Search Results (144)

Non-destructive testing (NDT) methods are critical for evaluating the structural integrity of and detecting defects in composite materials across industries such as aerospace and renewable energy. This review examines the recent trends and successful implementations of NDT approaches for composite materials, focusing on articles published between 2015 and 2025. A systematic literature review identified 120 relevant articles, highlighting techniques such as ultrasonic testing (UT), acoustic emission testing (AET), thermography (TR), radiographic testing (RT), eddy current testing (ECT), infrared thermography (IRT), X-ray computed tomography (XCT), and digital radiography testing (DRT). These methods effectively detect defects such as debonding, delamination, and voids in fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. The selection of NDT approaches depends on the material properties, defect types, and testing conditions. Although each technique has advantages and limitations, combining multiple NDT methods enhances the quality assessment of composite materials. This review provides insights into the capabilities and limitations of various NDT techniques and suggests future research directions for combining NDT methods to improve quality control in composite material manufacturing. Future trends include adopting multimodal NDT systems, integrating digital twin and Industry 4.0 technologies, utilizing embedded and wireless structural health monitoring, and applying artificial intelligence for automated defect interpretation. These advancements are promising for transforming NDT into an intelligent, predictive, and integrated quality assurance system. Full article

Wound healing is a complex biological process that involves the regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which play a critical role in cellular signaling and tissue repair. While the dual nature of ROS means that maintaining controlled levels is essential for effective wound healing, excessive ROS production can hinder the recovery process. Bioactive compounds represent promising therapeutic candidates enriched with polyphenols, which are known for their high therapeutic properties and minimal adverse effects, and are thus highlighted as promising therapeutic candidates for wound healing due to their antioxidant properties. However, their clinical application is often limited due to challenges such as poor solubility and low bioavailability. To overcome this, the encapsulation of these compounds into nanocarriers has been proposed, which enhances their stability, facilitates targeted delivery, and allows for controlled release. The present review highlights emerging innovations in nanomedicine-based drug delivery of natural antioxidants for precise modulation of ROS in wound healing. Moreover, the review elaborates briefly on various in vitro and in vivo studies that assessed the ROS levels using different fluorescent dyes. By modulating ROS levels and improving the local microenvironment at wound sites, these bioactive-nanomedicine formulations can significantly accelerate the healing process of wounds. The review concludes by advocating for further research into optimizing these nano-formulations to maximize their potential in clinical settings, thereby improving therapeutic strategies for wound care and regeneration. Full article

As the demand for underwater robots in complex environments continues to grow, research on their agile motion capabilities becomes increasingly crucial. This paper focuses on the design and agile motion control of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) operating in subsea environments, addressing key issues such as structural design, system modeling, and control algorithm development. An optimization model for the arrangement of propellers is formulated and solved using a Sequential Quadratic Programming (SQP) algorithm. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software is employed for hydrodynamic analysis and shape optimization. A novel adaptive event-triggered nonlinear model predictive control (AET-NMPC) algorithm is proposed and compared with traditional Cascaded Proportional–Integral–Derivative (PID) control and event-triggered cascaded PID control algorithms. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the AET-NMPC algorithm significantly enhances the response capability and control accuracy of underwater robots in complex tasks, with the trajectory tracking error being reduced to 4.89%. This study provides valuable insights into the design and control strategies for AUVs, paving the way for more sophisticated underwater operations in challenging environments. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and the cost of care for people living with HIV (PLwHIV) in the Condesa Specialized Clinics (CSCs). A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using the Adherence Follow-Up Questionnaire developed by The AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) to measure adherence in 261 PLwHIV. An economic Markov model was developed to simulate clinical outcomes, health costs, and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) over a 5-year horizon from the CSC perspective. The mean adherence index was 89.97, and 59% of the surveyed PLwHIV were non-adherent, but more than 95% of the population had an undetectable viral load, suggesting that ART remains effective in achieving clinical goals, even under suboptimal adherence conditions. More than half of the surveyed PLwHIV (60.54%) stated that they had stopped taking their ART at some point, and the three most frequent causes were forgetting (49.37%), being away from home (45.57%), and having a change in their daily routine (25.95%). The economic model showed a cumulative cost per PLwHIV of USD 8432 and 3.80 QALYs (USD 2218/QALYs), which is below the threshold of willingness to pay in Mexico (USD 13,790/QALY). These findings provide valuable information to guide public health decisions and resource allocation in HIV management in Mexico. Full article

This research examined the phenotypic and genotypic variability of traits assessed in the gilt performance test and their subsequent impact on gilt selection. The traits evaluated in the gilt performance test were analyzed on two pig farms over a period of 3 consecutive years. A total of 3664 gilts were included in the research. At the end of the test, body weight, backfat thickness (BF1 and BF2), and longissimus dorsi muscle depth (MLD) were measured using an ultrasound device. The following breeds were evaluated on the farms: Landrace (L)–1981 gilts, Large White (LW)–1344 gilts, and Duroc (D)–339 gilts. In the analyzed population, direct genetic effects accounted for 0.2647 of the total variation in age at the end of the test (AET). Heritability coefficients of 0.37 for BF1 and 0.35 for BF2 indicate that these traits are highly heritable in the studied population. On the other hand, the heritability coefficient for the depth of MLD, which is 0.23, places this trait in the group of medium heritable traits. High heritability coefficients of these traits indicate great potential for genetic improvement through selection. The use of well-designed selection programs aimed at these traits can significantly accelerate the genetic improvement of the population and have an impact on the economic profit of pork production. Full article

Purpose: Adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) significantly diminishes recurrence and mortality risks in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer (BCa) patients. Nonetheless, suboptimal adherence and premature discontinuation during the initial year of treatment undermine these positive outcomes. This study aims to understand the potential diverse factors associated with perceived barriers to AET compliance at the onset of medication. Methods: We assessed perceived barriers to AET using the ASK-20 instrument for BCa patients initiating AET within 3 months. Our survey also included demographic variables (e.g., musculoskeletal symptoms) and clinical traits (e.g., medication type). Stepwise regression analyses were employed to elucidate the links between multilevel factors and perceived barriers to AET adherence. Results: In our cohort of 272 women, the mean ASK-12 score was 38.2 +/− 9.2 (range 20–100). In the multivariable regression model, greater perceived barriers to adhering to AET were found to be associated with African American ethnicity (Β  =  2.47; 0.53–4.21; p  <  0.05), lower self-efficacy in medication management (Β  =  −0.80; −1.03–−0.58; p  <  0.001), higher psychological distress (Β  =  2.79; 0.61–4.97; p  <  0.05), increased reported distress related to musculoskeletal side effects (Β  =  0.64; 0.31–0.97; p  <  0.001), weight gain symptoms (Β  =  0.61; 0.18–1.03; p  <  0.05), less family support (Β  =  −0.38; −0.53–−0.13; p  <  0.05), and higher levels of concern pertaining to AET (Β  =  0.64; 0.41–0.87; p  <  0.001). Conclusions: Modifiable factors are associated with women’s perceived barriers to AET at the onset of treatment. Proactively addressing patient concerns about AET, improving self-regulatory skills for medication management and family support, and enhancing symptom management strategies, along with addressing distress at the onset of treatment, hold promise for mitigating barriers to AET. Furthermore, recognizing the distinctive challenges faced by African American subgroups is crucial, necessitating culturally tailored interventions to reduce potential disparities and ensure equitable access and adherence to AET. Continued research and tailored interventions are important for optimizing outcomes and reducing the impact of modifiable barriers on AET adherence. Full article

Acute radiation syndrome (ARS) occurs when hematopoietic or gastrointestinal cells are damaged by radiation exposure causing DNA damage to the bone marrow and gastrointestinal epithelial stem cell populations. In these highly proliferative cell types, DNA damage inhibits stem cell repopulation. In humans and animals, this inability to regenerate stem cells is lethal. Within this manuscript, several compounds, Amifostine, Captopril, Ciprofloxacin, PrC-210, 5-AED (5-androstene-3β,17β-diol), and 5-AET (5-androstene-3β,7β,17B-triol), are assessed for their ability to protect against ARS in an in vitro and/or in vivo setting. ARS was accomplished by irradiating mouse bone marrow cells or rat intestinal epithelial (IEC-6) cells in vitro with 4–8 Gy and in vivo by exposing Mus musculus to 7.3 Gy of whole-body irradiation. The primary endpoints of this study include cellular viability, DNA damage via γ-H2AX, colony formation, and overall survival at 30-days post-irradiation. In addition to evaluating the radioprotective performance of each compound, this study establishes a distinct set of in vitro assays to predict the overall efficacy of potential radioprotectors in an in vivo model of ARS. Furthermore, these results highlight the need for FDA-approved medical intervention to protect against ARS. Full article

A quantitative assessment of the responses of hydrological processes to environmental change is vital for the sustainable utilization of groundwater and sustainable development under the dual influences of climate change and global greening. However, few studies have investigated the differences in hydrologic responses between karst and non-karst regions. Thus, we analyzed the spatiotemporal changes in potential groundwater recharge (PGR), potential groundwater recharge as a proportion of precipitation (PGR/P), and actual evapotranspiration (AET) in karst and non-karst regions for 1982–2020 using the V2karst model. The analysis revealed the following results: (1) The V2karst model efficiently monitored variations in the AET and groundwater depth (GWD), which indicated its suitability for use in karst areas. (2) The PGR, PGR/P, and AET increased at rates of 4.9 mm/y, 0.0011, and 1.4 mm/y in karst areas, and 3.8 mm/y, 0.00053, and 1.6 mm/y in non-karst areas, respectively, with the increasing trend in AET being significant in karst and non-karst regions. (3) The precipitation (P) and AET were significantly correlated with the PGR and PGR/P, while the minimum temperature (TMN) was strongly related to the AET. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) moderately affected the PGR, PGR/P, and AET changes in humid catchments. Climate change is a primary factor for hydrological processes, whereas vegetation restoration has a relatively minor impact. The results of this study are beneficial toward the adoption of strategic groundwater utilization programs and ecological restoration measures for regions with a diverse geological setting. Full article

The integrity of multi-bolted flanges is crucial for ensuring safety and operational efficiency in industrial systems across sectors such as oil and gas, chemical processing, and water treatment. Traditional non-destructive testing (NDT) methods often require operational downtime and may lack sensitivity for early-stage defect detection. This review examines acoustic emission testing (AET), a real-time monitoring technique for detecting acoustic waves generated by material defects. An analysis of 145 studies demonstrated AET’s effectiveness in detecting early-stage defects across various materials and industrial applications. Recent advances in sensor technology and signal processing have significantly enhanced AET’s capabilities. However, challenges remain regarding environmental noise interference and the need for specialized expertise. The review identifies knowledge gaps and proposes future research directions, including planned laboratory experiments to characterize defect signals in multi-bolted flange systems under different operational conditions. The findings position AET as a transformative solution for industrial inspection and maintenance, offering enhanced safety and reliability for critical infrastructures. Full article

Aegilops tauschii, a monocotyledonous annual grass, recognized as a pivotal progenitor of modern wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), serves as the D-genome donor in hexaploid wheat. This diploid species (2n = 2x = 14, DD) harbors a substantial reservoir of genetic diversity, particularly in terms of biotic and abiotic stress resistance traits. The extensive allelic variation present in its genome has been increasingly utilized for wheat genetic enhancement, particularly through introgression breeding programs aimed at improving yield potential and stress resilience. Heavy metal ATPases (HMAs), which belong to the P-type ATPase superfamily and are also known as P1B-type ATPases, play a crucial role in transporting heavy metals and maintaining metal ion homeostasis in plant cells. HMAs have been extensively studied in model plants like Arabidopsis thaliana and rice. However, this family has not been reported in A. tauschii. Here, we conducted the genome-wide identification and bioinformatics analysis of the AetHMA gene family in A. tauschii, resulting in the discovery of a total of nine AetHMA members. Among AetHMA genes, six pairs are large-block duplication genes, which mainly occur among the four genes of AetHMA2, AetHMA4, AetHMA8, and AetHMA9. Additionally, there is one pair that consists of tandem duplication genes (AetHMA6: AetHMA7). All AetHMAs can be classified into six groups (I–VI), which are further divided into two branches: the copper subclasses and the zinc subclasses. Initially, A. tauschii was grown in a 1/2 Hoagland nutrient solution and subsequently exposed to four heavy metals: zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and cadmium (Cd). Following this treatment, the expression profiles of nine AetHMA genes were assessed. The results indicated that, under zinc and manganese stress, the HMA family members exhibited enhanced expression in the leaves, whereas the expression of most members in the roots was downregulated. In the roots, except for AetHMA2, AetHMA5, and AetHMA8, the expression levels of other members were upregulated in response to Cd exposure. Furthermore, AetHMA4 diminishes the tolerance of yeast to Mn by increasing the absorption of Mn, while AetHMA8 increases the tolerance of yeast to Cd by reducing the absorption of Cd. This study provides experimental data regarding the function of the AetHMA gene in the transport, regulation, and detoxification of heavy metal elements in A. tauschii. Full article

In arid regions, water scarcity necessitates reliance on surface runoff as a vital water source. Studying the impact of climate change on surface runoff can provide a scientific basis for optimizing water use and ensuring water security. This study investigated runoff patterns in the upper-middle Amu Darya River (UADR) from 1960 to 2015. Special emphasis was placed on the effects of climatic factors and the role of major atmospheric circulation indices, such as the Eurasian Zonal Circulation Index (EZI), Niño 3.4, and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). The results show a significant linear decreasing annual trend in runoff at a rate of 2.5 × 10⁸ m³/year, with an abrupt change in 1972. Runoff exhibited periodic characteristics at 8–16 and 32–64 months. At the 8–16-month scale, runoff was primarily influenced by precipitation (PRE), actual evapotranspiration (AET), and snow water equivalent (SWE), and, at the 32–64-month scale, Niño 3.4 guided changes in runoff. In addition, El Niño 3.4 interacted with the EZI and IOD, which, together, influence runoff at the UADR. This study highlights the importance of considering multiple factors and their interactions when predicting runoff variations and developing water resource management strategies in the UADR Basin. The analysis of nonlinear runoff dynamics in conjunction with multiscale climate factors provides a theoretical basis for the management of water, land, and ecosystems in the Amu Darya Basin. Full article

The ecosystems of the Yarlung Tsangpo River Basin (YTRB) are fragile and sensitive to climate change, so an in-depth analysis of the relationship between the vegetation dynamics in the YTRB and climate change is crucial to understand regional and global climate change. This study quantified the spatial and temporal characteristics of the vegetation cover and meteorological elements in the YTRB over the past four decades. The evapotranspiration data were corrected by combining the characteristics of the vegetation in the region in order to systematically explore the relationship between the vegetation change and climate change response in the YTRB. The results indicated that the fractional vegetation cover (FVC), air temperature (ATEM) and precipitation (PRE) showed a significant increase during 1981–2020, with a variable speed of 0.05/10a, 0.38 °C/10a, and 13.3 mm/10a. The actual evapotranspiration (AET) decreased significantly (32.8 mm/10a). There were positive effects of the increased ATEM and decreased AET on the increase in FVC, with ATEM as the leading factor of influence. After excluding the influence of other factors, the degree of influence of PRE on FVC increased to 2.5 times of the original, and the AET increased by 28.57%. The three climate factors synergistically contribute to the positive development of FVC in 47.43% of the upper and middle sections of the YTRB. Full article

Drug delivery systems have revolutionized traditional drug administration methods by addressing various challenges, such as enhancing drug solubility, prolonging effectiveness, minimizing adverse effects, and preserving potency. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, particularly nanoparticles (NPs) and nanofibers (NFs), have emerged as promising solutions for biomedicine delivery. NFs, with their ability to mimic the porous and fibrous structures of biological tissues, have garnered significant interest in drug-delivering applications. Biopolymers such as gelatin (Ge) and chitosan (CH) have gained much more attention due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and versatility in biomedical applications. CH exhibits exceptional biocompatibility, anti-bacterial activity, and wound healing capabilities, whereas Ge provides good biocompatibility and cell adhesion properties. Ge/CH-based NFs stimulate cellular connections and facilitate tissue regeneration owing to their structural resemblance to the extracellular matrix. This review explores the additive methods of preparation, including electrospinning, force pinning, and template synthesis, focusing on electrospinning and the factors influencing the fiber structure. The properties of Ge and CH, their role in drug release, formulation strategies, and characterization techniques for electrospun fibers are discussed. Furthermore, this review addresses applications in delivering active moieties in the management of orthopedics and wound healing with regulatory considerations, along with challenges related to them. Thus, the review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the potential of Ge/CH-based NFs for drug delivery and biomedical applications. Full article

Gapmer-type antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are an emerging class of therapeutic agents that directly inhibit pathogenic mRNA. In this study, three new 4′-C-substituted thymidine analogs were generated using a synthetic strategy recently established by our group, namely, 4′-C-(N-ethyl) aminoethyl (4′-EAE-T), 4′-C-(N-butyl) aminoethyl (4′-BAE-T), and 4′-C-(N-octyl) aminoethyl (4′-OAE-T). Their properties were evaluated and compared with those of previously reported analogs, including 4′-C-aminoethyl (4′-AE-T) and 4′-C-(N-methyl) aminoethyl (4′-MAE-T). The novel nucleoside analogs were subsequently incorporated into gapmer-type ASOs featuring phosphorothioate (PS) linkages and locked nucleic acids (LNAs) in the wing regions. The incorporation of 4′-EAE-T and 4′-BAE-T analogs resulted in RNA binding affinities similar to that of the previously reported 4′-MAE-T analog, whereas a marked decrease in RNA affinity was noted for 4′-OAE-T, however, this reduction was mitigated when combined with other chemical modifications. Furthermore, the structural modifications conferred enhanced nuclease resistance under bovine serum conditions, with 4′-EAE-T resulting in the highest stability, followed by 4′-BAE-T and 4′-OAE-T. Additionally, oligonucleotides modified with the developed analogs preserved their RNase H cleavage susceptibility, albeit inducing minor alterations in the cleavage pattern. Finally, the oligonucleotides were applied in a gene silencing experiment targeting the KRAS gene, conducted without the use of transfection agents, displaying gene silencing activities comparable to that of the control, with the exception of the 4′-OAE-modified nucleotide, which exhibited low activity. Full article

Background: Adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) is prescribed for 5–10 years to women with hormone-sensitive breast cancer to prevent recurrence. However, a significant proportion of women do not adhere to AET. We developed SOIE, a one-year program designed to enhance the AET experience and adherence. SOIE was pilot-tested in a mixed-methods randomized controlled trial. This report presents the experience of women and healthcare providers (HCPs) with SOIE. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis was conducted with 20 women and 7 HCPs who participated in the program. Results: Most women and HCPs reported high satisfaction with the program. Women felt it addressed their need for information and strategies to manage side effects. They felt supported and developed a more positive attitude toward AET, which contributed to their intention to pursue AET. They perceived that the program helped them navigate the AET experience and reduced their stress or fear regarding AET. HCPs corroborated these benefits. Conclusions: Findings suggest that SOIE can enhance the experience and motivation to pursue the AET treatment by meeting important needs for information, side-effects management, and psycho-emotional support. Programs like SOIE can have benefits beyond adherence by improving patients’ well-being during this crucial long-term treatment. Full article