Search Results (843)

In this paper, we propose a Linux-based operating system, namely, DicomOS, tailored for medical imaging and enhanced interoperability, addressing user-friendly functionality and the main critical needs in radiology workflows. Traditional operating systems in clinical settings face limitations, such as fragmented software ecosystems and platform-specific restrictions, which disrupt collaborative workflows and hinder diagnostic efficiency. Built on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, DicomOS integrates essential DICOM functionalities directly into the OS, providing a unified, cohesive platform for image visualization, annotation, and sharing. Methods include custom configurations and the development of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and command-line tools, making them accessible to medical professionals and developers. Key applications such as ITK-SNAP and 3D Slicer are seamlessly integrated alongside specialized GUIs that enhance usability without requiring extensive technical expertise. As preliminary work, DicomOS demonstrates the potential to simplify medical imaging workflows, reduce cognitive load, and promote efficient data sharing across diverse clinical settings. However, further evaluations, including structured clinical tests and broader deployment with a distributable ISO image, must validate its effectiveness and scalability in real-world scenarios. The results indicate that DicomOS provides a versatile and adaptable solution, supporting radiologists in routine tasks while facilitating customization for advanced users. As an open-source platform, DicomOS has the potential to evolve alongside medical imaging needs, positioning it as a valuable resource for enhancing workflow integration and clinical collaboration. Full article

(1) Background: The RoXsta^TM system has been developed as a rapid, effective means of profiling different types of antioxidant activity. The purpose of this study was to examine its performance utilizing a diverse array of biological fluids including semen, blood plasma, serum, urine, saliva, follicular fluid and plant extracts. (2) Methods: The RoXsta^TM system was used to assess the ability of different fluids to suppress free radical formation as well as scavenge a variety of toxic oxygen metabolites including free radicals and both hydrogen and organic peroxides. (3) Results: Human semen was shown to have significantly (p < 0.001) more peroxide scavenging power than any other fluid tested (10–14 mM vitamin C equivalent compared with 1–2 mM for blood serum or plasma), while urine was particularly effective in scavenging free radicals and preventing free radical formation (p < 0.001). The powerful antioxidant properties of human semen were shown to reside within the seminal plasma (SP) fraction, rather than the spermatozoa, and to be resistant to snap freezing in liquid nitrogen. Moreover, comparative studies demonstrated that human SP exhibited significantly (p < 0.001) higher levels of antioxidant potential than any other species examined (stallion, bull, dog) and that this intense activity reflected the relative vulnerability of human spermatozoa to peroxide attack. (4) Conclusions: The RoXsta^TM system provides valuable information on the antioxidant profile of complex biological fluids, supporting its diagnostic role in conditions associated with oxidative stress. Based on the results secured in this study, human semen is identified as a particularly rich source of antioxidants capable of scavenging both hydrogen and organic peroxides, in keeping with the high susceptibility of human spermatozoa to peroxide-mediated damage. Full article

Coral disease outbreaks have increased in frequency and extent worldwide since the 1970s, coinciding with the rapid increase in ocean warming. Summer and winter temperature-based metrics have proven effective in predicting coral disease outbreaks in seasonal coral reef regions. However, their utility is unknown in non-seasonal coral reef areas. Here, a new methodology, independent of seasonal patterns, is developed for application in both seasonal and non-seasonal coral reef regions. Percentile-based metric thresholds were defined from seasonal equivalents in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and tested in seasonal and non-seasonal coral reef regions of the tropical Pacific Ocean. Between new and existing methodologies, median differences of 0.00 °C (thresholds) and 0.00 °C-weeks (metrics) for Hot Snap and Cold Snap; and 0.01 °C (threshold) and −0.17 °C-weeks (metric) for Winter Condition were observed among reef pixels of the GBR. The new methodology shows strong consistency with the existing tools used for seasonal regions (e.g., R² = 0.811–0.903; GBR case studies). Comparisons of the new metrics with disease observations were constrained by the limited availability of disease data; however, the comparisons undertaken suggest predictive capability in non-seasonal regions. To establish robust correlations, further direct comparisons of the new metrics with disease data across various non-seasonal regions and timeframes are essential. With ocean warming projected to persist in the coming decades, improving the predictive tools used to assess ecological impacts is necessary to support effective coral reef management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Tactile gnosis derives from the interplay between the hand’s tactile input and the memory systems of the brain. It is the prerequisite for complex hand functions. Impaired sensation leads to profound disability. Various invasive and non-invasive sensory substitution strategies for providing feedback from prostheses have been unsuccessful when translated to clinical practice, since they fail to match the feeling to genuine sensation of the somatosensory cortex. Methods: Herein, we describe a novel surgical technique for upper-limb-targeted sensory reinnervation (ulTSR) and report how single digital nerves selectively reinnervate the forearm skin and restore the spatial sensory capacity of single digits of the amputated hand in a case series of seven patients. We explore the interplay of the redirected residual digital nerves and the interpretation of sensory perception after reinnervation of the forearm skin in the somatosensory cortex by evaluating sensory nerve action potentials (SNAPs), somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs), and amputation-associated pain qualities. Results: Digital nerves were rerouted and reliably reinnervated the forearm skin after hand amputation, leading to somatotopy and limb maps of the thumb and four individual fingers. SNAPs were obtained from the donor digital nerves after stimulating the recipient sensory nerves of the forearm. Matching SEPs were obtained after electrocutaneous stimulation of the reinnervated skin areas of the forearm where the thumb, index, and little fingers are perceived. Pain incidence was significantly reduced or even fully resolved. Conclusions: We propose that ulTSR can lead to higher acceptance of prosthetic hands and substantially reduce the incidence of phantom limb and neuroma pain. In addition, the spatial restoration of lost-hand sensing and the somatotopic reinnervation of the forearm skin may serve as a machine interface, allowing for genuine sensation and embodiment of the prosthetic hand without the need for complex neural coding adjustments. Full article

Our study considered porous Bouligand structured polymer, comprising polymer fibres with porous spaces between them. These are more complicated structures than the non-porous Bouligand, since the addition of porosity into the material creates a secondary variable besides fibre pitch. There is currently no analytical model available to predict the modulus of such materials. Our paper explores the correlation between porosity, polymer fibre pitch angle, and flexural modulus in porous Bouligand structured polymers. Our structures were digitally manufactured using stereolithography (SLA) additive manufacturing methods, after which they were subjected to three-point bending tests. Our aim was to simply and parametrically develop an analytical model that would capture the influences of both porosity and polymer fibre pitch angle on the flexural modulus of the material. Our model is expressed as $E_f=E_{poro}(a{\theta }_f^3+b{\theta }_f^2+c{\theta }_f+d)$, and we derive this by applying non-linear regression to our experimental data. This model predicts the flexural modulus, $E_f$, of porous Bouligand structured polymer as a function of both porosity and pitch angle. Here, $E_{poro}$ is defined as the solid material modulus, $E_{solid}$, multiplied by porosity, $\varphi$ and is a linear reduction in the modulus as a function of increasing porosity, while ${\theta }_f$ signifies the polymer fibre pitch angle. This relationship is relatively accurate within the range of 10° ≤ θ_f ≤ 50°, and for porosity values ranging from $0.277\le 0.356$, as supported by our evidence to date. Full article

Snapping Shrimps (SSs) live in warm marine areas. Snapping Shrimps Noise (SSN), loud sounds generated by these underwater creatures, serves as a major source of in performance degradation by decreasing the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) for underwater acoustic communication and target detection. Thus, we propose a unified solution for SSN detection and reduction in this paper. First, Signal Presence Probability (SPP) is calculated for SSN detection, and then the SPP is provided to Non-negative Matrix Factorization (NMF) as a weight for SSN reduction. In the proposed method, SPP acts as a key factor for SSN detection and reduction. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, the SAVEX-15 dataset, real ocean data containing SSN, is used. As a result of SSN detection, it was confirmed that SPP presented the highest performance in the Receiver Operating Characteristics curve, and we achieved 0.014 higher Area Under the Curve compared to competing methods. In addition, Continuous Wave and Linear Frequency Modulation signals were set as target signals and combined with the SAVEX-15 data for evaluation of noise reduction performance. As a result, the performance of the SPP-weighted NMF (WNMF) presented at least 2 dB higher SNR and SDR while maintaining less LSD compared to the Optimally Modified Log Spectral Amplitude estimator and NMF. Full article

The current research aims to analyze the shape and structural features of the eggs of the lepidoptera species Melitaea sp. (Lepidoptera, Nympalidae) and develop design solutions through the implementation of a novel strategy of biomimetic design. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the chorion reveals a medial zone that forms an arachnoid grid resembling a ribbed dome with convex longitudinal ribs and concave transverse ring members. A parametric design algorithm was created with the aid of computer-aided design (CAD) software Rhinoceros 3D and Grasshopper3D in order to abstract and emulate the biological model. A series of physical models were manufactured with variations in geometric parameters like the number of ribs and rings, their thickness, and curvature. Selective laser sintering (SLS) technology and Polyamide12 (nylon) material were utilized for the prototyping process. Quasi-static compression testing was carried out in conjunction with finite element analysis (FEA) to investigate the deformation patterns and stress dispersion of the models. The biomimetic ribbed dome appears to significantly dampen the snap-through behavior that is observed in typical solid and lattice domes, decreasing dynamic stresses developed during the response and preventing catastrophic failure of the structure. Increasing the curvature of the ring segments further reduces the snap-through phenomenon and improves the overall strength. However, excessive curvature has a negative effect on the maximum sustained load. Increasing the number and thickness of the transverse rings and the number of the longitudinal ribs also increases the strength of the dome. However, excessive increase in the rib radius leads to more acute snap-through behavior and an earlier failure. The above results were validated using respective finite element analyses. Full article

Grapevine red blotch is an emerging disease that threatens vineyard productions in North America. Grapevine red blotch virus (GRBV, species Grablovirus vitis, genus Grablovirus, family Geminiviridae), the causal agent of red blotch disease, is transmitted by Spissistilus festinus (Hemiptera: Membracidae) in a circulative, non-propagative mode. To gain new insight into GRBV-S. festinus interactions, we delved into vertical transmission and documented a lack of transovarial transmission. In addition, we investigated S. festinus sex differences in the horizontal transmission of GRBV by creating small arenas with 30 detached trifoliates of common snap bean, an experimental host of GRBV, and a preferred feeding host of S. festinus. Tracking the movement of viruliferous males, females, or a combination of the two sexes over two weeks in replicated experiments demonstrated that male S. festinus dispersed more than females with specimens of both sexes predominantly grouping together on trifoliates spatially surrounding the trifoliate onto which they were released. These behaviors resulted in a greater rate of GRBV transmission by S. festinus males (17%, 20 of 120) than females (4%, 5 of 120) or mixed-sex cohorts (9%, 17 of 180). In arenas with aviruliferous S. festinus and one (single) or four (hotspot) GRBV-infected trifoliates out of 30 total trifoliates, a higher GRBV transmission rate by males was confirmed in both single infection (50%, 30 of 60) and hotspot infection (83%, 50 of 60) arenas than by females in single infection (35%, 21 of 60) and hotspot infection (67%, 40 of 60) arenas. These findings highlighted sex-associated differences in the transmission of GRBV by S. festinus and a positive correlation between the initial virus prevalence and the rate of transmission. Finally, the secondary spread of GRBV resulted primarily from S. festinus dispersal by walking or jumping. Together, these unique GRBV transmission features support the need to characterize dispersal behaviors of S. festinus in vineyard ecosystems. Full article

Objectives: Neurotoxic effects causing peripheral nerve damage have been reported for several chemotherapy agents. There is no established and standardized method to assess the presence of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). We compared patient-reported CIPN symptoms to neurophysiological findings and neurological assessments in patients receiving taxane-based chemotherapy. Methods: Patients scheduled to receive taxane-based chemotherapy for the treatment of gynecologic cancer were included and prospectively followed for up to 9 months after chemotherapy discontinuation, between May 2020 and January 2023. Patient-reported symptoms, using the EORTC-QLQ-CIPN20 questionnaire, and nerve conduction studies (NCSs) were performed at baseline, halfway through the treatment cycle, at the end of the treatment, 3 months after treatment, and 6–9 months after treatment. Results: A total of 149 patients were included. Overall, 47.0% of patients reported symptoms compatible with CIPN at any of the follow-ups. Subjective symptoms did not correlate with nerve conduction studies. SNAP amplitudes at baseline were lower in patients who developed CIPN compared to the group without CIPN. Conclusions: The overall diagnostic accuracy of electrophysiological parameters as a marker for CIPN was low. Full article

As two major pests of cowpea in South China, bean flower thrips [Megalurothrips usitatus (Bagnall)] and flower thrips [Frankliniella intonsa (Trybom)] always occur on the same plant. In this study, the two-sex life table parameters of these two species were investigated on three bean pods: cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. var. Chunqiu Wujiadou), snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. var. Yonglong 3), and green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. var. Linghangzhe) using standard cut bean protocols. Longevity of female adult M. usitatus showed no significant difference on cowpea and snap bean, but was shortest on green bean, with the highest fecundity on snap bean, followed by cowpea and green bean. Longevity and fecundity of female adult F. intonsa were both highest on cowpea, followed by snap bean and green bean. On snap bean, the population parameters (R₀, GRR, T) of M. usitatus were higher than F. intonsa, whereas r and λ were not different, suggesting that M. usitatus were more competitive on snap bean. On cowpea, the population parameters (R₀, GRR, r, λ) of F. intonsa were higher than M. usitatus, suggesting a competitive advantage of F. intonsa on cowpea. To better mimic field conditions, we investigated the survival and fecundity of adult M. usitatus under two distinct scenarios: when they could feed directly on cut surfaces of cowpeas (standard lab protocol), and when they could not. Adult survival of M. usitatus is not significantly influenced by whether or not they fed directly on cut surfaces of cowpeas. However, a notable decrease in fecundity was observed in M. usitatus that fed on surface-covered cut pods. This suggested that direct feeding on cut surfaces of cowpea did have an impact on thrips’ fecundity, offering fresh perspectives for future research into the growth and development of thrips in a laboratory. Our study suggests that experiments involving cut surfaces may be misleading, and further investigations are ongoing to address these concerns. Full article

Background/Objectives: Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) support brain cell membrane integrity and help mitigate synaptic plasticity deficits. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is integral to synaptic plasticity and regulates various brain functions. While PUFAs influence the ECS, the effects of omega-3 on the ECS, cognition, and behavior in a healthy brain remain unclear. Methods and Results: Here, we demonstrate that hippocampal synaptosomes from male mice fed an omega-3-rich diet exhibit increased levels of cannabinoid CB1 receptors (~30%), phospholipase C β1 (PLCβ1, ~30%), monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL, ~30%), and cannabinoid receptor-interacting protein 1a (Crip1a, ~60%). Conversely, these synaptosomes show decreased levels of diacylglycerol lipase α (DAGLα, ~40%), synaptosomal-associated protein 25kDa (SNAP-25, ~30%), and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95, ~40%). Omega-3 intake also reduces Gαo and Gαi3 levels, though receptor-stimulated [³⁵S]GTPγS binding remains unaffected. Stimulation of the medial perforant path (MPP) induced long-term potentiation (LTP) in omega-3-fed mice. This LTP was dependent on group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR), 2 arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), CB1 receptors, N-type Ca²⁺ channels, and actin filaments. Behaviorally, omega-3-fed mice displayed reduced exploratory behavior and significantly improved object discrimination in the novel object recognition test (NORT). They also spent more time in open arms and exhibited reduced freezing time in the elevated plus maze (EPM), indicative of reduced anxiety-like behavior. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that omega-3 leverages the ECS to enhance brain function under normal conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Children with autism exhibit deficits in fundamental motor skills, which are intensified when associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Objective: To correlate motor competence in children with autism, autism levels according to the CARS scale, and the association with ADHD. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed motor competence using the Motor Competence Assessment (MCA), the severity of Autism Spectrum Disorder by Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), and the presence of clinical signs for ADHD using Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham (SNAP-IV) questionnaire. A total of 68 children were recruited; however, 23 were not included due to non-acceptance and/or were excluded because of associated pathologies, high autism severity. Consequently, 45 children (11 with ADHD) between the ages of 5 and 11 (Mean: 8.15; ±1.75) with 83.72% being male. Results: Multiple linear regression revealed a significant inverse correlation between MCA scores and raw CARS data (p = 0.01), indicating that greater autism severity is associated with lower motor competence. The correlation was also observed in CARS classifications, with higher autism severity corresponding to lower motor percentiles (p = 0.05). However, the correlation between the presence of ADHD and motor competence in children with ASD did not reach significance. Overall, a significant correlation was observed (p = 0.006) when analyzing all variables (CARS scores, SNAP scores, and CARS classification). Conclusion: Therefore, it is believed that children with autism exhibit deficits in functional motor skills, with severity impacting motor competence. The findings underscore the need for systematic motor skill assessments in children with autism, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and intervention in this aspect of their development. Full article

The ScanSAR mode image obtained by the Gaofen-3 (GF-3) satellite has an imaging width of up to 130–500 km, which is of great significance in monitoring oceanography, meteorology, water conservancy, and transportation. To address the issues of subswath misalignment and the inability to correct in the processing of GF-3 ScanSAR images in coastal areas using software such as PIE, ENVI, and SNAP, a method for mosaicking and correcting GF-3 ScanSAR images with subswaths that overlap within specified range constraints is proposed. This method involves correlating the coefficients of each subswath thumbnail image in order to determine the extent of the overlap range. Given that the matching points are constrained to the overlap between subswaths, the normalized cross-correlation (NCC) matching algorithm is utilized to calculate the matching points between subswaths. Subsequently, the random sampling consistency (RANSAC) algorithm is employed to eliminate the mismatching points. Subsequently, the subswaths should be mosaicked together with the stitching translation of subswaths, based on the coordinates of the matching points. The image brightness correction coefficient is calculated based on the average grayscale value of pixels in the overlapping region. This is performed in order to correct the grayscale values of adjacent subswaths and thereby reducing the brightness difference at the junction of subswaths. The entire ScanSAR slant range image is produced. By employing the Range–Doppler model for indirect orthorectification, corrected images with geographic information are generated. The experiment utilized three coastal GF-3 ScanSAR images for mosaicking and correction, and the results were contrasted with those attained through PIE software V7.0 processing. This was conducted to substantiate the efficacy and precision of the methodology for mosaicking and correcting coastal GF-3 ScanSAR images. Full article

Bladder cancer is the tenth most common cancer worldwide, with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) accounting for 75% of cases. Transurethral resection of bladder tumours (TURBT) is the standard treatment, but it is associated with significant risks of complications and recurrence. Risky lifestyle factors, including smoking, malnutrition, obesity, risky alcohol use, and physical inactivity (collectively termed SNAP factors), may worsen surgical outcomes and increase cancer recurrence. Prehabilitation programmes targeting these modifiable risk factors could improve patient outcomes. This cross-sectional study assessed 100 TURBT patients at a Danish university hospital to determine the prevalence of SNAP factors and the potential for lifestyle interventions. Data were collected via structured interviews, and intervention scenarios were projected based on efficacy rates of 5–100%. In total, 58% of patients had at least one risky SNAP factor, with smoking (29%) being the most prevalent, followed by physical inactivity (19%) and risky alcohol use (18%). Obesity (7%) and malnutrition (8%) were less common. Seventeen percent had multiple SNAP factors. No significant demographic indicators were associated with the presence of SNAP factors. TURBT patients with NMIBC show a high prevalence of risky lifestyle factors, including smoking and obesity, with over half affected. Systematic screening and targeted interventions could significantly improve patient outcomes and long-term health. Full article

Background: Standard test methods for evaluating the antibacterial performance of plastic (non-porous) and textile (porous) materials are accurate and reliable, but completing a standard assessment generally requires at least several days to a week. Well-trained and experienced technicians are also required to conduct the standard tests consistently and analyse the samples and test results systemically. These costs are often not favourable for the performance assurance of antimicrobial products in industrial production, nor for meeting the fast-return demands in research and development of antimicrobial materials nowadays. Methods: In this study, “Rapid Tests” are developed to evaluate the antibacterial activities of plastic and textile materials. Results: The assessment results from Rapid Tests for plastics and textiles are highly correlated to those from the ISO 22196 and the AATCC Test Method 100, respectively, whereas the evaluation operation can be completed within one day. Based on bioluminescence technology, colony-forming units of E. coli from the inoculated specimens are determined via luminometry. Antibacterial efficacy of the treated plastic and textile samples can be examined effectively. Conclusions: By analysing antimicrobial artificial leather samples composed of hydrophilic polyurethane polymer using Rapid Tests for plastics and textiles, the applicability and scope of these tests were remarkedly recognised and verified. Full article