Search Results (66)

In recent years, the fusion of camera data with LiDAR measurements has emerged as a powerful approach to enhance spatial understanding. This study introduces a novel, hardware-agnostic methodology that generates colourised point clouds from mechanical LiDAR using multiple camera inputs, providing complete 360-degree coverage. The primary innovation lies in its robustness under low-light conditions, achieved through the integration of a low-light image enhancement module within the fusion pipeline. The system requires initial calibration to determine intrinsic camera parameters, followed by automatic computation of the geometric transformation between the LiDAR and cameras—removing the need for specialised calibration targets and streamlining the setup. The data processing framework uses colour correction to ensure uniformity across camera feeds before fusion. The algorithm was tested using a Velodyne Puck Hi-Res LiDAR and a four-camera configuration. The optimised software achieved real-time performance and reliable colourisation even under very low illumination, successfully recovering scene details that would otherwise remain undetectable. Full article

Background/Objectives: The purpose of the study is to determine and compare the accuracy and efficiency of two dynamic navigation systems (DNS)—Navident (ClaroNav, Canada) and X-Guide (Nobel Biocare, Switzerland)—vs. a free-hand (FH) approach in performing endodontic microsurgery (EMS) on human cadavers. Methods: a total of 119 roots of six cadavers were randomly divided into three groups (Navident/X-Guide/FH). The cadavers’ jaws were scanned pre-operatively with computed tomography. The DICOM data were uploaded and digitally managed with software interfaces for registration, calibration, and virtual planning of EMS. Osteotomy was performed under DNS control and using a dental operating microscope (FH control group). Post-operative scans were taken with same settings as preoperative. Accuracy was then determined by comparing pre- and post-scans of coronal and apical linear, angular deviation, angle, length, and depth of apical resection. Efficiency was determined by measuring the procedural time of osteotomy, apicectomy, retro-cavity preparation, the volume of substance, and cortical bone loss, as well as iatrogenic complications. Outcomes were also evaluated in relation to different operators’ skill levels. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses were conducted using R software (4.2.1). Results: DNS demonstrated better efficiency in osteotomy and apicectomy, second only to FH in substance and cortical bone loss. Both DNS approaches had similar accuracy. Experts were faster and more accurate than non-experts in FH, apart from resection angle, length and depth, and retro-cavity preparation time, for which comparison was not statistically significant. The Navident and X-guide groups had similar trends in increasing efficiency and accuracy of EMS. All complications in the FH group were performed by non-experts. The X-guide group demonstrated fewer complications than the Navident group. Conclusions: Both DNS appear beneficial for EMS in terms of accuracy and efficacy in comparison with FH, also demonstrating the decreasing gap of skill expertise between experts and novice operators. Through convenient use X-guide diminishes the level of iatrogenic complications compared to Navident. Full article

Background/Objectives: The attainment of a stone-free (SF) condition is a fundamental indicator of successful outcomes after flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) for urinary stone disease. External confirmations of preoperative scores remain limited. We externally validated the T.O.HO. and S.T.O.N.E. scores in an independent Japanese cohort and examined calibration, decision curve utility, and threshold-guided use to support personalized planning. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 361 consecutive patients treated with fURS from March 2018 to August 2023. Postoperative SF status was defined as the absence of residual calculi greater than 2 mm on non-contrast computed tomography performed within three months of surgery. Independent determinants of SF were identified using multivariable logistic regression, predictive performance was quantified by receiver operating characteristic analyses with DeLong’s test, and model calibration and decision curve analysis were additionally assessed. Results: Among the 361 patients, 255 (70.6%) achieved an SF state. A larger stone diameter, the presence of lower-pole calculi, and preoperative pyuria (positive urine WBC) were significant independent predictors of residual fragments. T.O.HO. demonstrated superior discrimination (AUC 0.86) compared with S.T.O.N.E. (AUC 0.77; p < 0.01) and surpassed individual predictors. Both scores showed acceptable calibration. Decision curve analysis demonstrated higher net benefit for T.O.HO. across clinically relevant thresholds. We provide clinically useful cut-offs (e.g., T.O.HO. ≤5: high SF probability; 6: trade-off discussion; ≥7: higher residual risk) to align actions with patient priorities. Conclusions: Beyond discrimination, a calibrated, threshold-aware use of T.O.HO. enables personalized preoperative counseling and shared decision-making, potentially reducing unnecessary staging and enhancing routine fURS planning. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adalimumab and Infliximab are biologics used to treat autoimmune diseases. Monitoring drug and anti-drug antibody (ADA) levels in patients helps optimize treatment. However, current quantitation methodologies for drug and total (free and drug-bound) ADAs often involve multi-step workflows. Automated systems can streamline the process. The i-Tracker chemiluminescent immunoassays (CLIA) are cartridge-based kits for quantifying serum levels of drugs such as Adalimumab, Infliximab, and associated ADAs. Herein, we aimed to establish performance characteristics of the i-Tracker Adalimumab, Infliximab, and total ADAs in serum on the random-access analyzer IDS-iSYS and to compare patient results with an electrochemiluminescent immunoassay (ECLIA)-based reference method. Methods: Remnant serum specimens, calibration material, or spiked serum were used to evaluate assay linearity, precision, functional sensitivity, and accuracy on the IDS-iSYS analyzer and to perform the method comparison. Results: The assays displayed linearity, accuracy, and up to 8% imprecision across clinically relevant analyte ranges. Compared to the reference method, the drug assays exhibited a strong linear fit (correlation coefficient > 0.95) with <±1.0 µg/mL mean bias. The total anti-Adalimumab assay demonstrated over 85% qualitative agreement. The total anti-Infliximab assay, however, showed higher detection rate of ADAs in Infliximab-treated patient specimens, yielding < 60% negative agreement with the reference method. Although i-Tracker total ADA assays exhibited drug sensitivity, they still detected ADAs in supratherapeutic drug concentrations. Conclusions: The i-Tracker assays demonstrated robust analytical performance, suggesting potential for clinical application. The method comparison underscored functional differences with the reference method, an important consideration when transitioning assay formats for monitoring Adalimumab- and Infliximab-treated patients. Full article

Background/Objectives: Preoperative hypoalbuminemia is a known risk factor for adverse outcomes in cardiac surgery, but its role in patients undergoing HeartMate 3 (HM3) left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is unclear. This study evaluated the association between albumin levels and postoperative outcomes, aiming to define a clinically meaningful cut-off for risk stratification. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 205 adult patients who underwent HM3 implantation at a single center from June 2014 to December 2023. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis identified an optimal pre-implant albumin cut-off of <32 g/L. This threshold, derived using the maximal Youden Index, provided a sensitivity of 52.1%, specificity of 71.6%, and an AUC of 0.64 (95% CI 0.56–0.71), with internal bootstrapping validation confirming model stability, and calibration demonstrating good agreement between predicted and observed outcomes. Kaplan–Meier analysis assessed freedom from hemocompatibility-related adverse events (HRAEs) and survival. Cox proportional hazards models evaluated albumin and other variables as independent risk factors for HRAEs. Results: Patients with pre-implant albumin <32 g/L had higher rates of HRAEs, including stroke (24.9% vs. 8.4%, p = 0.004) and bleeding (38.1% vs. 23.2%, p = 0.012). Freedom from HRAEs was significantly lower in the hypoalbuminemia group (45.2% vs. 69.8%, p < 0.001) and competing risk-adjusted cumulative incidence for HRAE was higher, but did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.11), one-year HRAE-free survival was also reduced (68.5% vs. 85.7%, p = 0.03). In multivariable analysis, low albumin (HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.33–0.93, p = 0.026) and temporary right ventricular assist device (RVAD) support (HR 3.32, 95% CI 2.05–5.39, p < 0.001) were independent predictors of HRAEs. Conclusions: Low preoperative albumin is independently associated with increased HRAEs and reduced one-year survival after HM3 implantation. Compared with the traditional 35 g/L threshold, the ROC-derived 32 g/L cut-off offered superior balance between sensitivity and specificity, underscoring its clinical utility. Albumin may serve as a simple, pragmatic, and cost-effective biomarker for preoperative risk assessment and optimization. Full article

Climate change is expected to have significant effects on crop yield in the Canadian Prairies. The objective of this study was to investigate these possible effects on spring wheat, barley and canola production using the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) modelling platform. We applied 21 climate change scenarios from high-resolution (0.22°) regional simulations to three modules, DSSAT-CERES-Wheat, DSSAT-CERES-Barley and CSM-CROPGRO-Canola, using a historical baseline period (1985–2014) and three future periods: near (2015–2040), middle (2041–2070), and far (2071–2100). These simulations are part of CMIP6 (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6) and have been processed using statistical downscaling and bias correction by the NASA Earth Exchange 26 Global Daily Downscaled Projections project, referred to as NEX-GDDP-CMIP6. The calibration and validation results surpassed the thresholds for a high level of accuracy. Simulated yield changes indicate that climate change has a positive effect on spring wheat and barley yields with median model increases of 7% and 11.6% in the near future, and 5.5% and 9.2% in the middle future, respectively. However, in the far future, barley production shows a modest increase of 4.4%, while spring wheat yields decline significantly by 17%. Conversely, simulated canola yields demonstrate a substantial decrease over time, with reductions of 25.9%, 46.3%, and 62.8% from the near to the far future, respectively. Agroclimatic indices, such as Number of Frost-Free Days (NFFD), Heating Degree-Days (HDD), Length of Growing Season (GSL), Crop Heat Units (CHU), and Effective Growing Degree Days (EGDD), exhibit significant correlations with spring wheat. Conversely, precipitation indices, such as very wet days and annual 5- and 10-day maximum precipitation, have a stronger correlation with canola yield changes when compared with temperature indices. The results provide key guidance for policymakers to design adaptation strategies and sustain regional food security and economic resilience, particularly for canola production, which is at significant risk under projected climate change scenarios across the Canadian Prairies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Educational background is an aspect of socio-economic status, that may be associated with higher caries risk. This study aimed to investigate differences in caries prevalence between different school types for older adolescents in Greifswald, Germany. Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected as part of compulsory dental school examinations between 2020 and 2023. Oral health status was assessed according to WHO criteria by six calibrated examiners and reported as mean D₃MFT (D₃: dentin caries, M: missing, F: filled, SD/±: standard deviation). To compare educational backgrounds, the adolescents were divided into two groups according to their age and type of school (11–15 and 16–18 years old). Results: The study included 5816 adolescents (48.7% females) with a mean D₃MFT of 0.65 (Q1–Q3: 0–1); 73.8% were clinically caries-free, having D₃MFT = 0, confirming the polarization in caries experience with 2.5 ± 2.13 SaC index. The logistic regression model showed a significantly increased Odds Ratio for having caries in relation to age, being male, having plaque or gingivitis (p < 0.005). There were significant differences in caries experience and prevalence between school types, where high schools had the lowest D₃MFT values in both age groups (0.39 ± 1.17 and 0.64 ± 1.49, respectively). The highest D₃MFT values were in schools for special educational needs in younger adolescents (1.12 ± 1.9) and in vocational schools in older adolescents (1.63 ± 2.55). Conclusions: In a low-caries-risk population, there were significant differences in caries experience and prevalence among adolescents in different school types. Prevention strategies should aim to reduce the polarization in caries across different educational backgrounds in late adolescence. Full article

Industrial image anomaly detection plays a critical role in intelligent manufacturing by automatically identifying defective products through visual inspection. While unsupervised approaches eliminate dependency on annotated anomaly samples, current teacher–student framework-based methods still face two fundamental limitations: insufficient discriminative capability for structural anomalies and suboptimal anomaly feature decoupling efficiency. To address these challenges, we propose a Synthetic-Anomaly Contrastive Distillation (SACD) framework for industrial anomaly detection. SACD comprises two pivotal components: (1) a reverse distillation (RD) paradigm whereby a pre-trained teacher network extracts hierarchically structured representations, subsequently guiding the student network with inverse architectural configuration to establish hierarchical feature alignment; (2) a group of feature calibration (FeaCali) modules designed to refine the student’s outputs by eliminating anomalous feature responses. During training, SACD adopts a dual-branch strategy, where one branch encodes multi-scale features from defect-free images, while a Siamese anomaly branch processes synthetically corrupted counterparts. FeaCali modules are trained to strip out a student’s anomalous patterns in anomaly branches, enhancing the student network’s exclusive modeling of normal patterns. We construct a dual-objective optimization integrating cross-model distillation loss and intra-model contrastive loss to train SACD for feature alignment and discrepancy amplification. At the inference stage, pixel-wise anomaly scores are computed through multi-layer feature discrepancies between the teacher’s representations and the student’s refined outputs. Comprehensive evaluations on the MVTec AD and BTAD benchmark demonstrate that our method is effective and superior to current knowledge distillation-based approaches. Full article

Accurate simulation of fluid flow around vertical cylinders is essential in numerous engineering applications, particularly in the design and assessment of offshore structures, bridge piers, and coastal defenses. This study employs the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method to investigate the complex dynamics of breaking waves impacting a vertical pile, a scenario marked by strong free-surface deformation, turbulence, and the wave–structure interaction. The mesh-free nature of SPH makes it especially suitable for capturing such highly nonlinear and transient hydrodynamic phenomena. The primary objective of the research is to evaluate the performance of different SPH dissipation schemes, namely artificial viscosity, laminar viscosity, and sub-particle scale (SPS) turbulence models, in reproducing key hydrodynamic features. Numerical results obtained with each scheme are systematically compared against experimental data to assess their relative accuracy and physical fidelity. Specifically, the laminar + SPS model reproduced the peak horizontal wave force within 5% of experimental values, while the artificial viscosity model overestimated the force by up to 25%. The predicted wave impact occurred at a non-dimensional time of $t/T\approx 0.28$, closely matching the experimental observation. Furthermore, force and elevation predictions with the laminar + SPS model remained consistent across three particle spacings ($dp=0.05\mathrm{m},0.065\mathrm{m},0.076\mathrm{m}$), demonstrating good numerical convergence. This work provides critical insights into the suitability of SPH for modeling wave–structure interactions under breaking wave conditions and highlights the importance of proper dissipation modeling in achieving realistic simulations. The performance of the dissipation schemes remained robust across three tested particle spacings, confirming consistency in force and elevation predictions. Additionally, it underscores the sensitivity of SPH predictions to spatial resolution, highlighting the need for careful calibration to ensure robust and reliable outcomes. The study contributes to advancing SPH as a practical tool for engineering design and hazard assessment in coastal and offshore environments. Full article

Background and Objectives: We aimed to assess the outcomes of upfront Optilume drug-coated balloon (DCB) dilation in patients after failed treatment for complex recurrent urethral stricture disease. All patients presented with acute urinary retention and were treated with DCB dilation regardless of stricture site and length. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated patients with acute urinary retention and known complex recurrent urethral strictures. Patients presented at the urology emergency room of our tertiary centre with an inability to void or a post-void residual (PVR) volume exceeding 400 mL between August 2021 and February 2024. Urethrography and/or endoscopic imaging confirmed the diagnosis. Patients with urinary tract infection/sepsis and those with neurological disease were excluded. Urethral dilation to 20 Fr was performed, followed by DCB dilation (30 Fr, 10 bar, 10 min). The primary endpoints were anatomical success (≥14 Fr by cystoscopy/calibration) at 12 months and freedom from repeat interventions. Results: Thirty-one consecutive male patients were evaluated, with twenty-six patients followed for ≥12 months (mean age 65 ± 16.8 years). The stricture sites included seven bulbopenile, seven bulbomembranous, seven anastomotic, three bladder neck, one penile, and one panurethral stricture. The median number of prior urethral/surgical interventions was 2 [IQR: 1–3] (range: 1–31). The median stricture length was 3 [IQR: 2–4] cm (range: 1–8). At 12 months, 65.4% (17/26) of subjects voided satisfactorily and were free of recurrence and reoperation. Conclusions: Timely DCB dilation may offer a viable treatment option for patients with complex recurrent urethral strictures and urinary retention, particularly those who are unable or unwilling to undergo surgical reconstruction and prefer to avoid indwelling catheters. Full article

Background: Hydrophilic compounds, such as amino acids, organic acids and sugars, among others, are present in large amounts in plant cells. The analysis and quantification of these major hydrophilic compounds are particularly relevant in plant science because they have a considerable impact on the quality of plant-derived products and on plant–pathogen relationships. Our objective was to develop and validate a complete analysis workflow combining a water-based extraction procedure with a fast separation using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (HILIC-HRMS) for quantitative analysis of hydrophilic compounds in plant tissues. Results: Water-based microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) methods for hydrophilic compounds were compared using HILIC-HRMS. The newly developed method involved 20 s MAE time followed by a 10 min HILIC-HRMS analysis. This bioanalytical method was validated for 24 polar metabolites, including amino acids, organic acids, and sugars, to ensure the reliability of analytical results: selectivity, limits of detection and quantification, calibration range and precision. Depending on the compounds, quantification limit was as low as 0.10 µM up to 4.50 µM. Between-run RSDs evaluated on Vitis vinifera and Arabidopsis samples were all below 20% except for three compounds. Conclusions: A water-based MAE method, coupled with HILIC-HRMS, was developed for the absolute quantification of free amino acids, organic acids, and sugars in plant tissues. Its effectiveness was demonstrated in both lignified plants, such as Vitis vinifera, and non-lignified plants, such as Arabidopsis. This method is suitable for medium- to high-throughput analysis of key polar metabolites from small amounts of plant material. Full article

Objectives: Our study investigated the effects and mechanisms of edible bird’s nest (EBN) and free sialic acids (SA) on LPS-induced brain inflammation in mice. Methods: The experiment divided the mice into four groups: control group (CON), lipopolysaccharide group (LPS), EBN intervention group (EBN, 200 mg/kg/d in dry EBN), and sialic acid intervention group (SA, dosage was calibrated based on the concentration of sialic acid in EBN). Results: The results showed that LPS caused a decrease followed by upregulation in body weight in female mice, and EBN exhibited renal protective effects. In the Morris water maze, the learning and memory abilities of mice in the LPS group first declined and then recovered. At the same time, the escape latency improved in the EBN and SA groups. In the Open field test, both the EBN and SA groups exhibited anti-anxiety and anti-depressive effects. Immunohistochemistry in the hippocampus showed significant cell damage in the LPS group, while the damage was alleviated in the EBN and SA groups. LPS promoted the expression of TICAM1 and MYD88 in the NF-κB pathway, while both the EBN and SA groups could inhibit the expression of TICAM1. Conclusions: The study has found that both EBN and SA exhibited noteworthy anti-inflammatory effects, indicating that the main active component in EBN that provides neuroprotective effects is SA. The bound SA in EBN confers additional effects, supporting the development of prevention and treatment strategies for brain inflammation. Full article

Background: Inflammation plays a critical role in the prognosis of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The lymphocyte-to-C-reactive protein ratio (LCR), as a novel inflammatory marker, has not been studied in patients with PAH. The objective of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of the LCR in patients with PAH. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 116 patients with PAH diagnosed in Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, from January 2014 to December 2018. The primary outcome was a composite endpoint that included lung transplantation, rehospitalization for PAH, and all-cause death. The LCR is the ratio of the blood lymphocyte count to the C-reactive protein concentration. Results: A total of 116 patients with PAH were included in this study, with an average age of 41.53 years; 92.2% were female, and the event rate was 57.8%. Restricted cubic spline analysis confirmed a linear association between the LCR and the risk of clinical worsening events. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis showed that the LCR was significantly negatively associated with clinical worsening events, with hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals of 0.772 (0.614–0.970). The Kaplan–Meier curve showed that event-free survival decreased significantly when the LCR was less than 1.477. LASSO regression selected four potential predictors, including the LCR, to construct a nomogram. The nomogram had a high predictive strength, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.805 (0.713–0.896). The calibration curves and decision curve analysis indicated that the nomogram had good predictive performance and the ability to guide clinical management. Conclusions: The LCR is a valuable prognostic marker for predicting long-term clinical events in patients with PAH, and the nomogram incorporating the LCR could effectively stratify risk and guide clinical decision making. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study evaluates the applicability of a comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography−flame ionisation detection (GC×GC−FID) approach for the simultaneous determination of 12 underivatised psychoactive drugs, including new psychoactive substances, that comprised of amphetamine, methamphetamine, mephedrone, 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone, n-ethylpentylone (ephylone), norketamine, ketamine, 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone, methadone, and cocaine. Methods: Separation was effected using a non-polar first dimension (¹D) and a polar second dimension (²D) column, demonstrating an improved separation of drug compounds compared to a polar/non-polar column configuration. Interference-free baseline separation of all psychoactive compounds in a urine matrix was achieved within 8 min. The GC×GC−FID method was validated according to the guidelines defined by Standard Practices for Method Validation in Forensic Toxicology. Results: The calibration curves for the 12 psychoactive drugs were well correlated (r² > 0.99) within the concentration ranges of 50–1500 ng mL⁻¹. Detection limits of 10–20 ng mL⁻¹ were obtained, and good repeatability and reproducibility (CV < 11.4%) were attained for retention times and peak areas. Method recoveries for the small-scale solvent extraction procedure ranged from 96.9 to 114.5%, and bias was between −3.1% and 14.5%. Conclusions: The validated approach was successfully applied for the determination of these illicit compounds in spiked urine samples of different concentrations, highlighting its potential for rapid forensic drug screening. Full article

Background/Objectives: Methodologies for assessing behavior form the foundation of health promotion and disease prevention. Physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) assessment methodologies have predominantly been developed for adults without an intellectual disability (ID), raising credibility concerns for adults with ID. The purpose was to synthesize the current state of assessment methodologies for quantifying PA and SB volume in the free-living setting for adults with an ID. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, eleven databases were searched through December 2023, yielding 8174 records. Data were extracted in Covidence (v.2.0), obtaining quantified PA and SB volume and assessment methodology characteristics across data collection and analysis, including tool(s) and technique(s) used, preparatory actions taken, instructions provided, and behavioral strategies employed during data collection. Results: Of the 8174 articles screened, 91 met the inclusion criteria. Common metrics included minutes/hours per day/week and steps per day/week. Despite 80% of the studies using objective techniques, substantial variation existed across studies regarding wearable models, sampling frequency and epoch length settings, calibration protocols, wearable placements, and data processing techniques. Limited studies provided instructions that did not exclusively rely on spoken language. Behavioral strategies varied, including self-monitoring, providing assistance or supervision, administering questionnaires verbally, issuing reminders, and offering monetary incentives. Conclusions: This review underscores the need for greater consistency and accessibility in PA and SB assessment methodology for adults with ID. Tailored preparation, instruction, and behavioral strategies may enhance assessment viability and suitability for adults with ID, with or without caregiver or researcher involvement in the free-living setting. Full article