Search Results (652)

Semantic segmentation of high-resolution remote sensing (HRRS) imagery is a fundamental task in Earth observation but remains challenging due to severe scale variations and complex boundary structures. Although State Space Models (SSMs), particularly Mamba, have shown strong potential for efficient global modeling with linear complexity, existing methods are still limited in capturing multi-scale context and fine-grained spatial details. To address these issues, we propose a novel framework named WASP-Mamba for HRRS image segmentation. A Mamba-based spatial pyramid pooling module is introduced at the encoder bottleneck to enhance multi-scale feature aggregation and improve robustness to scale variations. In addition, a wavelet-inspired Mamba decoder is designed to decouple and reconstruct low-frequency semantic information and high-frequency details, mitigating boundary degradation caused by conventional upsampling. Extensive experiments on the LoveDA, ISPRS Vaihingen and ISPRS Potsdam datasets demonstrate that the proposed method achieves 53.90%, 84.32% and 87.06% mIoU, respectively. Compared with recent state-of-the-art methods, WASP-Mamba achieves superior segmentation performance. Full article

A novel material, chitosan oligosaccharide@melamine polyphosphate (CMP), with enhanced flame-retardant and hydrophobic properties, was synthesized by cross-linking melamine polyphosphate (MPP) with chitosan oligosaccharide. Compared with MPP, the CMP overcomes its inherent drawbacks when used as a flame retardant in polylactic acid (PLA) composites, namely the high loading demand and unsatisfactory interfacial compatibility with the polymer matrix. The results demonstrated that the peak heat release rate (p-HRR) dropped significantly in comparison to pure PLA, from 304.69 kW·m⁻² to 210.39 kW·m⁻², while the fire performance index (FPI) increased from 0.1 to 0.48 s·m⁻²·kW⁻¹. Furthermore, the fire growth index (FGI) decreased from 1.51 kW·m⁻²·s⁻¹ to 1.03 kW·m⁻²·s⁻¹. Additionally, the CMP demonstrated enhanced thermal stability, making the pyrolysis activation energy E_α increase from 135.04 to 191.97 kJ/mol during 308~416 °C by pyrolysis kinetics. Compared to composite PLA incorporating pristine MPP, the CMP-modified counterpart exhibits superior mechanical properties and significantly enhanced hydrophobicity, evidenced by a maximum water contact angle reaching 93.96°. It provides a strategy for adapting phosphorus-based flame retardants for PLA, thereby broadening their applicability across diverse scenarios. Full article

Although considerable research has investigated non-motorized treadmills (NMTs), most studies have focused on healthy adults or athletes. This study aimed to compare trunk and lower limb muscle activation during walking on an NMT and flat ground (FG) at different exercise intensities in patients with stroke. Eighteen patients with stroke participated in this within-subject, repeated-measures experimental study conducted at a single hospital. Participants performed walking trials under six randomized conditions, comprising both NMT and FG walking at intensities of 20%, 40%, and 60% of heart rate reserve (HRR). Muscle activation of the affected-side erector spinae, internal oblique, gluteus medius, gluteus maximus, vastus medialis oblique, biceps femoris, and lateral gastrocnemius was assessed. Walking on the NMT resulted in significantly greater overall muscle activation than walking on FG (p < 0.05). In addition, significant differences in trunk and lower limb muscle activation were observed across HRR levels during both NMT and FG walking (p < 0.05), indicating that exercise intensity influenced neuromuscular responses. These findings suggest that NMT walking, particularly at higher intensities, acutely increases neuromuscular demands, providing preliminary evidence for its potential application as a demanding walking condition for stroke rehabilitation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) is a predictive biomarker in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma for platinum-based chemotherapy and PARP inhibitors. The implementation of HRD testing in routine diagnostics has generated multiple commercial assays that differ in genomic targets, bioinformatic analysis, and HRD scoring strategies. We aimed to assess the analytical performance and feasibility of a locally semi-automated workflow based on the Agilent SureSelect CD HRR17 panel with SeqOne/SomaHRD analysis, and to compare it with established commercial HRD assays currently used in routine clinical practice: Myriad MyChoice CDx and SOPHiA DDM Dx HRD Solution. Methods: Thirty high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma cases diagnosed between 2019 and 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. HRD status was assessed with the Agilent-SeqOne workflow and compared with Myriad (n = 12) and SOPHiA (n = 18). Concordance and correlation between genomic instability metrics were evaluated. Results: The Agilent/SeqOne workflow showed high concordance with both comparison workflows. Genomic instability metrics strongly correlated across assays (R² up to 0.96). A lower proportion of inconclusive classifications was observed with the Agilent/SeqOne workflow. Discordances were mainly observed in borderline cases near classification thresholds. Variant detection was highly concordant within shared genomic regions. Conclusions: The locally semi-automated HRD workflow demonstrated high analytical concordance with established commercial assays in evaluable cases. Operational advantages related to workflow flexibility and local reanalysis support its potential implementation in routine molecular diagnostics. Full article

Systemic therapy for metastatic prostate cancer is increasingly defined by upfront intensification and biomarker-guided mechanism switching. This narrative review synthesizes pivotal randomized trials, guideline recommendations, and implementation-focused literature across metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Evidence was organized around decision points at mCSPC diagnosis and at mCRPC transition, while incorporating biological mechanisms of resistance, including AR-axis reactivation, AR splice variants, lineage plasticity, DNA repair–hormone signaling interactions, and PSMA expression heterogeneity. In mCSPC, androgen deprivation therapy plus docetaxel and/or androgen receptor signaling inhibitors (ARSIs) improves survival, with triplet regimens favored for selected chemotherapy-fit patients with aggressive de novo disease. In mCRPC, cross-resistance limits routine ARSI-to-ARSI switching, and randomized data support mechanism-distinct options, including taxanes, PARP-based therapy in homologous recombination repair (HRR)-altered disease, and PSMA-targeted radioligand therapy (RLT) in selected PSMA-positive patients. As RLT moves earlier, PSMA heterogeneity, renal function, bone marrow reserve, and emerging dosimetry-based optimization should inform practical implementation. Ongoing trials are evaluating earlier theranostics, alpha-emitting radioligands, and biomarker-enriched combinations. An implementation-first approach that intensifies treatment when appropriate, tests early and acts on HRR results, uses PSMA PET to guide RLT, and preserves hematologic reserve may maximize access to multiple life-prolonging mechanisms. Full article

Background: The therapeutic landscape of metastatic prostate cancer has rapidly evolved with the integration of biomarker-driven strategies, particularly targeting homologous recombination repair (HRR) alterations. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) have demonstrated clinically meaningful benefit, especially in Breast Cancer genes 1/2-altered tumors, through synthetic lethality. However, the expansion of PARPi across multiple Treatment settings has introduced substantial complexity in patient selection, Treatment sequencing, and biomarker interpretation. This review aims to move beyond a descriptive synthesis of clinical trials and provide a clinically applicable, decision-oriented framework for the use of PARP inhibitors in metastatic prostate cancer. Methods: We conducted a narrative review of pivotal phase II and III trials published between 2020 and 2026 evaluating PARPi as monotherapy or in combination strategies. Evidence was critically analyzed with a focus on biomarker relevance, Treatment positioning, and real-world applicability. Evidence Synthesis: PARPi consistently improve radiographic progression-free survival, with the most robust and clinically meaningful benefit observed in BRCA-altered disease. In contrast, non-BRCA HRR alterations demonstrate heterogeneous and often limited predictive value, highlighting the limitations of a binary biomarker approach. Combination strategies in first-line metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) have expanded therapeutic options but raise important concerns regarding toxicity, overTreatment, and unclear benefit in biomarker-unselected populations. In parallel, variability in molecular testing strategies and access continues to limit real-world implementation. Conclusions: PARP inhibitors represent a cornerstone of precision oncology in metastatic prostate cancer, but their optimal use requires a refined, biomarker-informed approach. In this context, we propose a pragmatic 2026 clinical decision framework integrating molecular characteristics, prior Treatment exposure, and clinical factors. This approach aims to bridge the gap between clinical trial evidence, guideline recommendations, and real-world practice. Full article

Wood’s inherent flammability, arising from its cellular organic composition, demands effective protective strategies. This study aimed to develop a multifunctional bio-based wood coating simultaneously integrating flame retardancy, optical transparency, moisture-triggered self-healing, and surface hydrophobicity within a single formulation. An intumescent flame retardant (PAGHR) was synthesized via ionic assembly of a phytic acid–phosphorylated polyethylene glycol conjugate (PgP) with a piperazine–etidronic acid salt (HEPHR), subsequently blended with gelatin (G) and surface-finished with fluorosilane. The optimized coating (G/PAGHR-4) achieved a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 37.2% and passed the UL-94 V-0 rating. Cone calorimetry demonstrated reductions of 75.1% in peak heat release rate (pHRR) and 50.0% in total heat release (THR) relative to the neat gelatin control. Char yield at 700 °C increased substantially from 17.8 wt% to 41.0 wt%, confirming effective condensed-phase char promotion. Beyond fire performance, the coating maintained high visible-light transmittance, preserved natural wood aesthetics, and achieved macroscopic scratch healing within 40 min upon ambient water contact. Fluorosilane finishing elevated the water contact angle to 122°. These results establish a scalable, environmentally friendly strategy for multifunctional bio-based protective coatings applicable to wood, textiles, and polymer substrates. Full article

Double-skin façade (DSF) systems are important for energy efficiency because they effectively utilize natural ventilation and daylight. However, the uninterrupted vertical gaps in these systems may pose safety risks in the event of a fire by causing the rapid spread of smoke and hot gases. This study presents a hybrid approach that combines computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based simulations and machine learning (ML) techniques to predict heat flow and fire-room control-volume heat release rate (FR-HRR). Within the scope of the study, 400 different scenarios were modeled with different combinations of basic natural ventilation design parameters consisting of gap width, gap height, window opening area, and air inlet and outlet area. The data obtained were evaluated with different ML models, including Fine Tree, Bagged Tree, Support Vector Machine, and Artificial Neural Network models; in particular, the Fine Tree model gave the most successful results with high accuracy rates (R² = 0.99 for FR-HRR; R² = 0.91 for heat flow). The analysis showed that DSF gap width provided a dominant model-based contribution within the investigated CFD-generated dataset. This approach provides a preliminary CFD-informed ML framework for the rapid comparative assessment of fire-related responses in open-boundary naturally ventilated DSF configurations during the early design stage. Full article

Germline loss-of-function mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 markedly increase susceptibility to breast, ovarian, and other cancers. Mechanistically, BRCA2 facilitates RAD51 recruitment to sites of DNA damage, whereas BRCA1 regulates homologous recombination repair (HRR) through double-strand break resection and broader DNA damage response signaling. These insights underpin targeted therapies such as poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPis), which induce synthetic lethality in homologous recombination-deficient tumors. Clinically, PARPis have demonstrated significant benefit in BRCA1/2-mutated breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. However, resistance remains a major obstacle, with secondary intragenic BRCA1/2 mutations restoring partial protein function representing a prominent mechanism. Despite therapeutic advances, critical gaps persist in understanding how specific BRCA1/2 domains and residual protein activities contribute to tumorigenesis and treatment response. In this review, we summarize the structural and functional domains of BRCA1/2, their pathogenic mutation profiles, and therapeutic strategies targeting BRCA1/2-deficient cancers. Despite therapeutic advances, critical gaps persist in understanding how specific BRCA1/2 domains and residual protein activities contribute to tumorigenesis and treatment response. This review emphasizes the need for functional studies of BRCA1/2 variants to refine risk prediction and develop mutation-tailored therapies. Full article

Routine monitoring in racehorses requires indicators that are reproducible and practical under real training conditions. This observational study evaluated the short-term reproducibility of cardiovascular and speed indicators in French Standardbred trotters, with a particular focus on cardiac cost (CC), defined as the ratio of heart rate to speed (beats·m⁻¹). The full dataset comprised 483 sessions from 60 trotters and was used to describe age-related patterns. For reproducibility analyses, consecutive monitored sessions within the same horse were grouped into follow-up blocks when the interval between two successive sessions did not exceed 7 days. Only follow-up blocks containing at least three sessions were retained, resulting in 36 blocks, 126 sessions, and 18 horses. Each session included a warm-up, two 2000 m work blocks at increasing intensity, and recovery periods, while heart rate and speed were recorded using a Polar Team Pro system. Adjusted intraclass correlation coefficients indicated moderate reproducibility for CC during the first work block (CC B1: 0.67, 95% CI 0.48–0.78), heart rate recovery (HRR) after B1 (0.60, 0.40–0.73) and B2 (0.66, 0.47–0.78), and V150 (0.59, 0.39–0.73), whereas V180, recovery speed, and CC during B2 showed poor reproducibility. Reproducibility of CC B1 and HRR was preserved after adjustment for ambient temperature. In the full dataset, V200 increased with age, consistent with previous field-test literature. The minimal detectable change was 0.04 beats·m⁻¹ for CC B1 and 26 bpm for HRR after B1. These findings suggest that CC B1, HRR, and V150 may be useful indicators for short-term monitoring, although results should be interpreted considering the single-yard design. Full article

Metformin-associated lactic acidosis (MALA) involves mitochondrial Complex I inhibition, traditionally diagnosed via indirect markers. We present platelet high-resolution respirometry (HRR) as a novel “liquid biopsy” to directly quantify metformin-induced systemic bioenergetic lesions. A 65-year-old diabetic male presented with severe lactic acidosis, acute kidney injury, and profound hypoglycemia after intentionally overdosing on metformin (120 g), dapagliflozin (600 mg), and insulin glargine (300 U). While hemodialysis cleared plasma metformin and resolved the acidosis, refractory hypoglycemia required high-dose IV glucose for over six days. Day 2 platelet HRR revealed severe Complex I inhibition despite significantly decreased plasma metformin, indicating a profound “toxicodynamic lag.” Mitochondrial bioenergetics recovered by Day 7, reflecting natural platelet turnover. The protracted hypoglycemia was driven by a synergistic triad: metformin-inhibited gluconeogenesis, insulin glargine’s prolonged depot effect, and dapagliflozin-induced persistent renal glucose wasting. Platelet HRR has the potential to be a clinically applicable tool to reveal the “hidden” cellular phase of metformin toxicity missed by standard biomarkers. Furthermore, clinicians must anticipate severe, protracted hypoglycemia in mixed overdoses involving SGLT2 inhibitors. Full article

Background/Objectives: Determining homologous recombination repair (HRR) status in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is essential to ensure access to targeted therapies, particularly PARP inhibitors. Yet, variability in testing access and analysis performance exists. This study evaluated feasibility and outcomes of a centralized HRR testing strategy in Spain for prostate cancer patients. Methods: A total of 1412 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor samples from mCRPC patients from 89 Spanish institutions within a centralized multicenter molecular testing program were analyzed using a standardized 38-gene-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay in a central laboratory (HRR OncoKit, Health in Code, Valencia, Spain), which included five clinically relevant HRR genes: BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, ATM, and CDK12. Results: HRR gene pathogenic or likely pathogenic alterations were identified in 18% (CI 95% = 16–20) of the patients, with BRCA2 being the most frequently altered gene (6%), followed by ATM (5%), CDK12 (4%), BRCA1 (2%), and CHEK2 (1%). Eleven percent had variants of uncertain significance. Only 13% of the samples were rejected due to poor DNA quality, low tumor content or sample age exceeding 5 years, and 2% of the samples analyzed failed since the minimum library technical quality score was not achieved. The average turnaround time for results was 18 ± 3 days. Conclusions: Centralized HRR testing in mCRPC patients in Spain was feasible, efficient and reliable, identifying pathogenic alterations in 18% of the cases, similarly to the prevalence described in the literature. This testing approach facilitates precision medicine by improving the detection of actionable HRR alterations. Full article

This study aimed to develop and validate a brief measure of hope for romantic relationships (HRR), conceptualized as a future-oriented evaluation of relational continuity and quality. The sample consisted of 525 participants. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a unidimensional structure, with strong factor loadings and good model fit. The scale showed good internal consistency and construct validity, being strongly associated with commitment while remaining distinct. Incremental validity analyses indicated that hope explained additional variance in psychological aggression and control of personal life beyond commitment, emerging as the strongest predictor. No significant effect was found for pre-supplementing behaviors. These findings support hope as a distinct construct reflecting expectations about the relationship’s future and suggest that the scale is a brief and reliable tool for assessing relational dynamics. Full article

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can cause persistent cardiovascular alterations, including autonomic dysfunction. Heart rate (HR) recovery (HRR) after exercise is a simple marker of autonomic modulation associated with functional capacity and clinical prognosis. Evaluating HRR during the six-minute walk test (6MWT) may help identify residual functional limitations in diverse patients. Objective: To compare pulmonary function, maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), functional capacity, dyspnea, fatigue, and functional status in post-COVID-19 patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 75 adults (mean age: 47.6 ± 13.1 years; 54.7% male) who recovered from COVID-19 divided into 2 groups based on HRR 1 min after the 6MWT: delayed (≤12 beats/min); and non-delayed (>12 beats/min). Pulmonary function, MIP, exercise capacity (via 6MWT), dyspnea, muscle fatigue, and functional status were assessed. Results: Based on HRR 1 min after 6MWT, 27 (36%) participants were classified with abnormal HRR and 48 (64%) with normal HRR. There were statistical differences between the groups regarding demographic or clinical characteristics, pulmonary function, MIP, muscle fatigue, or functional status (p > 0.05). The delayed HRR group exhibited a smaller reduction in HR in first minute of recovery (ΔHR = 6 vs. 23 beats/min), higher baseline HR (p = 0.010), and greater dyspnea (p = 0.020). Furthermore, this group exhibited worse functional performance in the 6MWT, with shorter distance walked (437.33 vs. 494.27 m; p = 0.019) and a lower percentage of predicted distance (74.66 ± 12.98% vs. 82.94 ± 15.71%; p = 0.023) compared with the non-delayed HRR group. Conclusion: Delayed HRR post-COVID-19 was associated with poorer functional performance and greater dyspnea, regardless of pulmonary function. The blunted reduction in HRR after exertion suggests impaired cardiovascular autonomic modulation, possibly related to attenuated vagal reactivation, which may contribute to exercise intolerance observed in this population. Full article

This study investigates the role of injection duration in marine diesel engine combustion within an optimised operating framework. While injection parameters are typically analysed in isolation, their interaction within a coupled engine system remains insufficiently understood, particularly under realistic operating conditions. To address this gap, a structured methodology integrating one-dimensional (1D) engine simulation and optimisation is applied to evaluate the sensitivity of injection duration around optimised operating points across multiple engine loads. The approach is based on a calibrated engine model developed in WAVE, coupled with an optimisation framework to determine load-dependent optimal control parameters. Injection duration is then systematically varied around its optimised values to assess its influence on engine performance, emissions, and heat release rate (HRR). This enables the evaluation of the robustness of the optimised solution under realistic deviations. The results demonstrate that injection duration governs the transition between premixed and diffusion-controlled combustion, directly influencing heat release structure, combustion stability, and emissions formation. Longer injection durations promote mixing-limited combustion, leading to reduced peak temperatures and lower nitrogen oxide (NO_x) emissions, but increased incomplete combustion products, including carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned hydrocarbons (HCs), due to reduced oxidation efficiency. These effects are strongly load-dependent, with part-load operation showing higher sensitivity. The study provides a system-level interpretation of injection duration as a control variable rather than an isolated parameter, offering new insight into its role in combustion regime transitions and engine response. The proposed framework enables a more physically consistent understanding of injection control in modern electronically controlled marine diesel engines and supports the development of robust optimisation and calibration strategies. Full article