Search Results (59)

Background and Objectives: Ofatumumab (OFA) is the first fully human anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of RRMS classified as a high-efficacy treatment agent. Real-world evidence is essential for evaluating the effectiveness and safety of OFA. Materials and Methods: A total of 184 patients (72.3% women, mean age 38 years (±10.9), 51 naïve patients and 133 after switch. Among them, 142 patients were evaluated after first 12-months of treatment according to relapse rate, neurological status expressed by Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), new T2-weighted (T2-w) lesions and gadolinium-enhancing lesions (GELs) in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), confirmed disability progression, as well as adverse events. Logistic regression identified factors associated with disease activity at ofatumumab initiation, including age, sex, disease duration, prior treatment, and baseline EDSS. Results: After the first 12 months of OFA treatment, relapses occurred in 12.0% of patients; new or enlarging T2-w lesions were observed in 12.7%; GELs in 3.5%; EDSS progression in 12.7%; and EDSS improvement in 14.2%. The No Evidence of Disease Activity-3 (NEDA-3) status was achieved in 76.1% of patients overall—75.8% in those who switched from another disease-modifying therapy (DMT), and 76.6% in treatment-naïve individuals. No significant differences were observed between the naïve and switch groups. Baseline EDSS at ofatumumab initiation was a significant predictor of relapse activity, while age was significantly associated with MRI activity (GELs) at 12 months. Conclusions: Real-world data confirmed high efficacy and safety of ofatumumab in RRMS. NEDA-3 was achieved more often than in registration trials. No efficacy differences between naïve and switch patients were observed. Full article

Background and Aims: Vitamin D is currently well regarded for its pleiotropic effects on the immune system, stimulating an anti-inflammatory response and enhancing immune tolerance. Vitamin D deficiency is an established risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS). Additionally, lower vitamin D serum levels are associated with worse disease outcomes. However, current randomized clinical trials provide conflicting evidence about the beneficial role of vitamin D on disease progression. Most studies have evaluated the effect of vitamin D supplementation on clinical and radiological activity, yet very few have examined the impact on brain atrophy. Methods: A 4-year observational, non-interventional study design was applied to evaluate the association between vitamin D supplementation and disease progression. Altogether, 132 relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis patients were enrolled in the study (97 subjects in the group with vitamin D supplementation and 35 subjects in the group without supplementation). The analyzed groups were similar in terms of age, body mass index, sun exposure, comorbidities, nicotinism, duration of the disease, and current treatment. The number of relapses, Expanded Disability Status Scale assessments, and the number of new/enlarged T2-weighted lesions and gadolinium-enhancing lesions in magnetic resonance imagining analyses, as well as 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum levels, were assessed every 12 months of a 4-year follow-up, whereas brain atrophy was assessed at the baseline and after 36 months using two-dimensional measurements. Results: After 36 months, a significant increase in atrophy was observed in both groups; however, patients without vitamin D supplementation had a significantly higher increase in intercaudate distance, third ventricle width, and bicaudate ratio after 36 months of observation (p < 0.05). Vitamin D supplementation among the studied group did not affect other disease activity outcomes. Conclusions: Our study revealed an observed association between vitamin D supplementation and reduced brain atrophy in patients with MS. Randomized controlled trials are required to establish the impact of vitamin D supplementation on brain atrophy progression. Full article

The High-Intensity Heavy-Ion Accelerator Facility (HIAF) is a significant national science and technology infrastructure project, constructed by the Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IMP, CAS). It is designed to provide intense proton, heavy ion beams, and target-produced radioactive ion beams for nuclear physics and related research. Large-aperture, high-precision, room-temperature, and superconducting dipole magnets are extensively used to achieve high-intensity beams. However, for large-scale magnets (particularly superconducting magnets), the traditional Hall probe mapping measurement platform encounters several limitations: a long preparation time, high cost, low testing efficiency, and positional inaccuracies caused by repeated magnet disassembly. This paper presents a new magnetic field mapping measurement system incorporating ultrasonic motors operable in strong magnetic fields (≥7 T), enabling portable, highly efficient, and high-precision magnetic field measurements. After system integration and commissioning, the prototype dipole magnet for the high-precision spectrometer ring (SRing) was measured. The measurement system demonstrated superior accuracy and efficiency compared with traditional Hall probe mapping systems. On this basis, the magnetic field distribution and integral excitation curve of all 11 warm-iron superconducting dipole magnets and 3 anti-irradiation dipole magnets in the HIAF fragment separator (HFRS) were measured. Each magnet took less than 1 day to measure, and all magnetic field measurement results met the physical specifications. Full article

The third-generation instrument era is approaching, and the Einstein Telescope (ET) giant interferometer is becoming a reality, with the potential to be installed at an underground site where seismic noise is about 100 times lower than at the surface. Moreover, new available technologies and the experience acquired from operating advanced detectors are key to further extending the detection bandwidth down to 2–3 Hz, with the possibility of suspending a cryogenic payload. The New Generation of Super-Attenuator (NGSA) is an R&D project aimed at the improvement of vibration isolation performance for thirrd-generation detectors of gravitational waves, assuming that the present mechanical system adopted for the advanced VIRGO interferometer (second generation) is compliant with a third-generation detector. In this paper, we report the preliminary results obtained from a simulation activity devoted to the characterization of a mechanical system based on a multi-stage pendulum and a double-inverted pendulum in a nested configuration (NIP). The final outcomes provide guidelines for the construction of a reduced-scale prototype to be assembled and tested in the “PLANET” laboratory at INFN Naples, where the multi-stage pendulum—equipped with a new magnetic anti-spring (nMAS)—will be hung from the NIP structure. Full article

Background: Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare, proliferative disorder of the synovium that predominantly affects the knee. Traditional treatment involves surgical resection; however, the high recurrence rates have prompted the exploration of alternative, minimally invasive treatments. This case report presents the novel use of genicular artery embolization (GAE) with imipenem/cilastatin as a therapeutic intervention. Case presentation: We present a case of a 52-year-old male with a 5-month history of progressive left-knee pain and swelling. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggested PVNS, which was confirmed through synovial biopsy. Because of concerns about surgical recovery and recurrence risk, the patient opted for GAE with imipenem/cilastatin over traditional synovectomy. This technique, employing the antibiotic’s anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties, was administered under local anesthesia without complications. Results: Post-procedural assessments demonstrated rapid and sustained symptom relief. At the 1-month follow-up, the patient’s Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score decreased from 7/10 to 3/10, and their Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and SF-36 health survey scores indicated significant functional improvement. By the 6-month follow-up, the VAS had reached 0/10; the KOOS value reflected near-complete functional recovery; and MRI confirmed reduced synovial hypertrophy and absence of recurrence. No complications were observed. Discussion: GAE with imipenem/cilastatin shows potential as an effective alternative to surgery for PVNS, particularly in patients at risk of surgical complications or recurrence. While the preliminary findings are promising, the limitations include the case’s single-subject design and the need for extended follow-up to determine long-term outcomes and recurrence rates. Further studies comparing GAE with traditional surgical approaches are needed to assess its broader applicability in PVNS management. Conclusion: GAE with imipenem/cilastatin offers a promising, minimally invasive approach for PVNS, providing significant symptom relief and functional recovery with minimal complications. Although long-term studies are needed, this technique could serve as a viable alternative for patients with PVNS, especially those contraindicated for surgery. Full article

Mastering the dynamic mechanical behaviors of pre-stressed fractured rocks under repeated impact loads is crucial for safety management in rock engineering. To achieve this, repeated impact loading experiments were performed on produced fractured samples exposed to varying pre-applied axial and confining pressures using a split Hopkinson pressure bar test system in combination with a nuclear magnetic resonance imaging system, and the dynamic failure mechanism and fractal features were investigated. The results indicate that the dynamic stress–strain curves exemplify typical class II curves, and the strain rebound progressively diminishes with growing impact times. The impact times, axial pressure, and confining pressure all significantly affect the dynamic peak strength, average dynamic strength, dynamic deformation modulus, average dynamic deformation modulus, maximum strain, and impact resistance performance. Moreover, under low confining pressures, numerous shear cracks and tensile cracks develop, which are interconnected and converge to form large-scale macroscopic fracture surfaces. In contrast, specimens under a high confining pressure primarily experience tensile failure, accompanied by localized small-scale shear failure. Under low axial pressure, some shear cracks and tensile cracks emerge, while at high axial pressure, anti-wing cracks and secondary coplanar cracks occur, characterized predominantly by shear failure. In addition, as the confining pressure grows from 8 to 20 MPa, the fractal dimensions are 2.44, 2.32, 2.23, and 2.12, respectively. When the axial pressures are 8, 14, and 20 MPa, the fractal dimensions are 2.44, 2.46, and 2.52, respectively. Overall, the degree of fragmentation of the sample decreases with growing confining pressure and grows with rising axial pressure. Full article

Background/Objectives: Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a severe form of male infertility characterized by the absence of sperm in the ejaculate due to impaired spermatogenesis. Testicular sperm extraction (TESE) combined with intracytoplasmic sperm injection is the primary treatment, but success rates are unpredictable, causing significant emotional and financial burdens. Traditional clinical and hormonal predictors have shown inconsistent reliability. This review aims to evaluate current and emerging non-invasive preoperative predictors of successful sperm retrieval in men with NOA, highlighting promising biomarkers and their potential clinical applications. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, examining studies on clinical and hormonal factors, imaging techniques, molecular biology biomarkers, and genetic testing related to TESE outcomes in NOA patients. The potential role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in enhancing predictive models was also explored. Results: Traditional predictors such as patient age, body mass index, infertility duration, testicular volume, and serum hormone levels (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, inhibin B) have limited predictive value for TESE success. Emerging non-invasive biomarkers—including anti-Müllerian hormone levels, inhibin B to anti-Müllerian hormone ratio, specific microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, circular RNAs, and germ-cell-specific proteins like TEX101—show promise in predicting successful sperm retrieval. Advanced imaging techniques like high-frequency ultrasound and functional magnetic resonance imaging offer potential but require further validation. Integrating molecular biomarkers with artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms may enhance predictive accuracy. Conclusions: Predicting TESE outcomes in men with NOA remains challenging using conventional clinical and hormonal parameters. Emerging non-invasive biomarkers offer significant potential to improve predictive models but require validation through large-scale studies. Incorporating artificial intelligence and machine learning could further refine predictive accuracy, aiding clinical decision-making and improving patient counseling and treatment strategies in NOA. Full article

Background and Objectives: Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy offers a promising approach to treating inflammatory diseases. Its notable anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects and enhancement of microcirculation in the nasal mucosa make it a valuable treatment option. Despite its potential, the use of PEMF for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is still in its early stages, with limited exploration of its effectiveness. This study aimed to assess the impact of PEMF on alleviating symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, sinus opacifications, and ostiomeatal complex issues associated with CRS. Materials and Methods: Forty-seven patients of both genders with CRS, aged 19 to 40 years, were involved in this study. The participants were randomly assigned to either a magnetic or a control group. The magnetic group underwent a 10 min PEMF session with a 20-gauss magnetic field strength at 7 Hz thrice a week for a month. The control group received the same PEMF application as an inactive device. Before and after the intervention, researchers assessed fatigue levels with a visual analog fatigue scale (VAFS), headache intensity via a numerical pain-rating scale, and the status of sinus opacifications and ostiomeatal complex obstructions by computerized tomography (CT). Results: The study findings showed a significant reduction in fatigue and headache scores in the magnetic group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, there was a notable improvement in sinus opacifications and ostiomeatal complex obstructions among participants who received PEMF therapy. Conclusions: PEMF therapy effectively reduces fatigue, headaches, and sinus opacifications in CRS patients, suggesting its potential for inclusion in CRS management guidelines to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. The results of this study indicate that PEMF represents a noninvasive and cost-effective approach for treating adults with mild-to-moderate CRS. Full article

The Rank-Ordered Multifractal Analysis (ROMA) is a tool designed to characterize scale (in)variance and multifractality based on rank ordering the fluctuations in “groups” characterized by the same mono-fractal behavior (Hurst exponent). A range-limited structure-function analysis provides the mono-fractal index for each rank-ordered range of fluctuations. We discuss here two examples of multi-scale solar wind turbulence and complexity where ROMA is applied on the following: (a) data collected by Ulysses spacecraft in the fast solar wind, outside the ecliptic, between 25 and 31 January 2007, at roughly 2.5 Astronomical Units (AU) from the Sun, in the Southern heliosphere, at latitudes between −76.5 and −77.3 degrees, and (b) slow solar wind data collected in the ecliptic plane by Venus Express spacecraft, at 0.72 AU, on 28 January 2007. The ROMA spectrum of fast solar wind derived from ULYSSES data shows a scale-dependent structure of fluctuations: (1) at the smallest/kinetic range of scales (800 to 3200 km), persistent fluctuations are dominant, and (2) at the inertial range of scales (10⁴ to 2 × 10⁵ km), anti-persistent fluctuations are dominant, but less clearly developed and possibly indicative for the development of instabilities with cross-over behavior. The ROMA spectrum of the slow solar wind derived from Venus Express data, suggests a different structure of turbulence: (1) fully developed multifractal turbulence across scales between 5 × 10⁴ and 4 × 10⁵ km, with the Hurst index changing from anti-persistent to persistent values for the larger amplitude magnetic fluctuations; (2) at the smallest scales (400 to 6400 km), fluctuations are mainly anti-persistent, and the ROMA spectrum indicates a tendency towards mono-fractal behavior. Full article

This review reports a critical study on the effect of magnetic fields on the precipitation process of calcium carbonate scale from hard water. Indeed, the harmful consequences of the water scaling phenomenon urged researchers to find effective solutions. One of the interesting antiscaling processes is the magnetic treatment of water, which triggers a reduction in the precipitation of calcium carbonate on the walls when in contact with hard water. In the present review, we discuss selected examples related to this process in a combined analysis of the latest advances and the mechanism of action of the magnetic field. Despite the diversity of studies investigating this phenomenon, the effectiveness of this treatment remains a controversial issue, and it is not possible to obtain a clear explanation of the phenomenon. This review proposes, finally, interesting hypotheses which can effectively explain the effect of magnetic treatment on the behavior of hard waters and the precipitation of calcium carbonate, which include magnetohydrodynamics and the hydration effect. Full article

A derivation of a tight-binding model from Schrödinger formalism for various topologies of position-based semiconductor qubits is presented in the case of static and time-dependent electric fields. The simplistic tight-binding model enables the description of single-electron devices at a large integration scale. The case of two electrostatically Wannier qubits (also known as position-based qubits) in a Schrödinger model is presented with omission of spin degrees of freedom. The concept of programmable quantum matter can be implemented in the chain of coupled semiconductor quantum dots. Highly integrated and developed cryogenic CMOS nanostructures can be mapped to coupled quantum dots, the connectivity of which can be controlled by a voltage applied across the transistor gates as well as using an external magnetic field. Using the anti-correlation principle arising from the Coulomb repulsion interaction between electrons, one can implement classical and quantum inverters (Classical/Quantum Swap Gate) and many other logical gates. The anti-correlation will be weakened due to the fact that the quantumness of the physical process brings about the coexistence of correlation and anti-correlation at the same time. One of the central results presented in this work relies on the appearance of dissipation-like processes and effective potential renormalization building effective barriers in both semiconductors and in superconductors between not bended nanowire regions both in classical and in quantum regimes. The presence of non-straight wire regions is also expressed by the geometrical dissipative quantum Aharonov–Bohm effect in superconductors/semiconductors when one obtains a complex value vector potential-like field. The existence of a Coulomb interaction provides a base for the physical description of an electrostatic Q-Swap gate with any topology using open-loop nanowires, with programmable functionality. We observe strong localization of the wavepacket due to nanowire bending. Therefore, it is not always necessary to build a barrier between two nanowires to obtain two quantum dot systems. On the other hand, the results can be mapped to the problem of an electron in curved space, so they can be expressed with a programmable position-dependent metric embedded in Schrödinger’s equation. The semiconductor quantum dot system is capable of mimicking curved space, providing a bridge between fundamental and applied science in the implementation of single-electron devices. Full article

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, debilitating neurological condition for which current treatments often focus on managing symptoms without curing the underlying disease. Recent studies have suggested that dietary supplements could potentially modify disease progression and enhance quality of life. This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) as a dietary supplement in patients with MS, with a specific focus on its impact on disease progression, symptom management, and overall quality of life. We conducted a comprehensive systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, utilizing an exhaustive search across the databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to 23 February 2024. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials. Nine clinical trials involving 318 participants were analyzed, with dosages ranging from 600 mg to 1200 mg of EGCG daily, although most studies had only a 4-month follow-up period. Results indicated that EGCG supplementation, particularly when combined with coconut oil, led to significant improvements in metabolic health markers and functional abilities such as gait speed and balance. One trial observed significant improvements in the Berg balance scale score from an average of 49 to 52 after four months of treatment with 800 mg of EGCG daily. Additionally, interleukin-6 levels significantly decreased, suggesting anti-inflammatory effects. Measures of quality of life such as the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scale showed significant improvements after EGCG supplementation. However, primary outcomes like disease progression measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of lesion activities showed minimal or no significant changes across most studies. EGCG supplementation appears to provide certain symptomatic and functional benefits in MS patients, particularly in terms of metabolic health and physical functionality. However, it does not significantly impact the primary disease progression markers such as EDSS scores and MRI lesions. These findings underscore the potential of EGCG as a supportive treatment in MS management, though its role in altering disease progression remains unclear. Future research should focus on long-term effects and optimal dosing to further elucidate its therapeutic potential. Full article

The recycling of NdFeB magnets is necessary to ensure a reliable and ethical supply of rare earth elements as critical raw materials. This has been recognized internationally, prompting the implementation of large-scale legislative measured aimed at its resolution; for example, an ambitious recycling quote has been established in the Critical Raw Materials Act Successful recycling in sufficient quantities is challenged by product designs that do not allow the extraction and recycling of these high-performance permanent magnets without excessive effort and cost. This is particularly true for smaller motors using NdFeB magnets. Therefore, methods of recycling such arrangements with little or no dismantling are being researched. They are tested for the hydrogen-processing of magnetic scrap (HPMS) method, a short-loop mechanical recycling process. As contamination of the recycled material with residues of anti-corrosion coatings, adhesives, etc., may lead to downcycling, the separability of such residues from bulk magnets and magnet powder is explored. It is found that the hydrogen permeability, expansion volume, and the chosen coating affect the viable preparation and separation methods as recyclability-relevant design features. Full article

Solar filaments are good tracers of space weather and magnetic flux ropes in the corona. Identifying and detecting filaments helps to forecast space weather and explore the solar magnetic field. Many automatic detection methods have been proposed to process the large number of observed images. Current methods face issues of unreliable dataset annotations and poor anti-interference capability. First, to address the issue of unreliable dataset annotations, we built a solar filament dataset using a manual annotation method. Second, we introduced Transformer into Convolutional Neural Networks. Transformer, with the ability to extract more global features, can help counter interference. In addition, there is large disparity in the size of solar filaments. Therefore, a multi-scale residual block is designed to extract features across various scales. Deformable large kernel attention and a res path are used to better integrate encoder and decoder information. Results show that this method outperforms the existing solar filament detection methods (improved U-Net and improved V-Net), achieving an F1 score of 91.19%. In particular, our results show lower interference by sunspots and background noise than existing methods. The ability to counter interference is improved. Full article

Background: Magnetotherapy applied to patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) produces anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioedema effects. Observations suggest that the beneficial and adverse effects of magnetotherapy are related to the parameters of the magnetic field applied. This study aimed to assess the positive and negative effects of magnetotherapy, taking into account the type of the field. Methods: This study involved 39 patients with RA, who were randomly assigned to two groups: SMF—static magnetic field (n = 18) and PEMF—low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field (n = 21). The examinations carried out before and after the therapy included a general assessment of the functional status, assessment of pain severity, measurement of the duration and severity of morning stiffness, computer-aided measurement of the range of motion of the hand joints and measurement of the hand volume using water displacement method. The patients received kinesiotherapy and magnetotherapy, as determined by the randomisation. Results: The findings show improved functional status by 0.26 points on average (p = 0.0166) measured with the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ-20), reduced pain by 2.2 points on average (p = 0.0000) on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), decreased duration of morning stiffness by 23.2 min on average (p = 0.0010) and reduced severity of morning stiffness by 15.2 points on average (p = 0.0010). The assessment of the dominant hand showed improved range of motion by 1.9 mm on average (p = 0.0036) and reduced volume by 0.9 mm³ on average (p = 0.0230). A significantly reduced duration and severity of morning stiffness was observed in the SMF group. Statistically significant changes in the HAQ-20 scores, range of motion and the volume of the dominant hand were identified in the PEMF group. Conclusions: Magnetic fields improved the functional status and reduced pain, morning stiffness and swelling in the hand. A static magnetic field may be more effective in reducing morning stiffness, whereas a pulsed magnetic field may, to a greater extent, improve function and reduce swelling in the rheumatoid hand. The effects of magnetotherapy reported so far require further observation. Full article