Search Results (77)

Minimally invasive ablative therapies have emerged as effective and safe alternate approach for the management of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), particularly in patients who are ineligible for surgery due to comorbidities or high operative risk. Techniques such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MWA), cryoablation (CA), and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) offer kidney-sparing treatment with reduced morbidity. Current evidence suggests that for cT1a tumors (<4 cm), thermal ablation achieves technical success rates exceeding 95%, with local recurrence rates ranging from 1% to 9% and major complication rates generally below 5–7%. RFA is particularly suitable for small peripheral tumors, MWA enables rapid and deeper heating for larger or more vascular lesions, and CA provides precise control near critical structures. HIFU remains largely experimental with limited clinical applicability. Overall, these strategies demonstrate favorable oncological outcomes, emphasizing the importance of careful patient selection, multidisciplinary evaluation, and further studies to refine technique-specific indications and integration with systemic therapies. Full article

Hemorrhagic septicemia (HS) is a fulminant bovine disease across Asia and Africa, yet Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida) isolated from yak is poorly reported. We isolated strain NQ01 from a fatal HS case in Xizang, China and identified it as P. multocida B:2 by morphology, Gram stain, and PCR (kmt1⁺, bcbD⁺, LPS L2). NQO1 formed smooth, non-hemolytic colonies. After Gram staining, the cells appeared as red rods with bipolar staining. Antimicrobial testing showed broad susceptibility to β-lactams, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, midecamycin, florfenicol, polymyxin, and vancomycin, with resistance to metronidazole, trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole, and clindamycin. Streptomycin and ofloxacin had intermediate activity. In mice, the intraperitoneal and intranasal LD₅₀ values were 40.64 CFU/mL and 9.53 × 10⁶ CFU/mL, respectively. The intranasal fatal cases were characterized by bacteremia with multifocal disseminated intravascular coagulation involving lung, liver, and spleen. The complete genome comprises a single 2.33 Mb chromosome (40.47% GC, 2115 CDS, no plasmids) with only one resistance gene (Eco_EFTu_PLV) and 28 virulence genes spanning adhesion (tadA, rcpA, ppdD, pilB, tuf/tufA, htpB, PM_RS00430, PM_RS00425, PM_RS08640), immune modulation (lpxB/C/D, msbB, manB, rfaE/F, gmhA/lpcA, kdsA, pgi, wecA, galE, bexD’, ABZJ_RS06285, ABD1_RS00310), and nutritional/metabolic factor (hgbA, hemR, hemN), plus a YadA-like factor. Phylogenetically, NQ01 clusters with regional B:2 bovine/yak isolates. Collectively, these data define NQ01 as a highly virulent, low-resistance yak isolate and a practical model for natural-route HS pathogenesis and targeted control in high-altitude pastoral settings yaks. Full article

Real-time quality monitoring during oyster cold chain transportation is a critical component in ensuring food safety. Addressing the issues of high redundancy and insufficient environmental adaptability in existing electronic nose systems, this study proposes a multi-algorithm collaborative optimization strategy for sensor array optimization. The system integrates ten gas sensors (TGS series, MQ series), employing Random Forest (RFA), Simulated Annealing (SA), and Genetic Quantum Particle Swarm Optimization (GA-QPSO) for sensor selection. KNN combined with K-means analysis validates the optimization outcomes. Under cold chain environments at 4 °C, 12 °C, 20 °C, and 28 °C, a multidimensional dataset was constructed by extracting global variables using feature correlation functions. Experiments demonstrate that the optimized sensor count decreases from 10 to 5–6 units while maintaining recognition accuracy above 95%, with redundancy decreased by over 40%. This multi-algorithm collaborative optimization effectively balances sensor array recognition precision, resource efficiency, and environmental adaptability, providing an intelligent, high-precision technical solution for oyster cold chain monitoring. Full article

With the increasing demand for sustainable building materials, it is essential to investigate the durability of recycled fine aggregate concrete (RFAC) under corrosive environmental conditions. This study systematically assessed the performance of RFAC with three compressive strengths after dry–wet cycles in chloride and sulfate environments, respectively. The experimental program encompassed measurements of compressive strength, mass variation, porosity, ion penetration depth, and free ion content, complemented by comprehensive microstructural characterization. Results show that under sulfate exposure, 20 MPa and 40 MPa RFAC suffered significant strength losses of 60.1% and 18.0% after 70 cycles, while 60 MPa RFAC gained 2.5% strength. In chloride environments, 20 MPa and 40 MPa RFAC experienced strength reductions of 30.7% and 6.9%, whereas 60 MPa RFAC increased in strength by 6.6%. Compared to sulfate exposure, all groups exhibited slight mass increases or porosity reduction under chloride exposure, with high-strength RFAC showing the most noticeable densification. The chloride penetration depth in RFAC of 60 MPa was measured at 14.65 mm, representing a 41.0% reduction compared to RFAC of 20 MPa; sulfate penetration depth was 17.84 mm, which is 44.6% lower than that of the 20 MPa counterpart. Microstructural analysis revealed that sulfate-induced ettringite and gypsum formation triggered crack propagation, while chloride mainly affected pore structure through crystallization and filling, and the formation of C-S-H in high-strength RFAC inhibits pore expansion and mitigates deterioration. Full article

Cancer immunotherapy has redefined oncology’s goals, aiming for durable systemic immunity rather than mere cytoreduction. However, many solid tumors remain refractory due to immunosuppressive microenvironments and antigenic heterogeneity. Local tumor ablation techniques—including radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MWA), cryoablation, irreversible electroporation (IRE), and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)—are being re-evaluated beyond their historic cytoreductive role. This comprehensive review synthesizes the paradigm of tumor ablation as an in situ vaccination strategy, a concept that leverages the tumor itself as a source of antigens and the ablation process to generate endogenous adjuvants. We detail the mechanistic underpinnings, highlighting how ablation induces immunogenic cell death (ICD), releasing damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) such as calreticulin, ATP, HMGB1, and cytosolic DNA. These signals activate innate immunity via pathways like cGAS-STING, promote dendritic cell maturation, and facilitate epitope spreading. We critically examine the determinants of efficacy, including the critical impact of ablation modality on the “DAMP signature,” the necessity of complete ablation, and the pivotal role of the host’s immune contexture. Furthermore, we explore the induction of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) as a key anatomical site for sustained immune priming. Translational strategies are extensively discussed, focusing on optimizing procedural techniques, rationally combining ablation with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and innate immune agonists, and developing a robust biomarker framework. By adopting the core principles of vaccinology—meticulous attention to antigen, adjuvant, route, and schedule—ablation can be engineered into a reproducible platform for systemic immunotherapy. This review concludes by addressing current limitations and outlining a roadmap for clinical translation, positioning interventional oncology as a central discipline in the future of immuno-oncology. Full article

The widespread use of recycled fine aggregate (RFA) is hindered by its porous and weak adhered mortar. In this study, a nano-SiO₂–sodium silicate mixed solution (NMS) was used to soak and strengthen the adhered mortar. Alkali-activated slag was adopted as the cementitious material, and the resulting treated waste liquid (RNMS) was recycled as a sodium silicate source for the alkali activator. The effects of modified RFA (MRFA) incorporation and RNMS use on the performance, economic, and environmental benefits of alkali-activated slag recycled fine aggregate mortar (AASRM) were evaluated. Compared with the control group, mortars using only MRFA showed significantly improved performance, with a 28-day compressive strength increase of 57.6% (reaching 38.3 MPa) and enhanced workability. The capillary water absorption and 90-day drying shrinkage rates decreased by 49.5% and 40.2%, respectively. Microstructural analysis revealed that NMS treatment promoted the formation of additional C-(N)-A-S-H gel, thereby densifying the surface of the RFA and strengthening the interfacial transition zone (ITZ). More importantly, using RNMS as the alkali activator source maintained the excellent performance of the AASRM mortar, with the compressive strength reaching 95.6% of that prepared with a fresh alkali activator, while effectively reducing material costs and embodied carbon. This study not only successfully applies MRFA in alkali-activated mortar systems but also provides an effective approach for the in situ recycling of treated waste liquid. Full article

In the preparation of rubber-recycled cement mortar (RRCM), recycled fine aggregates (RFA) were used to replace 95% of natural fine aggregates (NFA) by mass, with an additional 5% of NFA replaced by rubber particles (RP). Additionally, nano-silica (NS) was incorporated to replace ordinary Portland cement (OPC) by mass at a replacement of 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%. The study aimed to investigate the effects of NS on the mechanical properties, freeze–thaw resistance, and microstructure of RRCM, using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG-DTG), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to reveal the enhancement mechanisms. The results indicated that the compressive strength and flexural strength of RRCM at 28 days decreased by 10.3% and 10.1%, respectively, compared to NCM. After adding 1–3% NS, the mechanical properties of RRCM were improved, with the enhancements increasing as the NS content increased. Specifically, RRCM3 exhibited a 7.7% and 7.6% improvement in compressive and flexural strength, respectively, compared to RRCM0. After 30 freeze–thaw cycles, the strength loss rate of RCM was 27.51%, whereas the strength loss rate of RRCM3 was reduced to 20.13%, with better overall appearance integrity. Moreover, NS promoted the hydration of cement; reduced the contents of tricalcium silicate (C₃S), and dicalcium silicate (C₂S) and calcium hydroxide (CH); and facilitated the formation of additional hydration products that filled the interfacial transition zone (ITZ). The incorporation of 3% NS was found to provide the optimal improvement in RRCM. Full article

This study evaluates the estimation of Weibull distribution parameters (shape, k; scale, c) for wind speed modeling in wind energy potential assessments. Traditional empirical methods—Justus Moment Method (JEM), Power Density Method (PDM), Energy Pattern Factor Method (EPFM), Lysen Moment Method (LAM), and Standard Deviation Empirical Method (SEM)—are compared with advanced artificial intelligence optimization algorithms (AIOAs), including Genetic Algorithm (GA), Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA), Sine Cosine Algorithm (SCA), Teaching-Learning-Based Optimization (TLBA), Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWA), Red Fox Algorithm (RFA), and Red Panda Optimization Algorithm (RPA). Using hourly wind speed data from Foça, Urla, Karaburun, and Çeşme in Turkey, the analysis demonstrates that AIOAs, particularly GA, GSA, SCA, TLBA, and GWA, outperform empirical methods, achieving low RMSE (0.0071) and high R² (0.9755). SEM and LAM perform competitively among empirical methods, while PDM and EPFM show higher errors, highlighting their limitations in complex wind speed distributions. The study also conducts a techno-economic analysis, assessing capacity factors, unit energy costs, and payback periods. Foça and Urla are identified as optimal investment sites due to high energy yields and economic efficiency, whereas Çeşme is unviable due to low production and long payback periods. This research provides a robust framework for Weibull parameter estimation, demonstrating AIOAs’ superior accuracy and offering a decision-support tool for sustainable wind energy investments. Full article

Chronic pelvic neuropathies involving the pudendal, ilioinguinal, and genitofemoral nerves are a major source of refractory pain and disability, yet conventional steroid injections typically provide only short-lived benefit. We retrospectively analyzed 78 patients: 49 with pudendal neuralgia treated by pulsed radiofrequency and 29 with ilioinguinal (n = 15) or genitofemoral (n = 14) neuropathies treated by continuous radiofrequency ablation. For pudendal neuropathy, pRF provided a mean pain relief of 9.48 ± 9.52 weeks versus 3.98 ± 3.56 weeks after the first steroid injection and 3.32 ± 3.21 weeks after the most recent (p < 0.0001 for both). Quality-of-life scores improved significantly through 3 months, and analgesic use declined during this period. No correlation was found between symptom duration and treatment response. For ilioinguinal and genitofemoral neuropathies, cRFA extended pain relief to 21.76 and 17.68 weeks, respectively. Mean VAS scores improved from 6.87 to 1.73 for ilioinguinal (p < 0.0001) and from 6.36 to 2.36 for genitofemoral (p = 0.0007) neuropathies. Quality-of-life scores improved through 3 months, with trends toward baseline by 6 months, while analgesic use decreased initially before returning to baseline. Across all nerves, no major complications occurred. Radiofrequency treatment offers safe, longer-lasting relief than steroid injections for refractory pelvic neuropathies. Full article

Detecting surface cracks on sugarcane is a critical step in ensuring product quality control, with detection precision directly impacting raw material screening efficiency and economic benefits in the sugar industry. Traditional methods face three core challenges: (1) complex background interference complicates texture feature extraction; (2) variable crack scales limit models’ cross-scale feature generalization capabilities; and (3) high computational complexity hinders deployment on edge devices. To address these issues, this study proposes a lightweight sugarcane surface crack detection model, SCS-YOLO (Surface Cracks on Sugarcane-YOLO), based on the YOLOv10 architecture. This model incorporates three key technical innovations. First, the designed RFAC2f module (Receptive-Field Attentive CSP Bottleneck with Dual Convolution) significantly enhances feature representation capabilities in complex backgrounds through dynamic receptive field modeling and multi-branch feature processing/fusion mechanisms. Second, the proposed DSA module (Dynamic SimAM Attention) achieves adaptive spatial optimization of cross-layer crack features by integrating dynamic weight allocation strategies with parameter-free spatial attention mechanisms. Finally, the DyHead detection head employs a dynamic feature optimization mechanism to reduce parameter count and computational complexity. Experiments demonstrate that on the Sugarcane Crack Dataset v3.1, compared to the baseline model YOLOv10, our model achieves mAP50:95 to 71.8% (up 2.1%). Simultaneously, it achieves significant reductions in parameter count (down 19.67%) and computational load (down 11.76%), while boosting FPS to 122 to meet real-time detection requirements. Considering the multiple dimensions of precision indicators, complexity indicators, and FPS comprehensively, the SCS—YOLO detection framework proposed in this study provides a feasible technical reference for the intelligent detection of sugarcane quality in the raw materials of the sugar industry. Full article

This study evaluates the physical, mechanical, durability, and environmental properties of geopolymer mortars (GMs) produced using waste tire steel fibers (WTSFs), hemp fibers (HFs), waste marble powder (WMP), and recycled fine aggregates (RFAs). Within the scope of this study, fibers were incorporated as single and hybrid types at 0.5% and 1% by volume. The addition of HFs generally reduced dry unit weight, as well as compressive and flexural strength but increased fracture energy by nearly three times. The addition of WTSFs improved compressive and flexural strengths by up to 42% and enhanced fracture energy by 840%. Hybrid fibers increased the strength values by 21% and the fracture energy by up to four times, demonstrating a clear synergistic effect between HFs and WTSFs in enhancing crack resistance and structural stability. In the durability tests conducted within the scope of this study, HFs burnt at 600 °C, while WTSFs showed signs of corrosion under freeze–thaw and acid conditions; however, hybrid fibers combined the benefits of both materials, resulting in an effective preservation of internal structure. The fact that the materials used in the production of GM samples were waste or recycled products reduced the total cost to 188 USD/m³, and thanks to these materials and the carbon-negative properties of HFs, CO₂ emissions were reduced to 338 kg CO₂/m³. The presented study demonstrates the potential of using recycled and waste materials to create sustainable building materials in the construction industry. Full article

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) are non-pharmacological techniques employed in humans for chronic pain, but their veterinary application is unexplored. This pilot study evaluated clinical effects of RFA and PRF in twenty-four horses with chronic distal forelimb lameness. Ultrasound-guided RFA (N = 8; 60–90 °C, 2–8 min) or PRF (N = 16; 42 °C; 12 min) was applied to palmar digital nerves. Lameness was scored (American Association of Equine Practitioners scale) at baseline and monthly for six months (T1-T6). At T2, partial- and non-responders in both groups received PRF. Complications and return to previous work were recorded. At T2, the PRF group had significantly lower lameness scores (1, 0–3) than the RFA group (3, 2–4; p < 0.001) and significantly improved from baseline (3, 2–4; p < 0.01). RFA caused more complications (N = 6) than PRF (N = 1; p < 0.001), including increased lameness and allodynia. Sixteen horses (RFA: N = 7; PRF: N = 9) were retreated at T2. Overall, lameness significantly improved from T2 (2, 0–4) to T6 (0, 0–3; p < 0.001). At T6, 83% (19/23) of horses resumed previous work. RFA was ineffective and caused complications, whereas PRF appeared safer and more effective. Two PRF treatments yielded better outcomes with fewer side effects and may help manage lameness and associated pain for up to six months. Full article

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the defining outer membrane component of Gram-negative bacteria, is a potent immunostimulant recognized by Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). While extensively studied for its roles in immune activation and barrier disruption, the potential function of LPS as a developmental cue remains largely unexplored. By leveraging Caenorhabditis elegans and its genetic and gnotobiotic advantages, we screened a panel of Escherichia coli LPS biosynthesis mutants. This screen revealed that the loss of outer core glycosylation in the ∆rfaG mutant causes significant developmental delay independent of bacterial metabolism. Animals exhibited developmental delay that was rescued by exogenous LPS or amino acid supplementation, implicating that LPS triggers nutrient-sensing signaling. Mechanistically, this developmental arrest was mediated by the host FOXO transcription factor DAF-16, which is the key effector of insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS). Our findings uncover an unprecedented role for microbial LPS as a critical regulator of host development, mediated through conserved host IIS pathways, fundamentally expanding our understanding of host–microbe crosstalk. Full article

Background and aims: Epicardial RFA is often required when ventricular tachyarrhythmias originate from epicardial or subepicardial substrates that cannot be effectively ablated endocardially. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of intrapericardial fluid accumulation on the lesion size in the myocardium and the extent of thermal damage to adjacent structures, particularly the lung. Methods: An in silico model of epicardial RFA was developed, featuring an irrigated-tip catheter placed horizontally on the epicardium. A 50 W–30 s RF pulse was simulated. Temperature distributions and resultant thermal lesions in both the myocardium and lung were computed. Results: An increase in pericardial space from 2.5 mm to 4.5 mm resulted in a reduction of myocardial lesion depth by up to 1 mm, while the volume of lung damage decreased from 200 to 300 mm³ to nearly zero, irrespective of myocardial or epicardial fat thickness. Myocardial lesion size was markedly influenced by the thickness of the epicardial fat layer. In the absence of fat and with a narrow pericardial space, lesions reached up to 262 mm³ in volume and 6.1 mm in depth. With 1 mm of fat, lesion volume decreased to below 100 mm³ and depth to 3 mm; with 2 mm, to under 40 mm³ and 2 mm; and with 3 mm, to less than 16 mm³ and 1.2 mm. Lung damage increased moderately with greater fat thickness. Cooling the irrigation fluid from 37 °C to 5 °C reduced lung damage by up to 51%, while myocardial lesion size decreased by only 15%. Conclusions: Intrapericardial fluid accumulation can limit myocardial lesion formation while protecting adjacent structures. Cooling the irrigation fluid may reduce collateral damage without compromising myocardial lesion depth. Full article

Background: Chronic thoracic pain is commonly caused by thoracic facet dysfunction, intercostal neuralgia, surgery, or thoracic pain secondary to cancer and is present in approximately 15% of the population. Conventional treatments, including pharmacotherapy and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, are often ineffective and are often associated with poorly tolerated adverse effects. Cooled radiofrequency ablation (c-RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency energy delivered through a probe to lesion the targeted nerve and provide significant and lasting relief. Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of data extracted from UW-Health Electronic Medical Health records from October 2015 through June 2024. Patient data were collected, including diagnosis, pre-operative pain score, post-operative pain score, duration of relief, age, sex, and BMI. A two-tailed paired t-test was used to analyze the pre-operative and post-operative pain scores. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 111 thoracic c-RFA procedures were reviewed; 43 were excluded due to absent pre-operative or post-operative pain scores in medical records. A total of 68 procedures were included in the analysis, comprising 55 patients: 25 females and 30 males with an average age of 51.31 ± 18.22 years and a BMI of 29.79 ± 6.48 kg/m². Improvement in pain scores was reported in 77.94% (n = 53), 16.18% (n = 11) reported no change, and 5.88% (n = 4) reported worsening pain. Patients reported an average pre-operative pain score of 5.98 (M = 5.98, SD = 1.91) and an average post-operative pain score of 3.06 (M = 3.06, SD = 2.52); this achieved significance (p < 0.0001). Of the 77.94% (n = 53) charts that noted improvement, there is an average of 62.83 ± 28.48% reduction from their pre-operative pain scores. The average duration of relief lasted 11.85 ± 13.42 months. Conclusions: This study supports the efficacy and safety of c-RFA as a minimally invasive therapy for chronic thoracic pain refractory to conservative measures. Full article