Search Results (164)

Background/Objectives: Aseptic loosening is a major challenge in hip and knee arthroplasty. While radiostereometric analysis (RSA) is the gold standard for detecting early migration, it is static, costly, and requires metal beads. Provocation CT-based analysis studies implants under physiological stresses and offers a marker-free alternative with comparable accuracy. This systematic review evaluates its effectiveness, cost, and role in orthopedic imaging. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Three databases were searched, with no date restrictions, using keywords related to the research area. The risk of bias was assessed using the RoB-1 tool. Results: The initial search identified 42 studies, with 6 ultimately included in the review. These studies involved 198 patients with an average age of 65.0 years. Provocation CT demonstrated higher sensitivity and specificity than standard radiographs, particularly in cases with inconclusive X-rays. Additionally, the radiation dose for CT scans varied across studies, with effective doses ranging from 0.2 mSv to 4.5 mSv per scan. Compared to X-ray, CT-based methods showed comparable or superior performance in motion detection, though direct clinical comparisons with RSA remain lacking. Conclusions: Provocation CT-based analysis is a valuable diagnostic tool for early detection of implant loosening, offering a potentially feasible, accurate, and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. However, standardized protocols, broader economic evaluations, and prospective multicenter trials are needed to confirm its routine clinical applicability. Full article

(1) Background: Esthetic regenerative medicine is increasingly in demand for facial and neck rejuvenation due to its proven efficacy, safety profile, and minimal downtime. This study aimed to evaluate the role of standardized assessment tools in optimizing the outcomes of non-invasive regenerative esthetic technologies, both during the treatment course and in follow-up. (2) Methods: A literature review of the main articles published in peer-reviewed journals was conducted to identify high-quality studies addressing the use of validated esthetic scales and questionnaires (patient-reported outcomes) for evaluating the effectiveness of non-invasive regenerative treatments for the face and neck using accessible clinical tools such as photographs and 3D facial scanning. (3) Results: Clinician-reported outcomes (CROs) can be collected using standardized and reproducible photographic documentation and facial scans. The esthetic scales and classifications target both specific facial areas (e.g., upper third, perioral, periorbital) and overall skin appearance. Furthermore, advanced software allows overlay facial scan analysis and wrinkle mapping for precise quantification of improvements. In addition to objective CROs, patient-reported outcomes (PROs) offer essential insights into perceived esthetic changes, satisfaction, and emotional well-being, completing a multidimensional evaluation of treatment efficacy. (4) Conclusions: Standardized evaluation protocols based on accessible tools such as clinical photographs, 3D facial scans, and validated PRO questionnaires are essential for guiding effective, personalized regenerative treatments. Their integration into routine practice enhances clinical decision-making and patient satisfaction. While advanced tools like dermal probes may further refine assessments, they require specific expertise and resources and may be less practical for daily clinical use. Full article

Background: Patients awaiting total hip arthroplasty (THA), particularly those with hip osteoarthritis (OA), face an elevated risk of osteoporosis due to age and gender-related factors. Osteoporosis, indicated by low bone mineral density (BMD), can affect implant osteointegration, long-term stability, and increase the likelihood of periprosthetic fractures. Despite these risks, osteoporosis is often underdiagnosed and undertreated in THA candidates. While several studies have addressed this issue in Northern populations, data on Southern European cohorts, particularly Italian patients, remain limited. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency, as well as the rates of related treatments, in patients with hip osteoarthritis scheduled for THA. Methods: This single-center, retrospective study was conducted at Policlinico Universitario di TorVergata, Italy, involving 66 hip OA patients (35 men, 31 women; mean age 67.5 years). BMD was assessed at the femoral neck, total femur, and lumbar spine via DEXA, alongside vitamin D and PTH levels. Demographic data, ongoing anti-osteoporotic therapies, Harris Hip Score (HHS), and handgrip strength were recorded. Statistical analysis included t-tests and Pearson’s correlation. Osteoporosis was defined per WHO criteria, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: In this study of 66 patients with hip osteoarthritis (35 men, 31 women; mean age 67.5 years), women exhibited significantly lower bone mineral density (BMD) at the total femur (−0.98 ± 1.42 vs. −0.08 ± 1.04; p < 0.05) and lumbar spine (−0.66 ± 1.74 vs. 0.67 ± 1.59; p < 0.05) compared to men. Handgrip strength was also significantly reduced in females (17.1 ± 8.2 kg) versus males (27.3 ± 10.3 kg; p < 0.05). Vitamin D levels were below 30 ng/mL in 89.4% of patients, and 63.6% had levels below 20 ng/mL; PTH levels were elevated (>65 pg/mL) in 54.5% of cases, indicating frequent secondary hyperparathyroidism. Only 9 patients were receiving vitamin D supplementation and none were on anti-osteoporotic treatment. Conclusions: These findings highlight the frequent coexistence of low BMD, vitamin D deficiency, and reduced muscle strength in THA candidates, suggesting a pattern of musculoskeletal vulnerability that warrants clinical attention. Full article

Transition metal dichalcogenides, especially molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), exhibit exceptional properties that make them suitable for a wide range of applications. However, the interaction between MoS₂ and technologically relevant substrates, such as platinum (Pt) electrodes, can significantly influence its properties. This study investigates the growth and properties of MoS₂ thin films on Pt substrates using ionized jet deposition, a versatile, low-cost vacuum deposition technique. We explore the effects of the roughness of Pt substrates and self-heating during deposition on the chemical composition, structure, and strain of MoS₂ films. By optimizing the deposition system to achieve crystalline MoS₂ at room temperature, we compare as-deposited and annealed films. The results reveal that as-deposited MoS₂ films are initially amorphous and conform to the Pt substrate roughness, but crystalline growth is reached when the sample holder is sufficiently heated by the plasma. Further post-annealing at 270 °C enhances crystallinity and reduces sulfur-related defects. We also identify a change in the MoS₂–Pt interface properties, with a reduction in Pt–S interactions after annealing. Our findings contribute to the understanding of MoS₂ growth on Pt and provide insights for optimizing MoS₂-based devices in catalysis and electronics. Full article

This paper presents a physics-informed training framework for projection-based Reduced-Order Models (ROMs). We extend the original PROM-ANN architecture by complementing snapshot-based training with a FEM-based, discrete physics-informed residual loss, bridging the gap between traditional projection-based ROMs and physics-informed neural networks (PINNs). Unlike conventional PINNs that rely on analytical PDEs, our approach leverages FEM residuals to guide the learning of the ROM approximation manifold. Our key contributions include the following: (1) a parameter-agnostic, discrete residual loss applicable to nonlinear problems, (2) an architectural modification to PROM-ANN improving accuracy for fast-decaying singular values, and (3) an empirical study on the proposed physics-informed training process for ROMs. The method is demonstrated on a nonlinear hyperelasticity problem, simulating a rubber cantilever under multi-axial loads. The main accomplishment in regards to the proposed residual-based loss is its applicability on nonlinear problems by interfacing with FEM software while maintaining reasonable training times. The modified PROM-ANN outperforms POD by orders of magnitude in snapshot reconstruction accuracy, while the original formulation is not able to learn a proper mapping for this use case. Finally, the application of physics-informed training in ANN-PROM modestly narrows the gap between data reconstruction and ROM accuracy; however, it highlights the untapped potential of the proposed residual-driven optimization for future ROM development. This work underscores the critical role of FEM residuals in ROM construction and calls for further exploration on architectures beyond PROM-ANN. Full article

N-butylnitroxyethylnitramine (BuNENA) is a high-energy plasticizer with high plasticizing ability, low sensitivity, and high energy. It has broad application prospects in HTPE propellants. Nevertheless, as an energetic plasticizer, it requires treatment to reduce its sensitivity. To this end, the passivation process for BuNENA was simulated using a mixing model analogous to nucleate boiling. This method involves tracking the formation and movement of bubbles using a Lagrange frame, and the bubbles themselves are modeled as rigid spheres subject to buoyancy and viscous forces. A variational multiscale (VMS)-based Euler framework was employed to simulate the fluid surrounding the bubble. The movement process of the bubbles was analyzed, and it was found that the amount of bubbles and the movement speed were higher at high temperatures and in a high vacuum, and the passivation effect on BuNENA was better. At a pressure of 40 mbar and a temperature of 50 °C, BuNENA demonstrated an 89% water removal rate. A comparison of the experimental results with the simulation results revealed slight discrepancies between them. A meticulous analysis of the passivation process for BuNENA is rendered possible by integrating experimental and simulation methodologies, a feat that has immense implications for the realm of composite solid propellant passivation. Full article

Background: Consumer demand for plant-based milk alternatives, particularly oat-based milk, has increased due to perceived health benefits and environmental sustainability. However, challenges remain in improving their nutritional profile and physical stability while promoting the use of local agricultural resources and reducing food waste. Methods: This study developed and evaluated fortified oat-based milk formulations using locally sourced oats cultivated in central Italy. Two valorization strategies were tested: (i) the addition of raspberry powder derived from juice processing byproducts and (ii) the substitution of water with infusions of raspberry and olive leaves. The nutritional composition, antioxidant activity, physical stability, and sensory properties were assessed. Results: Replacing water with leaf infusions significantly increased total polyphenol content (up to 688 mg GAE/100 g DW) and antioxidant activity but compromised physical stability, resulting in higher separation indexes during refrigerated storage. Conversely, adding raspberry powder moderately enhanced antioxidant properties while maintaining emulsion stability. Sensory evaluation showed that enriched formulations reduced undesirable attributes (e.g., floury and cereal notes), although higher concentrations of leaf infusions increased astringency and bitterness. Conclusions: The fortification of oat-based milk with locally sourced raspberry powders and leaf infusions effectively enhances its nutritional and antioxidant properties while influencing its physical and sensory characteristics. This strategy supports the valorization of local agricultural byproducts and promotes the development of sustainable, functional plant-based beverages. Full article

Background/Objectives: Little is known about the impact of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) on brain atrophy. This multicenter longitudinal study compares brain MRI volumes and T2 lesion volume between MOGAD patients, relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients and a healthy control (HC) group with brain MRI scans available from an online repository. Methods: In total, 16 adult MOGAD patients (9 F) were age- and sex-matched with 44 RRMS patients (17 F) recruited in Verona MS Center and 14 HC subjects. The availability of two brain MRI scans performed 18 ± 6 months apart was mandatory for each patient. Annual percentage brain volume change (PBVC/y), baseline global brain, white matter (WM), gray matter (GM) regional brain volumes and T2 lesion volume were compared between groups. Results: PBVC/y was lower in MOGAD than in RRMS patients (p = 0.014) and lower in HC subjects than in MS patients (p = 0.005). Overall, MOGAD showed higher mean global brain (p = 0.012) and WM volume (p = 0.024) but lower median T2 lesion volume at timepoint 1 (p < 0.001); T2 lesion volume increased over time in the RRMS (p < 0.001) but not in the MOGAD cohort (p = 0.262). Conclusions: The structural brain MRI features of MOGAD show higher global brain and WM volumes and lower brain volume loss over time compared to RRMS, suggesting different underlining pathogenetic mechanisms. Full article

Primary cervical dystonia (PCD), or spasmodic torticollis, is a focal dystonia characterized by involuntary and often painful muscle contractions, leading to abnormal cervical movements and postures. While botulinum toxin injections are the first-line treatment, additional therapies, such as segmental muscle vibration (SMV), remain underexplored. SMV, a non-invasive neuromodulation technique, may enhance motor cortex excitability and promote neuroplasticity, offering potential benefits in PCD management. This single-center triple-blinded randomized controlled trial evaluates SMV’s efficacy in reducing dystonic pain and improving quality of life in PCD patients undergoing standardized rehabilitation after botulinum toxin treatment. Participants with a pain level of ≥3 on the Numerical Rating Scale will be randomized into two groups. The experimental group will receive 80 Hz SMV during a 10-session rehabilitation program, while the control group will undergo sham SMV. Both groups will follow identical physiotherapy and occupational therapy protocols. The primary outcomes include changes in pain intensity and function, assessed at baseline, mid-treatment, and post-treatment using validated scales. The secondary outcomes will evaluate quality of life and patient satisfaction. This study hypothesizes that SMV will significantly reduce dystonic pain and enhance quality of life, supporting its integration into multidisciplinary rehabilitation for dystonic disorders. Trial registration number: NCT06748846. Full article

The icy satellites of the outer Solar System show surfaces strongly deformed by tectonic activity, which mostly shows wide strike-slip zones. The structural pattern recognized on such regions can be ascribed to the deformation observed on terrestrial analogs identified in glaciers, whose flow produces deformation structures that bear key information to compare and better understand the surface and subsurface development of the structures identified on icy satellites. Multiscale analysis is used to acquire local- and regional-scale datasets that are compared with icy satellite data. Glacier deformation structures are compared with those identified in a unique regional-scale investigation of the icy satellites. In this work, we present a review of the approach used for the comparison between glacial and icy satellite shear zone deformation. The comparison concerns the deformation styles observed in these bodies, with a particular emphasis on compressional structures, called thrusts, which are hardly detected on icy satellites. Thrusts occur on glaciers and are important for glacial flow, deformation compensation and fluid circulation. Here, we report the occurrence of glacial thrust to better understand the icy environment under deformation and make inferences on icy satellite shear zones. Thanks to fieldwork and remote sensing analyses, we can infer the potential location and development of such compressional structures on icy satellites, which are pivotal for the compensation of their tectonics. We analyze glacial deformation by considering the icy satellite context and we discuss their potential detection with data from current and future planetary missions. A total of five categories of thrusts are presented to understand the best method for their detection, and a conceptual model on icy satellite surface and subsurface structural pattern is proposed. Full article

The development and calibration of a measurement system designed for assessing the performance of the avalanche photodiodes (APDs) used in the Compton scattering polarimeter of the CUSP project is discussed in this work. The designed system is able to characterize the APD gain $G_{APD}$ and energy resolution across a wide range of temperatures T (from −20 °C to +60 °C) and bias voltages $V_{bias}$ (from 260 V to 410 V). The primary goal was to experimentally determine the $G_{APD}$ dependence on the T and $V_{bias}$ in order to establish a strategy for stabilizing $G_{APD}$ by compensating for T fluctuations, acting on $V_{bias}$. The results demonstrate the system capability to accurately characterize APD behavior and develop feedback mechanisms to ensure its stable operation. This work provides a robust framework for calibrating APDs for space environments. It is essential for the successful implementation of spaceborne polarimeters such as the Compton scattering polarimeter foreseen aboard the CUbeSat Solar Polarimeter (CUSP) mission under development to perform solar flare X-ray polarimetry. Full article

Strategies to repair the meniscus have achieved limited success; thus, a cell-based therapy combined with an appropriate biocompatible scaffold could be an interesting alternative to overcome this issue. The aim of this project is to analyze different cell populations and a collagen gel scaffold as a potential source for meniscus tissue engineering applications. Dermal fibroblasts (DFs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from adipose tissue (ASCs) or bone marrow (BMSCs) were analyzed. Two different fibro-chondrogenic media, M1 and M2, were tested, and qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed. Significant increases in glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) production and in fibro-cartilaginous marker expression were observed in MSCs in the presence of M1 medium. In addition, both ASCs and BMSCs cultured in M1 medium were used in association with the collagen hydrogel (MSCs-SCF) for the development of an in vitro meniscal-like tissue. Significant up-regulation in GAGs production and in the expression of aggrecan, collagen type I, and collagen type II was observed in BMSCs-SCF. This study improves knowledge of the potential of combining undifferentiated MSCs with a collagen gel as a new tissue engineering strategy for meniscus repair. Full article

Background/Objectives: A comprehensive comparison of intraoperative, oncological, and functional outcomes of RARP performed with different robotic surgical platforms is critically needed. Our aim is to compare the oncological and functional outcomes of RARP performed using the novel Hugo™ RAS system with those from the daVinci system, the reference standard, at a high-volume robotic center, with an extended follow-up period (one year). Methods: We analyzed the data of 400 patients undergoing RARP ± pelvic lymph node dissection between 2021 and 2023, using propensity score (PS) matching to correct for treatment selection bias. All procedures were performed by three surgeons with HugoTM RAS or daVinci. This analysis extends the follow-up period to 1 year, focusing on specific functional and oncological outcomes, building on our previous 3-month evaluation of perioperative outcomes. The primary outcome was the trifecta rate, defined as freedom from biochemical recurrence, continence, and erectile function recovery. Secondary outcomes included detailed assessments of oncological outcomes (PSA levels) and functional outcomes (continence and erectile function). Results: The propensity score-matched cohort included 99 matched pairs (198 patients), balanced for all covariates. No significant differences were found in trifecta rates between the two platforms at 1-year follow-up (Hugo: 25.25%, daVinci: 27.27%, p = 0.743). Both groups showed improved trifecta rates when considering only nerve-sparing procedures (Hugo: 36.84%, daVinci: 35.59%, p = 0.889). Continence rates were similar (Hugo: 87.9%, daVinci: 89.9%, p = 0.327), as were the undetectable PSA rates (Hugo: 92.9%, daVinci: 88.8%, p = 0.158). Also, the erectile function recovery rate did not differ significantly between the groups. Conclusions: This is the first study comparing 1-year functional and oncological outcomes of RARP performed with Hugo™ RAS and daVinci surgical robotic systems using PS matching. Functional and oncological outcomes of RARP were comparable between the two robotic platforms. These findings confirm that the transition to the Hugo™ platform does not compromise surgical proficiency or patient outcomes, even if further long-term studies are necessary to confirm these results. Full article

Natural products are thoroughly studied as valuable alternatives to synthetic insecticides. Heracleum persicum Desf. ex Fisch. (Apiaceae), commonly known as Golpar, is an Iranian medicinal plant largely employed as a spice, which has previously revealed insecticidal potential. The chemical composition of H. persicum essential oil (EO) was investigated by GC-MS and was mainly dominated by hexyl butyrate (36.1%) and octyl acetate (23.7%). The EO and its main esters were tested on three mosquito species. Aedes aegypti (L.) larvae were the most sensitive to all tested products. Lethal concentrations (LC₅₀) of 59.09, 53.59, and 47.05 ppm were recorded for the EO, hexyl butyrate, and octyl acetate, respectively. Aedes albopictus (Skuse) and Anopheles gambiae Giles demonstrated comparable sensitivity to the EO, with LC₅₀ values of 102.97 and 97.91 ppm, respectively, whereas the isolated constituents appeared more active on An. gambiae (LC₅₀ of hexyl butyrate and octyl acetate of 70.97 and 60.71 ppm, respectively) with respect to Ae. albopictus (LC₅₀ of hexyl butyrate and octyl acetate of 85.40 and 91.38 ppm, respectively). Low toxicity was registered for both EO and single components against human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells. Overall, the H. persicum EO, hexyl butyrate, and octyl acetate could be further considered for larvicide development. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that progressively involves brain regions with an often-predictable pattern. Damage to the brain appears to spread and worsen with time, but the molecular mechanisms underlying the region-specific distribution of AD pathology at different stages of the disease are still under-investigated. In this study, a whole-transcriptome analysis was carried out on brain samples from the hippocampus (HI), temporal and parietal cortices (TC and PC, respectively), cingulate cortex (CG), and substantia nigra (SN) of six subjects with a definite AD diagnosis and three healthy age-matched controls in duplicate. The transcriptomic results showed a greater number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the TC (1571) and CG (1210) and a smaller number of DEGs in the HI (206), PC (109), and SN (60). Furthermore, the GSEA showed a difference between the group of brain areas affected early (HI and TC) and the group of areas that were subsequently involved (PC, CG, and SN). Notably, in the HI and TC, there was a significant downregulation of shared DEGs primarily involved in synaptic transmission, while in the PC, CG, and SN, there was a significant downregulation of genes primarily involved in protein folding and trafficking. The course of AD could follow a definite time- and severity-related pattern that arises from protein misfolding, as observed in the PC, CG, and SN, and leads to synaptic impairment, as observed in the HI and TC. Therefore, a map of the molecular and biological processes involved in AD pathogenesis may be traced. This could aid in the discovery of novel biological targets in order to develop effective and well-timed therapeutic approaches. Full article