Search Results (2,474)

Cystic fibrosis (CF), the most common hereditary lung disease in Caucasians, is caused by dysfunction of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). We evaluated CFTR function using a newly developed Ussing chamber system, the Multi Trans Epithelial Current Clamp (MTECC), in an in vitro model of human airway epithelia. Air–liquid interface (ALI) cultures were established from nasal brushings of healthy controls (HC) and CF patients with biallelic CFTR variants. ALI layer thickness was similar between groups (HC: 62 ± 13 µm; CF: 55 ± 9 µm). Immunofluorescence showed apical CFTR expression in HC, but reduced or absent signal in CF cultures. MTECC enabled continuous measurement of transepithelial resistance (Rt), potential difference (PD), and conductance (G_t). G_t was significantly reduced in CF cultures compared to HC (0.825 ± 0.024 vs. −0.054 ± 0.016 mS/cm²), indicating impaired cAMP-inducible ion transport by CFTR. Treatment of CF cultures with elexacaftor, tezacaftor, and ivacaftor (Trikafta^®) increased G_t, reflecting partial restoration of CFTR function. These findings demonstrate the utility of MTECC in detecting functional differences in CFTR activity and support its use as a platform for evaluating CFTR-modulating therapies. Our model may contribute to the development of personalized treatment strategies for CF patients. Full article

In multi-user wireless communication scenarios, signal degradation caused by channel fading and co-channel interference restricts system capacity, while traditional enhancement schemes face challenges of high coordination complexity and hardware integration. This paper proposes an electromagnetic focusing method using a single-layer transmissive passive metasurface. A high-efficiency metasurface array is fabricated based on PCB technology, which utilizes subwavelength units for wide-range phase modulation to construct a multi-user energy convergence model in the WiFi band. By optimizing phase gradients through the geometric phase principle, the metasurface achieves collaborative wavefront manipulation for multiple target regions with high transmission efficiency, reducing system complexity compared to traditional multi-layer structures. Measurements in a microwave anechoic chamber and tests in an office environment demonstrate that the metasurface can simultaneously create signal enhancement zones for multiple users, featuring stable focusing capability and environmental adaptability. This lightweight design facilitates deployment in dense networks, providing an effective solution for signal optimization in indoor distributed systems and IoT communications. Full article

The chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a key legume crop in Mediterranean agriculture, valued for its nutritional profile and adaptability. However, its productivity is severely impacted by drought stress. To identify microbial solutions that enhance drought resilience, we isolated seven Mesorhizobium strains from chickpea nodules collected in southern Spain and evaluated their cultivar-specific symbiotic performance. Two commercial cultivars (Pedrosillano and Blanco Lechoso) and twenty chickpea germplasms were tested under growth chamber and greenhouse conditions, both with and without drought stress. Initial screening in a sterile substrate using nodulation assays, shoot/root dry weight measurements, and acetylene reduction assays identified three elite strains (ISC11, ISC15, and ISC25) with superior symbiotic performance and nitrogenase activity. Greenhouse trials under reduced irrigation demonstrated that several strain–cultivar combinations significantly mitigated drought effects on plant biomass, with specific interactions (e.g., ISC25 with RR-98 or BT6-19) preserving over 70% of shoot biomass relative to controls. Whole-genome sequencing of the elite strains revealed diverse taxonomic affiliations—ISC11 as Mesorhizobium ciceri, ISC15 as Mesorhizobium mediterraneum, and ISC25 likely representing a novel species. Genome mining identified plant growth-promoting traits including ACC deaminase genes (in ISC11 and ISC25) and genes coding for auxin biosynthesis-related enzymes. Our findings highlight the potential of targeted rhizobial inoculants tailored to chickpea cultivars to improve crop performance under water-limiting conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Historically, echocardiographic imaging of the right heart has been challenging because its abnormal geometry is not conducive to reproducible anatomical and functional assessment. With the development of advanced echocardiographic techniques, it is now possible to complete an integrated assessment of the right heart that has fewer assumptions, resulting in increased accuracy and precision. Echocardiography continues to be the first-line imaging modality for diagnostic analysis and the management of acute and chronic right heart failure because of its portability, versatility, and affordability compared to cardiac computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear scintigraphy, and positron emission tomography. Virtually all echocardiographic parameters have been well-validated and have demonstrated prognostic significance. The goal of this narrative review of the echocardiographic parameters of the right heart chambers and hemodynamic alterations associated with right ventricular dysfunction is to present information that must be acquired during each examination to deliver a comprehensive assessment of the right heart and to discuss their clinical significance in right heart failure. Methods: Using a literature search in the PubMed database from 1985 to 2025 and the Cochrane database, which included but was not limited to terminology that are descriptive of right heart anatomy and function, disease states involving acute and chronic right heart failure and pulmonary hypertension, and the application of conventional and advanced echocardiographic modalities that strive to elucidate the pathophysiology of right heart failure, we reviewed randomized control trials, observational retrospective and prospective cohort studies, societal guidelines, and systematic review articles. Conclusions: In addition to the conventional 2-dimensional echocardiography and color, spectral, and tissue Doppler measurements, a contemporary echocardiographic assessment of a patient with suspected or proven right heart failure must include 3-dimensional echocardiographic-derived measurements, speckle-tracking echocardiography strain analysis, and hemodynamics parameters to not only characterize the right heart anatomy but to also determine the underlying pathophysiology of right heart failure. Complete and point-of-care echocardiography is available in virtually all clinical settings for routine care, but this imaging tool is particularly indispensable in the emergency department, intensive care units, and operating room, where it can provide an immediate assessment of right ventricular function and associated hemodynamic changes to assist with real-time management decisions. Full article

In this work, we show the probability density functions (PDFs) and cumulative density functions (CDFs) of the nonnormalized field components and the associated powers received inside coupled reverberation chambers (CRCs), considering two canonical cases of single electrically small coupling apertures (ESCAs). These two cases involve one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) single electrically small CAs, respectively. We achieve normalized statistics from the nonnormalized ones for both field components and associated powers. We show that the comparison of the mean square values (MSVs) of the nonnormalized PDFs of the field components to the mean values (MVs) of the related nonnormalized PDFs of the powers is a proper method to corroborate the accuracy of the same achieved theoretical distributions, when they are achieved in an independent way. The achieved theoretical results are also validated by measurements. Moreover, for the sake of completeness and rigor of published results, we show two useful cases of the results from the measurements using two electrically large CAs. Full article

To address the data acquisition limitations of traditional flow balance methods that stem from insufficient flow rate measurements, this study establishes a pipeline flow calculation model based on the pressure data and proposes a pipeline leak identification approach for product oil pipelines. Firstly, field leak tests are designed and conducted on a product oil pipeline in East China by discharging oil in a valve chamber to simulate the leak process. Subsequently, combining the Bernoulli equation with the Leapienzon formula, a calculation model is established for flow rate prediction using the pressure data monitored at the stations and valve chambers along the pipeline. By analyzing the instantaneous flow rate changes at each pipeline section and pressure drops at each station and valve chamber, a dual-parameter collaborative threshold is set based on the flow balance principle, and leaks are identified when both parameters exceed the threshold simultaneously. Finally, the proposed flow rate calculation model and leak identification method are validated with respect to the field test data. The results show that the flow rate model yields a relative error as low as 0.48%, and the leak identification method accurately captured all six leak events in the field test, indicating very good stability and accuracy, with great potential for leak identification and alarm systems for product oil pipelines in engineering applications. Full article

Objective: This study aims to examine the anterior chamber structure and related factors in 8-year-old children based on data from The Yamanashi Adjunct Study of the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS). Methods: A total of 709 children aged 8 years (350 boys and 359 girls) who participated in the JECS Adjunct Study were included. The right eyes were primarily used for measurements. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) was utilized to scan the anterior chambers of the participants’ eyes. The following parameters were measured: Angle Opening Distance (AOD500, 750), Trabecular Iris Space Area (TISA500, 750), Anterior Chamber Angle (ACA500, 750), Peripheral Iris Thickness (IT500, 750), and Peripheral Corneal Thickness (PCT500, 750). The relationships between anterior chamber structure, axial length (AL), spherical equivalent (SE), logMAR (without correction), and body height were analyzed. Results: A significant negative correlation was found between SE and ACA (500: coefficient = −0.19; 750: −0.24), AOD (500: −0.19; 750: −0.24), and TISA (500: −0.17; 750: −0.23) (p < 0.001). Conversely, a significant positive correlation was observed between AL and ACA (500: 0.22; 750: 0.26), AOD (500: 0.25; 750: 0.30), and TISA (500: 0.24; 750: 0.29) (p < 0.001). Boys exhibited a longer AL (boys: girls = 23.30 ± 0.76 mm; girls = 22.79 ± 0.72 mm) and greater CT (500: boys = 812.82 ± 51.94 mm; girls = 784.48 ± 51.81 mm; 750: boys = 776.01 ± 48.64 mm; girls = 751.34 ± 49.63 mm) compared to girls (p < 0.001) despite no significant difference in body height. CT and IT showed no correlation with AL or SE, and visual acuity had minimal correlation with IT and CT. Conclusions: In our cohort of eight-year-old children, the anterior chamber angle structure correlates with ocular structures and refractive error, revealing notable differences between boys and girls. 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

Difficult, extreme operating conditions of parabolic antennas under precipitation and sub-zero temperatures require the creation of effective heating systems. The purpose of the research is to develop a multilayer coating containing two metal-ceramic layers, epoxy composite layers, carbon fabric, and an outer layer of basalt fabric, which allows for effective heating of the antenna, and to study the properties of this coating. The multilayer coating was formed on an aluminum base that was subjected to abrasive jet processing. The first and second metal-ceramic layers, Al₂O₃ + 5% Al, which were applied by high-speed multi-chamber cumulative detonation spraying (CDS), respectively, provide maximum adhesion strength to the aluminum base and high adhesion strength to the third layer of the epoxy composite containing Al₂O₃. On this not-yet-polymerized layer of epoxy composite containing Al₂O₃, a layer of carbon fabric (impregnated with epoxy resin) was formed, which serves as a resistive heating element. On top of this carbon fabric, a layer of epoxy composite containing Cr₂O₃ and SiO₂ was applied. Next, basalt fabric was applied to this still-not-yet-polymerized layer. Then, the resulting layered coating was compacted and dried. To study this multilayer coating, X-ray analysis, light and raster scanning microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used. The thickness of the coating layers and microhardness were measured on transverse microsections. The adhesion strength of the metal-ceramic coating layers to the aluminum base was determined by both bending testing and peeling using the adhesive method. It was established that CDS provides the formation of metal-ceramic layers with a maximum fraction of lamellae and a microhardness of 7900–10,520 MPa. In these metal-ceramic layers, a dispersed subgrain structure, a uniform distribution of nanoparticles, and a gradient-free level of dislocation density are observed. Such a structure prevents the formation of local concentrators of internal stresses, thereby increasing the level of dispersion and substructural strengthening of the metal-ceramic layers’ material. The formation of materials with a nanostructure increases their strength and crack resistance. The effectiveness of using aluminum, chromium, and silicon oxides as nanofillers in epoxy composite layers was demonstrated. The presence of structures near the surface of these nanofillers, which differ from the properties of the epoxy matrix in the coating, was established. Such zones, specifically the outer surface layers (OSL), significantly affect the properties of the epoxy composite. The results of industrial tests showed the high performance of the multilayer coating during antenna heating. Full article

Sin Nombre virus (SNV) is the main causative agent of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) in North America. SNV is transmitted via environmental biological aerosols (bioaerosols) produced by infected deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus). It is similar to other viruses that have environmental transmission routes rather than a person-to-person transmission route, such as avian influenza (e.g., H5N1) and Lassa fever. Despite the lack of person-to-person transmission, these viruses cause a significant public health and economic burden. However, due to the lack of targeted pharmaceutical preventatives and therapeutics, the recommended approach to prevent SNV infections is to avoid locations that have a combination of low foot traffic, receive minimal natural sunlight, and where P. maniculatus may be found nesting. Consequently, gaining insight into the SNV bioaerosol decay profile is fundamental to the prevention of SNV infections. The Biological Aerosol Reaction Chamber (Bio-ARC) is a flow-through system designed to rapidly expose bioaerosols to environmental conditions (ozone, simulated solar radiation (SSR), humidity, and other gas phase species at stable temperatures) and determine the sensitivity of those particles to simulated ambient conditions. Using this system, we examined the bioaerosol stability of SNV. The virus was found to be susceptible to both simulated solar radiation and ozone under the tested conditions. Comparisons of decay between the virus aerosolized in residual media and in a mouse bedding matrix showed similar results. This study indicates that SNV aerosol particles are susceptible to inactivation by solar radiation and ozone, both of which could be implemented as effective control measures to prevent disease in locations where SNV is endemic. Full article

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions due to human activities are responsible for approximately 80% of the drivers of global warming, resulting in a 1.1 °C increase above pre-industrial temperatures. This study quantified the CO₂ assimilation and productivity of the brown macroalgae Lessonia spicata in the central Pacific coast of Chile, across seasonal and daily cycles, under different environmental stressors, such as temperature and solar irradiance. Measurements were performed using an infra-red gas analysis (IRGA) instrument which had a chamber allowing for precise quantification of CO₂ concentrations; additional photophysiological and biochemical responses were also measured. CO₂ assimilation, along with the productivity and biosynthesis of proteins and lipids, increased during the spring, coinciding with moderate temperatures (~14 °C) and high photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). Furthermore, the increased production of photoprotective and antioxidant compounds, including phenolic compounds, and carotenoids, along with the enhancement of non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), contribute to the effective photoacclimation strategies of L. spicata. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed seasonal associations between productivity, reactive oxygen species (ROSs), and biochemical indicators, particularly during the spring and summer. These associations, further supported by Pearson correlation analyses, suggest a high but seasonally constrained photoacclimation capacity. In contrast, the reduced productivity and photoprotection observed in the summer suggest increased physiological vulnerability to heat and light stress. Overall, our findings position L. spicata as a promising nature-based solution for climate change mitigation. Full article

Malignant mediastinal tumors are a group representing some of the most demanding oncological challenges for early, multi-level, and successful management. The timely identification of any suspicious clinical symptomatology is urgent in achieving an accurate, staged histological diagnosis, in order to follow up with an equally detailed medical therapeutic plan (interventional or not) and determine the principal goals regarding efficient overall treatment in these patients. We report a case of a 24-year-old male patient with an incident-free prior medical history. An initial chest X-ray was performed after the patient reported short-term, consistent moderate chest pain symptomatology, early work fatigue, and shortness of breath. The following imaging procedures (chest CT, PET-CT) indicated the presence of an anterior mediastinal mass (meas. ~11 cm × 10 cm × 13 cm, SUV: 8.7), applying additional pressure upon both right heart chambers. The Alpha-Fetoprotein (aFP) blood levels had exceeded at least 50 times their normal range. Two consecutive diagnostic attempts with non-specific histological results, a negative-for-malignancy fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNA-biopsy), and an additional tumor biopsy, performed via mini anterior (R) thoracotomy with “suspicious” cellular gatherings, were performed elsewhere. After admission to our department, an (R) Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) was performed, along with multiple tumor biopsies and moderate pleural effusion drainage. The tumor’s measurements had increased to DMax: 16 cm × 9 cm × 13 cm, with a severe degree of atelectasis of the Right Lower Lobe parenchyma (RLL) and a pressure-displacement effect upon the Superior Vena Cava (SVC) and the (R) heart sinus, based on data from the preoperative chest MRA. The histological report indicated elements of a combined, non-seminomatous germ-cell mediastinal tumor, posthuberal-type teratoma, and embryonal carcinoma. The imminent chemotherapeutic plan included a “BEP” (Bleomycin^®/Cisplatin^®/Etoposide^®) scheme, which needed to be modified to a “VIP” (Cisplatin^®/Etoposide^®/Ifosfamide^®) scheme, due to an acute pulmonary embolism incident. While the aFP blood levels declined, even reaching normal measurements, the tumor’s size continued to increase significantly (DMax: 28 cm × 25 cm × 13 cm), with severe localized pressure effects, rapid weight loss, and a progressively worsening clinical status. Thus, an emergency surgical intervention took place via median sternotomy, extended with a complementary “T-Shaped” mini anterior (R) thoracotomy. A large, approx. 4 Kg mediastinal tumor was extracted, with additional RML and RUL “en-bloc” segmentectomy and partial mediastinal pleura decortication. The following histological results, apart from verifying the already-known posthuberal-type teratoma, indicated additional scattered small lesions of combined high-grade rabdomyosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, and osteosarcoma, as well as numerous high-grade glioblastoma cellular gatherings. No visible findings of the previously discovered non-seminomatous germ-cell and embryonal carcinoma elements were found. The patient’s postoperative status progressively improved, allowing therapeutic management to continue with six “TIP” (Cisplatin^®/Paclitaxel^®/Ifosfamide^®) sessions, currently under his regular “follow-up” from the oncological team. This report underlines the importance of early, accurate histological identification, combined with any necessary surgical intervention, diagnostic or therapeutic, as well as the appliance of any subsequent multimodality management plan. The diversity of mediastinal tumors, especially for young patients, leaves no place for complacency. Such rare examples may manifest, with equivalent, unpredictable evolution, obliging clinical physicians to stay constantly alert and not take anything for granted. Full article

Ammonia (NH₃) emissions affect the environment, climate and human health and originate mainly from agricultural sources like synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. Accurate and replicable measurements of NH₃ emissions are crucial for research, inventories and evaluation of mitigation measures. There exist specific application limitations of NH₃ emission measurement techniques and a high variability in method performance between studies, in particular from small plots. Therefore, the aim of this study was the assessment of measurement methods for ammonia emissions from replicated small plots. Methods were evaluated in 18 trials on six sites in Germany (2021–2022). Urea was applied to winter wheat as an emission source. Two small-plot methods were employed: inverse dispersion modelling (IDM) with atmospheric concentrations obtained from Alpha samplers and the dynamic chamber Dräger tube method (DTM). Cumulative NH₃ losses assessed by each method were compared to the results of the integrated horizontal flux (IHF) method using Alpha samplers (Alpha IHF) as a micrometeorological reference method applied in parallel large-plot trials. For validation, Alpha IHF was also compared to IHF/ZINST with Leuning passive samplers. Cumulative NH₃ emissions assessed using Alpha IHF and DTM showed good agreement, with a relative root mean square error (rRMSE) of 11%. Cumulative emissions assessed by Leuning IHF/ZINST deviated from Alpha IHF, with an rRMSE of 21%. For low-wind-speed and high-temperature conditions, NH₃ losses detected with Alpha IDM had to be corrected to give acceptable agreement (rRMSE 20%, MBE +2 kg N ha⁻¹). The study shows that quantification of NH₃ emissions from small plots is feasible. Since DTM is constrained to specific conditions, we recommend Alpha IDM, but the approach needs further development. Full article

A comparison of two synthesis methods for depositing Au nanoparticles onto TiO₂ was performed: (1) impregnation with HAuCl₄ followed by thermal treatment in argon, and (2) magnetron sputtering from a Au disc. The obtained materials were used for acetaldehyde decomposition in a high temperature reaction chamber and ch aracterised by UV-Vis/DR, XPS, XRD, SEM, and photoluminescence measurements. The process was carried out using an air/acetaldehyde gas flow under UV or UV-Vis LED irradiation. The mechanism of acetaldehyde decomposition and conversion was elaborated by in situ FTIR measurements of the photocatalyst surface during the reaction. Simultaneously, concentration of acetaldehyde in the outlet gas was monitored using gas chromatography. All the Au/TiO₂ samples showed absorption in the visible region, with a maximum around 550 nm. The plasmonic effect of Au nanoparticles was observed under UV-Vis light irradiation, especially at elevated temperatures such as 100 °C, for Au/TiO₂ prepared by the magnetron sputtering method. This resulted in a significant increase in the conversion of acetaldehyde at the beginning, followed by gradual decrease over time. The collected FTIR spectra indicated that, under UV-Vis light, acetaldehyde was strongly adsorbed onto Au/TiO₂ surface and formed crotonaldehyde or aldol. Under UV, acetaldehyde was mainly adsorbed in the form of acetate species. The plasmonic effect of Au nanoparticles increased the adsorption of acetaldehyde molecules onto TiO₂ surface, while reducing their decomposition rate. The increased temperature of the process enhanced the decomposition of the acetaldehyde. Full article

The field of metal additive manufacturing has witnessed significant growth in recent years, with technology offering the ability to produce complex geometries that are challenging to manufacture using the traditional methods. In situ monitoring and control of the manufacturing process are crucial for increasing the production capacity and improving the quality of manufactured parts. This article provides a comparative analysis of computational, indirect, and direct methods for in situ temperature monitoring during additive manufacturing of metal alloy components. Furthermore, it discusses the current status, recent improvements, and perspectives for in situ temperature measurements. The basic principles of thermal imaging, two-color pyrometry, and millimeter-wave radiometry are explored, highlighting their limitations for addressing challenges related to material emissivity and rapid changes in building material composition. Overcoming the challenges related to the inaccessibility of the chamber where the parts are formed, direct temperature measurements would allow for the integration of collected information into big data systems. Within the framework of Industry 4.0, this approach offers a viable alternative to the conventional metal shaping processes, improving the production capacity and part quality. This research aims to contribute to ongoing advancements in metal additive manufacturing and its potential to completely replace traditional metal casting practices in the Industry 4.0 era. Full article