Classification of Corrosion Severity in SPCC Steels Using Eddy Current Testing and Supervised Machine Learning Models.

Steel Plate Cold-Rolled Commercial (SPCC) steel is known to have long-term durability. However, it still undergoes corrosion when exposed to corrosive environments. This paper proposes an evaluation method for assessing the corrosion level of SPCC steel samples using eddy current testing (ECT), along with two different machine learning approaches. The objective is to classify the corrosion of the samples into two states: a less corroded state (state-1) and a highly corroded state (state-2). Generative and discriminative models were implemented for classification. The generative classifier was based on the Gaussian mixture model (GMM), while the discriminative model was based on the logistic regression model. The features used in the classification models are the peaks of the perturbated magnetic fields at two different frequencies. The performance of the classifiers was evaluated using metrics such as absolute error, accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score. The results indicate that the GMM model is more conducive to categorizing states with higher levels of corrosion, while the logistic regression model is helpful in estimating states with lower levels of corrosion. Meanwhile, high classification accuracy can be achieved based on both methods using eddy current testing.

An Innovative Treatment Using Calcium Hydroxyapatite for Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation: The Vectorial-Lift Technique.

BACKGROUND: The facial aging process entails alterations in the volume, shape, and texture of all skin layers over time. Calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) is a well-established safe skin filler with unique properties to resolve some skin alterations by stimulating neocollagenesis. The vectoral-lift (V-lift) technique targets the global repositioning of facial structures by addressing distinct anatomical injection planes. It includes deep facial augmentation with Radiesse PlusTM to retain ligament restructuring and superficial subcutaneous enhancement with diluted Radiesse DuoTM. Herein, we present cases that illustrate the use of this approach. METHODS: This pilot study enrolled 36 participants (33 women and three men; ages 37-68 years) in a Brazilian clinical setting, and all patients underwent a single treatment. Photographs were taken at rest, in frontal and oblique views, before injection, and 90 days after treatment. RESULTS: Treatment resulted in elevation of the upper and middle face, notable improvements in the infraorbital hollow, and adjustment of the mean facial volume. CONCLUSIONS: The V-lift technique is a three-dimensional pan-facial treatment that relies on ligament support and face vectoring to obtain a lifting effect and facial contour restoration. It encompasses deep facial augmentation involving the use of Radiesse PlusTM for restructuring and retaining ligaments and Radiesse DuoTM for superficial subcutaneous enhancement. This approach targets a global repositioning of the facial structures by addressing distinct anatomical injection planes. It achieves a repositioning of the overall facial anatomy without requiring a substantial volumetric expansion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Advanced Injection of Botulinum Toxin in the Nasal Muscles: A Novel Dynamic Change in Facial Expression.

BACKGROUND: Among the nasal muscles, the levator labii superior alaeque nasi (LLSAN) acts as a transitional muscle that conjugates with other nasal and perinasal muscles. Thus, when treating the nasal region with Botulinum toxin (BTX), it is important to understand local nasal muscular dynamics and how they can influence the muscular dynamics of the entire face. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of cases treated by an injection pattern encompassing the face, including nasal muscles. Photographs were taken at rest and during motion (frontal and oblique views), before and after treatment. RESULTS: A total of 227 patients have been treated in the last 18 months with the following results: eyebrow tail lifting, softness of crow's feet, improvement of the drooping of the tip of the nose, and shortening of the lip philtrum when smiling. We present cases illustrating the use of this approach. CONCLUSIONS: Treating the facial muscles globally (including the frontal, corrugators, procerus, orbicularis oculi, platysma, DAO, and nasal muscles) can improve the smile and facial expressions. This is believed to occur because the elevated portion of the upper lip muscle becomes stronger as the nasal part of the LLSAN is paralyzed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Baseline-Free Damage Imaging of Composite Lap Joint via Parallel Array of Piezoelectric Sensors.

This paper presents a baseline-free damage imaging technique using a parallel array of piezoelectric sensors and a control board that facilitates custom combinations of sensor selection. This technique incorporates an imaging algorithm that uses parallel beams for generation and reception of ultrasonic guided waves in a pitch-catch configuration. A baseline-free reconstruction algorithm for probabilistic inspection of defects (RAPID) algorithm is adopted. The proposed RAPID method replaces the conventional approach of using signal difference coefficients with the maximum signal envelope as a damage index, ensuring independence from baseline data. Additionally, conversely to the conventional RAPID algorithm which uses all possible sensor combinations, an innovative selection of combinations is proposed to mitigate attenuation effects. The proposed method is designed for the inspection of lap joints. Experimental measurements were carried out on a composite lap joint, which featured two dissimilar-sized disbonds positioned at the lap joint's borderline. A 2D correlation coefficient was used to quantitatively determine the similarity between the obtained images and a reference image with correct defect shapes and locations. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed damage imaging method in detecting both defects. Additionally, parametric studies were conducted to illustrate how various parameters influence the accuracy of the obtained imaging results.

Locating and Imaging Fiber Breaks in CFRP Using Guided Wave Tomography and Eddy Current Testing.

In this paper, guided Lamb wave tomography and eddy current testing (ECT) techniques were combined to locate and evaluate fiber breaks in carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) structures. Guided wave testing (GWT) and computed tomography (CT) imaging were employed to quickly locate fiber breaks in the CFRP plate. From B-scans performed along two different fiber orientations (0 and 90 degrees), parallel-beam projections of different features were extracted from the guided wave signals, using signal-processing techniques (such as wavelet and Hilbert transforms) and statistical functions (such as skewness and kurtosis). The parallel-beam projections of each individual feature were used as input in computed tomography imaging reconstruction to approximately estimate the location of fiber breaks. From the obtained reconstructed images, image-fusion techniques were applied to get complementary information from multiple source images into one single image. After locating the fiber breaks, C-scans were performed in the vicinity of the damage, using an ECT probe with double excitation configuration to evaluate the condition of the fiber break.

The success of particular Acinetobacter baumannii clones: accumulating resistance and virulence inside a sugary shield.

BACKGROUND: In Portugal, carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) has been associated with ST98, ST103 and ST208 (Oxford Scheme, Oxf) and a clone has usually been associated with a particular period of time. These clonal shifts were primarily explained by an increased antimicrobial resistance profile. Here we explore genomic and biochemical differences among these and more recent clones, which could further explain the diversity and evolution of this species. METHODS: A total of 116 CRAB isolates (2010-15), together with representatives of a previously described CRAB collection (4 isolates, 2001-06) were characterized by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) and MLST. Representatives of different FTIR-ATR/MLST clusters were selected for WGS (n = 13), which allowed the in silico extraction of resistance and virulence genes, capsule locus and SNP analysis. RESULTS: A. baumannii clonal shifts of OXA-58-producing ST103Oxf (2001-04), OXA-40-producing ST98Oxf (2002-06), OXA-23-producing ST208Oxf (2006-10) and OXA-23-producing ST218Oxf (2010-15) were accompanied by an increase in AMR genes and virulence factors. FTIR-ATR clustering was congruent with sugar composition predicted from the capsular locus: a fucosamine cluster comprising ST98Oxf, ST103Oxf and a single ST218Oxf isolate; a pseudaminic acid cluster of ST208Oxf and ST1557Oxf isolates; and legionaminic acid, resembling the sialic acid from mammalian cells, in a cluster comprising ST218Oxf isolates. The whole-genome phylogenetic tree was congruent with MLST, with isolates presenting 5-28 938 SNPs. ST208Oxf and ST218Oxf presented ∼1900 SNPs while ST103Oxf and ST1557Oxf showed a greater number of SNPs (∼28 000). CONCLUSIONS: Clonal shifts of CRAB were promoted, in our country, by consecutive virulence and AMR gene pool enlargement, together with features increasing pathogen-host adaptation. Worldwide dominance of ST218Oxf is supported by the combination of high AMR and virulence levels.

Outcome of Free Diced Cartilage Grafts in Rhinoplasty: A Systematic Review.

Diced cartilage grafts are used to increase and refine the nasal contour, providing easy molding and versatility when compared with block grafts. However, all grafts present the possibility of visibility, distortion, and absorption. The aim of this study is to evaluate, through a systematic review, the outcome of the use of the free diced graft cartilage in rhinoplasty. A systematic search of the literature was performed in the databases (PubMed, Lilacs, Scielo, Cochrane) with the terms "diced cartilage" and "rhinoplasty." Studies were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and data extracted and grouped for analysis. Six eligible studies were included. In total, 4,044 patients underwent rhinoplasty with free diced cartilage graft, with 61 (1.51%) of them requiring reoperation. The main reasons were overcorrection and irregularities of the nasal dorsum. The infection rate was reported in three studies, with 2 (0.06%) of 3,252 patients presenting infection at the graft site. Two cases of displacement were treated with external molding, without reoperation. The graft resorption was reported in four articles, which described 22 (0.67%) cases of partial resorption in 3,288 patients. Therefore, the available evidence suggests that resorption of the graft and unfavorable outcomes are rare.

Management of Patients Seeking Surgical Rhinoplasty with Previous Nasal Injections of Hyaluronic Acid.

BACKGROUND: Patients are looking for procedures which are minimally invasive and consequently incur minimal downtime. However, these procedures are not usually long lasting and have limited outcomes both esthetically and functionally. For these reasons, the number of patients seeking surgical rhinoplasty and who have previous nasally injected hyaluronic acid is increasing. METHODS: The aim of this article is to provide the surgeon with information for both the identification and surgical approach for those patients who seek nasal cosmetic surgery, and who have previously been treated with nasal injections of hyaluronic acid filler. RESULTS: We present cases that illustrate the use of this approach and suggest three possible patient management. CONCLUSIONS: There are three possible approaches: wait HA to be naturally reabsorbed; apply hyaluronidase before the surgery or proceed to rhinoplasty with no prior application of hyaluronidase. The physician must be aware of this progression and know how to manage each case to optimize the surgical outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine Ratings, please refer to Table of Contents or online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

p73: From the p53 shadow to a major pharmacological target in anticancer therapy.

p73, along with p53 and p63, belongs to the p53 family of transcription factors. Besides the p53-like tumor suppressive activities, p73 has unique roles, namely in neuronal development and differentiation. In addition, the TP73 gene is rarely mutated in tumors. This makes p73 a highly appealing therapeutic target, particularly towards cancers with a null or disrupted p53 pathway. Distinct isoforms are transcribed from the TP73 locus either with (TAp73) and without (ΔNp73) the N-terminal transactivation domain. Conversely to TA tumor suppressors, ΔN proteins exhibit oncogenic properties by inhibiting p53 and TA protein functions. As such, p73 isoforms compose a puzzled and challenging regulatory pathway. This state-of-the-art review affords an update overview on p73 structure, biological functions and pharmacological regulation. Importantly, it addresses the relevance of p73 isoforms in carcinogenesis, highlighting their potential as drug targets in anticancer therapy. A critical discussion of major pharmacological approaches to promote p73 tumor suppressive activities, with relevant survival outcomes for cancer patients, is also provided.

Apolipoprotein B and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol reveal a high atherogenicity in individuals with type 2 diabetes and controlled low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol.

BACKGROUND: Lipid-lowering therapy is guided by Low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) levels, although the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk could be better reflected by other lipid parameters. This study aimed at comparing a comprehensive lipid profile between patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with LDL-c concentration within and above target. METHODS: A comprehensive lipid profile was characterized in 96 T2DM patients. The European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society (ESC/EAS) 2016 and 2019 Guidelines for the Management of Dyslipidemias were used to define LDL-c targets. RESULTS: In this population, only 28.1 and 16.7% of patients had mean LDL-c levels within target, as defined by the 2016 and 2019 guidelines, respectively. Applying the 2016 guidelines criteria, in patients with LDL-c within target, 22, 25 and 44% presented non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-c), Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and oxidized LDL-c levels above the recommended range, respectively, whereas according to the 2019 guidelines criteria, 50, 39 and 44% of the patients with LDL-c within target had elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), ApoB and oxidized LDL-c levels, respectively. LDL-c was strongly correlated with non-HDL-c (r = 0.850), ApoB (r = 0.656) and oxidized LDL-c (r = 0.508). Similarly, there was a strong correlation between non-HDL-c with both ApoB (r = 0.808) and oxidized LDL-c (r = 0.588). CONCLUSIONS: These findings emphasize the limitations of only considering LDL-c concentration for cardiovascular (CV) risk assessment. Targeting only LDL-c could result in missed opportunities for CV risk reduction in T2DM patients. These data suggest that non-HDL-c, ApoB and oxidized LDL-c levels could be considered as an important part of these patients' evaluation allowing for a more accurate estimation of CV risk and hopefully better management of these high-risk patients.

Hyaluronic Acid Filler in the Treatment for Drooping Tip: Anatomical Concepts and Clinical Results.

The plunging nasal tip is a challenging condition because, although it is predominantly a dynamic deformity which occurs during smiling, it also indicates a structural problem. When a person smiles, the paired depressor septi nasi muscles pull the tip caudally at the same time as the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscles pull the alar base and lateral lip cephalically. This movement causes straightening of the alar rim. Even though surgical rhinoplasty is the gold standard to restore nasal appearance, the procedure may fail to treat the dynamic cause of the drooping tip. This article outlines the anatomical concepts that lead to a drooping tip and presents a technique that can treat both the dynamic and structural causes of the drooping tip using hyaluronic acid filler. Cases are also presented that illustrate these concepts. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

SLMP53-1 Inhibits Tumor Cell Growth through Regulation of Glucose Metabolism and Angiogenesis in a P53-Dependent Manner.

The Warburg effect is an emerging hallmark of cancer, which has the tumor suppressor p53 as its major regulator. Herein, we unveiled that p53 activation by (S)-tryptophanol-derived oxazoloisoindolinone (SLMP53-1) mediated the reprograming of glucose metabolism in cancer cells and xenograft human tumor tissue, interfering with angiogenesis and migration. Particularly, we showed that SLMP53-1 regulated glycolysis by downregulating glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), hexokinase-2 (HK2), and phosphofructokinase-2 isoform 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase-3 (PFKFB3) (key glycolytic enzymes), while upregulating the mitochondrial markers synthesis of cytochrome c oxidase 2 (SCO2), cytochrome c oxidase subunit 4 (COX4), and OXPHOS mitochondrial complexes. SLMP53-1 also downregulated the monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4), causing the subsequent reduction of lactate export by cancer cells. Besides the acidification of the extracellular environment, SLMP53-1 further increased E-cadherin and reduced metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression levels in both cancer cells and xenograft human tumor tissue, which suggested the interference of SLMP53-1 in extracellular matrix remodeling and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Consistently, SLMP53-1 depleted angiogenesis, decreasing endothelial cell tube formation and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression levels. SLMP53-1 also exhibited synergistic growth inhibitory activity in combination with the metabolic modulator dichloroacetic acid. These data reinforce the promising application of the p53-activating agent SLMP53-1 in cancer therapy, by targeting p53-mediated pathways of growth and dissemination.

Machine Learning Photovoltaic String Analyzer.

Photovoltaic (PV) system energy production is non-linear because it is influenced by the random nature of weather conditions. The use of machine learning techniques to model the PV system energy production is recommended since there is no known way to deal well with non-linear data. In order to detect PV system faults, the machine learning models should provide accurate outputs. The aim of this work is to accurately predict the DC energy of six PV strings of a utility-scale PV system and to accurately detect PV string faults by benchmarking the results of four machine learning methodologies known to improve the accuracy of the machine learning models, such as the data mining methodology, machine learning technique benchmarking methodology, hybrid methodology, and the ensemble methodology. A new hybrid methodology is proposed in this work which combines the use of a fuzzy system and the use of a machine learning system containing five different trained machine learning models, such as the regression tree, artificial neural networks, multi-gene genetic programming, Gaussian process, and support vector machines for regression. The results showed that the hybrid methodology provided the most accurate machine learning predictions of the PV string DC energy, and consequently the PV string fault detection is successful.

Effects of diode laser setting for laryngeal surgery in a rabbit model.

PURPOSE: To study the damaging effect of different diode laser settings on vocal folds 7 days after injury in a rabbit model. METHODS: Twenty-one male New Zealand white rabbits were randomized into three groups with seven animals per group. A 980-nm diode laser was used to create a single spot injury in each vocal fold. Different modulation frequencies (10 Hz versus 1000 Hz) in pulsed mode, different powers (3 W versus 5 W), and distinct wave modes of radiation (pulsed versus continuous) were compared. RESULTS: The extent of the inflammatory infiltrate and ablation crater were greater when using 5-W optical power compared with 3 W. The extent and depth of the inflammatory infiltrate, and the width and depth of the ablation crater were greater with continuous wave mode compared with pulsed mode. The density of collagen fibers only increased when using the laser in continuous wave mode. CONCLUSION: The use of the 980-nm diode laser with an output power of 5 W produced an increased extent of thermal injury compared to an output power of 3 W and, more importantly, using continuous rather than pulsed wave mode significantly increased the extent and depth of thermal injury in rabbit vocal folds.

mcr-1 in Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae with Hospitalized Patients, Portugal, 2016-2017.

We describe a hospital-based outbreak caused by multidrug-resistant, Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase 3-producing, mcr-1-positive K. pneumoniae sequence type 45 in Portugal. mcr-1 was located in an IncX4 plasmid. Our data highlight the urgent need for systematic surveillance of mcr-1 to support adequate therapeutic choices in the nosocomial setting.

Two decades of blaVIM-2-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa dissemination: an interplay between mobile genetic elements and successful clones.

Objectives: Information on clonal lineages and genetic platforms involved in the mobilization of carbapenemases between Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains in Portugal is scarce. Here, we outline the genetic drivers contributing to the occurrence of blaVIM-2-producing P. aeruginosa over two decades. Methods: A collection of carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa clinical isolates (n = 263, 1995-2014) was screened for carbapenemase production by Blue-Carba and PCR. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed according to EUCAST and clonal analysis by MLST. Nine isolates representing different integrons and STs were selected for WGS, followed by bioinformatics. Results: Twenty-seven blaVIM-2-producing P. aeruginosa belonging to 10 STs were identified, with ST179 and ST111 being the most prevalent and persistent clones. blaVIM-2 was associated with seven class I integrons frequently co-harbouring aminoglycoside resistance genes. In58 was commonly identified, followed by derivatives and In100. blaVIM-2-harbouring transposons of the Tn3 and Tn402 families were linked to different plasmids or integrative conjugative elements of the clc family. Conclusions: The dissemination of blaVIM-2 carrying integrons is associated with a complex interplay between different mobile genetic elements, including the overlooked integrative conjugative elements, and successful spread of particular clones.

p53 and glucose metabolism: an orchestra to be directed in cancer therapy.

Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer with a strong impact on tumor cell survival, proliferation, dissemination, and resistance to therapy. As such, it has represented a promising therapeutic target for cancer. Although cancer cells may exhibit a wide range of metabolic profiles, the enhancement of aerobic glycolysis to generate lactate and ATP (Warburg effect) is a cancer-associated trait, which is under regulation of both oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Particularly, the tumor suppressor protein p53 was shown to revert the Warburg effect, and to negatively influence the oncogenic metabolic adaption of cancer cells. This review provides a systematization of the p53 influence on glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), giving attention to the interplay of p53 with key signaling pathways, including c-Myc, HIF-1, LKB1/AMPK, and PI3K/Akt, as well as to mutant p53 gain-of-function. It also contributes to a better understanding of distinct metabolic profiles in heterogeneous tumor cell populations, and of its impact on cancer therapeutic resistance. Additionally, a reflection on current strategies adopted in clinical trials to overcome therapeutic resistance is presented, highlighting the main limitations and future therapeutic perspectives based on metabolic reprogramming. In particular, this review emphasizes the p53 activation as a promising therapeutic strategy to reprogram tumor glucose metabolism, conducting to cell death. Moreover, potential synergisms between p53-activating agents and metabolic inhibitors are discussed, fostering the improvement of cancer therapy.

A complex scenario of tuberculosis transmission is revealed through genetic and epidemiological surveys in Porto.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) incidence is decreasing worldwide and eradication is becoming plausible. In low-incidence countries, intervention on migrant populations is considered one of the most important strategies for elimination. However, such measures are inappropriate in European areas where TB is largely endemic, such as Porto in Portugal. We aim to understand transmission chains in Porto through a genetic characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains and through a detailed epidemiological evaluation of cases. METHODS: We genotyped the M. tuberculosis strains using the MIRU-VNTR system. We performed an evolutionary reconstruction of the genotypes with median networks, used in this context for the first time. TB cases from a period of two years were evaluated combining genetic, epidemiological and georeferencing information. RESULTS: The data reveal a unique complex scenario in Porto where the autochthonous population acts as a genetic reservoir of M. tuberculosis diversity with discreet episodes of transmission, mostly undetected using classical epidemiology alone. CONCLUSIONS: Although control policies have been successful in decreasing incidence in Porto, the discerned complexity suggests that, for elimination to be a realistic goal, strategies need to be adjusted and coupled with a continuous genetic characterization of strains and detailed epidemiological evaluation, in order to successfully identify and interrupt transmission chains.

Comparison of Inspecting Non-Ferromagnetic and Ferromagnetic Metals Using Velocity Induced Eddy Current Probe.

A velocity induced eddy current probe has been used to detect cracks in both non-ferromagnetic and ferromagnetic metals. The simulation and experimental results show that this probe can successfully detect cracks in both cases, but further investigation shows that the underlying principles for inspecting non-ferromagnetic and ferromagnetic metals are actually different. For an aluminum plate, the induced eddy current density and the signal amplitude both increase with probe speed, which means the signal is caused by velocity induced eddy currents. For a steel plate, probe speed changes the baselines of the testing signals; however, it has little influence on signal amplitudes. Simulation results show that the signal for cracks in a steel plate is mainly caused by direct magnetic field perturbation rather than velocity induced eddy currents.