Vascular targeted photochemotherapy using padoporfin and padeliporfin as a method of the focal treatment of localised prostate cancer-clinician's insight

Vascular targeted photochemotherapy(VTP) holds promise as a novel strategy of the focal treatment of localised prostate cancer(LPCa). It is convenient to perform, minimally invasive and can be conduct in ambulatory conditions. In this review, methodologic aspects of padoporfin- and padeliporfin-mediated VTP and its clinical application in focal treatment of LPCa as well as future perspective of this method were presented. Physicochemical and pharmacokinetic parameters of padoporphin and padeliporfin using as VTP photosensitizers were described, as well as methodologic question of radiation delivery and dosimetry, and oxygen monitoring in cancer tissue in context of VTP safety and efficiency of LPCa focal therapy were discussed. The results of clinical trials concerning application of padoporfin- and padeliporfin-mediated VTP in LPCa were also presented. The future of VTP is development of protocols, founded on the realtime feedback and rules-based approach to make this strategy a standard procedure in LPCa treatment. To evaluate clinical potential of this procedure, a costeffectiveness analysis is also necessary.

Treatment of Edematofibrosclerotic Panniculitis (Cellulite) and of Localised Adiposity with Extracts of Birch, Melilotus, Orthosiphon, Bromelin and Red Vine Leukocyanidine: Results from a Single-Centre Observational Prospective Study

The Edematofibrosclerotic Panniculitis (EFP) and the Localised Adiposity (LA) have controversial pathogenesis and therapy. A single-centre observational study has been performed to assess the potential efficacy, the limitations and the side effects of the medical treatment of EFP and AL by means of a multicomponent nutraceutical product. Fifty female subjects have been enrolled, mean age and BMI of the patients were 46 years and 24.18 respectively. The subjects have been submitted to a two-month treatment with two tablets of a nutraceutical based on extracts of Birch (100 mg), Orthosiphon (100 mg), Red Vine Leukocyanidines (100 mg), Melilotus (5 mg) and Bromelin (150 mg). The patients have been investigated before the treatment and during the treatment (at 30 and 60 days) by means of: a) volumetry of the lower limbs with tape measurement;b) visual analogue scale assessment (VAS) of symptoms such as pain paresthesia/dysesthesia, heaviness, and of the daily diuresis;c) duplex ultrasound evaluation of the thickness of the adipose tissue at the peri-trochanteric level;d) multifrequency segmental bioimpedance (MSB) analysis for the tissue liquid component. Forty-five of the 50 enrolled subjects have completed the study and five patients have discontinued the treatment, four of which due to unexpected personal problems or health problems not related to the treatment itself and one for reporting gastrointestinal disorders (such as constipation/diarrhea) with the nutraceutical intake. At the end of the therapeutical cycle, volumetry of the limbs decreased of 7% (right) and of 6% (left). Pre/post treatment VAS assessment of symptoms showed the following mean figures: heaviness from 5.10 to 0.88;paresthesia/dysesthesia from 0.90 to 0.00;pain from 2.03 to 0.12. Diuresis increased of 31%. Duplex-ultrasound assessment of the subcutaneous adipose layers at the trochanteric level showed a reduction of slightly more than 20% at the end of the treatment in both limbs. L-Dex bioimpedance values have been as follows: 3.97 at the enrolment;1.17 at the end of the treatment (reduction of the subcutaneous tissue fluid content). The present single-centre observational study proved that the tested nutraceutical multicomponent is effective and free of relevant side effects in the treatment of EFP and AL of the lower limbs. Larger cohort studies may possibly confirm the results of this preliminary experience.

Linking the effect of localised pitting corrosion with mechanical integrity of a rare earth magnesium alloy for implant use

This study presents a computational framework that investigates the effect of localised surface-based corrosion on the mechanical performance of a magnesium-based alloy.A finite element-based phenomenological corrosion model was used to generate a wide range of corrosion profiles,with subsequent uniaxial tensile test simulations to predict the mechanical response to failure.The python-based detection framework PitScan provides detailed quantification of the spatial phenomenological features of corrosion,including a full geometric tracking of corroding surface.Through this approach,this study is the first to quantitatively demonstrate that a surface-based non-uniform corrosion model can capture both the geometrical and mechanical features of a magne-sium alloy undergoing corrosion by comparing to experimental data.Using this verified corrosion modelling approach,a wide range of corrosion scenarios was evaluated and enabled quantitative relationships to be established between the mechanical integrity and key phenomenological corrosion features.In particular,we demonstrated that the minimal cross-sectional area parameter was the strongest predictor of the remaining mechanical strength(R2=0.98),with this relationship being independent of the severity or spatial features of localised surface corrosion.Interestingly,our analysis demonstrated that parameters described in ASTM G46-94 showed weaker correlations to the mechanical integrity of corroding specimens,compared to parameters determined by Pitscan.This study establishes new mechanistic insight into the performance of the magnesium-based materials undergoing corrosion.

On the localised corrosion of carbon steel induced by the in-situ local damage of porous corrosion products

The effect of in-situ local damage of uniform porous corrosion products on the localised corrosion of carbon steel is investigated using the wire beam electrode technique(WBE)combined with morphology characterisation and electrochemical tests.The WBE measurements demonstrate that the localised corrosion is enhanced by the in-situ local removal of porous corrosion products,supported by the morphology characterisation and electrochemical tests.The enhanced localised corrosion does not originate from the damaged wire in WBE where the corrosion products are removed but from the other undamaged wires,which is reported for the first time.A mechanism is proposed that the intensive anodic polarisation effect of the damaged wire on the undamaged wires could account for the enhanced localised corrosion,which is due to the protective corrosion products newly formed on the damaged surface and the increase in the potential of damaged wire.

New insights into the mechanism of localised corrosion induced by TiN-containing inclusions in high strength low alloy steel

This work investigated the chemical and electrochemical mechanisms of localised corrosion triggered by CaS·xMgO·y Al_(2)O_(3)·TiN complex inclusions in high strength low alloy steel(HSLAS)under a simulated marine environment.Special focus was given to the role of the TiN portion of the inclusion on the initiation and growth of the corrosion pits.The thermodynamic process of pitting initiation was investigated by Gibbs free energy,Pourbaix diagram and first principle calculation.Localised corrosion is mainly induced by inclusions and triggered by dissolution of adjacent distorted matrix.Chemical dissolution of CaS portion in CaS·xMgO·y Al_(2)O_(3)·TiN complex inclusion creates an acidic aggressive environment that accelerates the further dissolution of inclusion and matrix.Galvanic coupling effect between TiN inclusion and matrix is directly verified.TiN covered with a TiOfilm acts as the cathodic phase in galvanic corrosion,although it has a lower Volta potential than the matrix.This is an unusual correlation with the scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy result,which has been explained for this special system.

Guest Editorial:Special issue on explainable AI empowered for indoor positioning and indoor navigation

The convergence of Internet of Things(IoT),vehicularad hoc network(VANET),and mobile ad hoc network relies on sensor networks to gather data from nodes or objects.These networks involve nodes,gateways,and anchors,operating on limited battery power,mainly used in broadcasting.IoT applications,like healthcare,smart cities,and transportation,often need position data and face challenges in delay sensitivity.Localisation is important in ITS and VANETs,influencing autonomous vehicles,collision warning systems,and road information dissemination.A robust localisation system,often combining GPS with techniques like Dead Reckoning and Image/Video Localisation,is essential for accuracy and security.Artificial intelligence(AI)integration,particularly in machine learning,enhances indoor wireless localisation effectiveness.Advancements in wireless communication(WSN,IoT,and massive MIMO)transform dense environments into programmable entities,but pose challenges in aligning self‐learning AI with sensor tech for accuracy and budget considerations.We seek original research on sensor localisation,fusion,protocols,and positioning algorithms,inviting contributions from industry and academia to address these evolving challenges.

Radial growth and non-structural carbohydrate partitioning response to resin tapping of slash pine(Pinus elliottii Engelm.var.elliottii)

Slash pine(Pinus elliottii Engelm.var.elliottii)is a resin-producing species grown worldwide for significant economic benefits for wood production.Resin tapping cre-ates a carbon sink at the expense of carbon allocation for growth and consequently,wood production may be reduced.Non-structural carbohydrates comprising starch and sugars stored in plant organs,may serve as intermediate pools between assimilation and utilisation.However,the effect of resin tapping between tree growth and non-structural carbo-hydrates is not well understood.This study investigated(1)the effects of resin tapping on radial growth,(2)the effects of resin tapping on non-structural carbohydrate pools in different compartments,and(3)the feasibility of resin pro-duction without disruption of tree growth.Twenty one-year-old slash pines were subjected to resin tapping over two suc-cessive years.Non-structural carbohydrate concentrations in needles,branches,stem phloem,and roots of tapped and untapped trees in summer and winter were determined after the second year of resin harvest.The results showed that tapping had no significant effects on annual increments.Starch was the dominant non-structural carbohydrate frac-tion,regardless of tissues and season,and constituted up to 99%of the total non-structural carbohydrates in the phloem and roots.Glucose and fructose were the dominant sugars;sucrose was negligible.Compared with the controls,tapped trees showed 26%lower non-structural carbohydrate concen-tration in the phloem above the tapping wound in summer,which was attributable to the decreased abundance of starch,glucose,fructose,and sucrose.In winter,the altered non-structural carbohydrate profiles in the phloem above the tap-ping wounding were minimised as a result of recovery of the sugar concentrations.In contrast to free sugars,which accu-mulated substantially in needles and branches during winter,starch was enriched in the phloem,roots,and current-year needles.The results provide evidence for a localised effect of resin tapping,and highlight the observation that resin extrac-tion does not always cause a sacrifice in wood growth under a moderate resin-tapping intensity in slash pine plantations.

Role of nitrogen and oxygen in emission of Si quantum dots formed by pulse laser

Silicon quantum dots fabricated by nanosecond pulsed laser in nitrogen, oxygen or air atmosphere have enhanced photoluminescence （PL） emission with the stimulated emission observed at about 700 nm. It is difficult to distinguish between the photoluminescence peaks emitted from samples prepared in different atmospheres. The reason for the appearance of similar peaks may be the similar distribution of the localised states in the gap for different samples when silicon dangling bonds of quantum dots are passivated by nitrogen or oxygen. It is revealed that both the kind and the density of passivated bonds on quantum dot surface prepared in oxygen or nitrogen have a strong influence on the enhancement of PL emission.

Enhanced optical transmission through double-layer gold slit arrays

We investigate the relationship between the transmission and the layer distance of double-layer gold slit arrays by using the finite-difference time-domain method. The results show that the transmission properties can be influenced strongly by layer distance. We attribute the two types of resonant modes to surface plasmon resonance and the localised waveguide resonance. We find that the localised waveguide transmission peak redshifts and becomes broader with increasing layer distance D. We also describe and explain the splitting, shift, and degeneration of the surface plasmon resonant transmission peak theoretically. In addition, to clarify the physical mechanism of the transmission behaviours, we analyse the distributions of electric field and total energy for the three transmission peaks with distance D = 45 nm for the double-layer system. Light transporting behaviours are mostly concentrated in the region of the slits as well as the interspaces of the two layers, and for different resonant wavelengths the electric field and energy distributions are different. It is expected that the results obtained here will be helpful for designing subwavelength metallic grating devices.

Independent component analysis of streamwise velocity fluctuations in turbulent channel flows

Independent component analysis(ICA)is used to study the multiscale localised modes of streamwise velocity fluctuations in turbulent channel flows.ICA aims to decompose signals into independent modes,which may induce spatially localised objects.The height and size are defined to quantify the spatial position and extension of these ICA modes,respectively.In contrast to spatially extended proper orthogonal decomposition(POD)modes,ICA modes are typically localised in space,and the energy of some modes is distributed across the near-wall region.The sizes of ICA modes are multiscale and are approximately proportional to their heights.ICA modes can also help to reconstruct the statistics of turbulence,particularly the third-order moment of velocity fluctuations,which is related to the strongest Reynolds shear-stressproducing events.The results reported in this paper indicate that the ICA method may connect statistical descriptions and structural descriptions of turbulence.

Capsule-odometer: A concept to improve accurate lesion localisation

In order to improve lesion localisation in small-bowel capsule endoscopy,a modified capsule design has been proposed incorporating localisation and-in theorystabilization capabilities.The proposed design consists of a capsule fitted with protruding wheels attached to a spring-mechanism.This would act as a miniature odometer,leading to more accurate lesion localization information in relation to the onset of the investigation(spring expansion e.g.,pyloric opening).Furthermore,this capsule could allow stabilization of the recorded video as any erratic,non-forward movement through the gut is minimised.Three-dimensional(3-D)printing technology was used to build a capsule prototype.Thereafter,miniature wheels were also 3-D printed and mounted on a spring which was attached to conventional capsule endoscopes for the purpose of this proof-of-concept experiment.In vitro and ex vivo experiments with porcine small-bowel are presented herein.Further experiments have been scheduled.

Perioperative chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer - results from a tertiary-care hospital in Germany

BACKGROUND Neoadjuvant/perioperative chemotherapy is the recommended treatment for advanced stages of gastric cancer(>T2,N+)before tumour resection in many European guidelines.However,there is no consensus as to whether perioperative chemotherapy is as effective in distal as in proximal tumours,in addition to a relevant uncertainty concerning appropriate treatment modalities for elderly patients.AIM To investigate the role of perioperative chemotherapy in advanced gastric cancer in patients from a German tertiary clinic with respect to efficacy,localisation,and age.METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of 158 patients from our clinic with adenocarcinoma of the stomach or the gastroesophageal junction who underwent resection between 2008 and 2016.The data were evaluated particularly in relation to patient age,tumour site,and perioperative therapy.RESULTS Administration of perioperative chemotherapy did not lead to a significant survival advantage in our study population.The 5-year survival rates were 40%for patients who received perioperative chemotherapy and 29%for the group without perioperative chemotherapy(P=0.125).Our patients were on average distinctly older than patients in most of the published randomised controlled trials.Patients elder than 75 years received perioperative chemotherapy far less frequently.Patients with a proximal tumour received perioperative chemotherapy much more often.CONCLUSION This analysis reconfirms our previous data concerning the effectiveness of perioperative chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer.There is reasonable doubt that the quality of the existing randomized controlled trials is sufficient to generally justify perioperative chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastric cancer independent of tumour localization or age.

Deformation and localisation behaviours of reinforced gravelly backfill using shaking table tests

To understand the deformational behaviours of geosynthetics-reinforced soil retaining walls(GRS RWs),a series of plane-strain shaking table tests was conducted on retaining wall models.The backfill of the models was made of poorly graded gravel.Deformations and strains in the gravelly backfill induced by seismic loading are recorded in real time,which are of importance to understand the seismic strength and stability of the GRS RW systems,as strain localisation development in the backfill and foundation is related to the degree of strength degradation of the system.In the present study,we aimed at quantifying the induced deformations of the GRS RW models due to shaking.Digital image correlation(DIC)technique was then employed to analyse and provide full-field deformation and motion images with the models.It is demonstrated that,unlike conventional contact devices that are yet limited to provide quantities of a singular and fixed location,DIC provides deformation and motion of the area of interests to reveal the evolution of localisation.

INVARIANCE AND STABILITY OF THE PROFILE EQUATIONS OF GEOMETRIC OPTICS

The profile equations of geometric optics are described in a form invariant under the natural transformations of first order systems of partial differential equations. This allows us to prove that various strategies for computing profile equations are equivalent. We prove that if L generates an evolution on L2 the same is true of the profile equations. We prove that the characteristic polynomial of the profile equations is the localization of the characteristic polynomial of the background operator at （y, dφ（y）） where φ is the background phase. We prove that the propagation cones of the profile equations are subsets of the propagation cones of the background operator.

Localisation and phase transition of acoustic waves in a soft medium containing air bubbles

We study via numerical experiments the localisation property of an acoustic wave in a viscoelastic soft medium containing randomly-distributed air bubbles. The behaviours of the oscillation phases of bubbles are particularly investigated in various cases for distinguishing efficiently the acoustic localisation from the effects of acoustic absorption caused by the viscosity of medium. The numerical results reveal the phenomenon of ＇phase transition＇ characterized by an unusual collective oscillation of bubbles, which is an effective criterion to unambiguously identify the acoustic localisation in the presence of viscosity. Within the localisation region, the phenomenon of phase transition persists, and a remarkable decrease in the fluctuation of the oscillation phases of bubbles is observed. The localisation phenomenon will be impaired by the enhancement of the viscosity factors, and the extent to which the acoustic wave is localised may be determined by appropriately analyzing the values of the oscillation phases or the amount of reduction of the phase fluctuation. The results are particularly significant for the practical experiments in an attempt to observe the acoustic localisation in such a medium, which is in general subjected to the interference of the great ambiguity resulting from the effect of acoustic absorption.

Anisotropic modelling of Opalinus Clay behaviour: From triaxial tests to gallery excavation application

Deep repository in geological formations is the preferential solution considered in many countries to manage high-level nuclear wastes. In Switzerland, the Opalinus Clay is a candidate host rock. In this context, in situ and laboratory tests are conducted on Opalinus Clay to demonstrate the feasibility of deep disposal in this argillaceous formation. This paper presents a constitutive model able to fit the experimental data obtained from some triaxial tests conducted by Jahns(2013) on cores from borehole Schlattingen SLA-1. The elasto-plastic behaviour of Opalinus Clay is reproduced thanks to a DruckerPrager model, taking into account the anisotropy behaviour of this sedimentary rock. The objective is to employ a single set of parameters representative of the material. In a second version of the model, the stress-dependence of the elastic properties and damage are taken into account. Finally, the parameters calibrated with experimental tests are used to simulate the excavation of a gallery with a second gradient approach.

AMPK Subcellular Localisation in <i>Dictyostelium discoideum</i>

The Dictyostelium discoideum AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) snfA subcellular localization was studied in AX2 and stable HPF strains by use of AMPK antipeptide antibody and goat anti-rabbit Alexa-Flour 488-conjugated IgG antibody. The AMPK exhibited cytosolic localization patterns and uniform focalised concentrations in wild type and the strains alike. Constitutive activation and attenuation of the α subunit expression did not affect subcellular distribution of AMPK. However, snfA expression was more intense in strains in which AMPK was constitutively active compared with the AX2 but lesser in attenuation strains. The localisation of the snfA reinforced the putative standing that it had a plethora of cytoplasmic functions. Moreover, the oxidative cellular function would require a ubiquitous system and might coordinately regulate responses to metabolic requirements. Furthermore, the developmental phases of the life cycle would support the cytosolic localization;and since organelles were potentially reorganized or removed entirely during the transition from vegetative living to fruiting body morphology. This study provided insight into the subcellular distribution of AMPK in Dictyostelium discoideum. We demonstrated that AMPK localization was steady in AX2 and derived strains whether constitutively active or anti-sense inhibited depicting extreme genetic states.

RFID Systems in Healthcare Settings and Activity of Daily Living in Smart Homes: A Review

Elderly inhabitants have a strong influence to healthcare facilities globally in the last few years as a result of the high demand on the healthcare services and the gap between the services provided by caregivers and the increasing number of older people. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technologies have been increasingly adopted in smart homes and used widely for indoor localisation. These technologies have been benefiting to healthcare domain where they improve the quality of services delivering by healthcare providers. This article presents a comprehensive review on RFID systems and healthcare research works in smart homes. We also compare RFID-based solutions in healthcare and distinguish challenges of smart home technologies in indoor environment. We also discuss research challenges related to Activity in Daily Living (ADL) in smart homes for wellbeing.

A Critical Review of Healthcare Human Resource Development: A Saudization Perspective

Saudi Arabia is currently in a transformation phase, which has resulted in a significant demand for healthcare services in the country’s healthcare system to provide better healthcare facilities for the fast-growing population and the growing elderly population. The lack of trained healthcare professionals and strong dependence on foreign labour are important aspects for policymakers to address, thus requiring Human Resource Development (HRD) initiatives to provide adequate learning and competence to a huge reserve of healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia. In this regard, this paper contributes to Saudi Arabian health care by reporting healthcare professionals’ experiences of working in the Saudi health sector under the newly proposed Vision 2030 and NTP 2020 interventions in the HRD sphere of healthcare. The Vision 2030 is a testimony to a revolutionary step taken by the Government to reform the Saudi healthcare sector and provide HRD opportunities.

Frequency related localisation of harmonic elastic waves in stratified welds

The paper presents a computational model for elastic waves in a structured weld adjacent to the free surface of an elastic solid. The main emphasis is on the interaction of waves with the micro-structure of the weld. Effects of localisation and channeling of waves are addressed. A model of a grain structure within the weld is also considered.