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16 pages, 23546 KB  
Article
Optimizing Asymmetric Meso-Scale Vortex Combustors for Swirl-Induced Flame Stabilization: A Computational Analysis
by Azri Hariz Roslan, Mohd Al-Hafiz Mohd Nawi, Chu Yee Khor, Mohd Sharizan Md Sarip, Muhammad Lutfi Abd Latif, Mohammad Azrul Rizal Alias, Hazrin Jahidi Jaafar, Mohd Fathurrahman Kamarudin, Abdul Syafiq Abdull Sukor and Mohd Aminudin Jamlos
Eng 2025, 6(11), 293; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng6110293 (registering DOI) - 1 Nov 2025
Abstract
Combustion at the meso-scale is constrained by large surface-to-volume ratios that shorten residence time and intensify wall heat loss. We perform steady, three-dimensional CFD of two asymmetric vortex combustors: Model A (compact) and Model B (larger-volume) over inlet-air mass flow rates m˙ [...] Read more.
Combustion at the meso-scale is constrained by large surface-to-volume ratios that shorten residence time and intensify wall heat loss. We perform steady, three-dimensional CFD of two asymmetric vortex combustors: Model A (compact) and Model B (larger-volume) over inlet-air mass flow rates m˙ (40–170 mg s−1) and equivalence ratios ϕ (0.7–1.5), using an Eddy-Dissipation closure for turbulence–chemistry interactions. A six-mesh independence study (the best mesh is 113,133 nodes) yields ≤ 1.5% variation in core fields and ~2.6% absolute temperature error at a benchmark station. Results show that swirl-induced CRZ governs mixing and flame anchoring: Model A develops higher swirl envelopes (S up to ~6.5) and strong near-inlet heat-flux density but becomes breakdown-prone at the highest loading; Model B maintains a centered, coherent Central Recirculation Zone (CRZ) with lower uθ (~3.2 m s−1) and S ≈ 1.2–1.6, distributing heat more uniformly downstream. Peak flame temperatures (~2100–2140 K) occur at ϕ ≈ 1.0–1.3, remaining sub-adiabatic due to wall heat loss and dilution. Within this regime and m˙ ≈ 85–130 mg s−1, the system balances intensity against flow coherence, defining a stable, thermally efficient operating window for portable micro-power and thermoelectric applications. Full article
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48 pages, 5070 KB  
Article
Dual Inhibitory Potential of Conessine Against HIV and SARS-CoV-2: Structure-Guided Molecular Docking Analysis of Critical Viral Targets
by Ali Hazim Abdulkareem, Meena Thaar Alani, Sameer Ahmed Awad, Safaa Abed Latef Al-Meani, Mohammed Mukhles Ahmed, Elham Hazeim Abdulkareem and Zaid Mustafa Khaleel
Viruses 2025, 17(11), 1435; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17111435 - 29 Oct 2025
Viewed by 208
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) and SARS-CoV-2 continue to co-burden global health, motivating discovery of broad-spectrum small molecules. Conessine, a steroidal alkaloid, has reported membrane-active and antimicrobial properties but remains underexplored as a dual antiviral chemotype. To interrogate conessine’s multi-target antiviral potential against key [...] Read more.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) and SARS-CoV-2 continue to co-burden global health, motivating discovery of broad-spectrum small molecules. Conessine, a steroidal alkaloid, has reported membrane-active and antimicrobial properties but remains underexplored as a dual antiviral chemotype. To interrogate conessine’s multi-target antiviral potential against key enzymatic and entry determinants of HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 and to benchmark performance versus approved comparators. Eight targets were modeled: HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT, 3V81), protease (PR, 1HVR), integrase (IN, 3LPT), gp120–gp41 trimer (4NCO); and SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro, 6LU7), papain-like protease (PLpro, 6W9C), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp, 7BV2), spike RBD (6M0J). Ligands (conessine; positive controls: dolutegravir for HIV-1, nirmatrelvir for SARS-CoV-2) were prepared with standard protonation, minimized, and docked using AutoDock Vina v 1.2.0exhaustiveness 4; 20 poses). Binding modes were profiled in 2D/3D. Protocol robustness was verified by re-docking co-crystallized ligands (RMSD ≤ 2.0 Å). Atomistic MD (explicit TIP3P, OPLS4, 300 K/1 atm, NPT; 50–100 ns) assessed pose stability (RMSD/RMSF), pocket compaction (Rg, volume), and interaction persistence; MM/GBSA provided qualitative energy decomposition. ADMET was predicted in silico. Conessine showed coherent, hydrophobically anchored binding across both viral panels. Best docking scores (kcal·mol−1) were: HIV-1—PR −6.910, RT −6.672, IN −5.733; SARS-CoV-2—spike RBD −7.025, Mpro −5.745, RdRp −5.737, PLpro −5.024. Interaction maps were dominated by alkyl/π-alkyl packing to catalytic corridors (e.g., PR Ile50/Val82, RT Tyr181/Val106; Mpro His41/Met49; RBD L455/F486/Y489) with occasional carbon-/water-mediated H-bonds guiding orientation. MD sustained low ligand RMSD (typically ≤1.6–2.2 Å) and damped RMSF at catalytic loops, indicating pocket rigidification; MM/GBSA trends (≈ −30 to −40 kcal·mol−1, dispersion-driven) supported persistent nonpolar stabilization. Benchmarks behaved as expected: dolutegravir bound strongly to IN (−6.070) and PR (−7.319) with stable MD; nirmatrelvir was specific for Mpro and displayed weaker, discontinuous engagement at PLpro/RdRp/RBD under identical settings. ADMET suggested conessine has excellent permeability/BBB access (high logP), but liabilities include poor aqueous solubility, predicted hERG risk, and CYP2D6 substrate dependence.Conessine operates as a hydrophobic, multi-target wedge with the most favorable computed engagement at HIV-1 PR/RT and the SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD, while maintaining stable poses at Mpro and RdRp. The scaffold merits medicinal-chemistry optimization to improve solubility and de-risk cardiotoxicity/CYP interactions, followed by biochemical and cell-based validation against prioritized targets. Full article
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16 pages, 2776 KB  
Article
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) Captures Early Micro-Vascular Remodeling in Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer During Superficial Radiotherapy: A Proof-of-Concept Study
by Gerd Heilemann, Giulia Rotunno, Lisa Krainz, Francesco Gili, Christoph Müller, Kristen M. Meiburger, Dietmar Georg, Joachim Widder, Wolfgang Drexler, Mengyang Liu and Cora Waldstein
Diagnostics 2025, 15(21), 2698; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15212698 - 24 Oct 2025
Viewed by 362
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This proof-of-concept study evaluated whether optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) can non-invasively capture micro-vascular alterations in non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) lesions during and after superficial orthovoltage radiotherapy (RT) using radiomics and vascular features analysis. Methods: Eight patients (13 NMSC lesions) [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This proof-of-concept study evaluated whether optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) can non-invasively capture micro-vascular alterations in non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) lesions during and after superficial orthovoltage radiotherapy (RT) using radiomics and vascular features analysis. Methods: Eight patients (13 NMSC lesions) received 36–50 Gy in 6–20 fractions. High-resolution swept-source OCTA volumes (1.1 × 10 × 10 mm3) were acquired from each lesion at three time points: pre-RT, immediately post-RT, and three months post-RT. Additionally, healthy skin baseline was scanned. After artifact suppression and region-of-interest cropping, (i) first-order and texture radiomics and (ii) skeleton-based vascular features were extracted. Selected features after LASSO (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) were explored with principal-component analysis. An XGBoost model was trained to classify time points with 100 bootstrap out-of-bag validations. Kruskal–Wallis tests with Benjamini–Hochberg correction assessed longitudinal changes in the 20 most influential features. Results: Sixty-one OCTA volumes were analyzable. LASSO retained 47 of 103 features. The first two principal components explained 63% of the variance, revealing a visible drift of lesions from pre- to three-month post-RT clusters. XGBoost achieved a macro-averaged AUC of 0.68 ± 0.07. Six features (3 texture, 2 first order, 1 vascular) changed significantly across time points (adjusted p < 0.05), indicating dose-dependent reductions in signal heterogeneity and micro-vascular complexity as early as treatment completion, which deepened by three months. Conclusions: OCTA-derived radiomic and vascular signatures tracked RT-induced micro-vascular remodeling in NMSC. The approach is entirely non-invasive, label-free, and feasible at the point of care. As an exploratory proof-of-concept, this study helps to refine scanning and analysis protocols and generates knowledge to support future integration of OCTA into adaptive skin-cancer radiotherapy workflows. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Biomedical Optics: From Technologies to Applications)
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14 pages, 1403 KB  
Article
Progression of Protruding Plaque in Acute Coronary Syndrome Diagnosed by Serial Optical Coherence Tomography
by Yuki Aoki, Norihito Nakamura, Sho Torii, Makoto Natsumeda, Frederic Turcotte-Gosselin, Manabu Shiozaki, Kaho Hashimoto, Daiki Suzuki, Ryosuke Omura, Kazuki Aihara, Katsuaki Sakai, Masataka Nakano, Gaku Nakazawa and Yuji Ikari
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(21), 7468; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14217468 - 22 Oct 2025
Viewed by 259
Abstract
Background: Plaque protrusion after stent implantation is frequently observed in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients, yet studies on its long-term progression and clinical significance are limited. Methods: Seventy-eight ACS patients underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT)-guided PCI and follow-up OCT at 1 year. A [...] Read more.
Background: Plaque protrusion after stent implantation is frequently observed in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients, yet studies on its long-term progression and clinical significance are limited. Methods: Seventy-eight ACS patients underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT)-guided PCI and follow-up OCT at 1 year. A total of 101 protruding lesions were classified into atherogenic neointima (AN) and non-AN groups based on OCT findings. Qualitative and quantitative assessments of protruding plaque, including irregularity and plaque intensity, were conducted. Results: AN developed in 17% of irregular protrusion (IP) lesions, whereas no smooth protrusion progressed to AN. Lesions in the AN group showed greater increases in protruding plaque volume (2.80 ± 0.46 mm2 vs. 0.67 ± 0.16 mm2, p < 0.001) and diameter stenosis (16.5% vs. 10.1%, p = 0.02). Follow-up LDL levels were higher in the AN group compared with the non-AN group (76.9 vs. 61.2 mg/dL, p = 0.02), despite similar baseline levels. Conclusions: Low-intensity IP after stent implantation in ACS patients carries a high risk of progression to AN, particularly under poor LDL control. Aggressive lipid-lowering therapy may mitigate this risk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspectives in Acute Coronary Syndrome)
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15 pages, 2697 KB  
Article
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Is Associated with Disease Activity Expressed by NEDA-3 Status in Patients with Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis
by Jozef Szilasi, Marianna Vitková, Zuzana Gdovinová, Miriam Fedičová, Pavol Mikula, Lýdia Frigová and Jarmila Szilasiová
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(20), 7370; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14207370 - 18 Oct 2025
Viewed by 367
Abstract
Background: Retinal microvascular changes may serve as biomarkers for disease activity in multiple sclerosis (MS). This study evaluated macular and peripapillary vascular plexus densities using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients with relapsing MS (RMS) and healthy controls (HCs), exploring their association [...] Read more.
Background: Retinal microvascular changes may serve as biomarkers for disease activity in multiple sclerosis (MS). This study evaluated macular and peripapillary vascular plexus densities using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients with relapsing MS (RMS) and healthy controls (HCs), exploring their association with disease activity based on the NEDA-3 concept. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 117 RMS patients and 37 HCs underwent OCTA imaging. Parameters analyzed included superficial vascular plexus (SVP), deep vascular plexus (DVP), foveal avascular zone (FAZ), and radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) density. Images with artifacts were excluded. Associations between OCTA metrics and demographic, clinical, and MRI volumetrics, as well as NEDA-3 status, were evaluated using multivariate generalized estimating equations. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves assessed predictive capacity. Results: Compared to HCs, MS eyes with prior optic neuritis showed significantly lower SVP density (p < 0.05). DVP and FAZ parameters did not differ between groups. SVP and DVP densities correlated with age, disease duration, relapse history, and MRI volumetrics, including gray matter and whole brain volume. SVP density predicted NEDA-3 status (AUC = 0.82), while DVP also showed predictive value (AUC = 0.64). FAZ FD (Foveal density) was associated with gray matter and whole brain atrophy (AUC = 0.62–0.61). Conclusions: Retinal vascular alterations correlate with clinical and MRI measures in MS. Reduced SVP and DVP densities may serve as markers of recent disease activity, and FAZ metrics reflect neurodegeneration. OCTA may be a valuable non-invasive tool for monitoring MS progression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Neurology)
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22 pages, 2367 KB  
Article
From Microbleeds to Iron: AI Prediction of Cerebrospinal Fluid Erythrocyte Load in Alzheimer’s Disease
by Rafail C. Christodoulou, Georgios Vamvouras, Maria Daniela Sarquis, Vasileia Petrou, Platon S. Papageorgiou, Ludwing Rivera, Celimar Morales Gonzalez, Gipsany Rivera, Sokratis G. Papageorgiou and Evros Vassiliou
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(20), 7360; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14207360 - 17 Oct 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 381
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Cerebrospinal fluid erythrocyte load (CTRED) reflects occult red-blood-cell ingress into brain/CSF and consequent heme–iron exposure, a toxic pathway relevant to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We aimed to develop explainable machine learning (ML) models that classify high vs. low CTRED from routine, largely [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Cerebrospinal fluid erythrocyte load (CTRED) reflects occult red-blood-cell ingress into brain/CSF and consequent heme–iron exposure, a toxic pathway relevant to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We aimed to develop explainable machine learning (ML) models that classify high vs. low CTRED from routine, largely non-invasive inputs, and to position a blood-first workflow leveraging contemporary plasma amyloid–tau biomarkers. Methods: Twenty-six ADNI participants were analyzed. Inputs were age, sex, mean arterial pressure (MAPres), amyloid (Aβ42), total tau, phosphorylated tau, and hippocampal atrophy rate (APC) derived from longitudinal MRI. APC was computed from normalized hippocampal volumes. CTRED was binarized at the median (0 vs. >0). Data were split into train (n = 20) and held-out test (n = 6). Five classifiers (linear SVM, ridge, logistic regression, random forests, and MLP) were trained in leakage-safe pipelines with stratified five-fold cross-validation. To provide a comprehensive assessment, we presented the contribution AUC, thresholded performance metrics, summarized model performance, and the permutation feature importance (PFI). Results: On the test set, SVM, ridge, logistic regression, and random forests achieved AUC = 1.00, while the MLP achieved AUC = 0.833. Across models, PFI consistently prioritized p-tau/tau, Aβ42, and MAPres; age, sex, and APC contributed secondarily. The attribution profile aligns with mechanisms linking BBB dysfunction and amyloid-related microvascular fragility with tissue vulnerability to heme–iron. Conclusions: In this proof-of-concept study, explainable ML predicted CTRED from routine variables with biologically coherent drivers. Although ADNI measurements were CSF-based and the sample was small, the framework is non-invasive by adding plasma p-tau217/Aβ1–42 for amyloid, tau inputs, and integrating demographics, hemodynamic context, and MRI. External, plasma-based validation in larger cohorts is warranted, alongside extension to MCI and multimodal correlation (QSM, DCE-MRI) to establish clinically actionable CTRED thresholds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches to the Challenges of Neurodegenerative Disease)
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25 pages, 12285 KB  
Article
Integrated Geophysical Hydrogeological Characterization of Fault Systems in Sandstone-Hosted Uranium In Situ Leaching: A Case Study of the K1b2 Ore Horizon, Bayin Gobi Basin
by Ke He, Yuan Yuan, Yue Sheng and Hongxing Li
Processes 2025, 13(10), 3313; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13103313 - 16 Oct 2025
Viewed by 305
Abstract
This study presents an integrated geophysical and hydrogeological characterization of fault systems in the sandstone-hosted uranium deposit within the K1b2 Ore Horizon of the Bayin Gobi Basin. Employing 3D seismic exploration with 64-fold coverage and advanced attribute analysis techniques (including [...] Read more.
This study presents an integrated geophysical and hydrogeological characterization of fault systems in the sandstone-hosted uranium deposit within the K1b2 Ore Horizon of the Bayin Gobi Basin. Employing 3D seismic exploration with 64-fold coverage and advanced attribute analysis techniques (including coherence volumes, ant-tracking algorithms, and LOW_FRQ spectral attenuation), the research identified 18 normal faults with vertical displacements up to 21 m, demonstrating a predominant NE-oriented structural pattern consistent with regional tectonic features. The fracture network analysis reveals anisotropic permeability distributions (31.6:1–41.4:1 ratios) with microfracture densities reaching 3.2 fractures/km2 in the central and northwestern sectors, significantly influencing lixiviant flow paths as validated by tracer tests showing 22° NE flow deviations. Hydrogeological assessments indicate that fault zones such as F11 exhibit 3.1 times higher transmissivity (5.3 m2/d) compared to non-fault areas, directly impacting in situ leaching (ISL) efficiency through preferential fluid pathways. The study establishes a technical framework for fracture system monitoring and hydraulic performance evaluation, addressing critical challenges in ISL operations, including undetected fault extensions that caused lixiviant leakage incidents in field cases. These findings provide essential geological foundations for optimizing well placement and leaching zone design in structurally complex sandstone-hosted uranium deposits. The methodology combines seismic attribute analysis with hydrogeological validation, demonstrating how fault systems control fluid flow dynamics in ISL operations. The results highlight the importance of integrated geophysical approaches for accurate structural characterization and operational risk mitigation in uranium mining. Full article
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16 pages, 1868 KB  
Article
Cystoid Macular Lesions in Inherited Retinal Diseases: Prevalence, Characteristics, and Genetic Associations in a Hungarian Cohort
by Barbara Asboth, Alessandra Sanrocco, Barbara Besztercei, Balazs Lesch, Agnes Takacs, Rita Vamos, Balazs Varsanyi, Andras Vegh, Krisztina Knezy, Viktoria Szabo, Zoltan Zsolt Nagy and Ditta Zobor
Genes 2025, 16(10), 1212; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16101212 - 14 Oct 2025
Viewed by 411
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Cystoid macular lesion (CML) is a treatable cause of central vision loss in inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). We aimed to determine the frequency of CML in a large Hungarian IRD cohort and examine associations with causative genes. Methods: This longitudinal, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Cystoid macular lesion (CML) is a treatable cause of central vision loss in inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). We aimed to determine the frequency of CML in a large Hungarian IRD cohort and examine associations with causative genes. Methods: This longitudinal, retrospective, monocentric study included patients with genetically confirmed IRD identified from our database. Targeted next-generation sequencing (351-gene panel) and comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation were performed, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). CML was defined as intraretinal hyporeflective spaces with well-defined borders visible on at least two B-scans within the SD-OCT macular volume and was categorized as cystoid macular edema (CME) or non-CME. Results: We enrolled 430 patients with genetically confirmed IRDs. CML was detected in 93 eyes of 57 patients. Mean age at OCT was 36.6 ± 18.7 years (range, 3–76); 32 were male (56.1%). Inheritance patterns were autosomal recessive in 24 (42.1%), X-linked in 19 (33.3%), and autosomal dominant in 14 (24.6%). Frequently implicated genes were RS1 (12/57), USH2A (7/57), NR2E3 (7/57), PRPF31 (4/57), RPGR (4/57), and RHO (4/57). CME predominated in retinitis pigmentosa (32/57, 56%), with mean BCVA 0.44 ± 0.29 (decimal) and central retinal thickness (CRT) 401 ± 181 µm. Non-CME CML occurred in 25/57 (44%)—notably in X-linked retinoschisis and enhanced S-cone syndrome—with BCVA 0.40 ± 0.23 and CRT 465 ± 258 µm. BCVA did not correlate with CRT (rS = 0.18). Conclusions: CML occurred in 13.2% of patients within a large Hungarian cohort of genetically confirmed IRDs. Patients with IRD—mainly RP—are at higher risk for CML. Gene therapy is promising for retinal diseases, but CMLs can compromise effectiveness. Reducing and managing CME before gene therapy corroborates retinal stability and the functional state essential for the proper delivery and penetration of corrective genes to the target cells. Full article
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37 pages, 12368 KB  
Article
Machine Learning-Based Analysis of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Images for Age-Related Macular Degeneration
by Abdullah Alfahaid, Tim Morris, Tim Cootes, Pearse A. Keane, Hagar Khalid, Nikolas Pontikos, Fatemah Alharbi, Easa Alalwany, Abdulqader M. Almars, Amjad Aldweesh, Abdullah G. M. ALMansour, Panagiotis I. Sergouniotis and Konstantinos Balaskas
Biomedicines 2025, 13(9), 2152; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13092152 - 5 Sep 2025
Viewed by 727
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment among the elderly. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a non-invasive imaging modality that enables detailed visualisation of retinal vascular layers. However, clinical assessment of OCTA images is often challenging due [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment among the elderly. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a non-invasive imaging modality that enables detailed visualisation of retinal vascular layers. However, clinical assessment of OCTA images is often challenging due to high data volume, pattern variability, and subtle abnormalities. This study aimed to develop automated algorithms to detect and quantify AMD in OCTA images, thereby reducing ophthalmologists’ workload and enhancing diagnostic accuracy. Methods: Two texture-based algorithms were developed to classify OCTA images without relying on segmentation. The first algorithm used whole local texture features, while the second applied principal component analysis (PCA) to decorrelate and reduce texture features. Local texture descriptors, including rotation-invariant uniform local binary patterns (LBP2riu), local binary patterns (LBP), and binary robust independent elementary features (BRIEF), were combined with machine learning classifiers such as support vector machine (SVM) and K-nearest neighbour (KNN). OCTA datasets from Manchester Royal Eye Hospital and Moorfields Eye Hospital, covering healthy, dry AMD, and wet AMD eyes, were used for evaluation. Results: The first algorithm achieved a mean area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 1.00±0.00 for distinguishing healthy eyes from wet AMD. The second algorithm showed superior performance in differentiating dry AMD from wet AMD (AUC 0.85±0.02). Conclusions: The proposed algorithms demonstrate strong potential for rapid and accurate AMD diagnosis in OCTA workflows. By reducing manual image evaluation and associated variability, they may support improved clinical decision-making and patient care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular and Translational Medicine)
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13 pages, 10396 KB  
Article
Efficacy of Early Postoperative Subthreshold Micropulse Laser Therapy in Preventing Persistent Macular Oedema in Patients After Epiretinal Membrane Surgery
by Alicja Ziontkowska-Wrzałek, Monika Dzięciołowska, Krzysztof Safranow and Anna Machalińska
Biomedicines 2025, 13(9), 2113; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13092113 - 29 Aug 2025
Viewed by 627
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Epiretinal membrane (ERM) is often associated with macular thickening and foveal intraretinal fluid. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of early postoperative SMLT (577 nm) in preventing persistent macular oedema and to assess its impact on selected functional [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Epiretinal membrane (ERM) is often associated with macular thickening and foveal intraretinal fluid. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of early postoperative SMLT (577 nm) in preventing persistent macular oedema and to assess its impact on selected functional and morphometric retinal parameters after ERM peeling. Methods: A total of 68 pseudophakic patients with ERMs were enrolled and randomly assigned (1:1) to a laser group or a nonlaser control group. SMLT was performed one month after PPV. The functional and morphometric retinal parameters were assessed preoperatively and at one and four months postoperatively via optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography (OCTA), multifocal electroretinography (mfERG), and microperimetry. Results: The reduction in total retinal volume between the first and fourth postoperative months was significantly greater in the SMLT group than in the control group (p = 0.02). No significant differences in functional parameters were found between the groups. A more substantial reduction in total retinal volume post-SMLT was associated with greater baseline macular thickness, a more advanced ERM stage, worse baseline visual acuity, greater fixation stability, lower initial macular sensitivity and lower preoperative p-wave amplitude in ring R1 on mfERG. Conclusions: SMLT may be considered a therapeutic option in patients with advanced ERM stages and low preoperative visual acuity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Therapeutics for Retinal Degeneration)
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47 pages, 1148 KB  
Review
Burnout and the Brain—A Mechanistic Review of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Studies
by James Chmiel and Donata Kurpas
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(17), 8379; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26178379 - 28 Aug 2025
Viewed by 2573
Abstract
Occupational burnout is ubiquitous yet still debated as a disease entity. Previous reviews surveyed multiple biomarkers but left their neural substrate unclear. We therefore asked: What, if any, reproducible magnetic-resonance signature characterises burnout? Following PRISMA principles adapted for mechanistic synthesis, two reviewers searched [...] Read more.
Occupational burnout is ubiquitous yet still debated as a disease entity. Previous reviews surveyed multiple biomarkers but left their neural substrate unclear. We therefore asked: What, if any, reproducible magnetic-resonance signature characterises burnout? Following PRISMA principles adapted for mechanistic synthesis, two reviewers searched PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, ResearchGate and Cochrane from January 2000 to May 2025 using “MRI/fMRI” AND “burnout”. After duplicate removal and multi-stage screening, 17 clinical studies met predefined inclusion criteria (English language, MRI outcomes, validated burnout diagnosis). In total, ≈1365 participants were scanned, 880 with clinically significant burnout and 470 controls. Uniform Maslach Burnout Inventory thresholds defined cases; most studies matched age and sex, and all excluded primary neurological disease. Structural morphometry (8/17 studies) revealed consistent amygdala enlargement—predominantly in women—and grey-matter loss in dorsolateral/ventromedial prefrontal cortex and striatal caudate–putamen, while hippocampal volume remained unaffected, distinguishing burnout from PTSD or depression. Resting-state and task fMRI (9/17 studies) showed fronto-cortical hyper-activation, weakened amygdala–ACC coupling, and progressive fragmentation of rich-club networks, collectively indicating compensatory executive overdrive and global inefficiency. Two longitudinal cohorts and several intervention sub-studies demonstrated partial reversal of cortical thinning and limbic hyper-reactivity after mindfulness, exercise, cognitive-behavioural therapy, neurofeedback, or rTMS, underscoring plasticity. Across heterogeneous paradigms and populations, MRI converges on a coherent, sex-modulated but reversible brain-networkopathy that satisfies objective disease criteria. These findings justify early neuro-imaging-based triage, circuit-targeted therapy, and formal nosological recognition of burnout as a mental disorder, with policy ramifications for occupational health and insurance parity. Full article
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35 pages, 26488 KB  
Article
Synergetic Improvement of Blade Entry and Water Admission Angles for High Efficiency Cross-Flow Turbines in Micro-Hydropower Applications
by Ephrem Yohannes Assefa and Asfafaw Haileselassie Tesfay
Energies 2025, 18(17), 4540; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18174540 - 27 Aug 2025
Viewed by 703
Abstract
Cross-Flow Turbines (CFTs) are widely recognized for their adaptability and cost-effectiveness in micro-hydropower (MHP) systems. However, their hydraulic efficiency remains highly sensitive to geometric configurations, particularly the Blade Entry Angle (BEA) and Water Admission Angle (WAA). This study presents a high-fidelity computational fluid [...] Read more.
Cross-Flow Turbines (CFTs) are widely recognized for their adaptability and cost-effectiveness in micro-hydropower (MHP) systems. However, their hydraulic efficiency remains highly sensitive to geometric configurations, particularly the Blade Entry Angle (BEA) and Water Admission Angle (WAA). This study presents a high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFDs) investigation of CFT performance across a wide range of BEA (5–40°) and WAA (45–105°) combinations at runner speeds from 150 to 1200 rpm, under constant head and flow conditions. The simulations were performed using a steady-state Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) model coupled with the volume of fluid (VOF) method and the SST k–ω turbulence closure. Benchmarking against the widely used industrial standard configuration (BEA = 30°, WAA = 90°), which achieved 79.1% efficiency at 900 rpm, this study identifies an optimized setup at BEA = 15° and WAA = 60° delivering a peak efficiency of 84.91% and shaft power output of 225.5 W—representing an efficiency gain of approximately 5.8%. The standard configuration was found to suffer from flow misalignment, jet dispersion, and increased internal energy loss, particularly at off-design speeds. In contrast, optimized geometries ensured stable pressure gradients, coherent jet–blade interaction, and enhanced momentum transfer. The results provide a validated performance map and establish a robust design reference for enhancing CFT efficiency and reliability in decentralized renewable energy systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Hydro-Mechanical Turbines: Powering the Future)
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28 pages, 68775 KB  
Article
Machine Learning Approaches for Predicting Lithological and Petrophysical Parameters in Hydrocarbon Exploration: A Case Study from the Carpathian Foredeep
by Drozd Arkadiusz, Topór Tomasz, Lis-Śledziona Anita and Sowiżdżał Krzysztof
Energies 2025, 18(17), 4521; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18174521 - 26 Aug 2025
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Abstract
This study presents a novel approach to the parametrization of 3D PETRO FACIES and SEISMO FACIES using supervised and unsupervised learning, supported by a coherent structural and stratigraphic framework, to enhance understanding of the presence of hydrocarbons in the Dzików–Uszkowce region. The prediction [...] Read more.
This study presents a novel approach to the parametrization of 3D PETRO FACIES and SEISMO FACIES using supervised and unsupervised learning, supported by a coherent structural and stratigraphic framework, to enhance understanding of the presence of hydrocarbons in the Dzików–Uszkowce region. The prediction relies on selected seismic attributes and well logging data, which are essential in hydrocarbon exploration. Three-dimensional seismic data, a crucial source of information, reflect the propagation velocity of elastic waves influenced by lithological formations and reservoir fluids. However, seismic response similarities complicate accurate seismic image interpretation. Three-dimensional seismic data were also used to build a structural–stratigraphic model that partitions the study area into coeval strata, enabling spatial analysis of the machine learning results. In the 3D seismic model, PETRO FACIES classification achieved an overall accuracy of 80% (SD = 0.01), effectively distinguishing sandstone- and mudstone-dominated facies (RT1–RT4) with F1 scores between 0.65 and 0.85. RESERVOIR FACIES prediction, covering seven hydrocarbon system classes, reached an accuracy of 70% (SD = 0.01). However, class-level performance varied substantially. Non-productive zones such as HNF (No Flow) were identified with high precision (0.82) and recall (0.84, F1 = 0.83), while mixed-saturation facies (HWGS, BSWGS) showed moderate performance (F1 = 0.74–0.81). In contrast, gas-saturated classes (BSGS and HGS) suffered from extremely low F1 scores (0.08 and 0.12, respectively), with recalls as low as 5–7%, highlighting the model’s difficulty in discriminating these units from water-saturated or mixed facies due to overlapping seismic responses and limited training data for gas-rich intervals. To enhance reservoir characterization, SEISMO FACIES analysis identified 12 distinct seismic facies using key attributes. An additional facies (facies 13) was defined to characterize gas-saturated sandstones with high reservoir quality and accumulation potential. Refinements were performed using borehole data on hydrocarbon-bearing zones and clay volume (VCL), applying a 0.3 VCL cutoff and filtering specific facies to isolate zones with confirmed gas presence. The same approach was applied to PETRO FACIES and a new RT facie was extracted. This integrated approach improved mapping of lithological variability and hydrocarbon saturation in complex geological settings. The results were validated against two blind wells that were excluded from the machine learning process. Knowledge of the presence of gas in well N-1 and its absence in well D-24 guided verification of the models within the structural–stratigraphic framework. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section H1: Petroleum Engineering)
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14 pages, 757 KB  
Article
OCT for Optimizing Long-Term Clinical Results in Left Main PCI—Dream or Reality? Results from a Single-Center High-Volume Registry
by Florin-Leontin Lazar, Teodor Paul Kacso, Calin Homorodean, Mihai Ober, Horea-Laurentiu Onea, Dan Tataru, Mihai Spinu, Maria Olinic, Minodora Teodoru and Dan-Mircea Olinic
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(16), 5824; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14165824 - 18 Aug 2025
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Abstract
Background: With growing evidence regarding long-term clinical results of left main angioplasty, it has become clear that the gap between percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) and bypass surgery can be narrowed only by improving the PCI technique. While intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) has become routinely [...] Read more.
Background: With growing evidence regarding long-term clinical results of left main angioplasty, it has become clear that the gap between percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) and bypass surgery can be narrowed only by improving the PCI technique. While intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) has become routinely used for this subset of lesions, there is still insufficient data regarding the role of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in left main PCI. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term results of OCT-guided PCI in comparison to angiographical guidance alone. Material and methods: We conducted a retrospective single-center high-volume analysis of patients with left main disease treated by PCI. The primary endpoint was all-cause death. Results and discussion: Between January 2013 and January 2024, we enrolled 221 eligible patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease treated by PCI; among these, 13.1% were treated by OCT-guided PCI and 86.9% by angiographic-guided PCI. At a median follow up of 30.16 months (interquartile range: 14.3–60 months), Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed a significantly higher survival probability in the OCT group compared to the non-OCT group (log-rank p = 0.034), with no significant differences between the groups regarding procedural success rate. In the multivariable Cox proportional hazards model, adjusting for other relevant covariates, OCT was borderline non-significantly independently associated with a 63% reduction in mortality (HR = 0.37, p = 0.063). Conclusions: In our study, OCT-guided PCI was associated with early procedural distinctions and a trend toward improved unadjusted survival in LM PCI. The findings highlight the potential procedural advantages of OCT, as well as the need for larger prospective studies to establish its long-term clinical benefits in left main interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cardiovascular Medicine)
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15 pages, 1582 KB  
Article
Evaluation of the Effect of Optic Nerve Compression by Craniopharyngioma on Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Pediatric Patients
by Klaudia Rakusiewicz-Krasnodębska, Agnieszka Bogusz-Wójcik, Elżbieta Moszczyńska, Maciej Jaworski, Paweł Kowalczyk and Wojciech Hautz
Cancers 2025, 17(15), 2574; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17152574 - 5 Aug 2025
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Abstract
Purpose: The present study aims to evaluate alterations in the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in pediatric patients following surgical resection of childhood-onset craniopharyngioma (CP) and to identify tumor characteristics and other factors influencing these alterations, including changes in the lesion’s [...] Read more.
Purpose: The present study aims to evaluate alterations in the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in pediatric patients following surgical resection of childhood-onset craniopharyngioma (CP) and to identify tumor characteristics and other factors influencing these alterations, including changes in the lesion’s location. Design: retrospective clinical cohort study. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 73 eyes from 38 patients with CP and 64 eyes from 32 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The mean age of the CP patients was 10.3 ± 4.2 years (range 4–17), while the control group had a mean age of 10.5 ± 3.1 years (range 4–17). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to assess the peripapillary RNFL thickness in the study and control groups. RNFL thickness was analyzed in the superior, inferior, and average sectors, as well as across eight optic nerve sectors. Tumor characteristics were evaluated to determine their correlation with changes in RNFL thickness in individual sectors. Results: Postoperative thickness of peripapillary RNFL in all individual sectors was significantly reduced in the CP group compared to healthy controls. Location, tumor volume, maximum tumor diameter, calcification, ventriculoperitoneal shunt, surgery technique, total resection, presence of Rosenthal fibers, and reoperation due to progression or recurrence correlated with damage to RNFL. Conclusions: CP is associated with significant reductions in RNFL thickness, indicating the tumor’s impact on optic nerve fibers. OCT is a valuable tool for monitoring visual pathway impairment and postoperative outcomes. Correlations between RNFL thickness in individual sectors and clinical parameters may offer valuable insights for diagnosis and monitoring, underlining their potential role in predicting visual outcomes. Regular RNFL evaluation should be integrated into the long-term care of CP patients to optimize visual prognosis and detect progressive or residual damage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Oncology)
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