Search Results (1,875)

Image processing has been widely adopted as an effective technology for analyzing weld forming quality which is greatly affected by the welding process parameters. In this paper, an L₂₅(5³) orthogonal experiment is designed to investigate the effects of welding process parameters on the weld forming quality in laser welding of aluminum alloy. The weld characteristics including the weld width (WW), weld penetration (PD), weld area (WA) and weld porosity (WP) under the conditions of the different welding process parameters consisting of the laser power (LP), welding speed (WS) and defocus distance (DD) are extracted from the laser welding experiment based on image processing. The effectiveness of the weld characteristics extraction method is verified by comparing the extracted results with the measured results. It is found that the WW, PD and WA are all significantly influenced by the LP among the three welding process parameters while the influences of the three process parameters on the WP are insignificant. The DD has a significant influence on the PD and the WS has a significant influence on the WA. The corresponding significance of influence is lower than the significance of influence of LP. The analysis results are conducive to the optimization of laser welding process parameters and improvement of welding quality. Full article

This study describes and validates a novel method for assessing anterior crystalline lens curvature along vertical and horizontal meridians using radial measurements derived from Scheimpflug imaging. The aim was to evaluate whether pupil diameter (PD), anterior lens curvature, and anterior chamber depth (ACD) change during accommodation and whether these changes are age-dependent. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 104 right eyes from healthy participants aged 21–62 years. Sixteen radial images per eye were acquired using the Galilei Dual Scheimpflug Placido Disk Topographer under four accommodative demands (0, 1, 3, and 5 dioptres (D)). Custom software analysed lens curvature by calculating eccentricity in both meridians. Participants were analysed as a total group and by age subgroups. Accommodative amplitude and monocular accommodative facility were inversely correlated with age. Both PD and ACD significantly decreased with higher accommodative demands and age. Relative eccentricity decreased under accommodation, indicating increased lens curvature, especially in younger participants. Significant curvature changes were detected in the horizontal meridian only, although no statistically significant differences between meridians were found overall. The vertical meridian showed slightly higher eccentricity values, suggesting that it remained less curved. By enabling detailed, meridionally stratified in vivo assessment of anterior lens curvature, this novel method provides a valuable non-invasive approach for characterizing age-related biomechanical changes during accommodation. The resulting insights enhance our understanding of presbyopia progression, particularly regarding the spatial remodelling of the anterior lens surface. Full article

It is well established that combining exercise with medication may benefit functionality in individuals with PD (Parkinson’s disease). However, the long-term evolution of gait biomechanics under this combination remains poorly understood. Objectives: This study aims to analyze the evolution of spatiotemporal gait parameters, kinetics, and kinematics throughout a long-term exercise program conducted in water and on dry land. Methods: We have compared the trajectories of biomechanical variables across the treatment phases using statistical parametric mapping (SPM). A cohort of fourteen individuals with PD (mean age: 65.6 ± 12.1 years) participated in 24 sessions of aquatic exercises over three months, followed by a three-month retention phase, and then 24 additional sessions of land-based exercises. Three-dimensional gait data and spatiotemporal parameters were collected before and after each phase. Two-way ANOVA with repeated measures was used to compare spatiotemporal parameters. Results: The walking speed increased while the duration of the double support phase decreased. Additionally, the knee extensor moment consistently increased in the entire interval from midstance to midswing (20% to 70% of the stride period), approaching normal gait patterns. Regarding kinematics, significant increases were observed in both hip and knee flexion angles. Furthermore, the abnormal ankle dorsiflexion observed at the foot strike disappeared. Conclusions: These findings collectively suggest positive adaptations in gait biomechanics during the observation period. Full article

Freezing of gait (FoG) impairs mobility and daily functioning and increases the risk of falls, leading to a reduced quality of life (QoL) in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The Cue2walk, a wearable smart cueing device, can detect FoG and hereupon provides rhythmic cues to help people with PD manage FoG in daily life. This study investigated the user experiences and device usage of the Cue2walk, and its impact on health-related QoL, FoG and daily activities. Twenty-five users of the Cue2walk were invited to fill out an online survey, which included a modified version of the EQ-5D-5L, tailored to the use of the Cue2walk, and its scale for health-related QoL, three FoG-related questions, and a question about customer satisfaction. Sixteen users of the Cue2walk completed the survey. Average device usage per day was 9 h (SD 4). Health-related QoL significantly increased from 5.2/10 (SD 1.3) to 6.2/10 (SD 1.3) (p = 0.005), with a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.83). A total of 13/16 respondents reported a positive effect on FoG duration, 12/16 on falls, and 10/16 on daily activities and self-confidence. Customer satisfaction was 7.8/10 (SD 1.7). This pilot study showed that Cue2walk usage per day is high and that 15/16 respondents experienced a variety of positive effects since using the device. To validate these findings, future studies should include a larger sample size and a more extensive set of questionnaires and physical measurements monitored over time. Full article

Background: Despite growing interest in the literature on Parkinson’s disease (PD) on cognitive functioning, financial incompetence—a crucial aspect of daily living—and its modulation susceptibility by PD treatment regimens remains relatively understudied. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize existing evidence on how PD treatments affect financial capacity, assessing both direct financial competence and cognitive or behavioral proxies of financial decision-making. Methods: A comprehensive literature search according to PRISMA protocol was conducted across major biomedical databases, supplemented by gray literature and manual reference list checks. Eligible studies assessed financial capacity directly or indirectly through cognitive proxies (e.g., executive function, decision-making) or financial risk behaviors (e.g., impulse control disorders). Two separate meta-analyses were performed. Heterogeneity (I²), publication bias (Egger’s test), and sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess robustness. Results: Twenty-three studies met inclusion criteria. One study directly measured financial capacity and was analyzed narratively, reporting diminished competence in patients on levodopa therapy. A meta-analysis of cognitive proxies (10 studies) showed a moderate effect size (Hedges’ g = 0.70, 95% CI [0.45, 0.92], p < 0.001), indicating that PD treatments negatively affect executive function and financial decision-making. A second meta-analysis of impulse control and financial risk behaviors (12 studies) revealed a larger effect size (Hedges’ g = 0.98, 95% CI [0.75, 1.22], p < 0.001), strongly linking dopamine agonists to increased financial risk-taking. Moderate heterogeneity (I² = 45.8–60.5%) and potential publication bias (Egger’s test p = 0.027) were noted. Conclusions: These findings suggest that PD treatments negatively impact financial decision-making both directly and indirectly through cognitive and behavioral pathways. Integrating financial decision-making assessments into PD care, particularly for patients on dopamine agonists, is recommended. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies and standardized neuropsychological measures to guide clinical practice and optimize patient outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Falls are recognized as a leading cause of injury, with approximately one in ten incidents resulting in physical injury. Although virtual reality (VR)-based interventions have been explored for fall prevention, systematic reviews and meta-analyses remain limited. This study aimed to assess research trends and evaluate the effectiveness of VR-based fall prevention through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: This review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was carried out in PubMed, EBMASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane Library, and Korean databases from their inception through 31 December 2024. A total of 49 studies met the inclusion criteria, and a meta-analysis was conducted on 37 studies with available data using “R” 4.4.1 software. Effect sizes (ESs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for key outcomes. Results: The VR-based interventions showed a statistically significant positive effect on falls self-efficacy, as measured by the Falls Efficacy Scale (FES) (ES = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.17–0.39, p < 0.001). However, no significant reduction was observed in the number of falls (ES = −0.31, 95% CI: −0.80–0.17, p = 0.20). Subgroup analysis by participant medical condition for the FES revealed the largest effects in the Parkinson’s disease (PD) group (ES = 0.61), followed by the multiple sclerosis (MS) (ES = 0.34), the “other” group (ES = 0.25), and “healthy” participants (ES = 0.24). A statistically significant reduction in the number of falls was observed only in the MS group (ES = −0.56). Conclusions: VR-based interventions are effective in improving falls self-efficacy, particularly among individuals with neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. However, evidence for a reduction in actual fall incidence remains limited. Further large-scale, long-term studies are needed to evaluate the sustained impact of VR interventions on fall prevention outcomes. Full article

Background: Peyronie’s disease (PD) is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the penile albuginea. Oxidative stress (OS) plays a crucial role in the development of the disease, prompting us to investigate OS levels at the site of the disease and in peripheral blood. This article presents our second study in which the OS was evaluated by calculating the OS index (OSI) in blood samples taken directly from the penile corpora cavernosa of patients with PD. Our innovative diagnostic method, which focuses on the analysis of oxidative stress (OS) in the corpora cavernosa of the penis, allows us to accurately identify the “chemical” signals (OS levels) of the pathology in the area where it is present. Methods: Our study included 102 PD patients from our Peyronie’s care center and 100 control cases. To conduct a comprehensive OS analysis, we measured both the total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) and calculated the oxidative stress index (OSI) as OSI = TOS/TAS × 100. Blood samples were collected from the penis and a vein in the upper extremity, and OS was measured using d-ROMs and PATs (FRAS kit). Results: Pearson’s analyses revealed a significant statistical correlation between penile OSI values and PD plaque volumes (p = 0.003), while no correlation was found between systemic OSI values and plaque volumes (p = 0.356). Penile OSI values decreased significantly after PD plaque removal (p < 0.0001). A comparison of penile OSI values in PD patients (post plaque removal) and the control group showed no significant differences (p = 0.418). Conclusions: The lack of correlation between systemic OSI values and Peyronie’s plaque volume suggests that direct sampling from the site of the disease is preferable for OS studies. Conducting a penile OSI study could provide a precise oxidative marker dependent on plaque volume. In addition, the penile OSI study can biochemically monitor the therapeutic result, alongside penile ultrasound imaging. Full article

In this paper, we propose an optoelectronic feed-forward millimeter-wave generator based on the Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI) structure. The phase noise of the local oscillation (LO) input is extracted by loop design and used for phase noise suppression of the output, thereby optimizing the phase noise performance of the generator output. The scheme achieves separation of the phase noise by using an MZI structure and a mixing-frequency oscillator to realize the differential and integration process of the phase noise from the LO input source, respectively. Then, it is combined with a feed-forward operation to skillfully realize phase noise rejection of the resulting high-frequency output. The proposed scheme has been demonstrated to facilitate millimeter-wave generation at 40 GHz and 50 GHz. The measured phase noise is as low as −120 dBc/Hz at a 10 kHz offset, and the experimental setup achieves phase noise suppression of up to 36 dB at this frequency offset. Through systematic theoretical analysis and experimental verification, the excellent capabilities of the proposed scheme in high-frequency signal generation and phase noise suppression are fully demonstrated, which provides a new technological path for high-performance millimeter-wave generation, avoiding the deterioration of the phase noise introduced using high-frequency optoelectronic devices other than photodetectors (PDs) to process the signals. Full article

This study aimed to assess the extent of vitamin B₁ and B₆ vitamer loss during a single peritoneal dialysis (PD) session using a combination of chromatographic techniques and chemometric analysis. Dialysis effluent samples were collected from 41 PD patients (22 on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and 19 on automated peritoneal dialysis (APD)) during a standardised peritoneal equilibration test. Concentrations of thiamine monophosphate, thiamine diphosphate (ThDP), pyridoxine, pyridoxal (PL), and pyridoxamine were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector. The analytical method was validated in terms of sensitivity, linearity, accuracy, and recovery. Multiple regression analysis was employed to identify potential clinical and demographic predictors of vitamin washout. All vitamers except pyridoxal 5-phosphate (PLP) were detectable in dialysis effluents. ThDP exhibited the greatest loss among the B₁ forms (ca. 0.05–0.57 mg/24 h), while PL exhibited the most significant loss among the B₆ forms (ca. 0.01–0.19 mg/24 h). Vitamin losses varied depending on the dialysis modality (continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, or CAPD, versus automated peritoneal dialysis, or APD) and the peritoneal transport category. Regression analysis identified body weight, haemoglobin, and haematocrit as independent predictors of ThDP washout (R² = 0.58). No statistically robust models were established for the other vitamers. Even short medical procedures (such as single PD) can result in measurable losses of water-soluble vitamins, particularly ThDP and PL. The results emphasise the importance of personalised vitamin supplementation for PD patients and suggest that body composition and haematological parameters significantly influence the loss of thiamine. Full article

Measurable changes in electrophysiology have been documented in spaceflight, creating a pathway for disease genesis and progression in astronauts. These electrophysiology changes can be measured using potential difference (PD). A probe to measure PD was developed and is used clinically on Earth; this probe relies on fluid perfusion to establish an electrical connection to make PD measurements. The changes to fluid behavior in microgravity and partial gravity (including lunar and Martian gravity) drives the need to test this probe in a spaceflight environment. Here, we test the PD probe in a novel nasal cavity phantom in parabolic flight, simulating microgravity, lunar gravity, Martian gravity, and hypergravity conditions across 37 parabolas. The results are evaluated across gravity conditions using the Wilcoxon Rank Sum test. We record no statistically significant difference in probe PD measurements in 1 g, microgravity, lunar gravity, and hypergravity (approximately 1.8 g) conditions, reaching a NASA Technology Readiness Level 6. Martian gravity findings are inconclusive. Perfusion-based PD probes are therefore successfully demonstrated for use in spaceflight operation in microgravity, lunar gravity, and hypergravity environments; this establishes a foundation for moving towards the in-space testing of perfusion-based probes in astronauts. Full article

ATP13A2 is a lysosomal polyamine transporter with loss of function mutations linked to multiple neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson’s disease (PD). Knockout of ATP13A2 in mice leads to age-related sensorimotor impairments and in the brain lipofuscinosis, gliosis, and modest alpha-synuclein (αSyn) pathology. However, few studies have included ATP13A2 heterozygous mice as a comparison. In the present study, the effect of reduced or complete loss of ATP13A2 function on behavior, αSyn, gliosis, dopamine, and polyamines were determined in mice. Male and female ATP13A2 wildtype (WT), heterozygous (Het), and knockout (KO) mice were assessed behaviorally at 3, 12, and 18 months of age. In the brain, αSyn, phosphorylated αSyn, and GFAP were measured in the prefrontal cortex, striatum, ventral midbrain, and cerebellum. Polyamine and neurotransmitter analyses were performed in the same brain regions. Similar to previous studies, KO mice developed motor impairments and widespread gliosis in the brain. In addition, polyamine content was altered in Het and KO mice. In contrast, Het mice showed impairments in cognitive function and an age-related increase in αSyn in the brain. These results indicate potentially different pathological mechanisms when ATP13A2 is reduced compared to when it is knocked out and may have important implications for disease modification in synucleinopathies including PD. Full article

Chronic inflammation plays a central role in the progression and complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The nod-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway has emerged as a crucial mediator of the inflammatory response in CKD. This cross-sectional study evaluated the expression of NLRP3 in patients with CKD undergoing different treatments. Blood samples were collected from 32 non-dialysis (ND) patients [63 (11.2) years, estimated glomerular filtration rate, 43.5 (22.0) mL/min, BMI, 29.5 (10.0) kg/m²)], 50 hemodialysis (HD) patients [48.5 (16.5) years, 60.5 (50) months on HD, BMI, 24.2 (4.9) kg/m²)], and 8 peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients [56.5 (8.5) years, 40.5 (41.2) months on PD, BMI, 28.8 (2.6) kg/m²)]. The mRNA expression level of NLRP3 was measured using real-time PCR. The cytokines and the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were also assessed. The results indicated that the mRNA level of NLRP3 was significantly elevated in patients undergoing HD (1.23, IQR = 0.95) compared with that in non-dialysis patients (0.79, IQR = 0.35) and in patients undergoing PD (0.77, IQR = 0.38) after adjusting for confounding variables, including age, sex, BMI, and dialysis duration. Furthermore, the MDA levels were significantly higher in HD patients. NLRP3 is upregulated in HD patients, and the results suggested that the inflammasome may be associated with oxidative stress in patients with CKD. Full article

Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is an immune checkpoint protein. The soluble form of PD-L1 (sPD-L1) and PD-L1 derived from small extracellular vesicles (sEVPD-L1) are promising cancer biomarkers. While sEVPD-L1 in particular may contribute to immune evasion and is associated with a poor prognosis, it exists only in trace amounts, making it difficult to detect using conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. Therefore, we developed an ultrasensitive detection method, TN-cyclon™. The TN-cyclon™ method combines sandwich ELISA with enzyme cycling amplification. We applied TN-cyclon™ to measure recombinant PD-L1 protein and sEVPD-L1 in serum samples from cancer patients and healthy donors. Recombinant PD-L1 protein was measured with an ultrasensitive detection limit of 0.172 pg/mL. In clinical specimens, sEVPD-L1 levels were significantly higher in lung cancer patients than in healthy donors, whereas sPD-L1 levels measured with a conventional ELISA did not differ significantly between groups. Our results demonstrated that the TN-cyclon™ method exhibits a 20-fold increase in sensitivity compared to a conventional ELISA. Although this is a pilot study, our new assay enables the detection of very low concentrations of sEVPD-L1 in serum that can be used to evaluate the predictive and prognostic performance of sEVPD-L1 in lung cancer patients in future studies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer therapy; however, reliable biomarkers of therapeutic efficacy remain limited. We investigated the clinical utility of plasma WFDC2 levels in patients receiving anti-PD-1 antibody treatment. Methods: Twenty-one patients with non-small cell lung, gastric, or bladder cancer received nivolumab or pembrolizumab. Plasma WFDC2 concentrations were measured by ELISA before ICI treatment (pre-ICI) and after two and four treatment cycles. Associations between WFDC2 expression changes and overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and tumor progression were assessed. ROC curve analyses compared the predictive performance of WFDC2, soluble PD-L1 (sPD-L1), soluble PD-1 (sPD-1), and their combinations, with the area under the curve (AUC) evaluating predictive accuracy. Results: Levels of WFDC2 pre-ICI and those after two cycles were significantly higher than levels in healthy donors. However, no significant differences in WFDC2 levels were found between the time points during treatment. Greater increases in WFDC2 levels were significantly correlated with shorter OS (p = 0.002), shorter PFS (p = 0.037), and tumor progression (p = 0.003). ROC analysis revealed that WFDC2 achieved a higher AUC (0.700) than sPD-L1 (0.538) or sPD-1 (0.650). Combining biomarkers improved the predictive accuracy, with sPD-L1 plus WFDC2 showing the highest AUC (0.825). Conclusions: Serial increases in plasma WFDC2 are associated with poor clinical outcomes, highlighting its potential as a biomarker. Baseline plasma WFDC2 outperformed sPD-L1 and sPD-1 diagnostically. These findings should be interpreted as exploratory and hypothesis-generating, requiring confirmation in larger, tumor-specific cohorts with multivariate adjustment. WFDC2 represents a promising minimally invasive biomarker for the early identification of patients unlikely to benefit from ICI therapy. Full article

Background/Objectives: Anatomical and functional damage of the mitral valve (MV) apparatus in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is secondary to left ventricular (LV) injury, leading to functional mitral regurgitation (FMR). Real-time four-dimensional echocardiography (RT 4DE) is a useful imaging technique in different pathologies, including DCM. Left atrial (LA) strain, as measured by left atrium quantification software, is an accurate technique for evaluating increased filling pressure. The MV has a complex three-dimensional morphology and motion. Four-dimensional echocardiography (4DE) has revolutionized clinical imaging of the mitral valve apparatus. This study aims (1) to characterize the mitral annulus (MA) parameters in patients with DCM and advanced-stage heart failure (HF) according to etiology and (2) to find correlations between left atrial function and MA remodeling in this group of patients, using 4DE quantification software. Methods: A total of 82 patients with DCM and an LV ejection fraction ≤ 40% were recruited. Conventional 2DE and RT 4DE were conducted in DCM patients with a compensated phase of HF before discharge. The measured parameters were left atrial reservoir strain (LASr), annular area (AA), annular perimeter (AP), anteroposterior diameter (A-Pd), posteromedial to anterolateral diameter (PM-ALd), commissural distance (CD), interregional distance (ITD), annular height (AH), nonplanar angle (NPA), tenting height (TH), tenting area (TA), and tenting volume (TV). Results: Measured parameters revealed more advanced damage of LA and MA parameters in ischemic compared to nonischemic etiology. Univariate analysis identified AA, AP, A-Pd, PM-ALd, CD, ITD, TH, TA, and TV (p < 0.0001) as determinants of LASr. Including these parameters in a stepwise multivariate logistic regression, PM-ALd (p = 0.03), TH (p = 0.043), and TV (p = 0.0001) were the best predictors of LAsr in these patients. Conclusions: The results of this study revealed the correlation between LA function depression and MA remodeling in patients with DCM. Full article