Search Results (149)

This study systematically investigates the laser surface hardening (LSH) behavior of two medium carbon steels—the low alloy 42CrMo4 and the plain carbon C45—using a 4 kW high power diode laser (HPDL). The influence of laser parameters (power: 3.0–3.8 kW; scanning speed: 10–16 mm/s), post-laser quenching medium (oil vs. air), and, critically, the initial material condition (normalized “raw” vs. quenched and tempered “Q&T”) on the case hardening depth (CHD) was evaluated. Hardness profiles defined the CHD at a threshold of 392 HV1, and microstructural analysis was conducted via optical microscopy. The results demonstrate that prior conventional Q&T heat treatment of 42CrMo4 enhances the subsequent laser-hardened depth by approximately 27% compared to laser treatment of the normalized material under identical parameters, providing a quantitative basis for process optimization. For Q&T 42CrMo4, the quenching medium had an insignificant effect on CHD, with air cooling proving equally effective as oil across the tested parameter range, offering an empirically validated route for sustainable processing. In contrast, C45 exhibited a substantially lower and less parameter-sensitive CHD, constrained by its inherent low hardenability. This comparative analysis underscores that hardening depth in 42CrMo4 is linearly controllable via energy input, whereas for C45 it is hardenability-limited. This work establishes that an integrated approach combining conventional bulk heat treatment with diode laser hardening using air cooling offers a highly effective, controllable, and sustainable surface engineering route for high-performance alloy steels. Full article

Background and Objectives: In real-world NSCLC management, prognostic assessment extends beyond tumour staging and molecular profiling, which represent a partial timeframe of disease biology. Routinely collected inflammatory and haematological markers may better reflect the dynamic host–tumour interactions during treatment. This study assessed the prognostic significance of baseline and longitudinal neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and haemoglobin levels on survival outcomes in a real-world NSCLC cohort. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study of 615 patients with histologically confirmed NSCLC diagnosed between 1 May 2022 and 30 April 2024 at a tertiary referral centre in western Romania. Survival outcomes, including progression-free and overall survival, were analysed through Kaplan–Meier curves, complemented by 12-month restricted mean survival time estimates. High NLR was defined as ≥3 and low haemoglobin as <12 g/dL. Longitudinal changes were evaluated at 6 and 12 months, with 12-month analyses restricted to patients alive at that landmark. Results: The cohort had a median age of 66 years (IQR 60–72) and was predominantly male (66.3%). Most patients presented with advanced disease (60.3% stage IV, 23.6% stage III). At baseline, 57.1% (n = 351) exhibited high NLR and 39.8% (n = 245) had low haemoglobin. Median PFS was 9.0 months (IQR 4.5–15.5), and median OS was 16.5 months (IQR 8.5–27.0). Stage IV disease was associated with shorter PFS than stages I–II (7.0 vs. 20.8 months; log-rank p < 0.001). High-baseline NLR showed a borderline association with shorter PFS (adjusted HR 1.40; 95% CI 0.98–1.95). Among the 436 patients alive at 12 months, NLR increased in 56.7% of cases, and this increase showed a non-significant trend toward shorter PFS (HR 1.35; 95% CI 0.95–1.90; p = 0.09) in a 12-month landmark analysis. Conclusions: Baseline systemic inflammation and anaemia are highly prevalent in real-world NSCLC patients and cluster with advanced disease. Elevated NLR was associated with poorer survival outcomes, whereas low haemoglobin did not demonstrate a significant independent association in adjusted analyses. These haematological parameters are accessible tools for prognostic assessment in routine clinical practice. Full article

Background: Endometrial cancer (EC) represents one of the most prevalent gynecological malignancies worldwide, with increasing incidence rates attributed to rising obesity, metabolic syndrome, and demographic aging. Recent evidence suggests that dyslipidemia, including elevated triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), may have a significant role in the pathogenesis of EC through inflammatory, oxidative stress, and hormonal mechanisms. Objective: This meta-analysis aims to systematically evaluate the association between serum lipid biomarkers and endometrial cancer risk by synthesizing quantitative data from observational studies. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of five electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, and Cochrane) to identify studies examining lipid biomarkers in patients with EC compared to healthy controls. After screening 639 articles and applying rigorous inclusion/exclusion criteria, six studies were selected for final analysis. The standardized mean differences (SMD) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals using random-effects and fixed-effects models, considering heterogeneity assessed by the I² statistic. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger’s regression test. Results: The meta-analysis revealed significantly elevated TG levels in EC patients compared to controls (SMD +0.87, 95% CI [+0.65, +1.10]), markedly reduced HDL-C levels (SMD −0.92, 95% CI [−1.15, −0.69]), and increased LDL-C levels (SMD +0.74, 95% CI [+0.50, +0.98]). The heterogeneity was moderate to substantial, with an I² ranging from 49% to 62%. Subgroup analyses demonstrated stronger associations in Type I EC and obese patients (BMI > 30 kg/m²). Conclusions: This meta-analysis establishes a significant association between dyslipidemia and endometrial cancer risk, with elevated triglycerides and LDL-C conferring increased risk while HDL-C appears protective. These findings support the integration of lipid profiling into EC risk assessment protocols and suggest the potential preventive value of lipid-modulating interventions. Further studies are needed to establish causality and evaluate therapeutic applications. Full article

Laser surface hardening (LSH) is an efficient and flexible technique for improving the surface integrity of steel components used in high-load automotive applications. In this study, the surface changes occurring during laser hardening of 42CrMo4 steel were systematically investigated using a 4 kW high-power diode laser. The influence of laser power and scanning speed on surface roughness, hardness distribution, hardened layer depth, tribological behavior, and phase composition was analyzed. Surface topography was evaluated using three-dimensional laser scanning microscopy, while mechanical performance was assessed through microhardness and scratch testing. Phase transformations and residual structural changes were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) at different depths beneath the treated surface. The results demonstrate that laser processing parameters strongly affect surface integrity through competing mechanisms of surface melting, oxidation, and self-quenching. High laser power combined with low scanning speed produced deep hardened layers but promoted surface melting and retained austenite formation, whereas lower power and higher scanning speed yielded a stable martensitic surface with reduced roughness and a steep hardness gradient. XRD analysis confirmed that oxide formation was limited to the near-surface region, while the subsurface hardened zone consisted predominantly of martensitic/bainitic phases. An optimal processing window was identified that balances surface hardness, roughness, and microstructural stability without compromising surface integrity. These findings provide practical guidelines for optimizing diode laser hardening of 42CrMo4 steel gears in industrial automotive applications. Full article

Early enamel lesions result from pH imbalance in the oral cavity, causing subsurface de-mineralization. Resin infiltration has emerged as a minimally invasive treatment option that can halt lesion progression, filling and stabilizing enamel while improving esthetics and microhardness. Raman spectroscopy provides rapid, non-destructive analysis of enamel by detecting molecular vibrations that reflect its chemical composition and structural changes. It allows efficient characterization and depth profiling of dental tissues and materials. Raman spectra also enable quantitative assessment of compositional and structural alterations within enamel. This study aimed to assess the penetration depth of two experimental infiltration materials and a commercial resin within incipient demineralization enamel lesions using Raman spectroscopy. Artificial enamel lesions were created on three extracted human teeth. The samples were treated with a commercial resin infiltrate and two experimental resin infiltrates, with a modified recipe, following the manufacturer’s protocol. Each tooth was sectioned into a 1 mm thick disk. Raman spectra were recorded at sequential depths across both the control (untreated) and infiltrated surfaces of each disk. Characteristic peaks corresponding to infiltrate’s organic matrix and enamel’s phosphate and carbonate groups were employed for assessing penetration depth. Full article

The main goal of this paper is to present a new way of processing a video file using a combination of multiple quantum methods. The design is built upon the novel enhanced quantum representation technique, NEQR, which is then expanded using ideas such as image segmentation, implemented with the help of one or multiple comparators, binarization and cycle shift. This approach allows us to process all frames in parallel according to the desired parameters—one or more thresholds. A demonstration circuit for the proposed design, using a couple of frames, that sums together all the concepts is implemented using the Python programming language and Qiskit open-source framework, made available by IBM. The circuits are analyzed in the experimental section, using the Simulator component and configured using the noise properties of real devices, where we present different relevant metrics obtained by processing the simulation results. Full article

Despite major advances in guideline-directed cardiovascular therapy, residual cardiovascular risk persists, partly driven by oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and mitochondrial injury not fully addressed by current drugs. Translation of plant-based cardioprotectants is constrained by preparation-dependent variability in extract chemistry (plant part/cultivar/processing and extraction method), low and variable systemic exposure for key actives (notably curcuminoids and many polyphenols), and clinically relevant safety/interaction considerations (e.g., hepatotoxicity reports with concentrated green tea extracts and antiplatelet-related bleeding-risk considerations for some botanicals). We therefore provide a mechanism- and translation-oriented synthesis of evidence for cardioprotective botanicals, chosen for long-standing traditional use and scientific validation with reproducible experimental data and, where available, human studies, including Crataegus monogyna, Allium sativum, Olea europaea, Ginkgo biloba, Leonurus cardiaca, and Melissa officinalis. Across studies, polyphenols (especially flavonoids and phenolic acids) and organosulfur compounds are most consistently associated with cardioprotection, while terpene-derived constituents and secoiridoids contribute mechanistically in plant-specific settings (e.g., Ginkgo and Olea). Predominantly in experimental models, these agents engage redox-adaptive (Nrf2), mitochondrial (mPTP), endothelial, and inflammatory (NF-κB) pathways, with reported reductions in ischemia–reperfusion injury, oxidative damage, and apoptosis. Clinical evidence remains heterogeneous and is largely confined to short-term studies and surrogate outcomes (blood pressure, lipids, oxidative biomarkers, endothelial function), with scarce data on hard cardiovascular endpoints or event reduction. Priorities include standardized, chemotype-controlled formulations with PK/PD-guided dosing and adequately powered randomized trials that assess safety and herb–drug interactions. Full article

On 2021, in the intensive care unit of a County Emergency Hospital where oxygen therapy treatment was applied to COVID patients, located in the municipality of Ploiesti, Prahova County, a fire occurred that resulted in the destruction by burning of the ICU room, the death of two people, and the injury of a medical professional. In order to elucidate the accelerating causes of the combustion phenomenon of materials in the ICU room, a combustion stand was designed whose atmosphere can be controlled in terms of achieving high oxygen concentrations of 40% vol., in accordance with the treatment schemes applied to the patients and with the configuration of the room and the frequency of use of the access door. In this experimental stand, a series of combustion tests of flexible polyurethane foam samples were performed, which highlighted the acceleration of combustion and the complete consumption of the mass. The purpose of this work is to explain the rapidity of the fire in a hospital ward, both with experimental methods and with the help of FDS. Full article

In Romania’s wild flora, several Iris species exhibit important ornamental characteristics, such as early spring flowering and resilience to abiotic stress. This study assessed the behavior to new ecological conditions, the ornamental potential, and the antioxidant capacity of the wild species of Iris brandzae using morpho-anatomical, physiological, and biochemical biomarkers. The study of phenotypic characteristics (number and size of leaves on sterile and fertile shoots, size of flowering stems, bracts protecting the flowers, and perianth-segments) aimed to confirm and supplement existing information in the literature, as well as to evaluate the ornamental potential of this species. Morphological analyses revealed clear differences between fertile and sterile shoots, while photosynthetic activity across phenophases showed values within normal parameters, with the maximum recorded during flowering and with the chlorophyll a/chlorophyll b ratio maintained at values close to 3:1, indicating favorable cultivation conditions. Biochemical investigations (total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity) demonstrated that dried plant material, particularly roots, contained higher levels of phenolic and flavonoid compounds and exhibited stronger antioxidant activity compared to fresh material. By integrating morpho-anatomical, physiological, and biochemical data, this research provides the first comprehensive characterization of I. brandzae beyond taxonomic and ecological descriptions. Our findings emphasize the species behavior under cultivation conditions, its ornamental value, and its potential as a source of bioactive compounds relevant to pharmaceutical applications. Full article

Background and objectives: Urinary incontinence (UI) frequently coexists with female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Magnetic chair therapies—high-intensity focused electromagnetic stimulation (HIFEM) and extracorporeal magnetic innervation (ExMI)—are increasingly used for UI, but sexual outcomes are less well synthesized. We reviewed open-access clinical studies reporting Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and/or Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ) outcomes. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 and an OSF-registered protocol, we searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to 25 October 2025. Eligible studies enrolled adult women with UI, used chair-based magnetic stimulation, and reported FSFI and/or PISQ before and after treatment. Data were narratively synthesized. Results: Five studies (n ≈ 219; FSFI n ≈ 170; PISQ n = 49) met the criteria. Randomized and controlled data showed clinically relevant advantages for active therapy: FSFI between-group gains were +6.3 at 8 weeks for HIFEM+PFMT vs. PFMT and +5.63 at 14 weeks for pulsed magnetic stimulation vs. sham. Single-arm cohorts reported FSFI increases of +8.1 at 3 months and +9.4 to +10.0 by ~6–12 months. PISQ-12 improved by +3.86 at 12 weeks when magnetic stimulation was combined with optimized PFMT. UI severity also decreased (ICIQ-UI SF −9.85; 74.4% at 12 weeks; ~71–72% reduction at 9–12 months). Adverse events were uncommon and mild where reported. Conclusions: Across heterogeneous designs, chair-based magnetic stimulation is associated with meaningful improvements in sexual function and continence in women with UI, with signals that combining stimulation with PFMT may enhance benefits. Standardized, longer-term trials centered on FSFI/PISQ are warranted. Full article

This essay unfolds a phenomenology of revelation in sixteenth-century Italy and elucidates its undergirding concepts of faith, truth, and divine darkness. Analyzing visual and verbal works by Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475–1564) and poetry by Vittoria Colonna (1490–1547) and Muzio Sforza (1542–1597), this study offers a portrait of faith as embodied experience. Darkness emerges from these analyses as a condition of faith, a place or space beyond the senses and a state of emptiness achieved through closing them, a precondition for spiritual visions or divine union, and the only proportional means for approaching the transcendent divine. Full article

Soil contamination by heavy metals poses serious risks to human health and the environment. This study investigates the removal of Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Cr from heavily contaminated slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.5) using organic washing agents (humus, malic acid, and gluconic acid) at concentrations of 1% and 3% and a solid-to-liquid ratio (S/L) of 1:8. The results reveal that metal mobilization depends strongly on the type and concentration of the extraction agent, the target metal, and soil properties. Cd was highly mobilized, reaching more than 90% with 3% gluconic acid, whereas Cu and Pb remained largely immobile (<3%), and Cr (40–78%) and Zn (8–26%) showed intermediate extraction. This study establishes a clear hierarchy of metal mobility (Cd > Cr > Zn > Cu ≈ Pb) and demonstrates that metal speciation, soil chemistry, pH, and S/L ratio critically govern extraction efficiency. These findings provide mechanistic insights into metal–ligand interactions and practical guidance for optimizing soil remediation strategies using organic acids. Full article

Background and Objectives: Early ambulation and timely detection of postoperative complications are cornerstones of colorectal Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programmes, yet the traditional bedside checks performed every 4–8 h may miss clinically relevant deterioration. The consumer wearables boom has spawned a new generation of wrist- or waistband-mounted sensors that stream step count, heart-rate and temperature data continuously, creating an opportunity for data-driven early-warning strategies. No previous systematic review has focused exclusively on colorectal surgery. Methods: Three databases (PubMed, Embase, and Scopus) were searched (inception—1 May 2025) for prospective or retrospective studies that used a consumer-grade or medical-grade wearable to collect objective physical-activity or vital-sign data during the peri-operative period of elective colorectal resection. Primary outcomes were postoperative complication rates, length-of-stay (LOS) and 30-day readmission. Two reviewers screened records, extracted data and performed risk-of-bias appraisals with ROBINS-I or RoB 2. Narrative synthesis was adopted because of the heterogeneity in devices, recording windows and outcome definitions. Results: Nine studies (n = 778 patients) met eligibility: one randomised controlled trial (RCT), seven prospective cohort studies and one retrospective analysis. Five studies relied on step-count metrics alone; four combined step-count with heart-rate or skin-temperature streams. Median wear time was 6 d (range 2–30). Higher day-1 step count (≥1000 steps) was associated with shorter LOS (odds ratio 0.63; 95% CI 0.45–0.84). Smart-band–augmented ERAS pathways shortened protocol-defined LOS by 1.1 d. Pre-operative inactivity (<5000 steps·day⁻¹) and low “return-to-baseline” activity on the day before discharge independently predicted any complication (OR 0.39) and 30-day readmission (OR 0.60 per 10% increment). A prospective 101-patient study that paired pedometer-recorded ambulation with daily lung-ultrasound scores found fewer pulmonary complications when patients walked further (Spearman r = –0.36, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Continuous, patient-worn sensors are feasible and yield clinically meaningful data after colorectal surgery. Early postoperative step-count trajectories and activity-derived recovery indices correlate with LOS, complications and readmission, supporting their incorporation into digital ERAS dashboards. Standardised outcome definitions, open algorithms for signal processing and multicentre validation are now required. Full article

Study Design: Prospective observational study. Background: Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) impairs balance and gait function, increasing fall risk and limiting quality of life. Although postoperative recovery of balance is clinically important, longitudinal data using multidimensional balance assessments are limited. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in 101 patients (mean age 74.9 ± 6.9 years) undergoing surgery for LSS. The Brief Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Brief BESTest), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES), Zurich Claudication Questionnaire (ZCQ), and Visual Analog Scales (VAS) for pain/numbness were evaluated preoperatively and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Changes over time and correlations between Brief BESTest and PROMs were analyzed. Results: The total Brief BESTest score significantly improved from 13.3 ± 5.3 preoperatively to 16.1 ± 5.1 at 6 months and 16.0 ± 5.1 at 12 months (p < 0.01). Subdomains including Anticipatory Adjustments, Postural Responses, Sensory Orientation, and Stability in Gait improved significantly, while Stability Limits did not. At 12 months postoperatively, ODI decreased by 19.1%, ZCQ symptom and function scores improved by 0.8 and 0.9 points, respectively, and VAS scores improved by 17.1 mm for low back pain, 26.5 mm for lower limb pain, and 19.5 mm for numbness, all showing marked improvements from baseline. MFES also increased significantly postoperatively. The Brief BESTest score correlated significantly with MFES and ZCQ-PFS at baseline, and with ODI, ZCQ, and VAS scores at 12 months. Conclusions: Balance ability in LSS patients improved after surgery, as measured by the Brief BESTest, with clinically meaningful changes maintained for 12 months. Improvements in balance were significantly associated with reductions in pain, disability, and fear of falling, suggesting the Brief BESTest is a comprehensive indicator of postoperative recovery. Full article

Background: Gastric neoplasms remain pathologies of the malignant spectrum with high incidence and prevalence, with their management requiring a precise histopathological characterization for optimal treatment planning. Methods: The present study is a retrospective analysis that included 67 histopathologically confirmed gastric neoplasia subjects and was performed at a single surgical center from January 2020 to December 2021. Demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical procedures, and oncologic outcomes were included, filtered, and subsequently analyzed using SPSS Statistics 29.0. Results: This study involved 67 patients (mean age 65.7 years, 56.7% men), with adenocarcinoma being the most common histologic type (91.0%) and most tumors being diagnosed directly as Stage III (40.3%). Lauren classification revealed the intestinal type as the most common (49.2%), followed by diffuse (36.1%) and mixed (14.8%). Poorly differentiated tumors (G3) accounted for 53.7% of cases. The surgical team performed curative resection in 75% (n = 50) of patients, achieving R0 margins in 88% of these cases. Subtotal gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy yielded the highest curative success rate with 96.6% R0 resection. Statistically, we identified two significant correlations between age and tumor grade (rho = 0.28; p = 0.021) and between the number of lymph nodes examined and the number of lymph nodes invaded (rho = 0.65, p < 0.001). This study again revealed that adenocarcinomas showed higher rates of lymph node invasion than other tumor types (p = 0.017). Conclusions: The analysis of patients with gastric neoplasms is vital for appropriate therapeutic management. Even though the study period included a pandemic, the analysis remained a complex one with high-quality surgical outcomes, confirming the importance of maintaining oncologic standards during medical crises. Full article