposed technique. Full article

The continuous expansion of impervious surfaces replacing the vegetation cover and surface water areas increases urban heating. Such heating leads to downward heat transfer and latent heat flux from the surface to subsurface aquifers. This study used Landsat optical and thermal satellite data for land use/land cover (LULC), land surface temperature (LST), and anthropogenic heat flux (H_as) change mapping in Bangalore City, India. The in situ sensor-based land surface temperature (LST) and groundwater temperature (GWT) measurements were used to validate the study outcome. A minor difference was observed between the satellite data and the in situ LST due to the differential data acquisition time. The built-up area increased from 7.61% to 28.78% from 1999 to 2017 at the cost of the green cover and the extent of waterbodies. Therefore, LST change was higher in green cover areas (~6 °C LST) than in urban areas (>3 °C). The anthropogenic heat fluxes increased significantly (above 65 W/m²) during the study period. The in situ GWT was strongly correlated with the H_as (R² = 0.83) and LST (R² = 0.78). The study highlights the nature of urban expansion in Bangalore City, India, and its impact on LST, H_as, and GWT. The observed changes in land use practices with urban heat indicators at 30 m scale can be used for sustainable land use planning to improve the thermal comfort of the city, preserving the urban ecosystems. The high collinearity between satellite-data-derived LST, H_as, and GWT can be used for periodic monitoring at seasonal and annual scales using the Landsat data, which can be important inputs for land use planners and policymakers. Full article

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical regulators of gene expression in cancer biology and cardiovascular disease. miR-106b-5p, a member of the miR-106b-25 cluster, has been widely studied for its oncogenic activity in various malignancies. However, its role as a direct molecular driver of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity has only recently been uncovered. This finding highlights new therapeutic possibilities at the intersection of oncology and cardiovascular medicine. This review outlines the dual role of miR-106b-5p as a key modulator in both tumor progression and chemotherapy-induced cardiac dysfunction. miR-106b-5p is upregulated in numerous cancers—including breast, prostate, lung, gastric, colorectal, hepatocellular, and esophageal—and promotes tumorigenesis via suppression of tumor suppressors such as PTEN, BTG3, p21, and SMAD7, leading to activation of oncogenic pathways like PI3K/AKT and TGF-β. Importantly, we present the first evidence that miR-106b-5p is significantly upregulated in the myocardium in response to doxorubicin treatment, where it drives left ventricular dysfunction by targeting PR55α, a key regulator of PP2A activity. This pathway results in cytoplasmic HDAC4 accumulation, aberrant activation of the YY1 transcription factor, and upregulation of sST2, a biomarker linked to adverse cardiac remodeling and poor prognosis. In response, we developed AM106, a novel locked nucleic acid antagomir that silences miR-106 b-5p. Preclinical studies demonstrate that AM106 restores PR55α/PP2A activity, reduces sST2 expression, and prevents structural and functional cardiac damage without compromising anti-tumor efficacy. In parallel, artificial intelligence (AI) tools could be leveraged in the future—based on established AI applications in miRNA cancer research—to accelerate the identification of miR-106b-5p-related biomarkers and guide personalized therapy selection. Our findings position miR-106b-5p as a previously unrecognized molecular bridge between cancer and doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. The development of the AM106 antagomir represents a promising approach with potential clinical applicability in cardio-oncology, offering dual benefits: tumor control and cardioprotection. Coupling this innovation with AI-driven analysis of patient data may enable precision risk stratification, early intervention, and improved outcomes. miR-106b-5p thus emerges as a central therapeutic target and biomarker candidate for transforming the clinical management of cancer patients at risk for heart failure. Full article

Background: While forests are pivotal for climate change mitigation, robust CO₂ accounting is required to quantify their climate benefits. However, varying current methodologies complicate this process for practitioners. This study addresses the need for a low-threshold, IPCC-compliant CO₂ estimation method of tree biomass in forest stands. Methods: We developed CO₂ yield tables by integrating segmented allometric biomass functions into fourth-generation yield tables, combining empirical data and simulations for Northwest Germany. Above- and belowground biomass was calculated, converted into CO₂, and compared with estimates from traditional expansion factors. An interactive R Shiny dashboard was designed to visualise results. Results: The main results of this article are the carbon yield tables, covering beech (Fagus sylvatica), oak (Quercus spp.), spruce (Picea abies), pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), each across various yield classes and starting at age 1, thereby also encompassing the juvenile phase of forest stands. Our comparison with estimates from traditional expansion factors shows that the latter can substantially overestimate carbon content in forest stands compared to our results, ranging from 20% to 35%, with higher estimates for mature stands and improved representation of early growth. The interactive dashboard also allows readers to experiment with their own figures. Conclusions: The choice of CO₂ methodology profoundly affects results. Our yield tables and a calculation tool (dashboard) deliver a transparent, accessible tool for quantifying forest CO₂ stock, supporting sustainable management and carbon market participation. Full article

Concrete diagnosis is an important task in making informed decisions about reconstructing or repairing buildings. Among the different approaches for evaluating its characteristics, methods based on electromagnetic waves have been proposed in the literature over the years. In this context, the characterization of concrete complex dielectric permittivity ${ϵ}_r\left(f\right)$ (where f is the frequency) has received considerable attention, taking into account that its values and its frequency behavior are both sensitive to a series of physical parameters, which in turn can significantly influence the mechanical performance of concrete. Recently, data-driven techniques have emerged as alternatives for modeling material properties due to their regression and generalization potential. Following this research line in this work, we investigated the potential of Gaussian Process Regression to model ${ϵ}_r\left(f\right)$ by comparing its performance with that of the model most employed to characterize the concrete dielectric permittivity: the universal Jonscher model. The inherent ability to provide predictions accompanied by confidence intervals, which allows the assessment of the reliability of the permittivity estimate across frequency, and the related error metrics demonstrate that GPR can effectively characterize ${ϵ}_r\left(f\right)$ in an effective manner, outperforming the Jonscher model in terms of accuracy in all the cases considered in our study. Full article

Background: Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent inflammatory disease affecting up to 10% of women of reproductive age. It substantially impacts quality of life (QoL) through pelvic pain, infertility, and psychological distress. Increasing attention has been directed toward patient-reported outcomes and validated QoL instruments, which are essential for understanding the burden of disease and guiding individualized management. Materials and Methods: We performed a narrative review of the literature published in the last five years in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, focusing on validated QoL instruments, fertility indices, and clinical outcomes after minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). Discussions: The most widely used QoL instruments are the Endometriosis Health Profile-30 (EHP-30), Short Form-36 (SF-36), and EQ-5D, each providing multidimensional evaluation across physical, psychological, and social domains. Fertility-related prognosis is assessed with the Endometriosis Fertility Index (EFI), while staging of disease severity relies on rASRM and #ENZIAN classifications. Evidence from comparative and cohort studies suggests that both laparoscopic and robotic MIS can improve QoL and reproductive outcomes; however, the magnitude of benefit varies across studies, patient phenotypes, and follow-up periods. Conclusions: MIS is an increasingly used therapeutic option for DIE, with growing evidence of improvement in pain and QoL, but current data remain heterogeneous and do not uniformly support superiority over other approaches. Routine incorporation of validated QoL instruments and fertility indices into both clinical practice and research is essential to better stratify patients, support shared decision-making, and optimize long-term outcomes. Full article

Based on the Cost Theory and Porter’s Hypothesis, this study focuses on high-carbon-emission enterprises and systematically explores how carbon risk affects their value creation. The sample comprises listed firms in high-carbon-emission industries listed on China’s Shanghai and Shenzhen A-shares during 2012–2022. A carbon risk measurement index is constructed using industrial energy consumption data, and a two-way fixed-effects model is employed to empirically test the relationship between carbon risk and value creation of these enterprises. Further, the internal mechanisms by which debt financing costs and innovation R&D expenditures influence the impact of carbon risk on enterprise value creation are analyzed separately. Finally, differences in the inhibitory effect of carbon risk on value creation across heterogeneous enterprises are examined. The results show that carbon risk significantly reduces value creation. It raises debt financing costs and diverts resources away from innovation, weakening firms’ capacity to create value. The negative effect is stronger for small firms, non-state-owned firms, and younger firms. The findings provide evidence for policymakers to improve carbon pricing mechanisms, for financial institutions to better assess climate risk, and for firms to develop effective carbon risk management strategies. Overall, the study offers practical implications for promoting a green and low-carbon transition in the real economy. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the relationship between resilience, infertility self-efficacy, infertility coping strategies, and fertility quality of life (fertility QoL) in women with infertility. Additionally, it sought to examine the mediating roles of self-efficacy and infertility coping strategies in the relationship between resilience and fertility QoL. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on infertile women undergoing assisted reproductive treatment from December 2021 to March 2022 in reproductive centers in Wuhan, China. A total of 314 participants were recruited using convenience sampling to complete a socio-demographic characteristics questionnaire, the 10-item Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10), the Infertility Self-efficacy Scale (ISE), the Copenhagen Multi-Centre Psychosocial Infertility (COMPI) Coping Strategy Scale, and the Fertility QoL Scale. Results: Resilience (r = 0.375, p < 0.01), infertility self-efficacy (r = 0.584, p < 0.01), and meaning-based coping strategy (r = 0.191, p < 0.01) were positively correlated with fertility QoL. The other three infertility coping strategies, including active-avoidance coping (r = −0.367, p < 0.01), active-confronting coping (r = −0.143, p < 0.05), and passive-avoidance coping (r = −0.130, p < 0.05), were negatively correlated. The indirect effect of resilience on fertility QoL through three mediators, including infertility self-efficacy (β = 0.467, p < 0.001), active-confronting coping (β = −0.214, p < 0.001), and meaning-based coping (β = 0.161, p < 0.001), was significant (value of total indirect effect = 0.263, 95% CI, 0.188 to 0.350) with an effect of 71.5%. Conclusions: Resilience may be a psychological resource that promotes adaptive coping strategies. This allows women to be more confident in their management of infertility and treatment-related concerns, which promotes a better fertility QoL. Full article

This paper presents an approach integrating Large Language Models (LLMs), specifically GPT-4 and the open-source DeepSeek-R1, into Geographic Information System (GIS) workflows to enhance the accessibility, flexibility, and efficiency of spatial analysis tasks. We designed and implemented a system capable of interpreting natural language instructions provided by users and translating them into automated GIS workflows through dynamically generated Python scripts. An interactive graphical user interface (GUI), built using CustomTkinter, was developed to enable intuitive user interaction with GIS data and processes, reducing the need for advanced programming or technical expertise. We conducted an empirical evaluation of this approach through a comparative case study involving typical GIS tasks such as spatial data validation, data merging, buffer analysis, and thematic mapping using urban datasets from Pesaro, Italy. The performance of our automated system was directly compared against traditional manual workflows executed by 10 experienced GIS analysts. The results from this evaluation indicate a substantial reduction in task completion time, decreasing from approximately 1 h and 45 min in the manual approach to roughly 27 min using our LLM-driven automation, without compromising analytical quality or accuracy. Furthermore, we systematically evaluated the system’s factual reliability using a diverse set of geospatial queries, confirming robust performance for practical GIS tasks. Additionally, qualitative feedback emphasized improved usability and accessibility, particularly for users without specialized GIS training. These findings highlight the significant potential of integrating LLMs into GISs, demonstrating clear advantages in workflow automation, user-friendliness, and broader adoption of advanced spatial analysis methodologies. Full article

Stress is a predisposing factor for pulmonary diseases; however, its effects on the lungs of healthy individuals have not been fully elucidated. Since bovine lactoferrin (bLf) is a powerful immunomodulator, this study aimed to evaluate whether lactoferrin can modulate the effects of chronic stress on humoral and cellular immunity in the lungs. We performed chronic restraint stress (RS) and oral administration of bLf in a BALB/c model, assessing serum corticosterone, body weight, and various lung immunity parameters, including immunoglobulin concentrations in serum and tracheobronchial lavages (TBLs), secretory IgA (S-IgA) levels in TBLs, IgA-secreting plasma cells, relative expression of pIgR, CD4⁺ lymphocyte Th1 and Th2 populations, and antigen-presenting cell (APC) populations in the lungs. Our results demonstrate that stress increases corticosterone and production of total IgA and IgG, while decreasing levels of IgM and S-IgA, promotes a Th1/Th2 profile imbalance, and decreases APC populations. Interestingly, bLf modulates serum corticosterone levels and stress-induced weight loss, and it also modulates humoral and cellular effects produced by chronic stress. These results demonstrate that bLf should be considered a new therapeutic target for further studies, focusing on prophylactic and co-therapeutic administration to treat and prevent respiratory diseases. Full article

This article examines how the time of exposure (0, 10, 20 and 30 min) to fire affects the optimal design of Howe timber trusses. The study integrates experimental characterization, thermal modeling (Eurocode 5 1995-1-2), and the bio-inspired Firefly Algorithm (FA). Five Brazilian species (Cambará-rosa, Cupiúba, Angelim-pedra, Garapa, and Jatobá) were assessed in spans of 6, 9, 12, and 15 m. Each configuration was optimized 30 times with 120 agents, 600 iterations, and penalty treatments. In ambient conditions, Angelim-pedra and Garapa produced the lightest trusses, while under fire, simulated trusses with Jatobá wood properties provided the best performances, resulting in up to 35% mass reduction compared to trusses optimized with denser species under equivalent fire scenarios. Safety margins, defined through the Gross Mass Increase (GMI) index, quantify the additional structural mass required under fire in relation to the ambient design. GMI values ranged between 22% and 140% across the analyzed cases, quantifying the additional section demand under fire conditions relative to ambient design. To predict overdesign, regression equations were fitted using symbolic regression for the Index of Gross Area Correction Index (GACI), based on fire exposure time and resistant parameters, achieving R² above 0.85. The study provides guidelines for species selection, span sizing, and fire safety design. Overall, combining thermal analysis, bio-inspired optimization, and symbolic regression highlights the potential of timber trusses for efficient, safe, and sustainable roof structures. In addition, this study demonstrates the scientific novelty of integrating experimental characterization, Eurocode 5 thermal modeling, and metaheuristic optimization with symbolic regression, providing analytical indices such as the Gross Mass Increase (GMI) and Gross Area Correction Index (GACI). These results also offer practical guidelines for species selection, span sizing, and fire safety design, reinforcing the applicability of the methodology for engineers and designers of timber roof systems. Full article

Background: Regorafenib is a recognised treatment for refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). The phase II ReDOS trial indicated that a stepwise dose escalation approach could enhance tolerability and persistence while maintaining efficacy. The ReTrITA study, a significant multicentre real-world cohort in Italy, served as the foundation for this sub-analysis concentrating solely on patients treated with regorafenib. Methods: This retrospective analysis encompassed 713 patients treated at 17 Italian centres from 2012 to 2023. Patients were categorised into two groups: ReDOS-like escalation (n = 313) and fixed dosing (no-ReDOS) (n = 400). The endpoints assessed were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), duration of response (DoR), and safety. Survival was assessed using Kaplan–Meier and Cox models, accompanied by exploratory subgroup analyses. Results: The median overall survival (OS) was comparable between the escalation and fixed dosing groups, recorded at 7.4 months and 6.7 months, respectively (HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.85–1.18, p = 0.93). Progression-free survival (PFS) demonstrated a significant improvement with escalation, recording 3.1 months compared to 3.9 months (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.65–0.89, p = 0.0007). Subgroup analyses demonstrated a consistent progression-free survival (PFS) benefit in patients aged ≥70 years (HR 0.71, p = 0.015), with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) of 0–1 (HR 0.76, p = 0.022), RAS wild-type tumours (HR 0.69, p = 0.026), and rectal primaries (HR 0.72, p = 0.043). The disease control rate (DCR) and objective response rate (ORR) were comparable, at 23.2% versus 25.3% and 2.0% compared 2.6%, respectively. Although not statistically significant, the fixed dose group’s duration of response (DoR) was numerically longer (15.4 months) than that of the variable dosing group (8.9 months). A lower percentage of patients experienced grade 3/4 adverse events with escalation (35.4% compared to 39.5%, p = 0.0042). Conclusions: This sub-analysis of the ReTrITA cohort demonstrates that regorafenib dose escalation is achievable in real-world settings, resulting in notable improvements in progression-free survival and enhanced tolerability, while not adversely affecting overall survival. These results support and improve the findings of the ReDOS study, showing that dosage escalation is possible and helpful in a diverse, unselected group of people, which is what is performed in routine oncology treatment. The findings are consistent with both randomised and observational studies, endorsing individualised dosing as a practical strategy in refractory mCRC. Full article

In modern livestock, the demand for sperm sex selection technologies is high, as the ability to deliberately produce offspring of a specific sex offers significant economic advantages. Traditionally, sperm sorting is performed using Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting. However, the flow cytometric method is expensive, technically complex, and associated with reduced sperm viability. An alternative promising method involves the use of Toll-like TLR7/8 receptors for the selective binding of spermatozoa of a particular sex. It was discovered previously that the activation of TLR7/8 by its ligand(s) selectively inhibits the motility of X-bearing sperm without affecting the motility of Y-bearing sperm. The swim-up technique, which separates sperm based on sex chromosome type by isolating fractions enriched in either X- or Y-bearing gametes due to differences in their motility, can be used with this method. Sperm sex sorting via the TLR7/8 activation is cheap, technically non-complex, and does not affect sperm viability negatively. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the TLR7/8-dependent sperm sorting method. Further, we discuss why the method of sperm sorting via TLR7/8 activation is successfully implemented in some animal species (such as murine, caprine, ovine, and bovine) but fails in others, like swine and canine. Full article

Pharmaceuticals can be found in the aquatic environment and cause unwanted effects on organisms. The present work aimed to characterize the toxic mode of action of the antidepressant fluoxetine (FLX) on the freshwater microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata. With this aim, the microalga was exposed to low levels (µg/L) of FLX for 72 h. Exposure to 20–30 µg/L FLX arrested algal growth, which can be explained by the blockage of algal nuclear division. In addition, FLX (15–30 µg/L) deeply altered the alga’s metabolism, which was reflected by an increase in esterase activity, mitochondrial dysfunction (hyperpolarization of inner mitochondrial membrane), and reduction in the content of photosynthetic pigments: chlorophyll a (chla) and carotenoids (car). A sharp decline in photosynthetic performance, revealed by the reduction in maximum photochemical quantum yield (F_v/F_m), effective photochemical quantum yield (ΦPSII), and photosynthetic electron transport rate (ETR) of photosystem II (PSII), was also observed. FLX, at 30 µg/L, induced the intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation, with a marginal loss (1%) of cell membrane integrity. The results presented here contribute to the elucidation of the toxic mode of action of FLX on the microalgae R. subcapitata and, simultaneously, warn of the negative impact of the presence of pharmaceutical compounds in freshwater aquatic environments. Full article

Background/Objectives: Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are seizure-like episodes not caused by abnormal brain activity, often linked to emotional dysregulation, dissociation, and altered interoceptive awareness. Standardized treatments are limited. This study aimed to explore the feasibility and preliminary psychological effects of a group-based mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) in individuals with PNES. Methods: This single-arm, pre–post pilot study (no control group) enrolled fifteen participants in two cycles of an 8-week MBI delivered either in-person or online. Twelve participants completed pre/post self-report assessments of depression (BDI-II), anxiety (STAI-Y1), perceived stress (PSS-10), sleep quality (PSQI), dissociation (DES-II), meteoropathy (METEO-Q), mindfulness (FFMQ), and interoceptive awareness (MAIA). Results: The intervention was well tolerated (dropout rate: 20%). Trend-level, non-significant improvements emerged for depressive symptoms (p = 0.092, r = 0.564) and sleep quality (p = 0.078, r = 0.591). A significant reduction was observed in the FFMQ Describing subscale (p = 0.045, r = 0.697). No significant changes were found in anxiety, perceived stress, or interoceptive awareness, although certain MAIA subscales indicated small, non-significant increases. Conclusions: Despite the limited sample size and absence of a control group, these preliminary findings support the feasibility and acceptability of MBIs for PNES, warranting further controlled investigations. Full article