Search Results (5,823)

The repeated head impacts experienced by athletes have attracted significant interest from both the public and the scientific community; however, the neurobiological effects following the games are not well understood. For example, a single football match carries the risk of repeated concussive and subconcussive head impacts, which can increase the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is one of the neurodegenerative conditions athletes often face or are unaware of. However, addressing the disease progression in CTE is difficult to determine due to several reasons, such as the failure to identify risk factors, difficulty in differentiating CTE from other neurodegenerative diseases, and the lack of a specific mechanism by which CTE leads to tau protein accumulation. In addition, CTE symptoms overlap with other neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), which poses a challenge to producing specific targeted therapy. In this case, ultrasound represents a promising non-invasive technique that enables clear visualization of brain structures and may modulate neuronal activity. The term ultrasound encompasses various modalities; for example, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) employs thermal energy to ablate cells, whereas low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) delivers mechanical energy that activates molecular signaling pathways to impede the progression of CTE. Therefore, the LIPUS application could potentially minimize the risk of damage in the surrounding tissues of the brain and reduce the disease progression in individuals with CTE. Nevertheless, limited studies have been reported in the literature, with a poor mechanistic approach. Hence, this review aims to highlight the molecular signaling pathways, such as AKT, MAPK, and ERK, affected by LIPUS and emphasize the need for additional research to clarify its mechanistic effects in CTE management. Ultimately, this review aims to contribute to a nuanced understanding of LIPUS as a therapeutic strategy in addressing the complexities of CTE and its associated neurodegenerative disorders. Full article

Ensuring the reliability of dialysis machines and their components, such as sensors and actuators, is critical for maintaining continuous and safe dialysis treatment for patients with chronic kidney disease. This study investigates the application of Artificial Intelligence for detecting drift in dialysis machine components by comparing a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural network with a traditional linear regression model. Both models were trained to learn normal patterns from time-dependent signals monitoring the performance of specific components of a dialytic machine, such as a weight loss sensor in the present case, enabling the detection of anomalies related to sensor degradation or failure. Real-world data from multiple clinical cases were used to validate the approach. The LSTM model achieved high reconstruction accuracy on normal signals (most errors < 0.02, maximum ≈ 0.08), and successfully detected anomalies exceeding this threshold in complaint cases, where the model anticipated failures up to five days in advance. On the contrary, the linear regression model was limited to detecting only major deviations. These findings highlighted the advantages of AI-based methods in equipment monitoring, minimizing unplanned downtime, and supporting preventive maintenance strategies within dialysis care. Future work will focus on integrating this model into both clinical and home dialysis settings, aiming to develop a scalable, adaptable, and generalizable solution capable of operating effectively across various conditions. Full article

Myocardial infarction-induced cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Excessive post-infarct fibrosis contributes to adverse cardiac remodeling and the progression to heart failure. In vivo reprogramming strategies offer a promising avenue for heart regeneration by directly converting resident fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes through enforced expression of cardiogenic genes. This approach circumvents the need for invasive biopsies, cell expansion, induction of pluripotency, or autologous transplantation. Despite these advantages, key challenges persist, including low reprogramming efficiency and limited cellular targeting specificity. A critical factor for effective anti-fibrotic therapy is the precise and efficient delivery of reprogramming effectors specifically to fibrotic fibroblasts, while minimizing off-target effects on non-fibroblast cardiac cells and fibroblasts in non-cardiac tissues. In this review, we discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying in vivo cardiac reprogramming, with a focus on fibroblast heterogeneity, key transcriptional drivers, and relevant intercellular interactions. We also examine current advances in fibroblast-specific delivery systems employing both viral and non-viral vectors for the administration of lineage-reprogramming factors such as cDNA overexpressions or microRNAs. Finally, we underscore innovative strategies that hold promise for enhancing the precision and efficacy of cellular reprogramming, ultimately fostering translational development and paving the way for rigorous preclinical assessment. Full article

Submarine pipelines are highly susceptible to lateral buckling failure under service conditions of high temperature and pressure. While existing bearing capacity evaluation methods mainly focus on flat seabeds, research on the ultimate bearing capacity of pipelines buried in sloping seabeds is limited. This study applies the FELA method to analyze the ultimate bearing capacity of pipelines buried in inclined sandy seabeds under various loading directions. The results reveal that in sloping seabeds, the minimum ultimate bearing capacity (P_u,b) does not occur in the vertical direction, but rather deviates toward the outward normal direction of the seabed surface, moving toward the foot of the slope. The P_u,b is only 57% of the uplift bearing capacity in the extreme case. A predictive model was proposed to accurately determine the direction of P_u,b. The results also indicated that increasing the seabed slope angle leads to a significant reduction of bearing capacity, while increases in the internal friction angle of the seabed and the pipeline–soil interface friction angle enhance the bearing capacity. Moreover, the design code of DNV (2017) was identified as unsafe due to its omission of seabed inclination effects, and the P_u,b is only 75% of the best estimate of DNV (2017) in the extreme case. A reduction factor model was developed to mitigate this gap, offering a more reliable framework for evaluating the bearing capacity of pipelines. Full article

This study presents an integrated geomechanical modeling framework for predicting multi-scale fracture networks and their activity in the Longmaxi Formation shale reservoir, northern Luzhou region, southeastern Sichuan Basin—an area shaped by complex, multi-phase tectonic deformation that poses significant challenges for resource prospecting. The workflow begins with quantitative characterization of key mechanical parameters, including uniaxial compressive strength, Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and tensile strength, obtained from core experiments and log-based inversion. These parameters form the foundation for multi-phase finite element simulations that reconstruct paleo- and present-day stress fields associated with the Indosinian (NW–SE compression), Yanshanian (NWW–SEE compression), and Himalayan (near W–E compression) deformation phases. Optimized Mohr–Coulomb and tensile failure criteria, coupled with a multi-phase stress superposition algorithm, enable quantitative prediction of fracture density, aperture, and orientation through successive tectonic cycles. The results reveal that the Longmaxi Formation’s high brittleness and lithological heterogeneity interact with evolving stress regimes to produce fracture systems that are strongly anisotropic and phase-dependent: initial NE–SW-oriented domains established during the Indosinian phase were intensified during Yanshanian reactivation, while Himalayan uplift induced regional stress attenuation with limited new fracture formation. The cumulative stress effects yield fracture networks concentrated along NE–SW fold axes, fault zones, and intersection zones. By integrating geomechanical predictions with seismic attributes and borehole observations, the study constructs a discrete fracture network that captures both large-scale tectonic fractures and small-scale features beyond seismic resolution. Fracture activity is further assessed using friction coefficient analysis, delineating zones of high activity along fold–fault intersections and stress concentration areas. This principle-driven approach demonstrates how mechanical characterization, stress field evolution, and fracture mechanics can be combined into a unified predictive tool, offering a transferable methodology for structurally complex, multi-deformation reservoirs. Beyond its relevance to shale gas development, the framework exemplifies how advanced geomechanical modeling can enhance resource prospecting efficiency and accuracy in diverse geological settings. Full article

Ports with Mediterranean-like traffic profiles combine dense passenger, cargo, touristic, and local operations in confined waters where many small craft sail without AIS, increasing collision risk. Nature of such traffic in often unpredictable, due to often and sudden course corrections or changes. In such situations, it is possible that larger ships cannot manoeuvre to avoid collisions with small vessels. Hence, it is important to the port authority to develop a fast and adoptable mean to reduce collision risks. We present an end-to-end shore-based framework that detects and tracks vessels from fixed cameras (YOLOv9 + DeepSORT), estimates speed from monocular lateral video with an artificial neural network (ANN), and visualises collision risk in augmented reality (AR) for VTS/port operators. Validation in the Port of Split using laser rangefinder/GPS ground truth yields MAE 1.98 km/h and RMSE 2.18 km/h (0.605 m/s), with relative errors 2.83–21.97% across vessel classes. We discuss limitations (sample size, weather), failure modes, and deployment pathways. The application uses stationary port camera as an input. The core calculations are performed at user’s computer in the building. Mobile application uses wireless communication to show risk assessment at augmented reality smart phone. For training of ANN, we used The Split Port Ship Classification Dataset. Full article

This systematic review examines the methodologies and applications of integrated risk indicators in positron emission tomography (PET) radiopharmaceutical production, focusing on occupational, technological, and environmental risks. Conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines and utilizing the Ryyan software 2023 for article screening, the review synthesizes findings from 70 studies published between 2020 and 2025 in English and Spanish, including articles, conference papers, and reviews. The review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD420251078221). Key disciplines contributing to risk assessment frameworks include environmental science, occupational health and safety, civil engineering, mining engineering, maritime safety, financial/economic risk, and systems engineering. Predominant risk assessment methods identified are probabilistic modeling (e.g., Monte Carlo simulations), machine learning (e.g., neural networks), multi-criteria decision-making (e.g., AHP and TOPSIS), and failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), each offering strengths, such as uncertainty quantification and systematic hazard identification, alongside limitations like data dependency and subjectivity. The review explores how frameworks from other industries can be adapted to address PET-specific risks, such as radiation exposure to workers, equipment failure, and waste management, and how studies integrate these factors into unified risk indicators using weighted scoring, probabilistic methods, and fuzzy logic. Gaps in the literature include limited stakeholder engagement, lack of standardized frameworks, insufficient real-time monitoring, and under-represented environmental risks. Future research directions propose developing PET-specific tools, integrating AI and IoT for real-time data, establishing standardized frameworks, and expanding environmental assessments to enhance risk management in PET radiopharmaceutical production. This review highlights the interdisciplinary nature of risk assessment and the critical need for comprehensive, tailored approaches to ensure safety and sustainability in this field. Full article

To study the adsorption of lanthanide (Ln) atoms on graphene containing a Stone–Wales defect, we used a cluster model (SWG) and performed calculations at the PBE-D2/DNP level of the density functional theory. Our previous study, where the above combination was complemented with the ECP pseudopotentials, was only partially successful due to the impossibility of calculating terbium-containing systems and a serious error found for the SWG complex with dysprosium. In the present study we employed the DSPP pseudopotentials and completely eliminated the latter two failures. We analyzed the optimized geometries of the full series of fifteen SWG + Ln complexes, along with their formation energies and electronic parameters, such as frontier orbital energies, atomic charges, and spins. In many regards, the two series of calculations show qualitatively similar features, such as roughly M-shaped curves of the adsorption energies and trends in the changes in charge and spin of the adsorbed Ln atoms, as well as the spin density plots. However, the quantitative results can differ significantly. For most characteristics we found no evident correlation with the lanthanide contraction. The only dataset where this phenomenon apparently manifests itself (albeit to a limited and irregular degree) is the changes in the closest Ln^…C approaches. Full article

Background: The official current guideline for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication is to use tetracycline–bismuth-based protocols as first line treatment due to the increasing incidence of clarithromycin resistance in the last decade. The unavailability of tetracycline and bismuth-containing medicines, however, is an issue in many countries, limiting the routine use of these protocols. The value of using additional probiotics in eradication protocols is also unclear. Direct comparison data on the effect of available bismuth compounds and different probiotic strains on eradication outcome are limited. Goal: The aim of our investigation was to find optimal eradication protocols, supplementations and treatment duration for routine clinical use in our gastroenterology unit, located in a highly clarithromycin-resistant and tetracycline–bismuth-naïve area. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective real-world data analysis of 402 H. pylori positive patients between 2016 and 2024. H. pylori infection was diagnosed using histological examination of gastroscopy samples obtained from the gastric antrum. For the evaluation of treatment success or failure, ¹⁴C breath tests and stool H. pylori antigen tests were performed. Data on patient characteristics and treatment protocols were collected from our electronic patient record system, and treatment success was compared between the different treatment regimes. Results: Despite the regional clarithromycin resistance, supplementing clarithromycin-based regimens with bismuth and probiotic during the 14-day treatment duration showed a high and comparable cure rate when compared to tetracycline-based regimens, which are the current first-line therapies. When tetracycline-based combination is available, it is recommended to use it with an additional probiotic to achieve the best possible outcome. Comparison of the effect of available bismuth preparations on treatment success showed no significant difference. Generally, probiotic-containing protocols are more successful, compared to those treatments without this supplement. There was no statistical difference in the cure rates amongst the four probiotic strains used, where sample size allowed statistical analysis. Furthermore, supplementation with probiotics Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC PTA 6475 or Lactobacillus reuteri Protectis^® DSM 17938 showed promising high treatment success rates (85.2% and 100.0%, respectively) in our study. Full article

With the increasing demand for green materials, natural fiber-reinforced composites have garnered significant attention due to their environmental benefits and cost-effectiveness. However, the weak interfacial bonding between flax fibers and resin matrices limits their broader application. This study systematically investigates the interfacial properties of single-ply and double-ply flax yarn-reinforced epoxy resin composites, focusing on interfacial shear strength (IFSS) and its influencing factors. Pull-out tests were conducted to evaluate the mechanical behavior of yarns under varying embedded lengths, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to characterize interfacial failure modes. Critical embedded lengths were determined as 1.49 mm for single-ply and 2.71 mm for double-ply configurations. Results demonstrate that the tensile strength and elastic modulus of flax yarns decrease significantly with increasing gauge length. Single-ply yarns exhibit higher IFSS (30.90–32.03 MPa) compared to double-ply yarns (20.61–25.21 MPa), attributed to their tightly aligned fibers and larger interfacial contact area. Single-ply composites predominantly fail through interfacial debonding, whereas double-ply composites exhibit a hybrid failure mechanism involving interfacial separation, fiber slippage, and matrix fracture, caused by stress inhomogeneity from their multi-strand twisted structure. The study reveals that interfacial failure originates from the incompatibility between hydrophilic fibers and hydrophobic resin, coupled with stress concentration effects induced by the yarn’s multi-level hierarchical structure. These findings provide theoretical guidance for optimizing interfacial design in flax fiber composites to enhance load-transfer efficiency, advancing their application in lightweight, eco-friendly materials. Full article

Brazil is an endemic region for both human and feline sporotrichosis, with Sporothrix brasiliensis being the main etiological agent. Currently, few effective antifungal agents are available for treating this mycosis in cats, and therapeutic studies remain limited. Itraconazole (ITZ) is the first-line drug; however, its effectiveness is variable. To evaluate the use of ITZ combined with β-glucans (Euglena gracilis) in feline sporotrichosis, a prospective, uncontrolled interventional study was conducted in 29 cats. Clinical cure was achieved in 21 animals (72.4%) with a median treatment duration of 10 weeks. Most of these cats presented with nasal region lesions, nasal mucosa involvement, and respiratory signs, which are commonly associated with poor therapeutic outcomes. Treatment failure occurred in 5 animals (17.2%), and 3 (10.3%) were lost to follow-up. No deaths were recorded during the study. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were observed in 2 cats (6.9%). These findings suggest that β-glucans may be a complementary strategy in the treatment of feline sporotrichosis, particularly in cases involving nasal lesions and respiratory signs, and may also contribute to the prevention of ADRs associated with conventional therapy. Full article

Polyurethane flat belts have received limited scientific attention as load-bearing elements in marine energy systems, particularly in applications involving dynamic tensile and bending loads. This study evaluates their potential as a replacement for traditional wire ropes in marine energy applications, with a focus on their ability to be integrated into winch-driven wave energy converters where bending and tensile stresses can make long-term operation difficult. Polyurethane belts are hypothesized to offer enhanced fatigue resistance due to their reduced thickness in the bending plane and therefore lower bending stresses. This research involves a series of tests utilizing the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL) Large-Amplitude Motion Platform to replicate the dynamic conditions experienced by mooring lines of winch-based point-absorber-type marine energy converters. The conditions tested include unequal coiling and uncoiling tensions and load cases resulting from the device’s unconstrained movement relative to its anchor, such as twisting and off-axis loading. Results from this study show that polyurethane flat belts can achieve more than 198 percent of the fatigue life of a conventional wire rope under similar load profiles. The stress concentrations resulting from off-axis loading and cumulative twist beyond the system’s allowable limits have been identified as potential failure modes for flat belt mooring lines used in winch-driven wave energy converters deployed in ocean environments. To mitigate these risks, the use of anti-spin systems and fairleads designed to accommodate off-axis loading while limiting twist accumulation is recommended. Full article

Background: Sacubitril/valsartan (S/V) improves left ventricular (LV) function and clinical outcome in heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Data on its clinical value in the specific cohort of HFrEF patients demonstrating no adequate response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT nonresponders; CRT-NRs) are limited. Herein, we investigated the impact of S/V initiated as a replacement for ACEi/ARB therapy in CRT nonresponder (CRT-NR) patients. Methods: Our HF database was searched to identify CRT-NRs who received S/V treatment for at least 6 months as a replacement for ACEi/ARB (Group I; 70 patients) and CRT-NRs who remained on ACEi/ARB (Group II, 70). In addition, HFrEF patients without CRT indication who received S/V therapy for at least 6 months (Group III; 135) were also included in this analysis. The primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause mortality including heart transplantation (HTx) or left ventricular assist device implantation (LVAD) and HF hospitalization (HFH). Secondary endpoints were (i) all-cause mortality+HTx+LVAD and (ii) HFH analyzed separately. Results: Over a median follow-up of 22 months, the primary composite endpoint occurred in 27 out of 70 patients (38.57%) in Group I, 43 out of 70 patients (61.42%) in Group II, and 60 out of 135 patients (44.42%) in Group III. The differences were significant between Groups I and II (p: 0.005), as well as between Group II and III (p: 0.012), while the two groups on S/V (Group I and III) demonstrated similar outcomes (p = 0.465). HFH analyzed separately as a secondary endpoint occurred in 19 out of 70 patients (27.14%) in Group I, 38 out of 70 patients (54.28%) in Group II, and 36 out of 135 patients (26.66%) in Group III (Group I vs. II p: 0.001; Groups II vs. III p: 0.001, Group I vs. III, p: 0.896). All-cause mortality+HTx+LVAD analyzed separately as the other secondary endpoint demonstrated no significant differences among the three groups. Conclusions: S/V therapy improved HFH but not mortality in CRT-NR patients. Comparable improvement was demonstrated after SV in the CRT-NR and in the general HFrEF cohort with no CRT indication. Full article

In recent years, with the rapid development of the unmanned aerial vehicle industry, aviation optoelectronic turrets have been widely applied in fields such as terrain exploration, disaster prevention and mitigation, and national defense. Vibration isolation systems play a critical role in ensuring their imaging performance. This paper proposes a novel eight-leg six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) passive vibration isolation system tailored to the characteristics of aviation optoelectronic turrets, addressing the limitations of traditional Stewart passive vibration isolation platforms. A static analysis of the system is conducted, deriving the general form of the mass matrix under application conditions for aviation optoelectronic turrets. Structural configuration conditions are established to ensure that the stiffness matrix and damping matrix are diagonal matrices. In dynamic analysis and simulations, the transmissibility in each direction is simulated, and the impact of leg failure on the vibration isolation performance of this redundant system is further investigated. Under random vibration excitation, the maximum rotational vibration angles of a specific aviation optoelectronic turret are simulated and analyzed, confirming its stable tracking capability and validating the effectiveness of the redundant leg design in the vibration isolation system. Full article

Determining constitutive model parameters from in situ tests offers several advantages, including reduced time, lower cost, and minimal soil disturbance. As part of a research project, an automated framework was developed to derive constitutive model parameters from in situ test results using a graph-based approach. Previous studies primarily focused on validating the framework’s output in terms of soil parameters by comparing them with values interpreted from laboratory tests. This study demonstrates the full capability of the framework, from importing raw in situ measurements and stratifying the soil profile to determining both soil and constitutive model parameters, and ultimately linking the results to numerical modelling. To assess the accuracy of the obtained material sets, two well-documented boundary value problems are modelled: one involving the long-term settlement behaviour of an embankment and the other addressing the failure load of shallow footings. The parameter determination framework proves particularly valuable in the early stages of geotechnical projects, offering enhanced insight and detailed soil characterisation when data is limited. Ongoing research aims to extend the framework by incorporating additional in situ tests and implementing statistical tools to better capture uncertainty and support informed decision-making. Full article