Search Results (9,147)

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the clinical response and tolerability of topical 1% amitriptyline in patients with burning mouth syndrome in a real-world clinical setting. Methodology: A retrospective observational study was conducted through a review of the clinical histories of patients diagnosed with burning mouth syndrome, treated at the Dental Clinic of the Morales Meseguer Hospital (Murcia, Spain). All the patients were treated with topical amitriptyline for a period of four weeks. The following parameters were evaluated at the start of the treatment and at the end of the four weeks: pain or mouth burning, through the visual analog scale (VAS); anxiety and depression, with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale; sleepiness, with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS); sensation of dry mouth (VAS) and basal sialometry for the objective measurement of salivary flow. Results: Of the 32 patients that were initially included, 27 were ultimately analyzed. After 4 weeks of treatment with 1% topical amitriptyline, a significant improvement was observed in mouth pain or burning, measured with the VAS, with a decrease in the median of 7.5 (IQR 6–9) to 5 (IQR 5–7) (p < 0.001). Likewise, significant improvements were recorded in the anxiety (HAD-A) and depression (HAD-D) scores, with significant reductions after the treatment (p = 0.019 and p = 0.009, respectively). No statistically significant differences were observed in the subjective sensation of dry mouth (VAS) (p = 0.054) or in the total production of saliva (p = 0.477). Conclusions: Treatment with 1% topical amitriptyline for four weeks was associated with a reduction in pain and emotional distress in patients with burning mouth syndrome, with very few reported adverse effects. As an exploratory retrospective study with a limited sample size reflecting real-world clinical practice, these findings suggest that 1% topical amitriptyline may represent a useful therapeutic option in the management of burning mouth syndrome. However, the results should be interpreted with caution, and further prospective controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings. Full article

Impinging injectors are extensively utilized in liquid rocket engines, characterized by a large number of paired inclined injection orifices. The diameter and axis alignment deviation of these orifices directly influence propellant flow distribution, atomization and mixing behavior, and engine operational stability. To address the challenges associated with micro-sized orifices, inclined axes, large quantities, spatial intersection, and the low detection efficiency of conventional approaches, this paper proposes a dual-line laser 3D point cloud reconstruction-based method for measuring the diameter and impact alignment deviation of injector orifices. A dual-line laser measurement system is established to capture surface point clouds on both sides of the orifice inlets. Through system calibration and point cloud registration, the 3D point cloud data of the injector orifices within a unified coordinate system are reconstructed. Cross-sectional mapping, boundary extraction, and geometric fitting techniques are applied to determine the diameter and axis parameters of the orifices, and the spatial alignment deviation of paired orifices is subsequently calculated. To validate the feasibility of the proposed method, experimental investigation is conducted on test specimens with both 8 pairs of Φ2 mm through-holes and Φ0.5 mm micro-orifices. For the Φ2 mm specimen, the diameter measurement results are compared with industrial computed tomography (CT) data, while the alignment deviation results are verified using a combination of pin gauges and coordinate measuring machine (CMM) measurements. For the Φ0.5 mm micro-orifices, both diameter and alignment deviation results are verified using a 3D coaxial line confocal sensor. After system calibration, the fitting residuals of three Φ8 mm standard spheres are all maintained within 0.08 mm. The diameter measurement results of 8 selected Φ2 mm orifices show good overall agreement with industrial CT data: the maximum absolute deviation is 22 μm, the average absolute deviation is 15 μm, the maximum relative error is 1.09%, and the average relative error is 0.74%. The diameter and alignment deviation results of Φ0.5 mm micro-orifices show good consistency with the 3D coaxial line confocal sensor: the maximum absolute deviation is 13 μm for diameter and 0.047° for alignment deviation, with maximum relative errors of 2.41% and 0.058%, respectively. The alignment deviation results of 8 pairs of Φ2 mm orifices indicate that the proposed dual-line laser method is generally consistent with the combined pin gauge and CMM approach: the maximum absolute deviation is 0.170°, the average absolute deviation is 0.125%, the maximum relative error is 0.284%, and the average relative error is 0.125%. The results demonstrate that the proposed method enables non-contact and high-efficiency measurement of the diameter and alignment angle of injector orifices in impinging injectors for both conventional Φ2 mm orifices and micro Φ0.5 mm orifices, with high measurement accuracy and promising engineering application potential, thereby providing a new technical approach for the geometric parameter inspection of multi-scale micro-injection orifices. Full article

Background: Spleen-preserving (SP) distal pancreatectomy (DP) with splenic vessel resection (SVR) (Warsaw procedure, WP) is an option for the treatment of tumors with low malignant potential. The reverse blood flow through the short gastric arteries (SGA) explains the preservation of the spleen after SVR, but leaves the source of the blood supply to the SGAs hidden. The types of blood supply to the spleen after WP and their incidence have not been previously described, nor has the significance of these types for locally advanced pancreatic head cancer (LAPHC) surgery been determined. Aim: To determine the main types of spleen blood supply after WP, and to assess the feasibility and safety of splenic artery (SA) rotation for the organ-preserving surgery of LAPHC. Methods: Retrospective analyses of demographic and perioperative data, including CT scans, overall (OS) and progression-free (PFS) survival after 71 SP DP SVR and 41 SP SVR pancreaticoduodenectomies (PD) and total pancreatectomies (TP) for LAPHC (2007–2025). Results: In 134 SP procedures, SA was resected in 115 cases (71DP, 9 TP, 3 central, and 32 PD). Indications for surgery were MCN (41), IPMN (14), CSA (3), NEN (25), SPPN (8), PHDAC (40), sarcoma (1), autoimmune (1), and calculous chronic pancreatitis (1). There were no deaths or ischemia-related splenectomies. Morbidity—31% (n23); Dindo–Clavien (D-C) > 3b-2.8%; POPF-grade B-n7 (10.6%); splenic infarctions on CT after SVR-n18 (23%), one symptomatic. CT revealed three types of arterial blood supply to the spleen after SPDP SVR: left gastric artery (LGA) type (n50, 70, 5%), gastro-epyploic arcade (GEA) type (n9, 12, 5%), and an intermediate type (n12, 17%). Spleen- and pancreas tail-preserving SVR pancreatectomies for LAPHC (n41) were accompanied by rotation of the SA to substitute resected SMA (n19) and CHA (n15) for 26 Whipples and 8TPs. There were no ischemic complications. D-C > 3–19.5%. Median OS and PFS for PDAC were 35 and 21 months for 29.5 months median follow-up. Conclusions: Despite the preservation of blood flow through all potential sources of splenic blood supply following resection of the splenic artery, the main collaterals supplying the spleen after WP are LGA branches (~90%). This knowledge, with strict adherence to the developed criteria, allows for the safe preservation of the spleen, pancreatic tail, and stomach during pancreatectomies with SA resection, including its rotation for the substitution of the SMA and CHA in LAPHC. Full article

Aspergillosis encompasses a heterogeneous spectrum of diseases caused by filamentous fungi of the genus Aspergillus, ranging from allergic airway disorders and chronic pulmonary infection to rapidly progressive invasive disease. Aspergillus fumigatus is the predominant pathogen worldwide, although other species, including Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus terreus and cryptic species, contribute to morbidity and may exhibit intrinsic or acquired antifungal resistance. Early and accurate laboratory diagnosis is essential for timely treatment, appropriate antifungal selection, and stewardship. Traditional culture remains foundational, enabling confirmation of viable organisms, species-level identification, and antifungal susceptibility testing, but sensitivity is limited and turnaround times are prolonged. Non-culture approaches—including galactomannan, β-D-glucan, lateral flow assays, PCR, and next-generation sequencing—enhance diagnostic sensitivity, facilitate early detection, and allow identification of resistance-associated mutations. Optimal diagnostic performance is achieved through integrated, multimodal strategies combining laboratory tests with clinical and radiological findings. In invasive disease, concurrent use of biomarkers and molecular assays improves specificity and positive predictive value, while in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, immunological markers remain central. Future directions include standardised molecular protocols, novel antigenic and host-based biomarkers, and cost-effective, risk-adapted diagnostic algorithms to refine detection, guide therapy, and improve patient outcomes. Full article

For the Vacuum Induction Gas Atomization (VIGA) powder preparation process, a multi-scale coupled numerical simulation and experimental validation were employed to systematically reveal the influence mechanisms of process parameters on the primary atomization flow field structure, secondary atomization droplet breakup behavior, and powder particle size distribution Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methods combined with the VOF (Volume of Fluid) multiphase flow model, the fragmentation morphology of the melt during primary atomization was simulated, capturing the dynamic characteristics of liquid film thinning and the reduction in initial droplet area. Concurrently, the DPM (Discrete Phase Model) coupled with the TAB (Taylor Analogy Breakup) model was applied to predict the droplet size distribution in secondary atomization. The results indicate that increasing atomization pressure (2.5–4.5 MPa) significantly enhances secondary fragmentation intensity, reducing the median particle size (D50) from 42.1 μm to 37.5 μm. Experimental studies on Ni-based superalloys, validated by laser particle size analysis, confirmed that higher atomization pressure improves gas velocity and gas–liquid energy conversion efficiency, optimizes turbulent flow structures, and refines powder particles. The study concludes that the multi-scale coupled model effectively predicts atomization dynamics. By optimizing atomization pressure, powder particle size can be significantly refined, providing a theoretical basis for process control of high-performance spherical powders used in additive manufacturing. Full article

Hole cleaning ensures drilling safety and efficiency. Well inclination angle and drilling fluid density are important parameters affecting cuttings transport. To reveal their coupled interaction mechanism, this study employs the Euler–Euler multiphase flow model to conduct CFD simulations of cuttings transport in a 3D eccentric annulus with an eccentricity of 0.6 under various inclination angles (30°, 45°, 60°, 75°) and drilling fluid densities (1200~1800 kg/m³). Using the cuttings transport ratio (CTR), annulus cuttings volume concentration (CVT), outlet cuttings volume fraction, and annulus pressure drop as evaluation indicators, the influence mechanism of these parameters on hole cleaning efficiency is systematically analyzed. The results show that the effect of drilling fluid density on the CTR is regulated by inclination angle, with 45° being the critical angle for the extreme value of the CTR. Increasing density can significantly reduce cuttings deposition in the annulus, with a more pronounced improvement effect in high-inclination sections. Effective cuttings transport can be achieved by increasing the density to 1500, 1650, 1800, and 1800 kg/m³ for inclination angles of 30°, 45°, 60°, and 75°, respectively. The annulus pressure drop increases approximately linearly with density, and first rises then falls as the inclination angle increases from 30° to 75°, with 45° being the critical angle for peak pressure drop. This study clarifies the coupled regulation law of inclination angle and drilling fluid density, and determines the critical drilling fluid density under different inclinations, providing a numerical basis for optimizing hydraulic parameters and improving hole cleaning efficiency in directional drilling. Full article

Cyclone separators remain widely used for gas–solid separation, yet analytical prediction of cut size and pressure drop remains challenging. This study presents an explicit semi-empirical model for the cut size (d₅₀) of reverse-flow cyclones based on the radial particle equation of motion in cylindrical coordinates, with d₅₀ obtained by equating radial migration time and residence time. A closed-form solution is derived in the Stokes regime, whereas non-Stokes behavior is handled numerically through the Schiller–Naumann drag correction. Turbulence is incorporated through a phenomenological correction, and the grade–efficiency curve is represented by a logistic relation. The model was implemented in MATLAB R2025a and applied in a parametric study covering inlet velocity, particle density, cyclone diameter, and gas viscosity. A Euler-type pressure drop relation was included to examine the separation–energy trade-off. Validation on the Kim et al. benchmark using one calibration point per cyclone family and six independent verification cases yielded a mean absolute percentage error of 13.5% and a root mean square error of 0.22 μm for d₅₀; the paired pressure drop check gave a 2.8% mean absolute percentage error. A complementary benchmark based on Wang et al. using 15 cm 1D3D and 2D2D cyclones under actual-air and standard-air conditions further supported the family-calibrated use of the model. A separate scale-up test showed that constant swirl intensity similarity is not transferable across large diameter changes. The formulation provides a transparent reduced-order tool for preliminary design and sensitivity analysis. Full article

Background/Objectives: Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an ultra-rare genetic disorder causing progressive heterotopic ossification. The dental phenotype has never been systematically characterised. We quantified dental pathologies and oral health-related quality of life across three age groups of genetically confirmed FOP patients and compared them with 156 matched healthy controls (2022–2025). Methods: A total of 52 FOP patients (Group I: 1–5 y, n = 14; Group II: 6–17 y, n = 21; Group III: 18–35 y, n = 17) underwent standardised dental examination (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth index (DMFT), Oral Hygiene Index Simplified (OHI-S), Angle classification, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) assessment), computed tomography (CT) densitometry, sialometry, salivary crystal analysis, and Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Statistical analysis used Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney U, Benjamini–Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) correction, and effect sizes. Results: Caries (DMFT ≥ 4) was highly prevalent across all FOP groups (82–86%) and significantly higher than in controls (84.6% vs. 38.5%, p < 0.001). Chronic stomatitis showed large age-group differences: 7.1% in Group I vs. 100% in Group III (p < 0.001); it was universal in FOP adults vs. 6.4% in controls. Enamel hypoplasia (21.4% → 58.8%) and Angle class II malocclusion (0% → 47.1%) also showed large age-group differences. Total TMJ disorders were observed in 7.1% of Group I and 100% of Group III (p < 0.001); maximal mouth opening was lower by 17.4 mm in Group III (Cohen’s d = 2.1). Salivary flow rate was 20% lower in adults (0.35 → 0.28 mL/min, p = 0.01). Calcium phosphate crystals were detected in 3/17 adults (17.6%) and showed a preliminary correlation with CT calcification grade (ρ = 0.67, p = 0.003); given the small number of crystal-positive patients, this finding should be considered hypothesis-generating. OHIP-14 total score was higher (worse) in Group III (48.9 vs. 12.4 in Group I, Cohen’s d = 1.95). Conclusions: This cross-sectional study provides a systematic characterisation of the dental phenotype in FOP across three age groups. It shows that chronic stomatitis and TMJ dysfunction become nearly universal by early adulthood, severely impairing quality of life. The correlation between salivary calcium phosphate crystals and CT calcification generates the hypothesis of a non-invasive biomarker, requiring prospective validation. The proposed clinical phenotype and minimally invasive recommendations provide a framework for safer dental management of FOP patients. Full article

This study analyzed the distribution of water and nitrogen in the vertical pipe surface drip irrigation system under the condition of sandy loam soil, and established a prediction model for the wetting front transport distance. A constant-head infiltration test established a critical stable infiltration model, matching dripper flow rate (Q) with pipe diameter (D), pipe burial depth (B), and biogas slurry concentration (C). Indoor soil box experiments with Q, C, B, and D were conducted. Results show that a stable infiltration rate has a power function relationship with C, B, and D (R² = 0.96). Wetting front transport distances in three directions are proportional to Q and inversely proportional to C, B, and D. The empirical model is reliable (RMSE < 1.18 cm, NSE > 0.95). Soil moisture and total nitrogen accumulate near drippers. Q and C significantly affect wetting front transport distance. Water plays a limited role in nitrogen transport within the soil profile. The model accurately predicts wetting front distance, filling knowledge gaps, and providing theoretical support for system optimization. Full article

Natural killer T (NKT) cells bridge innate and adaptive immune responses and play a critical role in anti-tumor immunity. The goal of the study was to assess NKT cell and T cell function in lymphoma patients and to investigate whether specific cytokines correlate with outcomes and/or immune cell function. Patient diagnoses were confirmed by histology. NKT and T cell number and function were assessed by flow cytometry and stimulation with artificial antigen-presenting cells (aAPCs) followed by ELISA and quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR). Cytokine expression levels were compared using online databases, and protein levels in the plasma were assessed by ELISA. NKT cell activation, indicated by at least 1.5-fold IFN-γ induction over baseline following stimulation, was detected in 82% of healthy donors, compared to 44% of lymphoma patients. Lymphoma patients have significantly higher levels of circulating pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10, IL-6, and Sema4D as compared to healthy donors. In addition, NKT cell function in the blood correlated with NKT cell function in the bone marrow in lymphoma patients. We found that aAPC-qPCR can be used to quickly assess immune cell function in cancer patients. Circulating NKT cell function positively correlated with bone marrow NKT cell function, suggesting that circulating NKT responses reflect systemic immune competence. Outcome-associated transcriptomic analyses showed that lower expression of TGF-β, IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-γ mRNA correlated with poorer clinical outcomes, whereas higher Sema4D expression was associated with worse prognosis, identifying Sema4D as a potential immunologic biomarker linked to disease progression and immune dysfunction in B cell lymphoma. Full article

The scalable production of high-quality nanoparticles is a significant challenge for advancing nanotechnology applications. This research introduces a continuous-flow liquid-plasma discharge reactor for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, utilizing D-xylose as a dual-function reducing and stabilizing agent. The reactor effectively generated uniform xylose-capped silver nanoparticles (X-Ag NPs). Optimal conditions were established utilizing argon gas at a 1:100 molar ratio of Ag precursor to D-xylose, resulting in spherical X-Ag NPs with an average size of 16.89 nm, a zeta potential of −38.87 mV, and a polydispersity index of 0.22. The formation and properties of X-Ag NPs were confirmed through characterization techniques including UV-Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The findings demonstrate that uniform particle nucleation and growth occurred due to the homogeneous distribution of high-energy electrons and reactive gas species produced in the plasma phase. This environmentally sustainable, continuous-flow method shows considerable promise for the industrial-scale production of biomass-derived silver nanoparticles. Full article

Local scour is a typical hydro-sediment coupled process around near-bed obstacles. Its intensity and spatial distribution are jointly controlled by the surrounding-flow structure, sediment transport, and bed-feedback deformation. To address the relative lack of studies on local scour around non-circular double-obstacle systems, this study conducts a two-dimensional parametric numerical investigation of local scour around double triangular prisms based on an existing DBM-LBM hydro-morphodynamic framework that couples the D2Q16 discrete Boltzmann method with the D2Q9 lattice Boltzmann method. First, a single circular cylinder local-scour experiment is selected as the benchmark case, and a square-pier local-scour case is further introduced as a supplementary validation case to examine the applicability of the adopted framework in reproducing the magnitude of typical local scour and the main bed morphology. Then, three arrangement patterns (tandem, side-by-side, and staggered), two prism orientations (vertex-facing and face-facing), and nine spacing ratios, S/Bp = 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, and 6, are considered for the double triangular prism cases. The local scour responses under different geometric configurations are systematically compared. The results show that, under the present two-dimensional numerical setting, the side-by-side arrangement produces the strongest local-scour amplification, with the peak occurring near S/Bp = 2.5. The tandem arrangement is mainly governed by sheltering suppression, and its group amplification factor is generally lower than 1. The scour intensity of the staggered arrangement lies between those of the side-by-side and tandem arrangements, and asymmetric scour is more likely to occur. Face-facing flow produces a larger scour depth in most cases, but its influence varies with the arrangement pattern and spacing ratio. Therefore, the double triangular-prism cases are interpreted as parametric numerical results within the adopted two-dimensional DBM–LBM framework. The reported effects of arrangement pattern, prism orientation, and spacing ratio should be understood as relative numerical trends rather than direct experimental predictions for this specific geometry. The results can provide a reference for subsequent physical-model experiments, three-dimensional numerical simulations, and scour-protection analysis for non-circular double-obstacle systems. Full article

The SF₆ circuit breaker is an essential piece of high-voltage equipment in ensuring the safe operation of the power grid. Regarding the arc-extinguishing chamber, as the most essential component, its performance is directly related to the breaking capacity of the circuit breaker. This study applies the Double Distribution Function Lattice Boltzmann Method (DDF-LBM), combined with the Smagorinsky sub-grid scale (SGS) model, to systematically simulate the dynamic breaking process of a 252 kV SF₆ arc-extinguishing chamber under 50 kA breaking current conditions. Two independent distribution functions are employed to describe the fluid field and the temperature field, respectively, thereby simulating the physical flow–heat coupling process. A dynamic simulation framework is constructed using the D2Q9 model to describe the mechanical motion of the contacts and the fluid flow. The description of contact movement is achieved by dynamically updating the geometric mesh, thereby realizing fluid–solid transformation. The research results indicate that the proposed method can simulate the pressure variation of the fluid field during the breaking process. The value of the Smagorinsky constant (C_s) exhibits a non-negligible influence on the pressure field predictions. The optimal value of C_s = 0.10 is determined through analysis, and the peak pressures at the upstream and throat measurement points reach 1.11 MPa and 1.37 MPa, respectively. Numerical simulations are conducted on the dynamic breaking process of the arc-extinguishing chamber, revealing the evolution of the pressure field upstream of the nozzle and at the throat regions. This study provides new numerical simulation methods for the investigation of SF₆ arc-extinguishing chambers and establishes a foundation for the application of the Lattice Boltzmann Method in the field of high-voltage electrical appliances. Full article

This study investigates the separation performance of transformer oil–water mixtures using gravity separation and chemical demulsification. The synthetic emulsion had an initial oil concentration (C₀) of approximately 246,000 mg/L. For gravity separation, the effects of compartment volume ratio, influent flow rate, initial water level, and oil discharge strategy were systematically evaluated. Under optimal conditions (volume ratio 2:1:1, flow rate 0.0055 L/s, initial water level 5 cm), the effluent oil concentration was reduced to as low as 0.020 mg/L, corresponding to a removal efficiency higher than 99.99%. For chemical demulsification, polyaluminum chloride (PAC), polyferric sulfate (PFS), polyacrylamide (PAM), and an organosilicon polyether demulsifier (MCL-D) were tested. The effects of pH, dosage, and temperature on demulsification efficiency (DE) and dehydration rate (DR) were investigated. Under optimal conditions (pH 3–5, dosage 300 mg/L, temperature 50 °C), MCL-D achieved the best performance, with a DE of 95.09% and a DR of 99.50%. Overall, gravity separation is effective for removing free and dispersed oil with low operational cost, whereas chemical demulsification is more suitable for treating stable emulsified oil. The combination of these two methods provides an efficient strategy for the treatment of transformer oil-containing wastewater. Full article

Deepwater shallow gas sediments and the weakly consolidated overburden are sensitive to depletion-induced effective stress redistribution. Since deepwater shallow gas has only recently begun to be treated as a commercially available natural gas resource, it lacks models to quantify the coupled flow and geomechanical behaviors in such environments. In this study, we propose a semi-analytical model for a shallow gas layer and its overburden sediments, where pore pressure evolution is described by vertical transient diffusion and the stress response is represented by an OCR-dependent (overconsolidation ratio-dependent) in situ stress field with depletion-induced effective stress increments. Pre-yield compressibility is characterized by a stress-dependent nonlinear elastic law, and post-yield deformation is approximated by a Mohr–Coulomb-based yield-controlled plastic correction for engineering purposes. The formulation is used in the base case and during a parametric sensitivity analysis. In the base case, the final settlement is 0.597 m, of which 45.3% is elastic and 54.7% is plastic. The sediments begin to yield after approximately 115 d of production, and the final yielded-thickness fraction reaches 0.268. The sensitivity analysis shows that friction angle, maximum drawdown, gas-layer thickness, and OCR magnitudes predominantly affect the final settlement and yielded-thickness response, while gas-layer permeability has an insignificant effect. Furthermore, the comparison reveals that the depletion timescale governs the stress evolution rate, while depletion pressure drawdown magnitude dictates deviatoric stress evolution and long-term settlement. Considering the engineering condition for the development of typical deepwater shallow sediments, the feasible production parameters should be in the low-to-moderate drawdown and slow depletion range. A practical operating window is approximately 3.6~4.0 MPa maximum drawdown with a depletion timescale of about 340~400 d. This study can provide quantitative insights into the potential commercial production of gas layers in deepwater shallow sediments. Full article