Search Results (162)

Background/Objectives: Human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) are major determinants of successful allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Their alleles are closely linked to outcomes, even in HLA-identical sibling donor (ISD) HSCT. This retrospective study analyzed the impact of HLA alleles on HLA-ISD HSCT outcomes in Omani patients. Methods: Data were collected for a heterogenous cohort of patients registered at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), who underwent HLA-ISD HSCT from 2012 to 2022 (n = 153). HSCT outcomes, namely acute GVHD (aGVHD), chronic GVHD (cGVHD), chimerism status (complete or mixed) at 6 to 12 months after HSCT, neutrophil and platelet engraftment time, and patient five-year overall survival, were included. Low-resolution HLA-typing records were collected for five HLA loci: HLA-A, B, C, DRB1 and DQB1. GVHD and chimerism were analyzed by logistic regression analysis. Platelet and neutrophil engraftment times were assessed by Mann–Whitney tests. Patient overall survival was evaluated by the Kaplan–Meier model and Log-rank testing. At a 95% confidence interval, the p-value threshold was corrected using Bonferroni correction. Results: The incidence rates of aGVHD and cGVHD from all grades were 16% and 15%, respectively. Although no association between HLA alleles or any of the investigated outcomes was identified, survival curve analyses indicated a significant protective effect of HLA-DQB1*05 (p = 0.01). Patients carrying this allele had a better-estimated 5-year overall survival (90%) than did DQB1*05 negative patients (68%). Conclusions: This study suggests that HLA-DQB1*05 in the Omani population could have an impact on overall survival and might be a predictive biomarker. Further studies on a larger scale in other regional populations are needed to validate our findings and explore the underlying mechanism. Full article

This paper presents the design and development of a reconfigurable circular array antenna capable of producing ten distinct radiation beams, intended for wireless systems in the sub-6 GHz frequency band. The antenna structure is based on four pentagon-shaped radiating elements arranged symmetrically around a central circular patch, which is excited through a coaxial feed. These radiating elements are linked by four circular segments, ensuring mutual coupling for effective operation. A systematic dimensional analysis has been conducted to optimize electromagnetic performance, resulting in a compact and efficient architecture. The beam reconfiguration is achieved through the control of four PIN diodes, which allow the main radiation beam to switch among ten different orientations in the azimuth plane. Specifically, the antenna supports eight directional states, oriented at 45° intervals, and two additional bidirectional states covering opposite directions. A prototype has been fabricated and experimentally validated, confirming the steering capability of ±40° in both the XZ and YZ planes. Performance evaluation shows a maximum gain of 9.29 dBi and efficiency levels ranging from 91% to 97%. Bandwidth varies across states, with 9.72% for S1–S7, 7.45% for S2–S8, and 4.61% for S9–S10. Overall, the proposed design demonstrates optimized bandwidth, gain, efficiency, and complete azimuthal coverage. Full article

Background/Objectives: Little is known about the synergy between intratumoral immunotherapy and cancer ablation. We conducted a Phase II Trial (Abscopal 5001 trial; NCT04713371) in patients with metastatic solid cancer to assess the safety and efficacy of cryoablation with concurrent injection of RPT-01-5001 (combination of low-dose checkpoint inhibitors and cyclophosphamide), a treatment process referred to as Multiplex Intratumoral Immunotherapy (MITI^TM). Methods: Twelve patients with metastatic cancer who had failed standard therapy and one with sacral chordoma received at least one intratumoral treatment of MITI preceded by 3–5 days of oral low-dose cyclophosphamide. MITI consisted of CT-guided cryoablation followed by intratumoral injection of RPT-01-5001. GM-CSF was subcutaneously administered daily for four weeks. Treatment was repeated every four weeks if the tumor burden remained stable or reduced, as noted by the iRECIST criteria. These criteria were modified when follow-up biopsies revealed pathology with minimal or no cancer, despite persistent suspicious masses on imaging. Results: Cancers included prostate (four patients), sarcoma (two), and one each of breast, colon, bladder, uterine cervix, tongue, kidney, and sacral chordoma. Eight patients received three cycles of treatment, two received two, and three received one. All patients tolerated the procedure well and were discharged within 2 h. The adverse event rate was 69%, all of which were grade 1 or 2, except for two grade 3 cases with delayed cryosurgical complications (15%). At completion of up to three cycles of treatment, a complete response (iCR) was observed in one patient (7.7%), partial response (iPR) in four patients (30.8%), and stable disease (iSD) in five (38.5%), with a disease control rate (iDCR) of 77%. Disparity between post-treatment imaging and pathologic findings was observed in four patients (positive vs. negative, respectively), requiring modification of the iRECIST criteria in favor of pathology. The best response ranged from 0 to 91%, with a mean for responding patients of 38%. Median progression-free survival (PFS) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were 5.4 months (1.8 to 23.1 months); and median overall survival (OS) was 20.9 months (9.1 to 22.8 months). The injection site cancer response was observed in nine (69%) patients, and the distal abscopal effect was seen in four (31%), including one sarcoma patient with a complete abscopal response of lung metastases and one bladder cancer patient with biopsy-confirmed complete resolution of lung and liver metastases. Conclusions: MITI with RPT-01-5001 is safe and highly feasible, providing 77% disease control and 31% of the abscopal effect in patients with metastatic cancer who have failed standard therapies. Full article

The inerter is a device that produces a force proportional to the relative acceleration of both inerter terminals. When combined with springs and dampers in a vehicle suspension system, it forms an inerter–spring–damper (ISD) suspension. This structure shows significant advantages in improving vehicle ride comfort and road friendliness. This paper systematically reviews research progress on ISD suspension. First, the working principle and structural types of the inerter are introduced. Then, an overview of the breakdown phenomena and nonlinear characteristics of ISD suspension is provided, followed by a systematic analysis of ISD suspension structure designs. Next, the control strategies for ISD suspension are discussed, along with their applications in the automotive field. Finally, the paper outlines the main challenges in current inerter research and explores its potential applications in vehicle suspensions. This work can provide a reference for the development of inerter and ISD suspension technologies. Full article

Background/Objectives: A thorough understanding of spinal anatomy is essential for diagnostic assessment and surgical intervention. Interspinous distance (ISD), neuroforaminal dimensions (NFDs), and disc space height (DSH) have each been studied separately; however, their interrelationship remains unstudied. Given the use of interspinous implants as a minimally invasive treatment for lumbar stenosis and degenerative disc disease, defining these relationships is of growing clinical significance. This study investigates the correlation between ISD and both NFDs and DSH in a normative population and whether ISD varies with demographic factors. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on 852 patients who underwent CT imaging of the lumbar spine. ISD was measured from L1 to L5 as the shortest distance between the most caudal tip of the superior spinous process and the inferior spinous process. DSH was measured at the anterior, middle, and posterior margins. NFDs were assessed in axial and sagittal views, including axial width, craniocaudal height, and foraminal area. Statistical analysis assessed correlations between ISD, NFDs, DSH, and demographic variables. Results: No strong correlation was observed between ISD and either NFDs or DSH. Slightly greater correlation was present at L1–L3, weakening at L4–L5, where interspinous implants are most commonly placed. Demographic analysis revealed no consistent relationship between ISD and ethnicity, sex, or BMI. While it may be expected that larger ISD correlates with greater NFDs or DSH, our findings do not support this assumption. Conclusions: ISD does not strongly correlate with NFDs or DSH, and demographic factors do not significantly influence ISD in a healthy population. Full article

In the practical physical structure of the electromagnetic inerter–spring–damper (EM–ISD) suspension, parasitic damping inevitably coexists with the mechanical inerter effect. To investigate the intrinsic influence of this parasitic effect on the suspension system’s performance, this study first establishes a quarter-vehicle dynamic model that incorporates parasitic damping, based on the actual configuration of the EM–ISD suspension. Subsequently, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is employed to optimize the key suspension parameters, with the objective of enhancing its comprehensive performance. The optimized parameters are then utilized to systematically analyze the dynamic characteristics of the suspension under the influence of parasitic damping. The results indicate that, compared to an ideal model that neglects parasitic damping, an increase in the parasitic damping coefficient leads to a deterioration in the root mean square (RMS) value of body acceleration, while concurrently reducing the RMS values of the suspension working space and dynamic tire load. However, by incorporating parasitic damping into the design considerations during the optimization phase, its adverse impact on ride comfort can be effectively mitigated. Compared with a traditional passive suspension, the optimized EM–ISD suspension, which accounts for parasitic damping, demonstrates superior performance. Specifically, the RMS values of body acceleration and suspension working space are significantly reduced by 11.1% and 17.6%, respectively, thereby effectively improving the vehicle’s ride comfort and handling stability. Full article

Background: Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) encompasses a range of conditions that can profoundly impact quality of life and intimate relationships. The primary classifications of FSD include female sexual interest and arousal disorder (FSIAD), genitopelvic pain and penetration disorder (GPPPD), female orgasmic disorder (FOD), and substance or medication-induced sexual dysfunction (SM-ISD). Despite its prevalence, FSD is often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Objectives: This scoping review follows Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to evaluate the existing literature on both U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved and off-label pharmacotherapies for FSD by study type, outcomes, and limitations. Eligibility Criteria: Eligible studies comprised randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, and cohort studies involving adult women (≥18 years) with any subtype of FSD. These studies assessed pharmacologic interventions against a comparator and reported at least one treatment efficacy outcome. Studies outside this scope were excluded. Sources of Evidence: A 25-year literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, reference lists of relevant articles, academic handbooks, and targeted journals. Charting Methods: Three independent reviewers screened and extracted data. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Findings were organized into summary tables and categorized by pharmaceutical agent, pertinent study information, outcomes, and limitations. Results: A total of 44 human-based pharmacologic studies met inclusion criteria. FDA-approved agents were the most thoroughly studied pharmacotherapies. Hormonal, topical, and adjunctive agents demonstrated less robust evidence. Heterogeneity in outcome measures and inadequate long-term data were common limitations. Conclusions: Pharmacologic treatment for FSD shows promise but requires further research. Individualized, multifaceted care is essential for optimizing FSD outcomes. Full article

To address the challenge of physically realizing fractional-order electrical networks, this study proposes an implementation method for a mechatronic inerter–spring–damper (ISD) suspension based on a fractional-order biquadratic transfer function. Building upon a previously established model of a mechatronic ISD suspension, the influence of parameter perturbations on the suspension’s dynamic performance characteristics was systematically investigated. Positive real synthesis was employed to determine the optimal five-element passive network structure for the fractional-order biquadratic electrical network. Subsequently, the Oustaloup filter approximation algorithm was utilized to realize the integer-order equivalents of the fractional-order electrical components, and the approximation effectiveness was analyzed through frequency-domain and time-domain simulations. Bench testing validated the effectiveness of the proposed method: under random road excitation at 20 m/s, the root mean square (RMS) values of the vehicle body acceleration, suspension working space, and dynamic tire load were reduced by 7.86%, 17.45%, and 2.26%, respectively, in comparison with those of the traditional passive suspension. This research provides both theoretical foundations and practical engineering solutions for implementing fractional-order transfer functions in vehicle suspensions, establishing a novel technical pathway for comprehensively enhancing suspension performance. Full article

Over the past few decades, electron beams have been widely used to treat malignant and benign tumors located in the superficial regions of patients. This study utilized an inorganic scintillator (Gd₂O₂S:Tb)-based radiation detector to test its response characteristics in an electron-beam radiotherapy environment, in order to determine the application potential of this detector in electron-beam therapy. Owing to the extremely high time resolution of this inorganic scintillator detector (ISD), it is even capable of measuring the pulse information of electron beams generated by the accelerator. The results indicate that for certain accelerator models, such as the IX3937, the pulse pattern of the output electron beam is notably different from that during the output of X-rays, showing no significant periodicity. The experimental results also demonstrate that this ISD exhibits excellent repeatability and dose linearity (R² of 0.9993) when measuring electron beams. Finally, the PDD (Percentage Depth Dose) curves and OAR (Off-Axis Ratio) curves of the ISD were also tested under electron-beam conditions at 6 MeV and 9 MeV, respectively. Full article

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as pivotal regulators in a multitude of biological processes. However, their functional basis, particularly structure-based functional characteristics, remains elusive. lncRNAs exert their influence primarily through intricate interactions with various cellular components. Among these, interactions with proteins have garnered increasing attention. Recent research highlights the significance of the interactions with proteins as a plausible mechanism underlying lncRNA functions. Here, we delve into the interactions between lncRNAs and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), explore their implications in cellular processes, and examine bioinformatic and experimental approaches for characterizing these interactions. We introduce an innovative ISD strategy to decipher the mysterious mechanism of lncRNAs. Through reviewing the recent advances in the study of proteins and their complexes, we incorporate the ISD strategy into our integrated structural analysis pipeline for comprehensively understanding the structure-function relationship of lncRNAs. Advances in the development of innovative therapeutic approaches based on lncRNA-protein interactions (LPIs) are reviewed accordingly. Full article

In plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) processes, thin films can accumulate on the inner chamber walls, resulting in particle contamination and process drift. In this study, we investigate the physical and chemical properties of these wall-deposited films to understand their spatial variation and impact on chamber maintenance. A 6-inch capacitively coupled plasma (CCP)-type PECVD system was used to deposit SiO₂ films, whilst long silicon coupons were attached vertically to the chamber side walls to collect contamination samples. The collected contamination samples were comparatively analyzed in terms of their chemical properties and surface morphology. The results reveal significant differences in hydrogen content and Si–O bonding configurations compared to reference films deposited on wafers. The top chamber wall, located near the plasma region, exhibited higher hydrogen incorporation and larger Si–O–Si bonding angles, while the bottom wall exhibited rougher surfaces with larger particulate agglomerates. These variations were closely linked to differences in gas flow dynamics, precursor distribution, and the energy state of the plasma species at different chamber heights. The findings indicate that top-wall contaminants are more readily cleaned due to their high hydrogen content, while bottom-wall residues may be more persistent and pose higher risks for particle generation. This study provides insights into wall contamination behavior in PECVD systems and suggests strategies for spatially optimized chamber cleaning and conditioning in high-throughput semiconductor processes. Full article

Non-invasive glucose monitoring has become a critical area of research for diabetes management, offering a less intrusive and more patient-friendly alternative to traditional methods such as finger-prick tests. This study presents a novel approach using a semi-solid tissue-mimicking phantom designed to replicate the dielectric properties of human skin and blood vessels. The phantom was simplified to focus solely on the skin layer, with embedded channels representing veins to achieve realistic glucose monitoring conditions. These channels were filled with D-(+)-Glucose solutions at varying concentrations (60 mg/dL to 200 mg/dL) to simulate physiological changes in blood glucose levels. A miniature patch antenna optimized to operate at 14 GHz with a penetration depth of approximately 1.5 mm was designed and fabricated. The antenna was tested in direct contact with the skin phantom, allowing for precise measurements of the changes in glucose concentration without interference from deeper tissue layers. Simulations and experiments demonstrated the antenna’s sensitivity to variations in glucose concentration, as evidenced by measurable shifts in the dielectric properties of the phantom. Importantly, the system enabled stationary measurements by injecting glucose solutions into the same blood vessels, eliminating the need to reposition the sensor while ensuring reliable and repeatable results. This work highlights the importance of shallow penetration depth in targeting close vessels for noninvasive glucose monitoring, and emphasizes the potential of microwave-based sensing systems as a practical solution for continuous glucose management. Full article

The resilience and regeneration of cork oak (Quercus suber L.) play a central role in sustaining the European oak landscape, particularly within the socio-economic and ecological frameworks of the Western Mediterranean. This species has a noticeable ability to withstand drought and temperature extremes. However, its natural regeneration is increasingly challenged by climate change and associated extreme weather events, as well as by competition among individuals for light, water, and nutrients. Monitoring this process in the field can be time-consuming, requiring the use of sampling techniques and the identification of appropriate inventory sampling design (ISD) schemes. Line transect (LT) and radial cluster (RC) inventory designs are widely used in ecological studies, botanical research, and plant species distribution assessments, as well as other environmental forestry studies. This research compares two inventory sampling designs (line transect vs. radial cluster) for inventorying and monitoring the dynamics of natural regeneration at the initial development stages of cork oak. In particular, this study evaluates the influences of inventory sampling design, time, and acorn density on the total living and dead seedlings over a two-year period, using the cork oak as a reference species in the Mediterranean climate of Northern Portugal. The results confirm the critical role of acorn availability in seedling regeneration dynamics within cork oak ecosystems and emphasize a temporal increase in the death of seedlings, markedly influenced by the day of year. The temporal component had a substantial impact on seedling mortality, which increased by 5.00‰ per day, meaning that one seedling died approximately every 200 days, whereas mortality spikes occur on specific days, suggesting temporal factors affecting seedling viability. The study also shows differences in regeneration estimates between the inventory designs. The line transect design records lower acorn density and seedlings than the radial cluster design. The results highlight an important but often overlooked source of variation in forest regeneration studies, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of inventory methods to ensure effective data collection and accurate representation of natural regeneration dynamics, ultimately supporting efforts to enhance cork oak regeneration and resilience against climate change and competitive pressures. Full article

Simultaneous eye tracking and cerebral hemodynamic monitoring contribute to the understanding of neural responses to stimuli in infants. However, exploring the impact of complex socioeconomic and environmental adversities on neurodevelopment requires transitioning this tool from research laboratories into clinical practice to evaluate its feasibility in outpatient contexts. Background/Objectives: This study aimed to present a protocol for simultaneously integrating functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) with eye tracking (ET) in infants at risk for neurodevelopmental disorders in a clinical setting with limited resources, during a cognitive task. Methods:The protocol was applied to infants in their first 12 months of life. The infants were exposed to tasks involving the processing of social and non-social stimuli, while their brain signals were monitored using fNIRS and their eyes were tracked with ET. The protocol included three main stages: (1) pre-collection, involving the preparation and habituation of the infants and equipment setup (fNIRS and ET); (2) cognitive function monitoring, using social and non-social stimuli to assess preferential processing via fNIRS and ET; and (3) post-collection, with guidelines for data pre-processing and analysis. Results: The application of the protocol allowed for the identification of technical challenges and the adaptation of procedures for clinical use. The main methodological challenges were difficulty using the conventional cap, excessive movement, synchronization issues between fNIRS and ET, and difficulties calibrating both devices across different age groups. Conclusions: The standardization proposed in this protocol enables healthcare professionals to explore different neurocognitive aspects in pediatric clinical settings and expands the scope of neurodevelopmental assessments. Full article

A unique isotonic sports drink (ISD) was created in this study using a pilot-scale short-wave ultraviolet light (UV-C, 892 mJ/cm², 20 °C) assisted by mild heat (UV-C/H, 534 mJ/cm², 50 °C), which was followed by the addition of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) extract (YME). Consumer perception and microbiological and physicochemical stability during refrigerated storage (4 °C/23 d) were assessed for the ISD. Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris (AA) spores and cocktails of yeasts and Escherichia coli were considerably inactivated by UV-C/H. The TEM and SEM micrographs showed that AA evidenced sustained severe structural damage. Furthermore, UV-C/H completely inactivated the native microbiota, while YME incorporation increased the initial aerobic mesophilic and mold-and-yeast populations by 0.48 and 0.70 log cycles, remaining stable during storage. YME addition enhanced total polyphenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activity by 2.7–3.7, 16.5–16.7 and 6.6–24.0 times compared to the untreated ISD and ISD-UVC/H samples. Except for sedimentation and turbidity, the other physical characteristics mostly did not change (going from 1494 ± 382 to 2151 ± 106 NTU). The initial 5-HMF value in the ISD was raised by UV-C/H treatment and YME addition. Notwithstanding, it stayed below the allowed threshold throughout storage. ISD-UVC/H+YME had a high overall acceptability score; 60% of panelists gave the drink a score of seven or higher. Additionally, the herbal taste of YME was well liked, and its bitterness was perceived as mild. These findings suggest that including YME and the UV-C/H treatment can produce an ISD of superior quality with distinct sensory attributes. Full article