Search Results (486)

Objectives: The Eight-chop technique is a mechanically based nuclear segmentation method designed to improve surgical efficiency and reduce intraocular tissue stress during phacoemulsification. Early postoperative aqueous flare serves as an objective indicator of surgical invasiveness, whereas corneal endothelial cell density (CECD) loss represents a structural measure of endothelial injury. Although both parameters are clinically important, their relationship has not been systematically investigated in the context of this newer mechanical fragmentation approach. Methods: This prospective observational study included 118 eyes from 70 non-diabetic patients undergoing uncomplicated Eight-chop phacoemulsification. Aqueous flare was measured preoperatively and at postoperative Day 1, Day 7, Week 7, and Week 19 using laser flare photometry. CECD was evaluated preoperatively and at Weeks 7 and 19. Changes over time were analyzed using paired t-tests. Linear mixed-effects models (random intercept = patient ID) were constructed to assess predictors of CECD loss and postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction. Explanatory variables included Day 1 flare, age, preoperative CECD, nucleus hardness (Emery-Little grade), cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), and irrigation fluid volume. Results: Postoperative flare increased significantly at all time points (all p < 0.001), peaking on Day 7 (16.7 ± 9.21 photon counts/ms). CECD loss was extremely small, averaging 1.38% at Week 7 and 1.46% at Week 19. In mixed-effects models, Day 1 flare was not associated with CECD loss at Week 7 (p = 0.35) or Week 19 (p = 0.85). Significant predictors of CECD loss included Emery-Little grade (p = 0.004 at Week 7; p = 0.025 at Week 19), with borderline contributions from CDE and irrigation volume. IOP decreased significantly at Weeks 7 and 19; however, Day 1 flare did not predict IOP reduction. Conclusions: Eight-chop phacoemulsification produced uniformly low postoperative inflammation and exceptionally small corneal endothelial cell loss. Early postoperative flare did not predict CECD loss, suggesting that the Eight-chop technique provides a highly standardized, low-invasiveness surgical environment. These findings suggest that the Eight-chop technique lowers ultrasound energy requirements and may help reduce corneal endothelial stress relative to standard phacoemulsification. Full article

This pilot study investigated multimodal physiological monitoring using minimally invasive and wearable sensors across two experimental settings. Experiment 1 involved five healthy adults (1 female) who simultaneously wore an interstitial fluid glucose (ISFG) sensor and a ring-type wearable device during sleep (00:00–06:00). Time-series analyses revealed that ISFG levels decreased during sleep in four of the five participants. ISFG values were significantly lower in the latter half of the sleep period compared with the first half (0–3 h vs. 3–6 h, p = 0.01, d = 2.056). Four participants also exhibited a mild reduction in SpO₂ between 03:00–04:00. These results suggest that nocturnal ISFG decline may be associated with subtle oxygen-saturation dynamics. Experiment 2 examined whether wearable sensors can detect physiological changes across meal-related phases. Nine male participants were monitored for heart rate (HR) and skin temperature during three periods: pre-meal (Phase 1: 09:00–09:30), during meal consumption (Phase 2: 12:30–13:00), and post-meal (Phase 3: 13:00–13:30). A paired comparison demonstrated a significant difference in median HR between Phase 1 and Phase 2 (p = 0.029, d = 0.812), indicating a large effect size. In contrast, HR–temperature correlation was weak and not statistically significant (Pearson r = 0.067, p = 0.298). Together, these findings demonstrate that multimodal wearable sensing can capture both nocturnal glucose fluctuations and meal-induced cardiovascular changes. This integrative approach may support real-time physiological risk assessment and future development of remote healthcare applications. Full article

Background: Adrenomedullin (ADM) is a multifunctional peptide with vasoregulatory, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Its stable fragment, mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM), is a validated biomarker in sepsis and systemic infections, but its role in viral neuroinfections remains unexplored. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), caused by the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), is a major viral infection of the central nervous system (CNS) associated with long-term neurological sequelae. This study aimed to assess MR-proADM levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of patients with TBE and to evaluate their diagnostic utility and pathophysiological significance. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 20 patients with confirmed TBE and 14 non-infectious neurological controls. MR-proADM concentrations were measured in paired CSF and serum samples using an ELISA assay. Statistical analyses included group comparisons (Mann–Whitney U test), correlation analyses (Spearman’s r), and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve evaluation. Results: Serum MR-proADM levels at baseline (SER1) were significantly lower in TBE patients compared with controls (p = 0.0197). The CSF/serum MR-proADM ratio differed significantly between groups (p = 0.0063) and showed the best diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.816, 95% CI 0.63–0.93; sensitivity 79%, specificity 80%). MR-proADM concentrations in CSF correlated with total CSF protein (r = 0.53), suggesting an association with blood–CSF barrier dysfunction. Strong reproducibility was observed for serum MR-proADM between sampling points (r = 0.83). Conclusions: MR-proADM levels in CSF and serum are altered in patients with TBE, indicating its potential as a biomarker of CNS infection and inflammation. The CSF/serum MR-proADM ratio may serve as a sensitive indicator of blood–CSF barrier involvement, while decreased serum levels may reflect impaired systemic neuroprotective response. These findings highlight a possible role of ADM in neuroimmune regulation during viral encephalitis and warrant validation in larger prospective studies. Full article

Complex fluid–particle interactions are ubiquitous in natural environments and engineering applications, with their underlying mechanisms often attributed to interparticle attraction and repulsion. To understand the interaction mechanism between the dual particles, this study examines the setting process of dual particles using the Immersed Boundary-Lattice Boltzmann Method (IB-LBM), with a focus on the effect of the density difference between particles. Two typical configurations—tandem and side-by-side—are considered in the analysis. In the tandem configuration, when ${\rho }_{LP}/{\rho }_{TP}<1$, the TP inevitably kisses the LP due to its greater settling velocity, thus initiating the classical drafting-kissing-tumbling phenomenon. As the density of the TP further increases, the attractive effect exerted by the LP on the TP becomes weak. Conversely, when ${\rho }_{LP}/{\rho }_{TP}>1$, kissing between two particles is mainly determined by the density of LP. Whether kissing occurs between the two particles depends on a critical value ${\rho }_{LP}/{\rho }_{TP}=1.2:1.14$. Although the LP’s attraction to the TP strengthens with increasing LP density, beyond this certain threshold, this attraction becomes insufficient for the TP to catch up with the LP. In a side-by-side configuration with two particles of different densities, their interaction evolves from initial attraction to subsequent repulsion. This phenomenon is not observed in pairs of particles with identical density. Moreover, with increasing density difference between the particles, the attractive effect from the higher-density particle on the lower-density one strengthens, whereas the repulsive interaction between them gradually weakens. When the particle density ratio reaches $1.4:1.14$, the lateral migration of the particles becomes very small; although they still interact with each other, the effect becomes extremely weak. This work systematically elucidates the influence of density disparity on particle interaction, providing insights into understanding more complex multiparticle system dynamics. Full article

Thermal gradients induced by friction frequently trigger buckling deformation of the friction elements, especially in heavy-duty helicopters. Nevertheless, the subsequent influence of such post-buckling deformation on transient thermal characteristics during helicopter successive shifting remains insufficiently addressed in existing research. In the present work, a gap model for friction pairs with conical separate discs is first proposed. Subsequently, a comprehensive thermal-fluid-dynamic model incorporating spline friction, split springs, and time-varying thermal parameters is developed to investigate the transient thermal characteristics of wet clutches with conical separate discs in successive shifting. A corresponding qualitative analysis is performed to explore the transient thermal response and influence mechanisms of operating parameters, including shifting interval, rotation speed and control oil pressure. The results indicate that a rise in the control oil pressure from 1.5 MPa to 1.9 MPa facilitates a 42.65% increase in the maximum radial temperature gradient and augments the maximum axial temperature gradient by 24.35%. Meanwhile, an increase in rotation speed accelerates heat dissipation but compromises the uniformity of the temperature field. Additionally, extended shifting intervals under inadequate heat dissipation exacerbates thermal buildup, driving a persistent and significant escalation in the temperature of friction elements. The conclusions can provide a theoretical basis for the optimal design, condition monitoring, and fault diagnosis of aviation clutches. Full article

Water is attractive as a base fluid due to its availability and environmental friendliness. To enhance its lubricity, environmentally friendly additives must be applied. This study combined protic ionic liquid and several nanoparticles to form hybrid additives for an oil-in-water lubricant. The performance of these additives was evaluated using wettability, tribo-testing, and worn-surface analysis. The tribo-test employed a ball-on-plate reciprocating tribometer that used bearing steel/bearing steel and WC/bearing steel friction pairs. The results were compared with those obtained using two commercial additives. It was found that the investigated additives are promising candidates for water-based lubricants, as they exhibit comparable wettability. Moreover, they outperform the reference samples in terms of lubricity. According to the results, the suggested lubrication mechanism includes enhanced wettability, composite tribo-film formation, surface polishing, and mending. Full article

Background/Objectives: Orthodontic tooth movement is a biological process involving coordinated bone resorption and formation in response to mechanical stimulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the temporal changes in C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP), and vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and saliva during fixed orthodontic treatment, as well as to assess the relationships among these biomarkers. Methods: The study included a total of 27 systemically and periodontally healthy individuals comprising 14 males and 13 females. Clinical periodontal parameters were assessed at three time points: before treatment (T0), at 24–48 h (T1), and on day 40 (T2). GCF and saliva samples were collected at the same time points. Levels of CTX, PINP and VDBP in GCF and saliva were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The data were analyzed using both parametric and non-parametric statistical tests. Temporal changes across the three time points were evaluated using mixed-effects models, differences between GCF and saliva biomarker levels were assessed using paired tests, and correlations were examined using Spearman correlation analysis. Results: GCF and salivary CTX levels demonstrated a significant increase from T0 to T1, while PINP levels exhibited a substantial rise from T1 to T2 (p < 0.001). Levels of VDBP in both GCF and saliva did not demonstrate significant temporal changes (p > 0.05). Higher VDBP levels in both fluids were found to be negatively associated with increases in CTX and positively associated with increases in PINP (p < 0.05). Furthermore, salivary CTX and VDBP levels exhibited a consistent increase compared to those measured in GCF at all time points (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Fixed orthodontic forces elicit sequential resorptive and formative responses in both GCF and saliva. The potential of VDBP to function as a local modulator is indicated, with the capacity to influence the balance between osteoclastic and osteoblastic activity. The evaluation of these biomarkers in non-invasive biological samples may offer a valuable approach for monitoring bone metabolism throughout orthodontic treatment. Full article

This study investigated the tribological and mechanical properties of chromium nitride (CrN and CrN/DLC) coatings applied to 316L steel in an artificial blood environment. The wettability of the tested surfaces was determined and the hardness was also tested using the instrumental indentation. Friction-wear tests were performed using a TRB³ tribometer in a rotating ball-on-disc configuration. The tests were performed under dry friction conditions and with lubrication using artificial blood at pH 7.45 (neutral environment) and pH 7.15 (acidified environment). Wear of the friction pairs was examined using an interferometric-confocal microscope. Artificial blood was chosen to simulate human body fluids. The use of the CrN/DLC coating reduced the coefficient of friction by 83% for dry friction, by 62% for friction with neutral artificial blood lubrication, and by 69% for friction with acidic artificial blood lubrication, respectively. Despite the increased coefficient of friction of the CrN coating, its use also contributed to reduced material wear. Full article

Background: Chlorhexidine (CHX) is an effective antiseptic rinse for managing gingival inflammation; however, side effects such as staining and altered taste limit its long-term use. StellaLife^® (SL), an herbal-based mouth rinse and a gel, has shown promising in vitro effects, including enhanced biocompatibility and wound healing. This study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of SL and 0.12% CHX in an experimental gingivitis model. Methods: In this randomized, controlled, cross-over clinical trial, 34 dental students received both treatment regimens in alternating two-week phases following prophylaxis. Group 1 used SL (mouth rinse and the gel) and then crossed over to CHX with placebo gel. Group 2 followed the reverse sequence. Participants refrained from oral hygiene during treatment phases. Clinical parameters and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were assessed at baseline and post-treatment. Paired t-tests and Bonferroni corrections were applied (p < 0.05). Bacterial count was determined by an external laboratory using a PCR test. Mean values for bacteria after SL and CHX use measured in genome copies/mL for Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis, T. denticola, T. forsythia and F. nucleatum. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed between the SL and CHX groups for PI (p = 0.057), GI (p = 0.960), PD (p = 0.112), BOP (p = 0.895), GR (p = 0.768), CAL (p = 0.112), or GCF (p = 0.951). Both regimens improved periodontal parameters similarly. No significant differences were found between CHX and SL use in respect to periodontal pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity. Conclusions: SL demonstrated clinical efficacy comparable to CHX in managing experimental gingivitis. Given its favorable safety profile, SL may serve as a promising alternative to CHX, though larger and longer-term studies are warranted. Full article

The Twin Hybrid Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (THAUV) is an underwater monitoring system consisting of a twin buoyant body and a fixed wing mounted between them. It is equipped with two propeller thrusters and a pair of elevators at the aft end. As a new type of underwater vehicle, it combines the long endurance of an underwater glider (UG), the high-speed maneuverability of an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), and the ability to carry larger payloads. In this paper, the motion equations of the THAUV are established, and its simulation model is developed using SIMULINK. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is further employed to identify hydrodynamic parameters under different elevator size conditions. A case study is conducted to analyze the effects of three different widths of elevators on glide performance, including gliding speed, pitching angle, and gliding trajectory. CFD results show that when the elevator deflection angle is zero, the hydrodynamic forces acting on the THAUV increase as the elevator width increases under identical angle of attack and velocity conditions. Under CFD conditions with fixed angle of attack and flow velocity, the sensitivity of the hydrodynamic characteristics to elevator deflection became significantly more pronounced. Increasing the elevator deflection angle led to substantial growth in the generated hydrodynamic forces. Motion simulations further show that increasing the elevator deflection angle enhances the THAUV’s gliding performance. Comparative results also reveal that glide performance improves with larger elevator width. Full article

Background and Objectives: Orthodontic tooth movement triggers micro-trauma in the periodontal ligament, leading to a balanced process of bone resorption and apposition mediated by local inflammatory responses. Monitoring N-telopeptide levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and applying low-intensity laser biostimulation can help optimize mechanical loading, reduce adverse effects, and enhance tissue remodeling during treatment. Materials and Methods: This study had a split-mouth observational design. From 30 patients with ages between 20 and 50, with standardized fixed orthodontic treatment, GCF samples were collected from both control and laser-treated hemiarches before and 14 days after appliance activation. Low-intensity laser therapy (LLLT) was applied to selected sites to assess its effect on N-telopeptide levels, a marker of bone resorption, with samples analyzed via ELISA and results compared statistically to evaluate the impact of laser biostimulation during orthodontic treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests or Wilcoxon tests for two-group comparisons. Results: N-telopeptide levels in gingival crevicular fluid increased significantly from baseline (T0) to 14 days (T1) in both the laser-treated (HL) and control (sham) hemiarches (HC), with higher values observed in the lasered side. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences between HL and HC at T1 (p < 0.0001), as well as between each T1 group and baseline, indicating that low-intensity laser therapy enhanced bone resorption activity during orthodontic tooth movement. Conclusions: N-telopeptide exhibited higher values in the hemiarches where laser therapy was applied than in the control ones. This provides a rationale for using laser biostimulation as an adjuvant during orthodontic treatment to modulate tissue restructuring. Full article

Background/Objectives: One of the main reasons for discrepancies in the role of vitamin D in ART could be the measurement of the conventional biomarker 25(OH)D₃. It is known that this value is affected by multiple factors, such as tissue origin, assay variability, classification criteria, and potential storage-related degradation. In this study, we investigate 24,25(OH)₂D₃ as a new biomarker to improve vitamin D assessment in women’s reproductive health, particularly regarding oocyte development. Methods: A prospective cohort study including 35 oocyte donors undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation, who were recruited between October and November 2017, was conducted. Vitamin D metabolites were measured at the baseline and after seven months of storage at −80 °C. Paired serum and pooled follicular fluid (FF) samples were collected at oocyte retrieval. 25(OH)D₃ and 24,25(OH)₂D₃ were quantified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS). Statistical analyses included paired tests (serum vs. FF; baseline vs. stored) and Pearson’s correlations (two-sided α = 0.05). Results: At the baseline, the mean serum 25(OH)D₃ concentration was 91.56 ± 39.01 nmol/L and the mean FF concentration was 58.13 ± 19.55 nmol/L (p < 0.0001). Serum 24,25(OH)₂D₃ averaged 15.62 ± 10.99 nmol/L, compared with 11.26 ± 6.09 nmol/L in FF (p = 0.004). In both fluids, 25(OH)D₃ and 24,25(OH)₂D₃ were strongly correlated (serum R² = 0.92; FF R² = 0.91). Across fluids, the serum–FF correlation was stronger for 24,25(OH)₂D₃ (R² = 0.77, p <0.0001) than for 25(OH)D₃ (R² = 0.69, p < 0.0001). After seven months of storage, 25(OH)D₃ concentrations decreased significantly (serum −32%; FF −38%; both p < 0.0001), whereas 24,25(OH)₂D₃ levels remained stable (serum p = 0.24; FF p = 0.36). Conclusions: Serum 24,25(OH)₂D₃ is a more reliable and minimally invasive biomarker for assessing ovarian vitamin D status than the current gold standard, 25(OH)D₃. Incorporating this metabolite into research studies and storage quality control may improve the reliability of retrospective analyses based on cryopreserved material, contributing to a better understanding of the role of vitamin D in human reproduction. Full article

Sleep supports brain development and adaptability, yet its relationship with cognitive performance in farm animals remains unclear. This study examined the association between a behavioral indicator of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the REM sleep-like posture (RSLP), and cognitive ability in Japanese Black calves. Twenty two-month-old calves (11 males and 9 females; 88.0 ± 11.0 kg) were continuously video-recorded for 48 h to quantify daily RSLP time, frequency, and bout duration. Calves then performed associative and reversal learning tasks using color cues paired with rewarding (sweet) or aversive (acidic) fluids. Daily RSLP time, frequency, and bout duration were 220.9 ± 67.3 min/day, 34.9 ± 10.0 bouts/day, and 6.8 ± 2.1 min/bout. Fifteen calves (7 males and 8 females) reached the associative learning criterion, while five (1 female and 4 males) did not. No association was found with associative learning, whereas calves with longer daily RSLP time required fewer rounds to reach the reversal learning criterion (r = −0.56, p = 0.030), indicating greater cognitive flexibility. These findings suggest that longer REM-related sleep may support adaptability in calves. Monitoring RSLP could provide a non-invasive indicator of welfare and cognitive capacity, supporting precision management to improve comfort and productivity of calves. Full article

Objective: We aimed to synthesize paired pre/post human evidence on how Th17-axis cytokines (IL-17A, IL-21, IL-22, IL-23 and related markers) change after non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) by biospecimen (gingival crevicular fluid [GCF], saliva, serum) and time window. Material and methods: We performed a PRISMA-guided systematic review of non-randomized pre/post cohorts and clinical trials. Databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane) were searched; two reviewers performed selection, data extraction, ROBINS-I risk-of-bias appraisal, and GRADE certainty assessment. Due to heterogeneity in sampling/assays and incomplete variance reporting, a qualitative direction-of-effect synthesis was prespecified for ≤4 weeks, ~6–8 weeks, and ~3–6 months. Results: Twelve studies (total n = 897) met inclusion (8 GCF; 5 blood-derived (serum/plasma) cohorts; one saliva). Most GCF cohorts reported decreases in IL-17A within ~6–8 weeks post-NSPT (≥4 cohorts), with one early 4-week cohort showing a concentration increase but an unchanged total amount due to reduced GCF volume. IL-23 generally declined locally and declined by ~3 months systemically in aggressive periodontitis. Serum IL-17A changes were smaller/variable (two cohorts reported decreases within 1–6 months), and one cohort showed a reduced IL-17A:IL-17E ratio at ~25 weeks. Heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis; we undertook a direction-of-effect synthesis. Conclusions: NSPT is likely associated with the early local down-regulation of Th17-axis activity (notably GCF IL-17A), when systemic signals are smaller and delayed. Given moderate–serious risk of bias and pre-analytical heterogeneity, the certainty of evidence is low to very low; Th17-axis biomarkers are not yet suitable for clinical decision-making. Full article

Background: Although rarely performed, sternal resection for chondrosarcoma presents considerable anesthetic challenges, particularly in both immediate and long-term pain management. Method: This case study details the anesthetic protocol adopted for a 61-year-old male who underwent a sternal resection, chest wall reconstruction and muscle flap coverage due to chondrosarcoma. To optimize perioperative analgesia, a thoracic epidural catheter was placed preoperatively, combined intraoperatively with bilateral parasternal blocks targeting intercostal nerves at the resection margin. General anesthesia was tailored and paired with fluid restriction and minimal vasopressor doses to stabilize hemodynamics. Result: Postoperative recovery was marked by minimal discomfort, no need for systemic opioids, and early initiation of physiotherapy. At 12 months post-surgery, the absence of persistent pain or physical dysfunction suggested that the synergistic use of thoracic epidural and parasternal blocks offers effective control over both short-term and chronic pain following major chest wall surgery. The holistic integration of psychological support and an active rehabilitation regimen exemplified a biopsychosocial strategy, instrumental to the patient’s positive trajectory. Conclusions: This experience underscores the advantage of supplementing epidural anesthesia with parasternal nerve blocks in sternal resections, facilitating better outcomes and reducing systemic opioid use. Further studies involving broader patient populations are necessary to validate and refine this promising approach in preventing chronic pain in complex thoracic surgeries. Full article