In this comment on the article“Locating the source field lines of Jovian decametric radio emissions”by Wang YM et al.,2020,we discuss the assumptions used by the authors to compute the beaming angle of Jupiter’s de...In this comment on the article“Locating the source field lines of Jovian decametric radio emissions”by Wang YM et al.,2020,we discuss the assumptions used by the authors to compute the beaming angle of Jupiter’s decametric emissions induced by the moon Io.Their method,relying on multi-point radio observations,was applied to a single event observed on 14th March 2014 by Wind and both STEREO A/B spacecraft from~5 to~16 MHz.They have erroneously identified the emission as a northern(Io-B type)instead of a southern one(Io-D type).We encourage the authors to update their results with the correct hemisphere of origin and to test their method on a larger sample of Jupiter-Io emissions.展开更多
A retrospective descriptive study is conducted at the San Juan de Dios Hospital, San José, Costa Rica, during the period from February 2016 to March 2017, with a total of 37 patients from which a combined screeni...A retrospective descriptive study is conducted at the San Juan de Dios Hospital, San José, Costa Rica, during the period from February 2016 to March 2017, with a total of 37 patients from which a combined screening during the first trimester of pregnancy was conducted, evaluating maternal age, biochemical and sonographic methods that together can predict the risk of fetal chromosomal alterations during pregnancy. The purpose of using combined screening as a noninvasive method is to identify high risk gestations and to minimize the number of invasive procedures to detect the highest number of cases. Four patients with higher risk of aneuploidy during pregnancy were identified through this screening.展开更多
The issue of resistance reduction through hull ventilation is of particular interest in contemporary research.This paper presents multiphase computational fluid dynamics(CFD)simulations with 2-DOF motion of a planing ...The issue of resistance reduction through hull ventilation is of particular interest in contemporary research.This paper presents multiphase computational fluid dynamics(CFD)simulations with 2-DOF motion of a planing hull.The original hull was modified by introducing a step to allow air ventilation.Following an assessment of the hull performance,a simulation campaign in calm water was conducted to characterize the hull at various forward speeds and air insufflation rates for a defined single step geometry.Geometric analysis of the air layer thickness beneath the hull for each simulated condition was performed using a novel method for visualizing local air thickness.Additionally,two new parameters were introduced to understand the influence of spray rails on the air volume beneath the hull and to indicate the primary direction of ventilated air escape.A validation campaign and an assessment of uncertainty of the simulation has been conducted.The features offered by the CFD methodology include the evaluation of the air layer thickness as a function of hull velocity and injection flow rate and the air volume distribution beneath the hull.The air injection velocity can be adjusted across various operating conditions,thereby preventing performance or efficiency loss during navigation.Based on these findings,the study highlights the benefits of air insufflation in reducing hull resistance for high-speed planing vessels.This work lays a robust foundation for future research and new promising topics,as the exploration of air insufflation continues to be a topic of contemporary interest within naval architecture and hydrodynamics.展开更多
Experimental tests are essential for evaluating S-N curves and assessing the fatigue life of welded joints.However,in the case of complex geometries,experimental tests often cannot provide the necessary stress-strain ...Experimental tests are essential for evaluating S-N curves and assessing the fatigue life of welded joints.However,in the case of complex geometries,experimental tests often cannot provide the necessary stress-strain data for specific materials and welded joints.Therefore,finite element(FE)analyses are frequently utilized to assess fatigue behavior in complex geometries and address the discontinuities induced by welding processes.In this study,the fatigue properties of titanium welded joints,produced using an innovative laser source and welded without the use of filler materials,were analyzed through numerical methods.Two different FEmethodswere applied to T-specimens fabricated from Ti6Al4V sheets:the hot-spot stress and notch-stress approach.The FE fatigue life predictions were validated using experimental fatigue test results.The Hot-Spot Stress method yielded a fatigue limit slightly below 100 MPa,demonstrating a consistent slope in the S-N response.Conversely,the Notch Stress method,using a 1 mm fictitious notch radius,indicated a higher fatigue strength corresponding to a range between 225 and 250MPa,providing amore conservative and localized fatigue estimate.Fatigue resistance in welded joints of steel and aluminum is commonly assessed using specific fatigue classes called“Fatigue Strength Classes(FAT)curves”and their associated S-N curves as recommended by the International Institute of Welding(IIW).However,no such FAT class assignments currently exist for titanium alloys.To address this gap,strain-based FAT curves were proposed by normalizing steel FAT curves using titanium’s elastic properties.This strain-based framework enables direct comparison across materials and provides a foundation for fatigue evaluation of titanium weldments.The author proposed a procedure to normalize steel FAT curves considering the different elastic material properties,enabling a comparison with Ti6Al4V data in terms of hot spot strain or notch strain.This approach facilitates the development of a universal framework for strain-based fatigue evaluation across different materials.展开更多
In recent years, the use of new biomarkers in different phases of the diagnosis andtreatment of several diseases has allowed substantial improvement in clinicalpractice. The use of donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDN...In recent years, the use of new biomarkers in different phases of the diagnosis andtreatment of several diseases has allowed substantial improvement in clinicalpractice. The use of donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) in organ transplantationhas led to significant progress in the treatment of post-transplantoutcomes, particularly after kidney transplantation. In addition, the use of ddcfDNAin organ transplantation has led to significant advancements in posttransplantoutcome monitoring. The aim of this study is to review many of therecent studies on the use of this biomarker and to evaluate its most relevantadvantages and limitations. dd-cfDNA is released from several types of cells ofthe transplanted organ, most often from endothelial cells and this happens in thecase of organ damage, most often rejection. Its presence in the bloodstream of therecipients is an important sign of graft damage;its principal advantage is in theavoidance of invasive tools such as renal biopsy. Additionally, several studiesreported that the finding of dd-cfDNA in the serum may precede histologicalabnormalities;its utility in the diagnosis of subclinical rejection is extremelyimportant. Among the principal limitations of this tool are the difficulty in distinguishingdifferent forms of graft damage. According to several studies this toolhas several limitations in diagnosing T-cell mediated rejection. In addition,particular care should be taken in distinguishing dd-cfDNA from recipientderivedcfDNA.展开更多
Objective Acquired aplastic anemia(aAA)is characterized by an autologous immunological attack against hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells,and immunotolerance disruption is frequent,with reduced T regulatory cells(...Objective Acquired aplastic anemia(aAA)is characterized by an autologous immunological attack against hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells,and immunotolerance disruption is frequent,with reduced T regulatory cells(Tregs)frequencies and increased effector cytotoxic cells.Tregs are reduced in aAA and increase in number after successful immunosuppressive therapies.Methods In this retrospective study,we investigated the frequency of circulating Tregs by multiparametric flow cytometry immunophenotyping in non-severe aAA patients before and after immunosuppressive therapy.The samples were stained with the following antibodies:ECD anti-CD3,PE or PC5 anti-CD4,FITC anti-CD8,and PE anti-CD25,and Tregs were identified by first gating on linear parameters for lymphocyte identification and then for CD3 expression.In CD3+CD4+cells,Tregs were further identified on the basis of CD25 and FOXP3 expression.Results Although the number of Tregs tended to increase after immunosuppressive treatments,their circulating frequency remained lower than that of healthy subjects,regardless of their responsiveness to therapies.Moreover,the relative frequency combined with absolute Treg counts might be more informative in the differential diagnosis of bone marrow failure syndromes.Conclusions The persistent decrease in circulating Tregs could be the result of immunosuppressive agents that could preferentially expand other T-cell subsets.At the same time,an imbalance in immunotolerance might persist,which is also favored by chronic antigen stimulation.展开更多
This article analyses the relationship between PM_(10) concentrations inside and outside two schools in Barreiro,Portugal:Primary School No.5 and D.Luís Mendonça Furtado Basic School.The main objective was t...This article analyses the relationship between PM_(10) concentrations inside and outside two schools in Barreiro,Portugal:Primary School No.5 and D.Luís Mendonça Furtado Basic School.The main objective was to understand the impact of external and internal sources on indoor air quality(IAQ)in school environments.Monitoring campaigns were carried out in different indoor spaces,including classrooms,the gym,and the canteen,and the results were compared with PM_(10) levels outside the building.At Primary School No.5,indoor PM10 concentrations were consistently higher than the outdoor values measured on Avenida do Bocage,with an average Indoor/Outdoor(I/O)ratio of 2.2,indicating a significant impact of indoor activities on particle levels.Similarly,at the D.Luís Mendonça Furtado Basic School,there was an increase in PM_(10) and PM_(2:5) concentrations during school hours,with the highest I/O ratio(3.04)recorded on school days.In the evenings and at weekends,when the spaces were unoccupied,particle concentrations dropped considerably,reaching an I/O ratio of 0.70.Said results suggest that indoor activities are a determining factor for particle levels in indoor air,emphasizing the need for ventilation and pollution control strategies in schools to protect the health of students and staff.展开更多
Colorectal cancer(CRC)is the third most common malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide,responsible for approximately 900000 deaths annually.Inflammation and malnutrition significa...Colorectal cancer(CRC)is the third most common malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide,responsible for approximately 900000 deaths annually.Inflammation and malnutrition significantly influence patients'responses to treatment.Markers such as serum albumin concentration,the prognostic nutritional index,nutritional risk index(NRI),geriatric NRI,and the systemic immune-inflammation index enable the early identification of high-risk patients,facilitating timely interventions that can improve survival and reduce morbidity.A comprehensive understanding and application of these markers allow for better risk stratification in CRC patients,optimizing their management and outcomes.展开更多
Self-Explaining Autonomous Systems(SEAS)have emerged as a strategic frontier within Artificial Intelligence(AI),responding to growing demands for transparency and interpretability in autonomous decisionmaking.This stu...Self-Explaining Autonomous Systems(SEAS)have emerged as a strategic frontier within Artificial Intelligence(AI),responding to growing demands for transparency and interpretability in autonomous decisionmaking.This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of SEAS research published between 2020 and February 2025,drawing upon 1380 documents indexed in Scopus.The analysis applies co-citation mapping,keyword co-occurrence,and author collaboration networks using VOSviewer,MASHA,and Python to examine scientific production,intellectual structure,and global collaboration patterns.The results indicate a sustained annual growth rate of 41.38%,with an h-index of 57 and an average of 21.97 citations per document.A normalized citation rate was computed to address temporal bias,enabling balanced evaluation across publication cohorts.Thematic analysis reveals four consolidated research fronts:interpretability in machine learning,explainability in deep neural networks,transparency in generative models,and optimization strategies in autonomous control.Author co-citation analysis identifies four distinct research communities,and keyword evolution shows growing interdisciplinary links with medicine,cybersecurity,and industrial automation.The United States leads in scientific output and citation impact at the geographical level,while countries like India and China show high productivity with varied influence.However,international collaboration remains limited at 7.39%,reflecting a fragmented research landscape.As discussed in this study,SEAS research is expanding rapidly yet remains epistemologically dispersed,with uneven integration of ethical and human-centered perspectives.This work offers a structured and data-driven perspective on SEAS development,highlights key contributors and thematic trends,and outlines critical directions for advancing responsible and transparent autonomous systems.展开更多
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR) has been validated as a new therapy for patients affected by severe symptomatic aortic stenosis who are not eligible for surgical intervention because of major contraindica...Transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR) has been validated as a new therapy for patients affected by severe symptomatic aortic stenosis who are not eligible for surgical intervention because of major contraindication or high operative risk. Patient selection for TAVR should be based not only on accurate assessment of aortic stenosis morphology, but also on several clinical and functional data. Multi-Imaging modalities should be preferred for assessing the anatomy and the dimensions of the aortic valve and annulus before TAVR. Ultrasounds represent the first line tool in evaluation of this patients giving detailed anatomic description of aortic valve complex and allowing estimating with enough reliability the hemodynamic entity of valvular stenosis. Angiography should be used to assess coronary involvement and plan a revascularization strategy before the implant. Multislice computed tomography play a central role as it can give anatomical details in order to choice the best fitting prosthesis, evaluate the morphology of the access path and detect other relevant comorbidities. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance and positron emission tomography are emergent modality helpful in aortic stenosis evaluation. The aim of this review is to give an overview onTAVR clinical and technical aspects essential for adequate selection.展开更多
Intense exercise may cause heart remodeling to compensate increases in blood pressure or volume by increasing muscle mass. Cardiac changes do not involve only the left ventricle, but all heart chambers. Physiological ...Intense exercise may cause heart remodeling to compensate increases in blood pressure or volume by increasing muscle mass. Cardiac changes do not involve only the left ventricle, but all heart chambers. Physiological cardiac modeling in athletes is associated with normal or enhanced cardiac function, but recent studies have documented decrements in left ventricular function during intense exercise and the release of cardiac markers of necrosis in athlete's blood of uncertain significance. Furthermore, cardiac remodeling may predispose athletes to heart disease and result in electrical remodeling, responsible for arrhythmias. Athlete's heart is a physiological condition and does not require a specific treatment. In some conditions, it is important to differentiate the physiological adaptations from pathological conditions, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic dysplasia of the right ventricle, and non-compaction myocardium, for the greater risk of sudden cardiac death of these conditions. Moreover, some drugs and performance-enhancing drugs can cause structural alterations and arrhythmias, therefore, their use should be excluded.展开更多
This case report describes a woman with spontaneous rectal perforation from decidualized endometriosis in pregnancy.A 37-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital at 30 wk of pregnancy with symptoms suggestive of py...This case report describes a woman with spontaneous rectal perforation from decidualized endometriosis in pregnancy.A 37-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital at 30 wk of pregnancy with symptoms suggestive of pyelonephritis,which persisted until 33 wk of gestation when delivery of a premature male baby was performed through a cesarean section. On postoperative day 2,an abdominal computed tomography showed free air in the peritoneal cavity and a pelvic abscess.Explorative celiotomy revealed a diffuse severe fecaloid peritonitis that originated from a 3-cm wide rectal perforation.A Hartmann operation was then performed.Histopathological findings wereconsistent with decidualization of the rectal wall.Only 20 cases of intestinal perforation due to endometriosis have been reported in the literature.This report is believed to be the first case of spontaneous rectal perforation from endometriosis in pregnancy,and it shows the potential occurrence of serious and unexpected complications of the disease.展开更多
Gastric cancer usually is diagnosed in advanced stages and thus current medical practice affords limited therapeutic options.However,recent studies established the role of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2...Gastric cancer usually is diagnosed in advanced stages and thus current medical practice affords limited therapeutic options.However,recent studies established the role of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2)in clinical management.Trastuzumab,an antiHER2 monoclonal antibody,acquired a main role in advanced gastric cancer harboring HER2 overexpression and/or amplification improving survival to 17.1 mo according to trastuzumab for gastric cancer phaseⅢtrial results.Also,new promising drugs,such as c-Met inhibitors,are in development and assessment for this setting.Certainly,novel drugs will emerge in the next feel years for help oncologists improve clinical management of advanced gastric cancer providing higher survival and quality of life.In this mini-review we will discuss some issues in this regard and provide an actual overview of this setting.展开更多
Heart Failure(HF)in elderly patients is a systemic syndrome where advanced age,comorbidities with organ system deterioration,frailty and impaired cognition significantly impact outcome.Cardiac cachexia,sarcopenia and ...Heart Failure(HF)in elderly patients is a systemic syndrome where advanced age,comorbidities with organ system deterioration,frailty and impaired cognition significantly impact outcome.Cardiac cachexia,sarcopenia and frailty despite overlap in definitions are different clinical entities that frequently coexist in HF patients.However,these co-factors often remain unaddressed,resulting in poor quality-of-life,prolonged physical disability and exercise intolerance and finally with higher rehospitalization rates and mortality.Strategy aim to increase muscle mass and muscle strength and delay the occurrence of frailty state appear essential in this regard.Common HF drugs therapy(b-blockers,angiotensinconverting enzyme inhibitors)and prescription of physical exercise program remain the cornerstone of therapeutic approach in HF patients with new promising data regarding nutritional supplementation.However,the treatment of all these conditions still remain debated and only a profound knowledge of the specific mechanisms and patterns of disease progression will allow to use the appropriate therapy in a given clinical setting.For all these reasons we briefly review current knowledge on frailty,sarcopenia and cachexia in HF patients with the attempt to define clinically significant degrees of multiorgan dysfunction,specific"red alert"thresholds in clinical practice and therapeutic approach.展开更多
Cancer treatment has been revolutionized by the advent of new molecular targeted and immunotherapeutic agents. Identification of the role of tumor angiogenesis changed the understanding of many tumors. After the unsuc...Cancer treatment has been revolutionized by the advent of new molecular targeted and immunotherapeutic agents. Identification of the role of tumor angiogenesis changed the understanding of many tumors. After the unsuccessful results with chemotherapy, sorafenib, by interfering with angiogenic pathways, has become pivotal in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Sorafenib is the only systemic treatment to show a modest but statistically significant survival benefit. All novel drugs and strategies for treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma must be compared with the results obtained with sorafenib, but no new drug or drug combination has yet achieved better results. In our opinion, the efforts to impact the natural history of the disease will be directed not only to drug development but also to understanding the underlying liver disease(usually hepatitis B virus- or hepatitis C virus-related) and to interrupting the progression of cirrhosis. It will be important to define the role and amount of mutations in the complex pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma and to better integrate locoregional and systemic therapies. It will be important also to optimize the therapeutic strategies with existing chemotherapeutic drugs and new targeted agents.展开更多
Wilson's disease(WD), which results from the defective ATP7 B protein product, is characterized by impaired copper metabolism and its clinical consequences vary from an asymptomatic state to fulminant hepatic fail...Wilson's disease(WD), which results from the defective ATP7 B protein product, is characterized by impaired copper metabolism and its clinical consequences vary from an asymptomatic state to fulminant hepatic failure, chronic liver disease with or without cirrhosis, neurological, and psychiatric manifestations. A high grade of suspicion is warranted to not miss cases of WD, especially less florid cases with only mild elevation of transaminases, or isolated neuropsychiatric involvement. Screening in first and second relatives of index cases is mandatory, and treatment must commence upon establishment of diagnosis. Treatment strategies include chelators such as D-penicillamine and trientine, while zinc salts act as inductors of methallothioneins, which favor a negative copper balance and a reduction of free plasmatic copper. As an orphan disease, research is lacking in this field, especially regarding therapeutic strategies which are associated with better patient compliance and which could eventually also reverse established injury.展开更多
In the new era of functional magnetic resonance imaging(MRI), the utility of chest MRI is increasing exponentially due to several advances, including absence of ionizing radiation, excellent tissue contrast and high c...In the new era of functional magnetic resonance imaging(MRI), the utility of chest MRI is increasing exponentially due to several advances, including absence of ionizing radiation, excellent tissue contrast and high capability for lesion characterization and treatment monitoring. The application of several of these diagnostic weapons in a multiparametric fashion enables to better characterize thymic epithelial tumors and other mediastinal tumoral lesions, accurate assessment of the invasion of adjacent structures and detection of pathologic lymph nodes and metastasis. Also, "do not touch lesions" could be identified with the associated impact in the management of those patients. One of the hotspots of the multiparametric chest MR is its ability to detect with acuity early response to treatment in patients with mediastinal malignant neoplasms. This has been related with higher rates of overall survival and progression free survival.Therefore, in this review we will analyze the current functional imaging techniques available(18 F-Fluorodeoxiglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography, diffusion-weighted imaging, dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI, diffusion tensor imaging and MR spectroscopy) for the evaluation of mediastinal lesions, with a focus in their correct acquisition and post-processing. Also, to review the clinical applications of these techniques in the diagnostic approach of benign and malignant conditions of the mediastinum.展开更多
The use of medicinal plants in treating illnesses has been reported since ancestral times.In the case of hepatic diseases,several species such as Silybum marianum,Phyllanthus niruri,and Panus giganteus(Berk.)have been...The use of medicinal plants in treating illnesses has been reported since ancestral times.In the case of hepatic diseases,several species such as Silybum marianum,Phyllanthus niruri,and Panus giganteus(Berk.)have been shown to ameliorate hepatic lesions.Silymarin is a natural compound derived from the species Silybum marianum,which is commonly known as Milk thistle.This plant contains at least seven flavoligands and the flavonoid taxifolin.The hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of silymarin is caused by its ability to inhibit the free radicals that are produced from the metabolism of toxic substances such as ethanol,acetaminophen,and carbon tetrachloride.The generation of free radicals is known to damage cellular membranes and cause lipoperoxidation.Silymarin enhances hepatic glutathione and may contribute to the antioxidant defense of the liver.It has also been shown that silymarin increases protein synthesis in hepatocytes by stimulating RNA polymerase I activity.A previous study on humans reported that silymarin treatment caused a slight increase in the survival of patients with cirrhotic alcoholism compared with untreated controls.展开更多
基金supported by the Paris Astronomical Data Centre(PADC)at Observatoire de Paris.
文摘In this comment on the article“Locating the source field lines of Jovian decametric radio emissions”by Wang YM et al.,2020,we discuss the assumptions used by the authors to compute the beaming angle of Jupiter’s decametric emissions induced by the moon Io.Their method,relying on multi-point radio observations,was applied to a single event observed on 14th March 2014 by Wind and both STEREO A/B spacecraft from~5 to~16 MHz.They have erroneously identified the emission as a northern(Io-B type)instead of a southern one(Io-D type).We encourage the authors to update their results with the correct hemisphere of origin and to test their method on a larger sample of Jupiter-Io emissions.
文摘A retrospective descriptive study is conducted at the San Juan de Dios Hospital, San José, Costa Rica, during the period from February 2016 to March 2017, with a total of 37 patients from which a combined screening during the first trimester of pregnancy was conducted, evaluating maternal age, biochemical and sonographic methods that together can predict the risk of fetal chromosomal alterations during pregnancy. The purpose of using combined screening as a noninvasive method is to identify high risk gestations and to minimize the number of invasive procedures to detect the highest number of cases. Four patients with higher risk of aneuploidy during pregnancy were identified through this screening.
基金supported by European Union funding(PON“Ricerca e Innovazione”2014‒2020).
文摘The issue of resistance reduction through hull ventilation is of particular interest in contemporary research.This paper presents multiphase computational fluid dynamics(CFD)simulations with 2-DOF motion of a planing hull.The original hull was modified by introducing a step to allow air ventilation.Following an assessment of the hull performance,a simulation campaign in calm water was conducted to characterize the hull at various forward speeds and air insufflation rates for a defined single step geometry.Geometric analysis of the air layer thickness beneath the hull for each simulated condition was performed using a novel method for visualizing local air thickness.Additionally,two new parameters were introduced to understand the influence of spray rails on the air volume beneath the hull and to indicate the primary direction of ventilated air escape.A validation campaign and an assessment of uncertainty of the simulation has been conducted.The features offered by the CFD methodology include the evaluation of the air layer thickness as a function of hull velocity and injection flow rate and the air volume distribution beneath the hull.The air injection velocity can be adjusted across various operating conditions,thereby preventing performance or efficiency loss during navigation.Based on these findings,the study highlights the benefits of air insufflation in reducing hull resistance for high-speed planing vessels.This work lays a robust foundation for future research and new promising topics,as the exploration of air insufflation continues to be a topic of contemporary interest within naval architecture and hydrodynamics.
基金supported by the project PRIN_2022PNRR_P2022Y3PBY_001“MADLEINE,CUP:J53D23015830001”.Project funded under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan(NRRP),Mission 4 Component C2 Investment 1.1 by the European Union-NextGenerationEU.
文摘Experimental tests are essential for evaluating S-N curves and assessing the fatigue life of welded joints.However,in the case of complex geometries,experimental tests often cannot provide the necessary stress-strain data for specific materials and welded joints.Therefore,finite element(FE)analyses are frequently utilized to assess fatigue behavior in complex geometries and address the discontinuities induced by welding processes.In this study,the fatigue properties of titanium welded joints,produced using an innovative laser source and welded without the use of filler materials,were analyzed through numerical methods.Two different FEmethodswere applied to T-specimens fabricated from Ti6Al4V sheets:the hot-spot stress and notch-stress approach.The FE fatigue life predictions were validated using experimental fatigue test results.The Hot-Spot Stress method yielded a fatigue limit slightly below 100 MPa,demonstrating a consistent slope in the S-N response.Conversely,the Notch Stress method,using a 1 mm fictitious notch radius,indicated a higher fatigue strength corresponding to a range between 225 and 250MPa,providing amore conservative and localized fatigue estimate.Fatigue resistance in welded joints of steel and aluminum is commonly assessed using specific fatigue classes called“Fatigue Strength Classes(FAT)curves”and their associated S-N curves as recommended by the International Institute of Welding(IIW).However,no such FAT class assignments currently exist for titanium alloys.To address this gap,strain-based FAT curves were proposed by normalizing steel FAT curves using titanium’s elastic properties.This strain-based framework enables direct comparison across materials and provides a foundation for fatigue evaluation of titanium weldments.The author proposed a procedure to normalize steel FAT curves considering the different elastic material properties,enabling a comparison with Ti6Al4V data in terms of hot spot strain or notch strain.This approach facilitates the development of a universal framework for strain-based fatigue evaluation across different materials.
文摘In recent years, the use of new biomarkers in different phases of the diagnosis andtreatment of several diseases has allowed substantial improvement in clinicalpractice. The use of donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) in organ transplantationhas led to significant progress in the treatment of post-transplantoutcomes, particularly after kidney transplantation. In addition, the use of ddcfDNAin organ transplantation has led to significant advancements in posttransplantoutcome monitoring. The aim of this study is to review many of therecent studies on the use of this biomarker and to evaluate its most relevantadvantages and limitations. dd-cfDNA is released from several types of cells ofthe transplanted organ, most often from endothelial cells and this happens in thecase of organ damage, most often rejection. Its presence in the bloodstream of therecipients is an important sign of graft damage;its principal advantage is in theavoidance of invasive tools such as renal biopsy. Additionally, several studiesreported that the finding of dd-cfDNA in the serum may precede histologicalabnormalities;its utility in the diagnosis of subclinical rejection is extremelyimportant. Among the principal limitations of this tool are the difficulty in distinguishingdifferent forms of graft damage. According to several studies this toolhas several limitations in diagnosing T-cell mediated rejection. In addition,particular care should be taken in distinguishing dd-cfDNA from recipientderivedcfDNA.
文摘Objective Acquired aplastic anemia(aAA)is characterized by an autologous immunological attack against hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells,and immunotolerance disruption is frequent,with reduced T regulatory cells(Tregs)frequencies and increased effector cytotoxic cells.Tregs are reduced in aAA and increase in number after successful immunosuppressive therapies.Methods In this retrospective study,we investigated the frequency of circulating Tregs by multiparametric flow cytometry immunophenotyping in non-severe aAA patients before and after immunosuppressive therapy.The samples were stained with the following antibodies:ECD anti-CD3,PE or PC5 anti-CD4,FITC anti-CD8,and PE anti-CD25,and Tregs were identified by first gating on linear parameters for lymphocyte identification and then for CD3 expression.In CD3+CD4+cells,Tregs were further identified on the basis of CD25 and FOXP3 expression.Results Although the number of Tregs tended to increase after immunosuppressive treatments,their circulating frequency remained lower than that of healthy subjects,regardless of their responsiveness to therapies.Moreover,the relative frequency combined with absolute Treg counts might be more informative in the differential diagnosis of bone marrow failure syndromes.Conclusions The persistent decrease in circulating Tregs could be the result of immunosuppressive agents that could preferentially expand other T-cell subsets.At the same time,an imbalance in immunotolerance might persist,which is also favored by chronic antigen stimulation.
文摘This article analyses the relationship between PM_(10) concentrations inside and outside two schools in Barreiro,Portugal:Primary School No.5 and D.Luís Mendonça Furtado Basic School.The main objective was to understand the impact of external and internal sources on indoor air quality(IAQ)in school environments.Monitoring campaigns were carried out in different indoor spaces,including classrooms,the gym,and the canteen,and the results were compared with PM_(10) levels outside the building.At Primary School No.5,indoor PM10 concentrations were consistently higher than the outdoor values measured on Avenida do Bocage,with an average Indoor/Outdoor(I/O)ratio of 2.2,indicating a significant impact of indoor activities on particle levels.Similarly,at the D.Luís Mendonça Furtado Basic School,there was an increase in PM_(10) and PM_(2:5) concentrations during school hours,with the highest I/O ratio(3.04)recorded on school days.In the evenings and at weekends,when the spaces were unoccupied,particle concentrations dropped considerably,reaching an I/O ratio of 0.70.Said results suggest that indoor activities are a determining factor for particle levels in indoor air,emphasizing the need for ventilation and pollution control strategies in schools to protect the health of students and staff.
文摘Colorectal cancer(CRC)is the third most common malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide,responsible for approximately 900000 deaths annually.Inflammation and malnutrition significantly influence patients'responses to treatment.Markers such as serum albumin concentration,the prognostic nutritional index,nutritional risk index(NRI),geriatric NRI,and the systemic immune-inflammation index enable the early identification of high-risk patients,facilitating timely interventions that can improve survival and reduce morbidity.A comprehensive understanding and application of these markers allow for better risk stratification in CRC patients,optimizing their management and outcomes.
基金partially funded by the Programa Nacional de Becas y Crédito Educativo of Peru and the Universitat de València,Spain.
文摘Self-Explaining Autonomous Systems(SEAS)have emerged as a strategic frontier within Artificial Intelligence(AI),responding to growing demands for transparency and interpretability in autonomous decisionmaking.This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of SEAS research published between 2020 and February 2025,drawing upon 1380 documents indexed in Scopus.The analysis applies co-citation mapping,keyword co-occurrence,and author collaboration networks using VOSviewer,MASHA,and Python to examine scientific production,intellectual structure,and global collaboration patterns.The results indicate a sustained annual growth rate of 41.38%,with an h-index of 57 and an average of 21.97 citations per document.A normalized citation rate was computed to address temporal bias,enabling balanced evaluation across publication cohorts.Thematic analysis reveals four consolidated research fronts:interpretability in machine learning,explainability in deep neural networks,transparency in generative models,and optimization strategies in autonomous control.Author co-citation analysis identifies four distinct research communities,and keyword evolution shows growing interdisciplinary links with medicine,cybersecurity,and industrial automation.The United States leads in scientific output and citation impact at the geographical level,while countries like India and China show high productivity with varied influence.However,international collaboration remains limited at 7.39%,reflecting a fragmented research landscape.As discussed in this study,SEAS research is expanding rapidly yet remains epistemologically dispersed,with uneven integration of ethical and human-centered perspectives.This work offers a structured and data-driven perspective on SEAS development,highlights key contributors and thematic trends,and outlines critical directions for advancing responsible and transparent autonomous systems.
文摘Transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR) has been validated as a new therapy for patients affected by severe symptomatic aortic stenosis who are not eligible for surgical intervention because of major contraindication or high operative risk. Patient selection for TAVR should be based not only on accurate assessment of aortic stenosis morphology, but also on several clinical and functional data. Multi-Imaging modalities should be preferred for assessing the anatomy and the dimensions of the aortic valve and annulus before TAVR. Ultrasounds represent the first line tool in evaluation of this patients giving detailed anatomic description of aortic valve complex and allowing estimating with enough reliability the hemodynamic entity of valvular stenosis. Angiography should be used to assess coronary involvement and plan a revascularization strategy before the implant. Multislice computed tomography play a central role as it can give anatomical details in order to choice the best fitting prosthesis, evaluate the morphology of the access path and detect other relevant comorbidities. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance and positron emission tomography are emergent modality helpful in aortic stenosis evaluation. The aim of this review is to give an overview onTAVR clinical and technical aspects essential for adequate selection.
文摘Intense exercise may cause heart remodeling to compensate increases in blood pressure or volume by increasing muscle mass. Cardiac changes do not involve only the left ventricle, but all heart chambers. Physiological cardiac modeling in athletes is associated with normal or enhanced cardiac function, but recent studies have documented decrements in left ventricular function during intense exercise and the release of cardiac markers of necrosis in athlete's blood of uncertain significance. Furthermore, cardiac remodeling may predispose athletes to heart disease and result in electrical remodeling, responsible for arrhythmias. Athlete's heart is a physiological condition and does not require a specific treatment. In some conditions, it is important to differentiate the physiological adaptations from pathological conditions, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic dysplasia of the right ventricle, and non-compaction myocardium, for the greater risk of sudden cardiac death of these conditions. Moreover, some drugs and performance-enhancing drugs can cause structural alterations and arrhythmias, therefore, their use should be excluded.
基金Supported by A grant from the University of Cagliari,Italy
文摘This case report describes a woman with spontaneous rectal perforation from decidualized endometriosis in pregnancy.A 37-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital at 30 wk of pregnancy with symptoms suggestive of pyelonephritis,which persisted until 33 wk of gestation when delivery of a premature male baby was performed through a cesarean section. On postoperative day 2,an abdominal computed tomography showed free air in the peritoneal cavity and a pelvic abscess.Explorative celiotomy revealed a diffuse severe fecaloid peritonitis that originated from a 3-cm wide rectal perforation.A Hartmann operation was then performed.Histopathological findings wereconsistent with decidualization of the rectal wall.Only 20 cases of intestinal perforation due to endometriosis have been reported in the literature.This report is believed to be the first case of spontaneous rectal perforation from endometriosis in pregnancy,and it shows the potential occurrence of serious and unexpected complications of the disease.
基金Supported by Grants from Janssen and Merck Serono to de Mello RA
文摘Gastric cancer usually is diagnosed in advanced stages and thus current medical practice affords limited therapeutic options.However,recent studies established the role of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2)in clinical management.Trastuzumab,an antiHER2 monoclonal antibody,acquired a main role in advanced gastric cancer harboring HER2 overexpression and/or amplification improving survival to 17.1 mo according to trastuzumab for gastric cancer phaseⅢtrial results.Also,new promising drugs,such as c-Met inhibitors,are in development and assessment for this setting.Certainly,novel drugs will emerge in the next feel years for help oncologists improve clinical management of advanced gastric cancer providing higher survival and quality of life.In this mini-review we will discuss some issues in this regard and provide an actual overview of this setting.
文摘Heart Failure(HF)in elderly patients is a systemic syndrome where advanced age,comorbidities with organ system deterioration,frailty and impaired cognition significantly impact outcome.Cardiac cachexia,sarcopenia and frailty despite overlap in definitions are different clinical entities that frequently coexist in HF patients.However,these co-factors often remain unaddressed,resulting in poor quality-of-life,prolonged physical disability and exercise intolerance and finally with higher rehospitalization rates and mortality.Strategy aim to increase muscle mass and muscle strength and delay the occurrence of frailty state appear essential in this regard.Common HF drugs therapy(b-blockers,angiotensinconverting enzyme inhibitors)and prescription of physical exercise program remain the cornerstone of therapeutic approach in HF patients with new promising data regarding nutritional supplementation.However,the treatment of all these conditions still remain debated and only a profound knowledge of the specific mechanisms and patterns of disease progression will allow to use the appropriate therapy in a given clinical setting.For all these reasons we briefly review current knowledge on frailty,sarcopenia and cachexia in HF patients with the attempt to define clinically significant degrees of multiorgan dysfunction,specific"red alert"thresholds in clinical practice and therapeutic approach.
文摘Cancer treatment has been revolutionized by the advent of new molecular targeted and immunotherapeutic agents. Identification of the role of tumor angiogenesis changed the understanding of many tumors. After the unsuccessful results with chemotherapy, sorafenib, by interfering with angiogenic pathways, has become pivotal in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Sorafenib is the only systemic treatment to show a modest but statistically significant survival benefit. All novel drugs and strategies for treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma must be compared with the results obtained with sorafenib, but no new drug or drug combination has yet achieved better results. In our opinion, the efforts to impact the natural history of the disease will be directed not only to drug development but also to understanding the underlying liver disease(usually hepatitis B virus- or hepatitis C virus-related) and to interrupting the progression of cirrhosis. It will be important to define the role and amount of mutations in the complex pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma and to better integrate locoregional and systemic therapies. It will be important also to optimize the therapeutic strategies with existing chemotherapeutic drugs and new targeted agents.
文摘Wilson's disease(WD), which results from the defective ATP7 B protein product, is characterized by impaired copper metabolism and its clinical consequences vary from an asymptomatic state to fulminant hepatic failure, chronic liver disease with or without cirrhosis, neurological, and psychiatric manifestations. A high grade of suspicion is warranted to not miss cases of WD, especially less florid cases with only mild elevation of transaminases, or isolated neuropsychiatric involvement. Screening in first and second relatives of index cases is mandatory, and treatment must commence upon establishment of diagnosis. Treatment strategies include chelators such as D-penicillamine and trientine, while zinc salts act as inductors of methallothioneins, which favor a negative copper balance and a reduction of free plasmatic copper. As an orphan disease, research is lacking in this field, especially regarding therapeutic strategies which are associated with better patient compliance and which could eventually also reverse established injury.
文摘In the new era of functional magnetic resonance imaging(MRI), the utility of chest MRI is increasing exponentially due to several advances, including absence of ionizing radiation, excellent tissue contrast and high capability for lesion characterization and treatment monitoring. The application of several of these diagnostic weapons in a multiparametric fashion enables to better characterize thymic epithelial tumors and other mediastinal tumoral lesions, accurate assessment of the invasion of adjacent structures and detection of pathologic lymph nodes and metastasis. Also, "do not touch lesions" could be identified with the associated impact in the management of those patients. One of the hotspots of the multiparametric chest MR is its ability to detect with acuity early response to treatment in patients with mediastinal malignant neoplasms. This has been related with higher rates of overall survival and progression free survival.Therefore, in this review we will analyze the current functional imaging techniques available(18 F-Fluorodeoxiglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography, diffusion-weighted imaging, dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI, diffusion tensor imaging and MR spectroscopy) for the evaluation of mediastinal lesions, with a focus in their correct acquisition and post-processing. Also, to review the clinical applications of these techniques in the diagnostic approach of benign and malignant conditions of the mediastinum.
文摘The use of medicinal plants in treating illnesses has been reported since ancestral times.In the case of hepatic diseases,several species such as Silybum marianum,Phyllanthus niruri,and Panus giganteus(Berk.)have been shown to ameliorate hepatic lesions.Silymarin is a natural compound derived from the species Silybum marianum,which is commonly known as Milk thistle.This plant contains at least seven flavoligands and the flavonoid taxifolin.The hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of silymarin is caused by its ability to inhibit the free radicals that are produced from the metabolism of toxic substances such as ethanol,acetaminophen,and carbon tetrachloride.The generation of free radicals is known to damage cellular membranes and cause lipoperoxidation.Silymarin enhances hepatic glutathione and may contribute to the antioxidant defense of the liver.It has also been shown that silymarin increases protein synthesis in hepatocytes by stimulating RNA polymerase I activity.A previous study on humans reported that silymarin treatment caused a slight increase in the survival of patients with cirrhotic alcoholism compared with untreated controls.
