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Search Results (44,115)

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19 pages, 4313 KiB  
Article
Integrating Clinical and Imaging Markers for Survival Prediction in Advanced NSCLC Treated with EGFR-TKIs
by Thanika Ketpueak, Phumiphat Losuriya, Thanat Kanthawang, Pakorn Prakaikietikul, Lalita Lumkul, Phichayut Phinyo and Pattraporn Tajarernmuang
Cancers 2025, 17(15), 2565; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17152565 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations are presented in approximately 50% of East Asian populations with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). While EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the standard treatment, patient outcomes are also influenced by host-related factors. This study aimed [...] Read more.
Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations are presented in approximately 50% of East Asian populations with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). While EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the standard treatment, patient outcomes are also influenced by host-related factors. This study aimed to investigate clinical and radiological factors associated with early mortality and develop a prognostic prediction model in advanced EGFR-mutated NSCLC. Methods: A retrospective cohort was conducted in patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC treated with first line EGFR-TKIs from January 2012 to October 2022 at Chiang Mai University Hospital. Clinical data and radiologic findings at the initiation of treatment were analyzed. A multivariable flexible parametric survival model was used to determine the predictors of death at 18 months. The predicted survival probabilities at 6, 12, and 18 months were estimated, and the model performance was evaluated. Results: Among 189 patients, 84 (44.4%) died within 18 months. Significant predictors of mortality included body mass index <18.5 or ≥23, bone metastasis, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio ≥ 5, albumin-to-globulin ratio < 1, and mean pulmonary artery diameter ≥ 29 mm. The model demonstrated good performance (Harrell’s C-statistic = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.66–0.78). Based on bootstrap internal validation, the optimism-corrected Harrell’s C-statistic was 0.71 (95% CI: 0.71–0.71), derived from an apparent C-statistic of 0.75 (95% CI: 0.74–0.75) and an estimated optimism of 0.04 (95% CI: 0.03–0.04). Estimated 18-month survival ranged from 87.1% in those without risk factors to 2.1% in those with all predictors. A web-based tool was developed for clinical use. Conclusions: The prognostic model developed from fundamental clinical and radiologic parameters demonstrated promising utility in predicting 18-month mortality in patients with advanced EGFR-mutated NSCLC receiving first-line EGFR-TKI therapy. Full article
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12 pages, 369 KiB  
Article
A Novel Deep Learning Model for Predicting Colorectal Anastomotic Leakage: A Pioneer Multicenter Transatlantic Study
by Miguel Mascarenhas, Francisco Mendes, Filipa Fonseca, Eduardo Carvalho, Andre Santos, Daniela Cavadas, Guilherme Barbosa, Antonio Pinto da Costa, Miguel Martins, Abdullah Bunaiyan, Maísa Vasconcelos, Marley Ribeiro Feitosa, Shay Willoughby, Shakil Ahmed, Muhammad Ahsan Javed, Nilza Ramião, Guilherme Macedo and Manuel Limbert
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(15), 5462; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14155462 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Colorectal anastomotic leak (CAL) is one of the most severe postoperative complications in colorectal surgery, impacting patient morbidity and mortality. Current risk assessment methods rely on clinical and intraoperative factors, but no real-time predictive tool exists. This study aimed to develop [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Colorectal anastomotic leak (CAL) is one of the most severe postoperative complications in colorectal surgery, impacting patient morbidity and mortality. Current risk assessment methods rely on clinical and intraoperative factors, but no real-time predictive tool exists. This study aimed to develop an artificial intelligence model based on intraoperative laparoscopic recording of the anastomosis for CAL prediction. Methods: A convolutional neural network (CNN) was trained with annotated frames from colorectal surgery videos across three international high-volume centers (Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa, Hospital das Clínicas de Ribeirão Preto, and Royal Liverpool University Hospital). The dataset included a total of 5356 frames from 26 patients, 2007 with CAL and 3349 showing normal anastomosis. Four CNN architectures (EfficientNetB0, EfficientNetB7, ResNet50, and MobileNetV2) were tested. The models’ performance was evaluated using their sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve. Heatmaps were generated to identify key image regions influencing predictions. Results: The best-performing model achieved an accuracy of 99.6%, AUROC of 99.6%, sensitivity of 99.2%, specificity of 100.0%, PPV of 100.0%, and NPV of 98.9%. The model reliably identified CAL-positive frames and provided visual explanations through heatmaps. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first AI model developed to predict CAL using intraoperative video analysis. Its accuracy suggests the potential to redefine surgical decision-making by providing real-time risk assessment. Further refinement with a larger dataset and diverse surgical techniques could enable intraoperative interventions to prevent CAL before it occurs, marking a paradigm shift in colorectal surgery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Updates in Digestive Diseases and Endoscopy)
40 pages, 8621 KiB  
Article
Cosmic Evolution Optimization: A Novel Metaheuristic Algorithm for Numerical Optimization and Engineering Design
by Rui Wang, Zhengxuan Jiang and Guowen Ding
Mathematics 2025, 13(15), 2499; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13152499 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025
Abstract
This study proposes a novel metaheuristic algorithm, Cosmic Evolution Optimization (CEO), for numerical optimization and engineering design. Inspired by the cosmic evolution process, CEO simulates physical phenomena including cosmic expansion, universal gravitation, stellar system interactions, and celestial orbital resonance.The algorithm introduces a multi-stellar [...] Read more.
This study proposes a novel metaheuristic algorithm, Cosmic Evolution Optimization (CEO), for numerical optimization and engineering design. Inspired by the cosmic evolution process, CEO simulates physical phenomena including cosmic expansion, universal gravitation, stellar system interactions, and celestial orbital resonance.The algorithm introduces a multi-stellar framework system, which incorporates search agents into distinct subsystems to perform simultaneous exploration or exploitation behaviors, thereby enhancing diversity and parallel exploration capabilities. Specifically, the CEO algorithm was compared against ten state-of-the-art metaheuristic algorithms on 29 typical unconstrained benchmark problems from CEC2017 across different dimensions and 13 constrained real-world optimization problems from CEC2020. Statistical validations through the Friedman test, the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and other statistical methods have confirmed the competitiveness and effectiveness of the CEO algorithm. Notably, it achieved a comprehensive Friedman rank of 1.28/11, and the winning rate in the Wilcoxon rank-sum tests exceeded 80% in CEC2017. Furthermore, CEO demonstrated outstanding performance in practical engineering applications such as robot path planning and photovoltaic system parameter extraction, further verifying its efficiency and broad application potential in solving real-world engineering challenges. Full article
15 pages, 980 KiB  
Article
Wilson’s Disease in Oman: A National Cohort Study of Clinical Spectrum, Diagnostic Delay, and Long-Term Outcomes
by Said A. Al-Busafi, Juland N. Al Julandani, Zakariya Alismaeili and Juhaina J. Al Raisi
Clin. Pract. 2025, 15(8), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract15080144 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Wilson’s disease (WD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of copper metabolism that results in hepatic, neurological, and psychiatric manifestations. Despite being described globally, data from the Middle East remains limited. This study presents the first comprehensive national cohort analysis of [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Wilson’s disease (WD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of copper metabolism that results in hepatic, neurological, and psychiatric manifestations. Despite being described globally, data from the Middle East remains limited. This study presents the first comprehensive national cohort analysis of WD in Oman, examining clinical features, diagnostic challenges, treatment patterns, and long-term outcomes. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 36 Omani patients diagnosed with WD between 2013 and 2020 at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital using AASLD diagnostic criteria. Clinical presentation, biochemical parameters, treatment regimens, and progression-free survival were analyzed. Results: The median age at diagnosis was 14.5 years, with a slight female predominance (55.6%). Clinical presentation varied: 25% had hepatic symptoms, 22.2% had mixed hepatic-neurological features, and 16.7% presented with neurological symptoms alone. Asymptomatic cases identified via family screening accounted for 33.3%. Diagnostic delays were most pronounced among patients presenting with neurological symptoms. A positive family history was reported in 88.9% of cases, suggesting strong familial clustering despite a low rate of consanguinity (5.6%). Regional distribution was concentrated in Ash Sharqiyah North and Muscat. Chelation therapy with trientine or penicillamine, often combined with zinc, was the mainstay of treatment. Treatment adherence was significantly associated with improved progression-free survival (p = 0.012). Conclusions: WD in Oman is marked by heterogeneous presentations, frequent diagnostic delays, and strong familial clustering. Early detection through cascade screening and sustained treatment adherence are critical for favorable outcomes. These findings support the need for national screening policies and structured long-term care models for WD in the region. Full article
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33 pages, 938 KiB  
Review
Exploring the Antioxidant Roles of Cysteine and Selenocysteine in Cellular Aging and Redox Regulation
by Marta Pace, Chiara Giorgi, Giorgia Lombardozzi, Annamaria Cimini, Vanessa Castelli and Michele d’Angelo
Biomolecules 2025, 15(8), 1115; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15081115 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025
Abstract
Aging is a complex, universal biological process characterized by the progressive and irreversible decline of physiological functions across multiple organ systems. This deterioration is primarily driven by cumulative cellular damage arising from both intrinsic and extrinsic stressors. The free radical theory of aging, [...] Read more.
Aging is a complex, universal biological process characterized by the progressive and irreversible decline of physiological functions across multiple organ systems. This deterioration is primarily driven by cumulative cellular damage arising from both intrinsic and extrinsic stressors. The free radical theory of aging, first proposed by Denham Harman in 1956, highlights the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS), byproducts of normal metabolism, in driving oxidative stress and age-related degeneration. Emerging evidence emphasizes the importance of redox imbalance in the onset of neurodegenerative diseases and aging. Among the critical cellular defenses against oxidative stress are sulfur-containing amino acids, namely cysteine (Cys) and selenocysteine (Sec). Cysteine serves as a precursor for glutathione (GSH), a central intracellular antioxidant, while selenocysteine is incorporated into key antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidases (GPx) and thioredoxin reductases (TrxR). These molecules play pivotal roles in neutralizing ROS and maintaining redox homeostasis. This review aims to provide an updated and critical overview of the role of thiol-containing amino acids, specifically cysteine and selenocysteine, in the regulation of redox homeostasis during aging. Full article
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16 pages, 1629 KiB  
Article
Research on Ground Point Cloud Segmentation Algorithm Based on Local Density Plane Fitting in Road Scene
by Tao Wang, Yiming Fu, Zhi Zhang, Xing Cheng, Lin Li, Zhenxue He, Haonan Wang and Kexin Gong
Sensors 2025, 25(15), 4781; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25154781 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025
Abstract
In road scenes, the collected 3D point cloud data is usually accompanied by a large amount of interference mainly composed of ground point clouds and the property of uneven density distribution, which will bring difficulties to subsequent recognition and prediction. To address these [...] Read more.
In road scenes, the collected 3D point cloud data is usually accompanied by a large amount of interference mainly composed of ground point clouds and the property of uneven density distribution, which will bring difficulties to subsequent recognition and prediction. To address these problems, this paper proposes a ground point cloud segmentation algorithm based on local density plane fitting. Firstly, for the uneven density distribution of 3D point clouds, density segmentation is used to obtain several regions with balanced density. Then, candidate sample selection and plane validity detection are carried out for each region. The modified classical DBSCAN clustering algorithm is used to obtain effective fitting planes and perform clustering according to the fitting planes. Finally, different planes are divided according to the clustering results, and abnormal inspection is performed on the obtained results to screen out the most reasonable result. This scheme can effectively improve the scalability of the algorithm, reduce training costs, and improve deployment efficiency and universality. Experimental results show that the algorithm used in this paper has advantages compared with advanced algorithms of the same category, and can greatly reduce ground interference. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Radar Sensors)
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17 pages, 3785 KiB  
Article
The Role of Stable Anatomical Landmarks in Automated 3D Model Superimposition: A Closer Look
by Tommaso Castroflorio, Samuele Avolese, Fabrizio Sanna and Simone Parrini
Bioengineering 2025, 12(8), 839; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12080839 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the concordance of automated 3D superimposition methods applied to digital models, with a focus on methods that consider stable palatal regions as geometric reference landmarks versus those that do not. Design and setting: This was a prospective, cross-sectional study using [...] Read more.
Objective: To evaluate the concordance of automated 3D superimposition methods applied to digital models, with a focus on methods that consider stable palatal regions as geometric reference landmarks versus those that do not. Design and setting: This was a prospective, cross-sectional study using digital model files of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment in a university clinical setting. Participants: Sixty-one patients were prospectively enrolled and divided into three groups based on the type of orthodontic treatment they received: (20) non-extractive orthodontic treatment without intermaxillary elastics, (21) intermaxillary elastics, and (20) control subjects with no orthodontic movement. The inclusion criteria included the availability of complete pre- and post-treatment digital casts and the absence of significant craniofacial anomalies. Methods: Three superimposition methods were tested: (1) superimposition according to palate and palatal ridges, (2) best-fit superimposition of arches in occlusion, and (3) best-fit superimposition of individual arches. Discrepancies were identified by comparing the spatial positions derived from each method. Within three spatial axes, deviations of ±0.5 mm and ±1.15° were not considered significant. Bland–Altman plots were used to quantify palatal rugae based and non-based spatial differences between methods. Differences in the superimposition results between the three patient groups were evaluated using ANOVA tests. Results: Differences in spatial position between the superimposition methods often exceeded the acceptable range. The results were compared between the three patient groups with a statistical significance of α = 0.05. In the present study, the high reliability of the superimposition method based on the palate and palatal ridges was observed. Conclusion: Superimposition methods based on the palate and palatal rugae provide superior accuracy in determining treatment-related changes in upper arch digital models. These findings illustrate the need for appropriate selection of superimposition techniques based on the study objective of using clinically relevant techniques. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Trends and Future Perspectives in Orthodontic Treatment)
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24 pages, 6041 KiB  
Article
Attention-Guided Residual Spatiotemporal Network with Label Regularization for Fault Diagnosis with Small Samples
by Yanlong Xu, Liming Zhang, Ling Chen, Tian Tan, Xiaolong Wang and Hongguang Xiao
Sensors 2025, 25(15), 4772; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25154772 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025
Abstract
Fault diagnosis is of great significance for the maintenance of rotating machinery. Deep learning is an intelligent diagnostic technique that is receiving increasing attention. To address the issues of industrial data with small samples and varying working conditions, a residual convolutional neural network [...] Read more.
Fault diagnosis is of great significance for the maintenance of rotating machinery. Deep learning is an intelligent diagnostic technique that is receiving increasing attention. To address the issues of industrial data with small samples and varying working conditions, a residual convolutional neural network based on the attention mechanism is put forward for the fault diagnosis of rotating machinery. The method incorporates channel attention and spatial attention simultaneously, implementing channel-wise recalibration for frequency-dependent feature adjustment and performing spatial context aggregation across receptive fields. Subsequently, a residual module is introduced to address the vanishing gradient problem of the model in deep network structures. In addition, LSTM is used to realize spatiotemporal feature fusion. Finally, label smoothing regularization (LSR) is proposed to balance the distributional disparities among labeled samples. The effectiveness of the method is evaluated by its application to the vibration signal data from the safe injection pump and the Case Western Reserve University (CWRU). The results show that the method has superb diagnostic accuracy and strong robustness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Fault Diagnosis & Sensors)
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21 pages, 672 KiB  
Systematic Review
Assessing and Understanding Educators’ Experiences of Synchronous Hybrid Learning in Universities: A Systematic Review
by Hannah Clare Wood, Michael Detyna and Eleanor Jane Dommett
Educ. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 987; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15080987 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Abstract
The rise in online learning, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to greater use of synchronous hybrid learning (SHL) in higher education. SHL allows simultaneous teaching of in-person and online learners through videoconferencing tools. Previous studies have identified various benefits (e.g., flexibility) [...] Read more.
The rise in online learning, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to greater use of synchronous hybrid learning (SHL) in higher education. SHL allows simultaneous teaching of in-person and online learners through videoconferencing tools. Previous studies have identified various benefits (e.g., flexibility) and challenges (e.g., student engagement) to SHL. Whilst systematic reviews have emerged on this topic, few studies have considered the experiences of staff. The aim of this review was threefold: (i) to better understand how staff experiences and perceptions are assessed, (ii) to understand staff experiences in terms of the benefits and challenges of SHL and (iii) to identify recommendations for effective teaching and learning using SHL. In line with the PRISMA guidance, we conducted a systematic review across four databases, identifying 14 studies for inclusion. Studies were conducted in nine different countries and covered a range of academic disciplines. Most studies adopted qualitative methods, with small sample sizes. Measures used were typically novel and unvalidated. Four themes were identified relating to (i) technology, (ii) redesigning teaching and learning, (iii) student engagement and (iv) staff workload. In terms of recommendations, ensuring adequate staff training and ongoing classroom support were considered essential. Additionally, active and collaborative learning were considered important to address issues with interactivity. Whilst these findings largely aligned with previous work, this review also identified limited reporting in research in this area, and future studies are needed to address this. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Higher Education)
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29 pages, 30467 KiB  
Article
Clay-Hosted Lithium Exploration in the Wenshan Region of Southeastern Yunnan Province, China, Using Multi-Source Remote Sensing and Structural Interpretation
by Lunxin Feng, Zhifang Zhao, Haiying Yang, Qi Chen, Changbi Yang, Xiao Zhao, Geng Zhang, Xinle Zhang and Xin Dong
Minerals 2025, 15(8), 826; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15080826 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Abstract
With the rapid increase in global lithium demand, the exploration of newly discovered lithium in the bauxite of the Wenshan area in southeastern Yunnan has become increasingly important. However, the current research on clay-type lithium in the Wenshan area has primarily focused on [...] Read more.
With the rapid increase in global lithium demand, the exploration of newly discovered lithium in the bauxite of the Wenshan area in southeastern Yunnan has become increasingly important. However, the current research on clay-type lithium in the Wenshan area has primarily focused on local exploration, and large-scale predictive metallogenic studies remain limited. To address this, this study utilized multi-source remote sensing data from ZY1-02D and ASTER, combined with ALOS 12.5 m DEM and Sentinel-2 imagery, to carry out remote sensing mineral identification, structural interpretation, and prospectivity mapping for clay-type lithium in the Wenshan area. This study indicates that clay-type lithium in the Wenshan area is controlled by NW, EW, and NE linear structures and are mainly distributed in the region from north of the Wenshan–Malipo fault to south of the Guangnan–Funing fault. High-value areas of iron-rich silicates and iron–magnesium minerals revealed by ASTER data indicate lithium enrichment, while montmorillonite and cookeite identification by ZY1-02D have strong indicative significance for lithium. Field verification samples show the highest Li2O content reaching 11,150 μg/g, with six samples meeting the comprehensive utilization criteria for lithium in bauxite (Li2O ≥ 500 μg/g) and also showing an enrichment of rare earth elements (REEs) and gallium (Ga). By integrating stratigraphic, structural, mineral identification, geochemical characteristics, and field verification data, ten mineral exploration target areas were delineated. This study validates the effectiveness of remote sensing technology in the exploration of clay-type lithium and provides an applicable workflow for similar environments worldwide. Full article
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10 pages, 1191 KiB  
Article
RNA Sequencing on Muscle Biopsies from Exertional Rhabdomyolysis Patients Revealed Down-Regulation of Mitochondrial Function and Enhancement of Extracellular Matrix Composition
by Mingqiang Ren, Luke P. Michaelson, Ognoon Mungunsukh, Peter Bedocs, Liam Friel, Kristen Cofer, Carolyn E. Dartt, Nyamkhishig Sambuughin and Francis G. O’Connor
Genes 2025, 16(8), 930; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16080930 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background/Objective: Exertional rhabdomyolysis (ER) is primarily driven by mechanical stress on muscles during strenuous or unaccustomed exercise, often exacerbated by environmental factors like heat and dehydration. While the general cellular pathway involving energy depletion and calcium overload is understood in horse ER models, [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: Exertional rhabdomyolysis (ER) is primarily driven by mechanical stress on muscles during strenuous or unaccustomed exercise, often exacerbated by environmental factors like heat and dehydration. While the general cellular pathway involving energy depletion and calcium overload is understood in horse ER models, the underlying mechanisms specific to the ER are not universally known within humans. This study aimed to evaluate whether patients with ER exhibited transcriptional signatures that were significantly different from those of healthy individuals. Methods: This study utilized RNA sequencing on skeletal muscle samples from 19 human patients with ER history, collected at a minimum of six months after the most recent ER event, and eight healthy controls to investigate the transcriptomic landscape of ER. To identify any alterations in biological processes between the case and control groups, functional pathway analyses were conducted. Results: Functional pathway enrichment analyses of differentially expressed genes revealed strong suppression of mitochondrial function. This suppression included the “aerobic electron transport chain” and “oxidative phosphorylation” pathways, indicating impaired energy production. Conversely, there was an upregulation of genes associated with adhesion and extracellular matrix-related pathways, indicating active restoration of muscle function in ER cases. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that muscle tissue exhibited signs of suppressed mitochondrial function and increased extracellular matrix development. Both of these facilitate muscle recovery within several months after an ER episode. Full article
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11 pages, 301 KiB  
Article
Impact of Maternal Overweight and Obesity on Pregnancy Outcomes Following Cesarean Delivery: A Retrospective Cohort Study
by Zlatina Nikolova, Milena Sandeva, Ekaterina Uchikova, Angelina Kirkova-Bogdanova, Daniela Taneva, Marieta Vladimirova and Lyubomira Georgieva
Healthcare 2025, 13(15), 1893; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13151893 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Maternal overweight and obesity are critical factors increasing the risk of various pregnancy complications. Maternal obesity can lead to fetal macrosomia and a heightened risk of intrauterine death, with long-term implications for the child’s health. This study aimed to analyze the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Maternal overweight and obesity are critical factors increasing the risk of various pregnancy complications. Maternal obesity can lead to fetal macrosomia and a heightened risk of intrauterine death, with long-term implications for the child’s health. This study aimed to analyze the incidence of obesity and its impact on pregnancy outcomes in women who delivered by cesarean section at the University Hospital “St. George”, Plovdiv. Methods: A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted. The documentary method was used for gathering data. Records were randomly selected. The statistical methods used included mean values, confidence intervals (of mean), frequency, and the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test for normality of distribution. Data comparisons were performed using the Mann–Whitney test. Mean values of numerical variables were compared using the independent samples t-test. Results: In total, 46.36% of women in this study were affected by obesity to varying degrees, and the proportion of women who were overweight at the end of their pregnancy was 37.85%. In the studied cohort, 15.99% of women were affected by hypertensive complications. This significant prevalence of obesity highlights concerns regarding body weight among women of reproductive age. This study emphasized a strong correlation between maternal obesity, particularly severe obesity, and the occurrence of preeclampsia. Conclusions: In this study among women who delivered by cesarean section, a significant proportion of them were affected by overweight and obesity. Data for our country are insufficient, and a more in-depth study of this problem is needed. Future research should explore the long-term impacts of maternal obesity on the health of the mother and the newborn. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Focus on Maternal, Pregnancy and Child Health)
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15 pages, 1010 KiB  
Article
A First Report on Planting Arrangements for Alfalfa as an Economic Nurse Crop During Kura Clover Establishment
by Leonard M. Lauriault and Mark A. Marsalis
Agriculture 2025, 15(15), 1677; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15151677 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Abstract
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) persists for several years but must be rotated to another crop before replanting. Kura clover (T. ambiguum M. Bieb) is a perennial legume that can persist indefinitely without replanting; however, establishment is slow, which limits economic returns [...] Read more.
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) persists for several years but must be rotated to another crop before replanting. Kura clover (T. ambiguum M. Bieb) is a perennial legume that can persist indefinitely without replanting; however, establishment is slow, which limits economic returns during the process. Two studies, each with four randomized complete blocks, were planted in two consecutive years at New Mexico State University’s Rex E. Kirksey Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari, NM, USA, as the first known assessment evaluating alfalfa as an economic nurse crop during kura clover establishment using various kura clover–alfalfa drilled and broadcast planting arrangements. Irrigation termination due to drought limited yield measurements to three years after seeding. In that time, kura clover–alfalfa mixtures generally yielded equally to monoculture alfalfa, except for alternate row planting. After 5 years, the alfalfa stand percentage remained >80%, except for the alternate row treatment (69% stand). Kura clover monocultures attained about 40% stand, and the mixtures had a <25% stand. Alfalfa may persist for more than 5 years before relinquishing dominance to kura clover in mixtures, but the alfalfa would continue to provide economic returns as kura clover continues stand development with minimal production, but develops its root system to maximize production when released from the alfalfa nurse crop. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Cultivation and Production of Leguminous Plants)
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20 pages, 12851 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of a Vision-Guided Shared-Control Robotic Arm System with Power Wheelchair Users
by Breelyn Kane Styler, Wei Deng, Cheng-Shiu Chung and Dan Ding
Sensors 2025, 25(15), 4768; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25154768 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Abstract
Wheelchair-mounted assistive robotic manipulators can provide reach and grasp functions for power wheelchair users. This in-lab study evaluated a vision-guided shared control (VGS) system with twelve users completing two multi-step kitchen tasks: a drinking task and a popcorn making task. Using a mixed [...] Read more.
Wheelchair-mounted assistive robotic manipulators can provide reach and grasp functions for power wheelchair users. This in-lab study evaluated a vision-guided shared control (VGS) system with twelve users completing two multi-step kitchen tasks: a drinking task and a popcorn making task. Using a mixed methods approach participants compared VGS and manual joystick control, providing performance metrics, qualitative insights, and lessons learned. Data collection included demographic questionnaires, the System Usability Scale (SUS), NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), and exit interviews. No significant SUS differences were found between control modes, but NASA-TLX scores revealed VGS control significantly reduced workload during the drinking task and the popcorn task. VGS control reduced operation time and improved task success but was not universally preferred. Six participants preferred VGS, five preferred manual, and one had no preference. In addition, participants expressed interest in robotic arms for daily tasks and described two main operation challenges: distinguishing wrist orientation from rotation modes and managing depth perception. They also shared perspectives on how a personal robotic arm could complement caregiver support in their home. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Sensors and Robots for Ambient Assisted Living)
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17 pages, 2828 KiB  
Article
Augmented Reality in Cardiovascular Education (HoloHeart): Assessment of Students’ and Lecturers’ Needs and Expectations at Heidelberg University Medical School
by Pascal Philipp Schlegel, Florian Kehrle, Till J. Bugaj, Eberhard Scholz, Alexander Kovacevic, Philippe Grieshaber, Ralph Nawrotzki, Joachim Kirsch, Markus Hecker, Anna L. Meyer, Katharina Seidensaal, Thuy D. Do, Jobst-Hendrik Schultz, Norbert Frey and Ann-Kathrin Rahm
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8595; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158595 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background: A detailed understanding of cardiac anatomy and physiology is crucial in cardiovascular medicine. However, traditional learning methods often fall short in addressing this complexity. Augmented reality (AR) offers a promising tool to enhance comprehension. To assess its potential integration into the Heidelberger [...] Read more.
Background: A detailed understanding of cardiac anatomy and physiology is crucial in cardiovascular medicine. However, traditional learning methods often fall short in addressing this complexity. Augmented reality (AR) offers a promising tool to enhance comprehension. To assess its potential integration into the Heidelberger Curriculum Medicinale (HeiCuMed), we conducted a needs assessment among medical students and lecturers at Heidelberg University Medical School. Methods: Our survey aimed to evaluate the perceived benefits of AR-based learning compared to conventional methods and to gather expectations regarding an AR course in cardiovascular medicine. Using LimeSurvey, we developed a questionnaire to assess participants’ prior AR experience, preferred learning methods, and interest in a proposed AR-based, 2 × 90-min in-person course. Results: A total of 101 students and 27 lecturers participated. Support for AR in small-group teaching was strong: 96.3% of students and 90.9% of lecturers saw value in a dedicated AR course. Both groups favored its application in anatomy, cardiac surgery, and internal medicine. Students prioritized congenital heart defects, coronary anomalies, and arrhythmias, while lecturers also emphasized invasive valve interventions. Conclusions: There is significant interest in AR-based teaching in cardiovascular education, suggesting its potential to complement and improve traditional methods in medical curricula. Further studies are needed to assess the potential benefits regarding learning outcomes. Full article
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