Search Results (1,650)

This research paper investigates the impact of inserting a ground slot on the frequency performance of a monopole-type microstrip patch antenna. To examine this, a reference antenna, which is a simple rectangular monopole with the dimensions 2.4 × 2.04 mm², was mounted on a 12 × 12 mm² Rogers RT 5880 substrate with a thickness of 0.254 mm and a dielectric constant of εᵣ = 2.2. It was also fed by a 50 Ω microstrip line. This work compares the effects of four different geometries of rectangular ground slots: rectangular, triangular, half-ring, and half-circle, on the performance of the microstrip patch antenna. The no-slot baseline antenna showed a resonance of 12.55 GHz and a reflection coefficient of −15.9 dB. Adding a ground slot allowed the advent of single or dual-resonant frequencies, which significantly enhanced the appropriateness of the antenna in 5G usage. Notably, the rectangular slot with b₁ = 3 mm achieved a resonance of 22.5 GHz, with a reflection coefficient of −33.7 dB, while b₁ = 1 mm enabled dual-band operation at 11.77 GHz and 38.3 GHz. Triangular slots provided strong single-frequency operation between 26 GHz and 31 GHz, and the half-circle slot with r₃ = 1 mm resonated at 12 GHz with a reflection coefficient of −39.5 dB. Although the half-ring slot had a comparatively lower reflection coefficient, it still showed dual-band potential at 11.1 GHz and 34.14 GHz. The simulation results were validated using HFSS, demonstrating good alignment. The gain of the selected antennas was also investigated, where the highest gain of 4.2 dBi was achieved by the half-ring slot design, and the lowest gain of 3.09 dBi was obtained with the half-circle slot. These findings confirm that ground-slot integration is an effective technique for frequency tuning and performance enhancement in 5G antenna design. Full article

This paper aims to systematically investigate the out-of-plane yield performance, structural reliability, and sensitivity boundaries of minor-axis joints under construction overloads. To achieve this objective, a high-fidelity three-dimensional non-linear finite element framework incorporates precise solid continuum elements, contact non-linearities, and multi-linear material models, which is successfully validated against referenced experimental curves. Utilizing efficient Latin Hypercube Sampling integrated with response surface surrogate methodologies, a comprehensive stochastic parametric scanning is conducted to map the multi-dimensional scatter profiles and probabilistic capacity responses at targeted elastic thresholds. Furthermore, based on the upper-bound theorem of plasticity, closed-form analytical formulations defining the competition between independent and global plastic mechanisms are established and rigorously validated against extensive numerical parametric matrices. The core mechanical insights demonstrate that the column web thickness t_w and column section depth b overwhelmingly dictate nearly 60% of the joint’s elastic-limit resistance by directly defining the out-of-plane bending span. While the divergence between the two competitive plastic mechanisms remains minute under severe flange constraints, the research uncovers a critical localized interaction: in connections with a relatively thick t_w, the extended endplate thickness t_ep and endplate flexibility trigger a dynamic migration of the rotation axis between the longitudinal boundaries L₀ and L_a, significantly shortening the effective internal lever arm. For practical design applications, calibrating these formulations with a partial safety factor γ_M = 1.25 successfully establishes a dependable lower-bound design strength, providing a verified safety red-line for temporary cantilevered scaffolding installations. Full article

Objective: The aim of this study is to identify clinical and obstetric factors associated with acute postoperative pain in pregnant women undergoing primary elective cesarean section and, in particular, to investigate the relationship between intraoperative subcutaneous tissue thickness and the severity of postoperative pain. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study included 82 pregnant women who underwent primary elective cesarean section between August 2025 and April 2026. All patients underwent cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia by the same surgeon using a Pfannenstiel incision and received the clinic’s standard postoperative analgesia protocol. Subcutaneous tissue thickness was measured along the Pfannenstiel incision line during cesarean section using a sterile millimeter ruler. Postoperative pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 0, 2, 6, 12, and 24 h. Relationships between variables were examined using Spearman’s correlation analysis. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed for the 12th- and 24th-hour VAS scores to evaluate the independent predictors of postoperative pain. Results: The participants’ mean age was 26.1 ± 4.6 years, and their mean BMI was 30.4 ± 5.1 kg/m². The median subcutaneous tissue thickness was 20 mm (interquartile range (IQR): 15–25). No significant association was found between subcutaneous tissue thickness and postoperative pain scores or changes in hemoglobin levels (all p > 0.05). A moderate positive correlation was observed between subcutaneous tissue thickness and BMI (r = 0.501, p < 0.001) and fetal weight (r = 0.428, p < 0.001). In multivariate regression analyses, subcutaneous tissue thickness, age, BMI, fetal weight, gestational age, hemoglobin change, and parity were found not to be independent predictors of VAS scores at 12 or 24 h (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: Subcutaneous tissue thickness was not found to be associated with the severity of postoperative pain in patients undergoing primary elective cesarean section. Furthermore, none of the clinical and obstetric variables evaluated were shown to be independent predictors of acute postoperative pain. These findings suggest that local anatomical measurements alone may not be sufficient to explain postoperative pain following cesarean delivery and that postoperative pain is likely influenced by multiple non-anatomical factors. Full article

Based on generalized Lorenz–Mie theory (GLMT) and the Maxwell stress tensor (MST) method, this study investigates the modulation mechanism of the axial optical torque N_z exerted on Cs₂AgBiBr₆ (CABB) perovskite-coated gold nanospheres under vector Bessel-beam illumination. The results show that the CABB shell reconstructs the torque-resonance channels of the coated particle by modifying both the dispersive dielectric environment around the gold core and the core–shell interfacial response. As the shell thickness increases, the dominant response undergoes a continuous redshift. The polarization state, half-cone angle α₀, and order l of the incident vector Bessel beam serve as external optical-field degrees of freedom that regulate the incident angular-momentum channels, thereby enabling coordinated control over the torque peak magnitude, spectral line shape, and torque direction. Analyses of the near-field distributions, Poynting-vector distributions, and Mie-order decomposition reveal that the strong torque response arises from selective coupling between the intrinsic Mie channels of the core–shell particle and the vectorial structure of the incident light, rather than simply from local field-intensity enhancement. This study provides a theoretical basis for tunable N_z responses in perovskite–plasmonic hybrid nanostructures and for structured-light-driven rotational manipulation at the nanoscale. Full article

During precast beam yard construction on soft ground, prestress tensioning-induced camber transforms the initially uniform load distribution into eccentric concentrated loads at the beam ends, thereby posing risks to foundation stability and geometric accuracy. This study investigates the mechanical responses of natural ground, single-pile reinforcement, and double-pile reinforcement under tension loading through field monitoring and numerical simulations based on a Hangzhou–Ningbo Expressway project. The results show that single-pile reinforcement exhibits a typical point-support behavior, characterized by significant stress concentration at the pile head, a pile–soil stress ratio ranging from 3.0 to 4.0, and a coefficient of variation in base pressure reaching 0.81. In contrast, the double-pile scheme enables load redistribution through a line-support mechanism along the beam length, improving stress uniformity and reducing the coefficient of variation to 0.62. Orthogonal test-based sensitivity analysis further identifies pile diameter and cushion thickness as the dominant factors influencing composite ground. performance. This study clarifies the differences in load-transfer mechanisms among various pile arrangements under tension loading and provides a theoretical basis for the optimized design of casting bed foundations for precast beam yards in soft soil regions. Full article

This study investigates the design, fabrication, and manufacturing/mechanical characterization of 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) cylindrical filter supports developed as substrates for subsequent hydrochar functionalization. Filters with an outer diameter of 30 mm, a height of 20 mm, and a wall thickness of 3 mm were manufactured by material extrusion additive manufacturing and internally filled with gyroid architectures generated in Bambu Studio at three density levels, namely 10%, 15%, and 20%. The printed filters were first evaluated in terms of weight and compressive response. The main focus of the work was the manufacturing consistency and mechanical response of the gyroid supports, while hydrochar deposition was considered as an initial functionalization screening step. The results showed that increasing gyroid density led to higher maximum compressive stress, while mass-normalized analysis revealed a trade-off between absolute mechanical resistance and material efficiency. Surface-treatment screening trials were then carried out on flat PLA specimens to evaluate whether algae-derived hydrochar could be retained on PLA after alkaline activation. Visual and SEM observations showed partial and heterogeneous hydrochar-related surface coverage, with localized agglomerates and partial masking of the original printing lines, but without the formation of a homogeneous coating. EDX analysis of selected agglomerates revealed C and O together with Na, Cl, K, and Ca, supporting the presence of hydrochar-related/mineral-containing deposits on the treated PLA surface, although K may also be associated with residual species from the KOH activation step. FTIR analysis did not reveal clear hydrochar-related spectral features, indicating that FTIR alone was not sufficient to demonstrate effective homogeneous surface functionalization and supporting the interpretation of heterogeneous surface retention. Overall, the study provides a first manufacturing-oriented basis for PLA gyroid filter supports intended for hydrochar deposition and highlights the need for improved surface activation strategies before subsequent functional validation. Full article

Background: Osteoporosis, a debilitating bone disease characterized by low bone mineral density, poses a large burden on the population. Current pharmacological treatment options are limited, with antiresorptive drugs being the current first-line option. Recent research has shown that the endocannabinoid system, modulated by endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids, may influence bone remodeling. As the prevalence of cannabis use and research into its medicinal potential continues to increase, its therapeutic potential has emerged. Objective: To investigate the role of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) inhalation in treating osteoporosis in a rodent model. Methods: Adult female Sprague–Dawley rats underwent ovariectomy (OVX) to induce osteoporosis. Four weeks post-OVX, rats received either THC or Air treatment via inhalation for 8 weeks. A control group of age-matched rats received sham surgery. Rats were then euthanized at 38 weeks old, and hindlimb samples were collected for caliper, microCT, and biomechanical analyses. Results: OVX Air-treated rats showed significantly decreased trabecular bone volume, trabecular bone volume fraction, trabecular separation, trabecular tissue mineral density, trabecular number, and connective density compared to sham surgery controls. Compared with Air controls, OVX rats treated with THC showed increased endosteal volume (20%; p < 0.05). THC-treated rats also showed decreased trabecular bone mineral density (2%; p < 0.005) and trabecular thickness (14%; p < 0.05). Conclusions: Chronic inhaled THC worsened key aspects of trabecular bone microarchitecture. Results do not support use of THC vapor as a therapeutic agent for osteoporosis and suggest THC may adversely affect bone quality in estrogen-deficient states. Further research is needed to evaluate dose-dependent effects and to distinguish the skeletal impacts of different cannabinoid components. Full article

Amyloidosis encompasses a spectrum of diseases in which insoluble protein aggregates are deposited in various parts of the body, including the brain, giving rise to Alzheimer’s disease, prion disease, and Parkinson’s disease, and also being a manifestation of Type II diabetes. The soluble protein gets aggregated as insoluble plaques by an unknown phenomenon, leading to the disease. If an agent is developed that can dissociate or disintegrate these plaques, it can be proposed as a lead molecule for amyloid dissociation. In the present study, we have taken the aqueous extract of a herb, Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), and synthesized zinc oxide nanoflowers (ZnO-NFs-Skp). The plant extract was characterized using phytochemical analysis, and the ZnO-NFs-Skp were characterized using various photophysical tools like dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, XRD, FTIR, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The in vitro cytotoxicity of the ZnO-NFs-Skp was assessed in the PC12 cell line using an MTT assay and a fluorescent dual-staining assay. The effect of ZnO-NFs-Skp on zebrafish embryos was evaluated for in vivo biocompatibility. Finally, the amyloid degradation of the ZnO-NFs, after incubation with preformed insulin amyloids, the model amyloid protein used for the amyloid study, was evaluated at different time intervals using the Thioflavin T fluorescence assay. The results indicated that the Shankhapushpi extract had alkaloids, coumarins, and glycosides. The hydrodynamic diameter of ZnO-NF-Skp was found to be 181 nm, and the zeta potential was −17.7 mV. SEM imaging showed a carnation flower-like morphology with a petal thickness of 30 ± 5 nm. The ZnO-NFs-Skp did not induce any toxicity up to a dose of 160 μg/mL, both in vitro and in vivo. The amyloid degradation study revealed 38% degradation of the IA, 24 h after incubation at 37 °C. SEM analysis also evidenced the degradation of IA. Compared to ZnO nanoparticles (18%), ZnO-NFs-Skp could degrade almost double (35%) the amount of IA after 12 h incubation, as shown by the ThT assay. Overall, the data suggested that Shankhapushpi-mediated ZnO-NFs (ZnO-NFs-Skp) are biocompatible and have a good capacity to degrade amyloids. In the future, amyloid degradation using Aβ-42 and the prion protein needs to be investigated. Full article

Geometric uniformity in lignocellulosic furnish plays a central role in determining the mechanical reliability and density stratification of engineered wood products. This study presents a comprehensive morphological assessment of wood strands produced from indigenous poplar (Populus nigra L.) and hybrid poplar (Populus × euramericana (Dode) Guinier) strands under full industrial flaking conditions. A total of 600 strands were characterized for weight, length, width, and thickness and analyzed using a multivariate statistical framework integrating Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and bivariate correlation modeling. Despite being processed to the same nominal target length (120 mm), the two provenances exhibited markedly different dimensional behaviors. Hybrid poplar strands were substantially heavier (mean 0.536 g vs. 0.291 g) and slightly thicker on average, while indigenous strands were marginally wider; strand length did not differ significantly between provenances (p = 0.354). PCA applied to four variables (weight, length, width, and mean thickness) revealed that weight and width were the dominant contributors to PC1 (57.0% of total variance), enabling clear separation of the two provenances into distinct multivariate clusters. These findings indicate that hybrid furnish, due to its coarser and more variable geometry, may require enhanced mat densification during hot pressing to minimize internal voids and achieve a stable vertical density profile (VDP). The dataset and analytical approach presented here provide actionable insights for optimizing flaker calibration, strand classification, and resin dosing strategies in the production of Oriented Strand Board (OSB) and Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL), particularly when integrating fast-growing hybrid poplar resources into industrial manufacturing lines. Full article

Background/Objectives: Total nasal reconstruction has long represented a formidable surgical challenge. To date, no universally accepted, evidence-based protocol for nasal reconstruction exists to guide clinical practice. This study introduces a novel technique for comprehensive, three-layer nasal reconstruction. Specifically, the approach entails (1) reconstruction of the nasal mucosal lining using a free radial forearm flap; (2) provision of robust structural support via an exogenous extended framework; and (3) restoration of the external nasal skin using an expanded forehead flap. Methods: Ten patients underwent reconstruction for full-thickness nasal defects, all achieving successful structural and functional restoration. All surgical procedures were completed successfully, with operative durations ranging from 6.5 to 10.5 h. One patient developed an infection involving the rib cartilage graft. Following thorough debridement, the radial forearm free flap healed uneventfully. A second patient experienced postoperative vascular compromise of the flap. Intraoperative exploration revealed inadequate perfusion; immediate microsurgical revision—including adjustment of recipient vessels and/or re-anastomosis—successfully restored flap viability. Results: Primary wound healing was achieved in all patients within 10–22 days. All patients completed a follow-up of 12–36 months (mean: 21.5 months). Both patients and the surgical team rated postoperative nasal aesthetics as satisfactory. Objective functional assessments—including anterior rhinomanometry and peak nasal inspiratory flow—demonstrated no clinically significant impairment in nasal airflow. Conclusions: This surgical strategy for reconstructing the three-layer nasal architecture in patients with total nasal defects represents a rational and clinically viable approach—offering a valuable reference for rhinoplasty surgeons performing such complex reconstructions. Full article

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) was utilized for subsurface soil investigation in the Yellow River Delta, aiming to provide a scientific basis for the remediation performance of saline soils. The study particularly focuses on the red clay layer, a typical and characteristic soil horizon in this region. GPR antennas with central frequencies of 400 MHz and 900 MHz were adopted to investigate shallow soils within 1 m of the ground surface across three experimental plots (pits, undisturbed soils, and tilled soils) and 18 scattered measurement sites, followed by systematic analysis and interpretation of the acquired GPR profiles. During data acquisition, reasonable survey lines were deployed across the patchy bare areas of cultivated lands covering the experimental plots and measurement points to collect raw GPR data. Meanwhile, subsurface soil data were collected via test pits and borehole sampling along the survey lines. Raw GPR data were further preprocessed and postprocessed to characterize soil horizons and interpret subsurface stratigraphic structures. Finally, the correlations between the relative dielectric permittivity, reflection coefficient, and reflected wave amplitude of each soil layer were systematically analyzed. The results demonstrate that the 400 MHz antenna enables effective identification of soil layers within 1 m depth, while the 900 MHz antenna provides high-resolution detection for soil layers above 0.5 m. The red clay layer presents a distinct strong-amplitude reflection on GPR profiles, and the average relative dielectric permittivity of soils across the study area reaches 30.57. GPR profiles reveal that soil horizons with an absolute reflection coefficient greater than 0.01 yield detectable continuous reflection signals and allow uninterrupted stratigraphic interpretation. An empirical formula was established to calculate soil relative dielectric permittivity from soil moisture content, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9173. However, this formula ignores the influences of soil salinity and other trace soil elements. This study realizes rapid and accurate characterization of the depth and thickness of shallow soil layers, providing technical support for soil remediation of saline–alkali land in the Yellow River Delta. The findings also provide a valuable reference for evaluating the remediation effects, optimizing arable land utilization, preventing and mitigating soil salinization risks, and promoting the sustainable economic development of the study area. Full article

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology can play an important role in meeting net-zero ambitions; however, its successful deployment depends on the transport and storage infrastructure for CO₂, as they are the backbone of the carbon management industry. Among the key integrity threats for dense-phase and supercritical CO₂ pipelines, acid precipitation or dropout in CO₂-rich streams containing reactive impurities (SO_x, NO_x, H₂S, H₂O, O_2, etc.) is one of the most serious. These impurities can alter phase behavior, promote formation of highly acidic liquid-phase condensates, and trigger severe localized corrosion and rapid wall-thickness loss. This review focuses on understanding the effects of specific combinations of impurities on CO₂ phase envelopes, acid formation, and corrosion mechanisms in pipelines under realistic flow and operating conditions. It further assesses mitigation and design strategies, including impurity specification and control, deep dehydration, operational envelope management, corrosion-resistant alloys, internal linings and advanced coatings, and emerging modeling tools for predicting corrosive dropout. The knowledge gap in long-term performance under multi-impurity conditions, thermo-hydraulic transients, and coupled corrosion damage is highlighted. Additionally, the importance of future experimental, modeling, and standards development work to enable safe, cost-effective material solutions for CCS technology deployment is proposed. Full article

Aging and deterioration of urban underground drainage pipelines frequently trigger road collapses, urban waterlogging and groundwater contamination, posing critical challenges to the operation, maintenance and disaster prevention of urban underground infrastructure. Conventional rehabilitation solutions, including cement-based linings and traditional polymer liners, suffer from inherent limitations such as reduced effective flow cross-sections caused by excessive lining thickness, unsatisfactory corrosion resistance and durability, and high construction disturbance. In this study, a modified polyurea (MPU) material was applied to the trenchless rehabilitation of drainage pipelines via spray-applied pipe lining technology. The mechanical properties and interfacial bonding performance of MPU were systematically characterized at the material scale; full-scale external pressure tests were conducted to investigate the effects of 3–8 mm thick MPU linings on the bearing capacity and failure characteristics of structurally damaged concrete pipes; and the anti-seepage repair performance for local perforation defects was evaluated through void-crossing testing. The results demonstrate that MPU lining can meet the engineering performance requirements for pipeline rehabilitation when applied with matched interfacial primer following standard construction procedures. Even the baseline bond strength tested without primer remains sufficient to ensure stable cooperative load bearing between the lining and the host concrete pipe. The 3–8 mm thick linings increase the cracking load of damaged pipes by 61.7–145.7% and the ultimate load by up to 162.2%, while transforming the failure mode from brittle fracture to ductile failure. For local perforation repair, the 3 mm thick MPU lining achieves a critical hydrostatic failure pressure of 1.23 MPa, maintaining favorable structural integrity and interfacial bonding stability under the test conditions. With a well-balanced combination of thin lining thickness, rapid curing and high structural strengthening efficiency, as well as favorable inherent corrosion resistance, the MPU lining provides novel material alternatives and fundamental experimental evidence for the green trenchless rehabilitation of aged underground pipelines and offers technical support for the safe operation and maintenance of urban underground infrastructure. Full article

Mechanized tunneling with Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) is essential for rapid urbanization, yet traditional thick concrete segmental linings incur high material costs and geometric challenges in deep projects. This study investigates an innovative hybrid reinforcement strategy to optimize structural efficiency by reducing segment thickness through steel rings, a concept inspired by the proactive support principles of the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM). Three finite element numerical models were developed using PLAXIS 3D to evaluate this design under approximately 69 m overburden in claystone. The results demonstrate that 25 cm concrete segments reinforced with structural steel rings achieve mechanical performance comparable to traditional 40 cm unreinforced segments, despite a 37.5% reduction in lining thickness. This structural optimization facilitates a 43.7% reduction in concrete consumption, reduces the outer excavation diameter, and simplifies manufacturing and construction logistics while keeping structural forces and displacements safely within engineering thresholds. The findings confirm that the proactive integration of steel rings provides a lining configuration demonstrating potential material optimization advantages for modern TBM tunnel designs in demanding ground conditions. Full article

Background and Objectives: Faricimab, the first bispecific antibody targeting VEGF-A and angiopoietin-2, has demonstrated durable efficacy in pivotal phase 3 trials for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). Real-world data on treatment-naïve patients managed with fixed-interval maintenance protocols, particularly from South-Eastern Europe, remain limited. This pilot study evaluated 24-month outcomes of intravitreal faricimab in treatment-naïve nAMD and DME, using a standardized four-injection loading phase followed by fixed every-16-week (Q16W) maintenance. Materials and Methods: This study conducted a retrospective, observational, single-center pilot cohort study of 20 consecutive treatment-naïve eyes (9 nAMD, 11 DME). All patients received four monthly loading injections followed by a fixed every-16-week (Q16W) maintenance schedule, supplemented by discretionary additional injections for residual or recurrent disease activity (215 injections total; mean 10.75 ± 0.79 per patient; range 9–12). Primary outcomes were changes in central foveal thickness (CFT) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA; Snellen lines with ETDRS letter equivalents) at months 4 and 24. Prespecified secondary analyses included bootstrap 95% confidence intervals, a linear mixed-effects model with a time × disease-group interaction, Bayesian credible intervals with weakly informative priors, false-discovery-rate (FDR) correction, and a minimum detectable effect-size analysis. Results: All 20 eyes completed 24-month follow-up. In nAMD, mean CFT decreased by 186.9 ± 71.9 µm (35.9%; bootstrap 95% CI 148.1–236.0; p < 0.001; d = 2.60), and BCVA improved by 3.89 ± 0.78 Snellen lines (~19 ETDRS letters; 95% CI 3.44–4.33; p < 0.001; d = 4.97). In DME, CFT decreased by 197.7 ± 65.7 µm (39.3%; 95% CI 162.5–237.3; p < 0.001; d = 3.01), and BCVA improved by 4.55 ± 1.04 lines (~23 ETDRS letters; 95% CI 4.00–5.09; p < 0.001; d = 4.39). All 20 eyes (100%) achieved ≥ 3 Snellen lines gain and ≥20% CFT reduction; 80% reached final BCVA ≥ 7 lines. A linear mixed-effects model showed a significant time effect (p < 0.001) but no time × group interaction (CFT p = 0.84; BCVA p = 0.51), indicating concordant trajectories across diseases. Bayesian analysis with weakly informative priors yielded posterior P(|d| > 0.8) ≥ 0.99 for all primary outcomes. After FDR correction, all pre-specified primary comparisons remained significant. The minimum detectable effect size with the realized sample sizes (Cohen’s d ≈ 0.66 combined, 1.07 nAMD, 0.94 DME at 80% power) was substantially below all observed effect sizes. No ocular or systemic adverse events were recorded. Conclusions: In this small, single-center, treatment-naïve pilot cohort, a fixed Q16W faricimab maintenance schedule with discretionary additional injections was associated with durable anatomical and functional improvements over 24 months in both nAMD and DME, with no adverse events recorded across 215 injections. Given the limited sample, these findings should be regarded as hypothesis-generating. The high responder rates likely reflect the cohort’s substantial baseline visual impairment (mean baseline BCVA ~20/120–20/200), which provides greater absolute capacity for measurable gain than in higher-acuity registration trial populations. These pilot data support fixed-interval faricimab as a logistically feasible candidate strategy in resource-constrained settings and should be confirmed in larger multicenter cohorts using standardized ETDRS acuity assessment. Full article