Search Results (41)

Background/Objectives: Frank’s sign, a diagonal earlobe crease, may reflect systemic microvascular dysfunction. We investigated whether Frank’s sign serves as a clinical marker of white matter hyperintensity (WMH) burden in Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), a monogenic model of pure cerebral small vessel disease. Methods: We analyzed 81 genetically confirmed CADASIL patients (61.8 ± 12.6 years, 40.7% female) and 54 age/sex-matched controls (70.3 ± 6.6 years, 48.1% female). Frank’s sign was detected using deep learning from brain MRI-reconstructed 3D facial surfaces. WMH volumes were automatically quantified and adjusted for confounders using Random Forest regression residuals. We compared Frank’s sign prevalence between groups, assessed within-CADASIL associations, and evaluated dose–response relationships across WMH tertiles. Results: Frank’s sign prevalence was significantly higher in CADASIL versus controls (66.7% vs. 42.6%, p = 0.020), with strengthened association after multivariate adjustment (OR = 4.214, 95% CI: 1.128–15.733, p = 0.032). Within CADASIL, Frank’s sign-positive patients showed 72% greater WMH burden (51.5 ± 27.1 vs. 30.0 ± 26.1 mL, p < 0.001) and lower Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD) total scores (57.7 ± 19.6 vs. 71.2 ± 22.8, p = 0.006), but similar lacunes, microbleeds, and hippocampal volumes. A robust dose–response relationship emerged across WMH tertiles, with Frank’s sign prevalence increasing from 37.0% (lowest) to 74.1% (highest tertile; adjusted OR = 3.571, 95% CI: 1.134–11.253, p = 0.030). Conclusions: Frank’s sign represents an accessible biomarker of WMH burden in CADASIL, demonstrating disease-specificity and dose–response characteristics independent of vascular risk factors. The automated MRI-based detection method of Frank’s sign enables retrospective analysis of existing neuroimaging databases, transforming a bedside observation into a quantifiable neuroimaging biomarker for genetic small vessel disease stratification. Full article

Background/Objectives: In recent years, 3D shape models of the human body have been used for various purposes. In principle, CT and MRI tomographic images are necessary to create such models. However, CT imaging and MRI generally impose heavy physical and financial burdens on the person being imaged, the model creator, and the hospital where the imaging facility is located. To reduce these burdens, the purpose of this study was to propose a method of creating individually adapted models by using simple X-ray images, which provide relatively little information and can therefore be easily acquired, and by transforming an existing base model. Methods: From medical images, anatomical feature values and scanning feature values that use the points that compose the contour line that can represent the shape of the femoral knee joint area were acquired, and deformed by free-form deformation. Free-form deformations were automatically performed to match the feature values using optimization calculations based on the confidence region method. The accuracy of the deformed model was evaluated by the distance between surfaces of the deformed model and the node points of the reference model. Results: Deformation and evaluation were performed for 13 cases, with a mean error of 1.54 mm and a maximum error of 12.88 mm. In addition, the deformation using scanning feature points was more accurate than the deformation using anatomical feature points. Conclusions: This method is useful because it requires only the acquisition of feature points from two medical images to create the model, and overall average accuracy is considered acceptable for applications in biomechanical modeling and motion analysis. Full article

Blasting operations in surface mining pose a risk of flyrock, which is a critical safety concern for both personnel and infrastructure. This study presents the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and photogrammetric techniques to improve the accuracy of blast design, particularly in relation to controlling burden values and reducing flyrock. The research was conducted in a basalt quarry in Lower Silesia, where high rock fracturing complicated conventional blast planning. A DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise UAV was used to capture high-resolution aerial imagery, and 3D models were created using Strayos software. These models enabled precise analysis of bench face geometry and burden distribution with centimeter-level accuracy. The results showed a significant improvement in identifying zones with improper burden values and allowed for real-time corrections in blasthole design. Despite a ten-fold reduction in the number of images used, no loss in model quality was observed. UAV-based surveys followed software-recommended flight paths, and the application of this methodology reduced the flyrock range by an average of 42% near sensitive areas. This approach demonstrates the operational benefits and enhanced safety potential of integrating UAV-based photogrammetry into blasting design workflows. Full article

Background: Early childhood dental decay remains a pervasive chronic condition, and environmental toxicants—particularly lead—may exacerbate its development. This systematic review was designed to synthesize evidence on how lead exposure correlates with both the occurrence of carious lesions and aesthetic alterations in children’s primary teeth. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science through April 2025, selecting observational investigations that assessed the link between lead levels and primary-tooth decay in pediatric cohorts. Thirteen eligible studies, encompassing 44,846 participants aged 2–19 years, were included for qualitative synthesis. Aesthetics were screened using author-defined enamel-defect or discoloration endpoints; however, only three studies reported compatible metrics, precluding quantitative pooling. Heterogeneity in exposure matrices likewise ruled out meta-analysis. Results: Most studies reported a statistically significant association between higher lead burden and greater prevalence or severity of caries in primary teeth. Blood lead concentrations across studies ranged from means of 1.53 μg/dL to geometric means of 7.2 μg/dL. Notably, elevated lead was linked to increased decayed, missing, or filled surfaces—with an adjusted risk ratio of 1.14 (95% CI: 1.02–1.27) at levels below 5 μg/dL—and adjusted mean ratios of up to 2.14 for decayed or filled teeth when blood lead reached 5–10 μg/dL. Conclusions: Current evidence suggests that children’s exposure to lead may heighten the risk of caries and detract from the aesthetic quality of primary teeth. However, variability in study design, lead quantification methods, and confounder adjustment limit the consistency of findings. Mitigating lead exposure in early life could represent a valuable preventive strategy against dental decay in susceptible pediatric populations. Full article

Background/Objectives: FimH adhesin, located at the tips of type 1 pili in Escherichia coli (E. coli), plays a crucial role in bacterial adhesion to the surface urothelial cells—a key step in the pathogenesis of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Given the rising concern over antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and considering that E. coli is one of the pathogens with the largest AMR burdens on a global scale, alternative strategies targeting bacterial adhesion are gaining increasing attention. Products that contain D-mannose and cranberry-derived phenolic compounds have shown promise in preventing E. coli colonization and infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the antiadhesive effects of cranberry-related phenolic compounds on FimH-mediated E. coli adhesion using a cellular hemagglutination inhibition assay, as well as to assess the synergistic effects of mannose and phenolic compounds on biofilm formation. Methods: A range of phenolic acids (benzoic, chlorogenic, hippuric, p-coumaric, ferulic and caffeic), resveratrol, (+)-catechin and procyanidin A, as well as a Vaccinium macrocarpon extract, were evaluated for their ability to inhibit FimH-mediated adhesion. A binocular microscope was used to observe agglutination, and we also evaluated the biofilm inhibition potential of the phenolic compounds in the presence of D-mannose. Results: Our results demonstrated that these compounds significantly reduced hemagglutination, with benzoic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and resveratrol exhibiting strong inhibitory effects at concentrations as low as 0.25 mM. Furthermore, the addition of 1 mM solutions of these phenolic compounds to D-mannose resulted in a twofold reduction in the inhibition titer, suggesting synergistic interactions. In addition to their antiadhesive properties, the tested phenolic compounds contributed slightly to the inhibition of FimH-mediated biofilm formation, further supporting their potential roles in UTI prevention. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of cranberry-derived phenolics as natural antiadhesive agents against E. coli and warrant further investigation into their mechanisms of action and possible applications in infection control. Full article

Hospital buildings require special attention to protect patients and healthcare workers from hospital-acquired infections and sick building illnesses. This is the first study to assess the prevalence of fungus in indoor air, outdoor air, and their contamination on surfaces at selected locations in four highly contaminated hospitals (A, B, C, and D) in Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 294 indoor air samples, 106 scrapped and 169 swabbed, were collected from July 2019 to August 2020. Bioaerosol concentrations were calculated using the colony-forming unit (CFU)/m³. Molecular identification was performed on the cultures. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region in the rRNA gene of the isolates was amplified by PCR. Results showed that fungal burden was in the range between 18 and 2597 CFU/m³. Fungal load in selected locations at Hospital D were in the higher range between 106 and 2597 CFU/m³, with two locations exceeding the national guidelines. Fungal genera were highly identified in air samples (47) compared to swabbed (29) and scrapped (18) samples. The dominant species were C. halotolerans, C. tenuissimum, P. alfredii, P. brevicompactum, P. brocae, P. cataractarum, and A. aculeatus. Fungal loads were higher in the Orthopedic and Oral Surgeon Clinic, the On Call Emergency Room, wards, and pathways. Full article

Background: Moderate to severe (M2S) atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic condition impacting individuals, society, and healthcare systems. Considering the changing M2S-AD treatment landscape, this study assesses the M2S-AD burden in patients reaching referral centers in Greece. Methods: This was a multicenter, cross-sectional study. Patients aged 12 years or older with clinically diagnosed M2S-AD were enrolled. Data collected included clinical practice assessments and the following validated patient-reported instruments: Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI); EuroQol-5 Dimensions-3 Level scale (EQ-5D-3L); Patient Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM); Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (PP-NRS); and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment: General Health (WPAI:GH). A pain frequency/intensity/cause questionnaire and a sleep disturbance scale were also used. Results: Outcomes of 184 adults (51.1% female) with M2S-AD based on the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) are presented (n = 117 moderate; n = 67 severe). Among the patients, 14.8% were obese, 59.2% had allergic comorbidities, and 88.0% were receiving AD-specific therapy (systemic: 38.6%). The median age, disease duration, body surface area, and total EASI scores were 38.8 years, 11.8 years, 30.0%, and 16.9, respectively. The median DLQI score was 12.0, with ‘symptoms/feelings’ being the most affected domain. EQ-5D dimensions ‘anxiety/depression’ and ‘pain/discomfort’ were also affected (65.2% and 64.1% reporting problems, respectively). The median POEM score was 17.0. Pain, severe pruritus (PP-NRS ≥ 7), and sleep disturbance were reported by 80.4%, 62.0%, and 88.5%, respectively. The median WPAI:GH ‘work productivity loss’ and ‘activity impairment’ scores were 23.8% and 30.0%, respectively. Conclusions: Both moderate and severe AD patients reaching Greek specialized centers experience significant symptom burden and impairments in quality of life, sleep, work, and daily activities. Full article

Rope-driven robots are increasingly used to safely and efficiently clean complex glass curtain walls. However, continuous global cleaning is difficult for most robots because of their poor performance in overcoming obstacles and adapting to curved surfaces, and an inconvenient winch calibration on complex surfaces further burdens such work. This paper presents a 3-DOF rope-driven robot and a winch self-calibration method for efficient cleaning. The robot, by integrating a 5-rope parallel configuration, a self-adaptive cleaning body, and a self-compensating driving winch, is designed to perform continuous, compliant, and accurate spatial motion on curved walls with obstacles. By deducing the kinematic model, the constraint relationship related to orderly arranged winch positions, maneuverable body positions, and accessible rope lengths is established during the robot tracking 3D trajectory. Combining the established relationship, a series of regulations are formulated for easily acquiring body positions and rope lengths, and then a self-calibration method is proposed by accurately calculating winch positions without using professional instruments. Experimental results show that the robot can perform global and precise movement on complex glass surfaces. Applying the proposed method, the maximum winch calibration error is 6.6 mm, and the maximum body tracking error is controlled within 9.6 mm. Full article

The synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging technique for a frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) has attracted wide attention in the field of burden surface profile measurement. However, the imaging data are virtually under-sampled due to the severely restricted scan time, which prevents the antenna being exposed to high temperatures and heavy dust in the blast furnace (BF) for an extended period. In traditional SAR imaging algorithm research, the insufficient accumulation of scattered energy in reconstructing the burden surface profile leads to lower imaging precision, and the harsh smelting increases the probability of distortion in shape detection. In this study, to address these challenges, a novel rotating SAR imaging algorithm based on the constructed mechanical swing radar system is proposed. This algorithm is inspired by the low-rank property of the sampled signal matrix and the sparsity of burden surface profile images. First, the sparse FMCW signal is modeled, and the position transform matrix, calculated according to the BF dimensions, is embedded into the dictionary matrix. Then, the low-rank and sparsity priors are considered and reformulated as split variables in order to establish a convex optimization problem. Lastly, the augmented Lagrange multiplier (ALM) is employed to solve this problem under double constraints, and the imaging results are obtained using the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM). The experimental results demonstrate that, in the subsequent shape detection, the root mean square error (RMSE) is 15.38% lower than the previous algorithm and 15.63% lower under low signal-to-noise (SNR) conditions. In both enclosed and harsh environments, the proposed algorithm is able to achieve higher imaging precision even under high noise. It will be further optimized for speed and reliability, with plans to extend its application to 3D measurements in the future. Full article

Peri-implantitis is a growing pathological concern for dental implants which aggravates the occurrence of revision surgeries. This increases the burden on both hospitals and the patients themselves. Research is now focused on the development of materials and accompanying implants designed to resist biofilm formation. To enhance this endeavor, a smart method of biofilm inhibition coupled with limiting toxicity to the host cells is crucial. Therefore, this research aims to establish a proof-of-concept for the pH-triggered release of chlorhexidine (CHX), an antiseptic commonly used in mouth rinses, from a titanium (Ti) substrate to inhibit biofilm formation on its surface. To this end, a macroporous Ti matrix is filled with mesoporous silica (together referred to as Ti/SiO₂), which acts as a diffusion barrier for CHX from the CHX feed side to the release side. To limit release to acidic conditions, the release side of Ti/SiO₂ is coated with crosslinked chitosan (CS), a pH-responsive and antimicrobial natural polymer. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed successful CS film formation and crosslinking on the Ti/SiO₂ disks. The presence of the CS coating reduced CHX release by 33% as compared to non-coated Ti/SiO₂ disks, thus reducing the antiseptic exposure to the environment in normal conditions. Simultaneous differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analyzer (SDT) results highlighted the thermal stability of the crosslinked CS films. Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) indicated a clear pH response for crosslinked CS coatings in an acidic medium. This pH response also influenced CHX release through a Ti/SiO₂/CS disk where the CHX release was higher than the average trend in the neutral medium. Finally, the antimicrobial study revealed a significant reduction in biofilm formation for the CS-coated samples compared to the control sample using viability quantitative polymerase chain reaction (v-qPCR) measurements, which were also corroborated using SEM imaging. Overall, this study investigates the smart triggered release of pharmaceutical agents aimed at inhibiting biofilm formation, with potential applicability to implant-like structures. Full article

This paper presents an analysis of the influence of burden deviation from the designed one on the intensity of blasting vibrations through the use of laboratory and field examinations. By definition, the burden represents the shortest distance from the axis of an explosive column charge to the free surface. It should be measured along the entire hole length, although, in practice, it is often measured only on the bench surface as the shortest distance from the axis of the explosive column charge to the crest. The real surface of the bench slope (free face) can be very irregular and should be considered during every blast. The deviation of burden in the blast pattern represents a serious problem in the field during blasting operation. Burden deviation from the designed one can be greater or lesser, affecting the results of blasting through poor fragmentation and sometimes causes unwanted effects like increased blasting vibrations or fly rock. The influence of burden deviation on the intensity of blasting vibrations was tested on a laboratory model, where 8 mm diameter holes were drilled into blocks with certain dimensions. The small explosive charges placed in blastholes were initiated. The design burden was set at 30 mm, as the distance from blastholes to the free face of the blocks. Any deviation in distance greater than the designed burden was taken as a parameter for comparison. During each initiation, vibrations were measured using a seismic instrument at a distance of 150 mm from the borehole. At the same time, the free face in the front of the blastholes was photographed to create a detailed 3D model of the blasted surface of the blocks for each blasting. Each measurement is presented on a diagram and classified depending on the values of the burden in the cases where the value of the burden is equal to the designed one, as well as any deviation that is smaller or larger than 30 mm. A total of 55 tests were carried out. The results were analyzed, and the model of dependence of each burden deviation from the designed one on the intensity of blasting vibrations was established under laboratory conditions. To verify the model, the same experiments were also applied in the field. The basic parameter of the model, the coefficient K, which represents the ratio of peak particle velocity and the surfaces of the blasted material from laboratory and field testing, indicates that there is a connection between these values. The deviation of the coefficient K, obtained from laboratory and field measurements, was 5.5%. Full article

Existing approaches for the 3D modeling of tunnels suffer from several problems, such as highly difficult data acquisition, redundancy of model data, large computational burden, and the inability of the resulting models to be monolithic. Therefore, solutions to the tunnel network modeling problem for complex structures need to be proposed and elaborated in detail. In this paper, a construction method for a three-dimensional tunnel general monomer model based on parallel pathfinding is proposed. Widely used tunnel CAD drawings are analyzed and read, a disordered arc ensemble intersection trend decision method is developed, and an automatic path extraction solution algorithm for unidirectional modeling of tunnel centerlines is constructed. By constructing and splicing the surface elements of the 3D model, a monomeric 3D tunnel model representing the complex network structure is finally obtained. Moreover, the modeling of shafts is realized based on the monomer model, allowing for the three-dimensional topological relationships between different sub-levels of the tunnel and the ground to be established. The automatic modeling method proposed in this paper is applied to the digital twin platform of a filling project in a mining area in Gansu province, China. The experimental results demonstrate that the 3D tunnel models constructed in this way have a smaller data volume, higher modeling accuracy, and more stable growth of modeling speed. Full article

Cleft lip and palate is a congenital maxillofacial deformity. Unilateral complete cleft lip and palate is one of the most common clinical types. Nasal alveolar molding (PNAM) is a recognized strategy for the treatment of cleft lip and palate. However, the current design of PNAM devices mainly relies on the subjective experience of doctors. The purpose of this paper is to describe the design and manufacture of a new computer-aided design appliance, which can be applied to the presurgical nasoalveolar molding of unilateral complete cleft lip and palate, eliminate individual differences, and improve production efficiency. In this paper, seven feature points on the healthy side and the affected side are extracted by the method of Gaussian curvature and ridge line extraction, and the healthy side rotation and built-in model are designed by using these seven feature points, which can quickly generate eight treatment stages of PNAM. The correction effects of the PNAM appliance designed in this paper were compared with the original maxillary model and the clinical PNAM appliance (hand-made by subjective experience) from the aspects of alveolar fissure width and symmetry. The PNAM appliance designed in this paper can effectively improve the symmetry of patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate (morphological similarity: t = 3.250, p ≤ 0.01; length similarity: t = 1.559, p = 0.150) and reduce the width of alveolar cleft (t = 8.330, p < 0.01). This can fully achieve the therapeutic effect of PNAM appliances prepared by experienced doctors and is more efficient. The method based on complex 3D surface feature point extraction can provide the basis for the design and evaluation of a unilateral complete PNAM correction model, improve the design and production efficiency of unilateral complete cleft lip and palate appliance, eliminate the design problems caused by individual differences, and reduce the burden of doctors. Full article

The ore-free zone in the center of the blast furnace throat is a major feature of the charging system, ensuring the permeability of the center. Factors that influence the formation of the ore-free zone need to be researched to increase the control precision. In this paper, on the basis of a 1:1 3D model of a blast furnace, the formation of an ore-free zone at the burden surface at the throat was simulated by using the discrete element method (DEM). The effects of burden line depth, batch weight, and distribution angle on the formation of ore-free zones were investigated. The results showed that with increasing burden line depth, the width of the ore-free zone increased, the thickness decreased, the ore-to-coke ratio decreased, and the central airflow developed. Only changing the ore batch weight affected the thickness and width of the ore-free zone and had a greater impact on the permeability of the ore-free zone. The greater the ore batch weight was, the worse the permeability, while changing the batch weight of both coke and ore mainly affected the thickness of the ore-free zone. The greater the batch weight of coke and ore was, the greater the thickness of the ore-free zone. In the case of changing only the angle of ore in the matrix, with the angle increasing, the ore-to-coke ratio around the ore-free zone decreased, the ore-to-coke ratio around the furnace wall increased, and the edge airflow was suppressed. In the case of changing the angle of coke and ore at the same time, with the simultaneous increase in both angles, the ore-free area was compressed in the direction of smaller charge segregation, the area with better permeability in the center of the furnace throat was reduced, and the central airflow was suppressed. Full article

Mapping the seafloor in the deep ocean is currently performed using sonar systems on surface vessels (low-resolution maps) or undersea vessels (high-resolution maps). Surface-based mapping can cover a much wider search area and is not burdened by the complex logistics required for deploying undersea vessels. However, practical size constraints for a towbody or hull-mounted sonar array result in limits in beamforming and imaging resolution. For cost-effective high-resolution mapping of the deep ocean floor from the surface, a mobile wide-aperture sparse array with subarrays distributed across multiple autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) has been designed. Such a system could enable a surface-based sensor to cover a wide area while achieving high-resolution bathymetry, with resolution cells on the order of 1 m² at a 6 km depth. For coherent 3D imaging, such a system must dynamically track the precise relative position of each boat’s sonar subarray through ocean-induced motions, estimate water column and bottom reflection properties, and mitigate interference from the array sidelobes. Sea testing of this core sparse acoustic array technology has been conducted, and planning is underway for relative navigation testing with ASVs capable of hosting an acoustic subarray. Full article