Search Results (1,238)

Background: Plaque protrusion after stent implantation is frequently observed in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients, yet studies on its long-term progression and clinical significance are limited. Methods: Seventy-eight ACS patients underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT)-guided PCI and follow-up OCT at 1 year. A total of 101 protruding lesions were classified into atherogenic neointima (AN) and non-AN groups based on OCT findings. Qualitative and quantitative assessments of protruding plaque, including irregularity and plaque intensity, were conducted. Results: AN developed in 17% of irregular protrusion (IP) lesions, whereas no smooth protrusion progressed to AN. Lesions in the AN group showed greater increases in protruding plaque volume (2.80 ± 0.46 mm² vs. 0.67 ± 0.16 mm², p < 0.001) and diameter stenosis (16.5% vs. 10.1%, p = 0.02). Follow-up LDL levels were higher in the AN group compared with the non-AN group (76.9 vs. 61.2 mg/dL, p = 0.02), despite similar baseline levels. Conclusions: Low-intensity IP after stent implantation in ACS patients carries a high risk of progression to AN, particularly under poor LDL control. Aggressive lipid-lowering therapy may mitigate this risk. Full article

Background: Skin aging is influenced by intrinsic factors such as genetics and cellular decline, and extrinsic factors including UV exposure, pollution, and lifestyle. Cosmetic or over-the-counter retinoids, particularly retinal (retinaldehyde), have shown strong efficacy in reducing photoaging signs—such as fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation—while offering improved tolerability compared to prescription-based retinoids like all-trans retinoic acid. However, their instability in formulations and limited bioavailability when applied topically remain major challenges. Objective: This exploratory study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a novel mix-activated anhydrous 0.1% retinal concentrate formulated also with hydrophilic active ingredients—N-acetyl glucosamine, niacinamide, ascorbic acid, and alpha-glucan oligosaccharide—in improving signs of skin aging over six weeks. Methods: A prospective, single-center study was conducted with 27 healthy adults (24 female and 3 male, aged 40–69 years, 21 with skin phototype III and 6 with phototype II) exhibiting visible signs of photoaging. Participants applied the retinal concentrate once daily, mixed in a 1:2 ratio with a moisturizer before application. Objective skin parameters, including pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, texture, volume, and pore visibility, were assessed using the Antera 3D imaging system at baseline and after six weeks. A self-evaluation questionnaire was completed at week six. Statistical significance was determined using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test (p < 0.05) and was corrected for multiple analyses. Results: Significant improvements were observed across all parameters: pigmentation (−12%, p < 0.0001), fine lines (−14%, p < 0.0001), wrinkle depth (−5%, p = 0.0045), skin texture (+12%, p < 0.0001), volume irregularities (−15%, p < 0.0001), and pore visibility (−24%, p < 0.0001). No significant change in redness was detected (p = 0.6664), indicating a good tolerability to the test product. Self-assessments reflected high user satisfaction: 81% reported improved skin appearance, 43% noted reduced need for makeup use, and 40% observed visible improvements already within two weeks. Conclusions: The anhydrous 0.1% retinal concentrate with hydrophilic actives significantly improved clinical signs of photoaging without causing irritation. The innovative mix-activated formulation stabilizes sensitive ingredients and enhances their efficacy, offering a novel, active, and well-tolerated approach to anti-aging skincare. Full article

Background/Objectives: Acute spinal cord injury (ASCI) often leads to pulmonary complications, yet reliable, non-invasive assessment tools are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of lung ultrasound (LUS) in assessing lung injury following ASCI in a rat model. Methods: Fifty-four female Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into sham (n = 27) or ASCI (n = 27) groups. LUS was performed at 12 h, 48 h, and 1 week post-injury, with lung injury quantified using a modified B-line score (BLS). Pulmonary function was assessed non-invasively, and histopathological evaluation and wet-to-dry (W/D) weight ratios were conducted post-mortem. Correlations between BLS and functional and pathological parameters were analyzed. Results: Histological analysis revealed progressive pulmonary hemorrhage, edema, and inflammatory infiltration peaking at 48 h post-injury, with residual hemorrhage and fibroplasia at 1 week. LUS findings evolved from narrow-based B-lines at 12 h to confluent B-lines with pleural abnormalities by 1 week. ASCI rats showed significant reductions in respiratory frequency, peak inspiratory and expiratory flow, and EF₅₀ at all time points (p < 0.05). Tidal volume and minute volume decreased initially, with partial recovery at 1 week. BLS negatively correlated with all pulmonary function parameters and positively with the histological score and W/D ratio (p < 0.001). Conclusions: LUS reliably detects and tracks lung injury after ASCI, correlating well with physiological and pathological indicators. These findings support its potential as a non-invasive monitoring tool. Future refinement of ultrasound scoring may improve clinical applicability in ASCI-related pulmonary assessment. Full article

Fluid flow prediction in clastic heterogeneous reservoirs is a universal issue, especially when diagenetic development supplants structural and depositional controls. We consider this issue in the Middle Miocene Belayim Formation of the Gulf of Suez, a principal syn-rift reservoir where extreme, diagenetically induced pore system heterogeneity thwarts production. Although fault compartmentalization is understood as creating first-order traps, sub-seismic diagenetic controls on permeability anisotropy and reservoir within these traps are not restricted. This study uses a comprehensive set of petrophysical logs (ray gamma, resistivity, density, neutrons, sonic) of four key wells in the western field of Tawila (Tw-1, Tw-3, TW-4, TN-1). We apply an integrated workflow that explicitly derives permeability from petrophysical logs and populates it within a seismically defined structural framework. This study assesses diagenetic controls over reservoir permeability and fluid flow. It has the following primary objectives: (1) to characterize complicated diagenetic assemblage utilizing sophisticated petrophysical crossplots; (2) to quantify the role of shale distribution morphologies in affecting porosity effectiveness utilizing the Thomas–Stieber model; (3) to define hydraulic flow units (HFUs) based on pore throat geometry; and (4) to synthesize these observations within a predictive 3D reservoir model. This multiparadigm methodology, involving M-N crossplotting, Thomas–Stieber modeling, and saturation analysis, deconstructs Tawila West field reservoir complexity. Diagenesis that has the potential to destroy or create reservoir quality, namely the general occlusion of pore throats by dispersed, authigenic clays (e.g., illite) and anhydrite cement filling pores, is discovered to be the dominant control of fluid flow, defining seven unique hydraulic flow units (HFUs) bisecting the individual stratigraphic units. We show that reservoir units with comparable depositional porosity display order-of-magnitude permeability variation (e.g., >100 mD versus <1 mD) because of this diagenetic alteration, primarily via pore throat clogging resulting from widespread authigenic illite and pore occupation anhydrite cement, as quantitatively exemplified by our HFU characterization. A 3D model depicts a definitive NW-SE trend towards greater shale volume and degrading reservoir quality, explaining mysterious dry holes on structurally valid highs. Critically, these diagenetic superimpressions can replace the influence of structural geometry on reservoir performance. Therefore, we determine that a paradigm shift from a highly structured control model to an integrated petrophysical and mineralogical approach is needed. Sweet spot prediction relies upon predicting diagenetic facies distribution as a control over permeability anisotropy. Full article

Anaerobic digestion of manures, crop residues, food waste, and sludge frequently yields biogas with elevated hydrogen sulfide concentrations, which accelerate corrosion and reduce biogas quality. Microaeration, defined as the controlled addition of oxygen at 1 to 5% of the biogas production rate, has been investigated as a low-cost desulfurization strategy. This review synthesizes studies from 2015 to 2025 spanning laboratory, pilot, and full-scale anaerobic digester systems. Continuous sludge digesters supplied with ambient air at 0.28–14 m³ h⁻¹ routinely achieved 90 to 99% H₂S removal, while a full-scale dairy manure system reported a 68% reduction at 20 m³ air d⁻¹. Pure oxygen dosing at 0.2–0.25 m³ O₂ (standard conditions) per m³ reactor volume resulted in greater than 99% removal. Reported methane yield improvements ranged from 5 to 20%, depending on substrate characteristics, operating temperature, and aeration control. Excessive oxygen, however, reduced methane yields in some cases by inhibiting methanogens or diverting carbon to CO₂. Documented benefits of microaeration include accelerated hydrolysis of lignocellulosic substrates, mitigation of sulfide inhibition, and stimulation of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria that convert sulfide to elemental sulfur or sulfate. Optimal redox conditions were generally maintained between −300 and −150 mV, though monitoring was limited by low-resolution oxygen sensors. Recent extensions of the Anaerobic Digestion Model No. 1 (ADM1), a mathematical framework developed by the International Water Association, incorporate oxygen transfer and sulfur pathways, enhancing its ability to predict gas quality and process stability under microaeration. Economic analyses estimate microaeration costs at 0.0015–0.0045 USD m⁻³ biogas, substantially lower than chemical scrubbing. Future research should focus on refining oxygen transfer models, quantifying microbial shifts under long-term operation, assessing effects on digestate quality and nitrogen emissions, and developing adaptive control strategies that enable reliable application across diverse substrates and reactor configurations. Full article

Residual oil zones (ROZ) arise under the oil–water contact of main pay zones due to diverse geological conditions. Historically, these zones were considered economically unviable for development with conventional recovery methods because of the immobile nature of the oil. However, they represent a substantial subsurface volume with strong potential for CO₂ sequestration and storage. Despite this potential, effective techniques for assessing CO₂-EOR performance coupled with CCUS in ROZs remain limited. To address this gap, this study introduces a machine learning framework that employs artificial neural network (ANN) models trained on data generated from a large number of reservoir simulations (300 cases produced using Latin Hypercube Sampling across nine geological and operational parameters). The dataset was divided into training and testing subsets to ensure generalization, with key input variables including reservoir properties (thickness, permeability, porosity, Sorg, salinity) and operational parameters (producer BHP and CO₂ injection rate). The objective was to forecast CO₂ storage capacity and oil recovery potential, thereby reducing reliance on time-consuming and costly reservoir simulations. The developed ANN models achieved high predictive accuracy, with R² values ranging from 0.90 to 0.98 and mean absolute percentage error (MAPRE) consistently below 10%. Validation against real ROZ field data demonstrated strong agreement, confirming model reliability. Beyond prediction, the workflow also provided insights for reservoir management: optimization results indicated that maintaining a producer BHP of approximately 1250 psi and a CO₂ injection rate of 14–16 MMSCF/D offered the best balance between enhanced oil recovery and stable storage efficiency. In summary, the integrated combination of reservoir simulation and machine learning provides a fast, technically robust, and cost-effective tool for evaluating CO₂-EOR and CCUS performance in ROZs. The demonstrated accuracy, scalability, and optimization capability make the proposed ANN workflow well-suited for both rapid screening and field-scale applications. Full article

In this study, the effects of waste steel fiber and high volume blast furnace slag (BFS) substitution on rheological properties, thixotropic behavior and carbon emission were investigated in order to increase the sustainability of three-dimensional (3D) printable concrete (3DPC). Cement was replaced with BFS at 0%, 25%, 50% and 75% by volume, while waste steel fibers were added to the mixtures at three different lengths (5, 10, 15 mm) and volumetric ratios (0.5% and 1.0%). A total of 39 mixtures were optimized with respect to extrudability, buildability and shape stability criteria, and their rheological and thixotropic properties were characterized by a modified rheometer procedure. Results showed that 50% BFS substitution reduced dynamic yield stress and viscosity by 69% and 52%, respectively, and eliminated the need for a water-reducing admixture. 75% BFS substitution improved structural build-up (A_thix) but required 6% silica fume. The fiber effect interacted with length and BFS content, with short fibers increasing rheological resistance, while the effect of long fibers decreased in mixtures with high BFS. The carbon emission assessment revealed that 75% BFS substitution provided an outstanding CO₂ reduction of up to 71% compared to the control mix. These findings prove that high-volume BFS and waste fibers are an effective strategy to optimize rheological performance and environmental impact for sustainable 3D concrete printing. Full article

This study presents an integrated geophysical and hydrogeological characterization of fault systems in the sandstone-hosted uranium deposit within the K₁b² Ore Horizon of the Bayin Gobi Basin. Employing 3D seismic exploration with 64-fold coverage and advanced attribute analysis techniques (including coherence volumes, ant-tracking algorithms, and LOW_FRQ spectral attenuation), the research identified 18 normal faults with vertical displacements up to 21 m, demonstrating a predominant NE-oriented structural pattern consistent with regional tectonic features. The fracture network analysis reveals anisotropic permeability distributions (31.6:1–41.4:1 ratios) with microfracture densities reaching 3.2 fractures/km² in the central and northwestern sectors, significantly influencing lixiviant flow paths as validated by tracer tests showing 22° NE flow deviations. Hydrogeological assessments indicate that fault zones such as F11 exhibit 3.1 times higher transmissivity (5.3 m²/d) compared to non-fault areas, directly impacting in situ leaching (ISL) efficiency through preferential fluid pathways. The study establishes a technical framework for fracture system monitoring and hydraulic performance evaluation, addressing critical challenges in ISL operations, including undetected fault extensions that caused lixiviant leakage incidents in field cases. These findings provide essential geological foundations for optimizing well placement and leaching zone design in structurally complex sandstone-hosted uranium deposits. The methodology combines seismic attribute analysis with hydrogeological validation, demonstrating how fault systems control fluid flow dynamics in ISL operations. The results highlight the importance of integrated geophysical approaches for accurate structural characterization and operational risk mitigation in uranium mining. Full article

A Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy exhibits low hardness and poor wear resistance under sliding contact. This study evaluates the effect of low-pressure gas oxynitriding (LPON) followed by low-temperature oxidation on its microstructure and tribological performance. Specimens were nitrided at 1000 °C for 100 min, then oxidized at 450–600 °C for 120 min. Microstructural and phase changes were characterized by SEM and XRD; surface roughness, hardness, and wear were assessed using 3D laser scanning microscopy, microhardness profiling, and pin-on-disk tests under 2 N and 4 N loads. XRD revealed TiN, Ti₂N, Ti₂AlN, and TiO₂ phases, with oxidation temperature governing TiN grain growth and nitride-to-oxide transformation. Oxidation at 500–550 °C formed a dense TiO₂-rich layer over a stable TiN/Ti₂N substrate, achieving hardness up to ~670 HV_0.025 and the lowest wear volume. At low load (2 N), nitriding alone provided the highest wear resistance, while at higher load (4 N), oxidation yielded only slight improvement due to oxide embrittlement. Excessive oxidation at 600 °C increased roughness, induced spallation, and reduced wear resistance. The optimal condition (550 °C) offered synergistic protection from nitrides and stable oxides, enhancing load-bearing capacity. Overall, duplex nitriding–oxidation is most effective for low-to-moderate load applications, with potential use in biomedical implants, aerospace fasteners, and precision components. Full article

Future lunar exploration will depend on a clearer understanding of regolith behavior, as underscored by adhesion issues observed during Apollo. The Lunaris Payload, a compact instrument developed in Poland, targets in situ assessment of lunar regolith adhesion to engineering materials using a resource-constrained optical approach. Here we introduce and validate six lightweight 2D-to-3D geometric models for estimating particle volume from planar images, benchmarked against the high-resolution micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) ground truth. The tested methods include spherical, cylindrical, fixed-aspect-ratio ellipsoid, adaptive ellipsoid, and Feret-based models and an empirically scaled voxel proxy. Using micro-CT scans of adhered simulant particles, we evaluate accuracy across >8000 particles segmented from 2D projections. Ellipsoid-based models consistently outperform the alternatives, with absolute percentage errors of 30–35%, while fixed-aspect-ratio variants offer strong accuracy–complexity trade-offs suitable for mass- and power-limited payloads. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive benchmarking of six 2D-to-3D volume models against micro-CT for bulk-adhered lunar regolith analogs. The results provide a validated, efficient framework for in situ dust characterization and reliable particle mass estimation, advancing Lunaris’ capability to quantify regolith adhesion and supporting broader goals in dust mitigation, ISRU, or habitat construction. Full article

To overcome the limitations imposed by the anisotropy and heterogeneity of natural loess, this study establishes a novel quantitative macro–micro correlation framework for investigating the deformation mechanisms of artificial structural loess (ASL). ASL samples were prepared by mixing remolded loess with cement (0–4%) and NaCl (0–16%), followed by static compaction (95% degree) and 28-day curing (20 ± 2 °C, >90% RH) to replicate the structural properties of natural loess under controlled conditions. An integrated experimental methodology was employed, incorporating consolidation/collapsibility tests, particle size analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). A three-dimensional nonlinear model was proposed. The findings show that intergranular cementation, particle size distribution, and pore architecture are the main factors influencing loess’s compressibility and collapsibility. A critical transition from medium to low compressibility was observed at cement content ≥1% and moisture content ≤16%. A strong correlation (Pearson |r| > 0.96) was identified between the mesopore volume ratio and the collapsibility coefficient. The innovation of this study lies in the establishment of a three-dimensional nonlinear model that quantitatively correlates key microstructural parameters (fractal dimension value (D), clay mineral ratio (C), and large and medium porosity (n)) with macroscopic deformation indicators (porosity ratio (e) and collapsibility coefficient (δ_s)). The measured data and the model’s output agree quite well, with a determination coefficient (R²) of 0.893 for porosity and 0.746 for collapsibility, verifying the reliability of the model. This study provides a novel quantitative tool for loess deformation prediction, offering significant value for engineering settlement assessment in controlled cementation and moisture conditions, though its application to natural loess requires further validation. Full article

The objective of this study was to assess the transverse maxillary skeletal, dental, and nasal effects of quad-helix treatment (slow maxillary expansion) in comparison to an untreated group. This study was performed on 24 patients. Before and after treatment, CBCT images for children who were treated with Wilson quad-helix were retrieved. The treatment group included 12 children with a mean age of 11.4 ± 1.2 years. The untreated control group had 12 matching patients aged 11.7 ± 0.7 years. AVIZO software (version 9.1) was utilized to place specific 3D anatomical landmarks. The segmentation of the nasal airway was performed using Mimics. The maxillary inter-molar width and inter-premolar widths increased significantly in the treatment group but not in the comparison group. These increases were statistically greater between groups. This study showed statistically significant increases in maxillary inter-molar and inter-premolar widths in patients who were treated with Wilson quad-helix to expand their upper arch. Buccal translation in the upper molars resulted after treatment. Quad-helix treatment caused more dental than skeletal effects. The nasal volume and surface area in the quad-helix group significantly increased. Full article

Introduction. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains one of the best-described yet also one of the most heterogeneous psychiatric disorders. Existing neuroimaging studies point to key changes in the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex, but the role of PTSD duration in modulating these changes has not been fully explained. Objectives. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of PTSD duration (≤5 years vs. >5 years) on volumetric and microstructural brain parameters, using multiple Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) sequences (3D Ax BRAVO, Cube T2 FLAIR, Diffusion Tensor Imaging—DTI) and a set of macroscopic morphometric measurements. Methods. The study included 92 participants: 33 with PTSD of ≤5 years duration, 31 with PTSD > 5 years, and 28 healthy controls. Volume and diffusion parameters of six Regions of Interest (ROIs) (hippocampus, amygdala, prefrontal cortex—right and left) were evaluated, along with their associations with nine brain measurements (including width of the third ventricle, corpus callosum, and lateral fissures). Statistical analyses included the Kruskal–Wallis test with Compact Letter Display (CLD) correction and Spearman correlations. Results. (1) The volume of the right hippocampus was significantly greater in the PTSD > 5 years group compared to controls (p = 0.006), with intermediate values in the PTSD ≤ 5 years group. (2) In the left amygdala, an increase in Fractional Anisotropy (FA) and related anisotropy measures was observed in PTSD > 5 years (p ≈ 0.02), without volumetric changes. (3) In the left prefrontal cortex, diffusivity was reduced in PTSD ≤ 5 years (p = 0.035), partially normalizing after >5 years. (4) Correlation analysis revealed that chronic PTSD strengthens the negative associations between hippocampal microstructure and both the width of the amygdala and the interhemispheric fissure, indicating a progressive reorganization of fronto-limbic networks. Conclusions. PTSD induces region- and time-dependent brain changes: (a) adaptive/hypertrophic protection of the right hippocampus after many years of illness, (b) cumulative microstructural reorganization of the left amygdala, and (c) transient impairment of diffusion in the left prefrontal cortex in early PTSD. These findings highlight the necessity of considering the temporal dimension in planning therapeutic interventions and in the search for biomarkers of PTSD progression. Full article

Achieving a best-fit prosthetic socket is essential to comfort, functional performance, and long-term residual limb health in lower-limb amputees. To our knowledge, no previous study has quantitatively compared in vivo residual limb geometry under vacuum versus non-vacuum conditions using high-resolution computed tomography (CT). In this patient-specific case study of a bilateral knee-disarticulation (KD) amputee, both residual limbs were scanned under standardized conditions: one enclosed in a vacuum-compressed sleeve and the contralateral limb untreated as a natural control, thereby minimizing inter-subject variability. CT-based 3D reconstructions enabled volumetric and cross-sectional quantification, including symmetry/asymmetry analysis of paired limbs, while finite element analysis (FEA) assessed the biomechanical consequences for socket performance. Vacuum application resulted in a 4.1% reduction in total limb volume and a 5.3% reduction in mid-thigh cross-sectional area, with regionally asymmetric displacement of soft tissues. FEA demonstrated that vacuum-induced geometry reduced peak Von Mises stresses (27.43 MPa to 15.83 MPa), minimized maximum displacement (1.72 mm to 0.88 mm), and improved minimum factor of safety (~2.0 to ~3.0), while homogenizing contact pressure distribution (peak fell from 2.42 to 1.28 N/mm²). These findings provide preliminary CT-based evidence that vacuum application induces measurable morphological adaptations with implications for socket conformity, comfort, and load transfer. While limited to a single patient, this study highlights the potential of vacuum-induced modeling to inform personalized prosthetic socket design. Full article

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a salt-sensitive crop, where even moderate soil salinity (electrical conductivity ≥ 3.5 dS/m) can cause significant yield reduction. During the seedling stage, the underdeveloped root system has limited capacity for salt uptake and translocation, making root system architecture (RSA) a crucial trait for enhancing salinity tolerance. In this study, we used 165 individuals from the 3K Rice Genome Project to comprehensively measure multidimensional root morphological traits at the early seedling stage under salt stress, thereby overcoming the limitations of conventional methods that mainly rely on root length and biomass. We identified 78 quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) associated with eight root morphological traits through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of 3VmrMLM. Among these, 12 QTNs co-localized within genomic regions of previously cloned salt tolerance-related genes. Additionally, six salt-tolerant lines were selected based on significantly increased root volume (RV) and surface area (SA), suggesting that their adaptive mechanism under salinity involves optimized spatial root distribution rather than radial thickening. Our findings show that high-resolution root scanning-based phenotyping provides a reliable platform for screening and breeding salt-tolerant rice varieties, offering valuable indicators for assessing seedling-stage salt tolerance. Full article