Microrheological model for Kelvin-Voigt materials with micro-heterogeneities.

We introduce a generalization of the Kelvin-Voigt model in order to include and characterize heterogeneities in viscoelastic semisolid materials. By considering a microrheological approach, we present analytical expressions for the mean square displacement and for the time-dependent diffusion coefficient of probe particles immersed in a viscoelastic material described by this model. Besides validating our theoretical approach through Brownian dynamics simulations, we show how the model can be used to describe experimental data obtained for polyacrylamide and LAPONITE® gels.

Prognostic significance of cytokine dysregulation in critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Background: Understanding the immunopathogenesis of COVID-19 has yielded valuable insights into predicting adverse outcomes-particularly mortality. However, significant gaps persist in our comprehension of the complex interplay among the proposed pathophysiological mechanisms. Here, we aim to investigate the immunological factors associated with mortality in critically ill, unvaccinated COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

Non-Intrusive Monitoring of Vital Signs in the Lower Limbs Using Optical Sensors.

Invisible health monitoring is currently a topic of global interest within the scientific community. Sensorization of everyday objects can provide valuable health information without requiring any changes in people's routines. In this work, a feasibility study of photoplethysmography (PPG) acquisition in the lower limbs for continuous and real-time monitoring of the vital signs, including heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR), is presented.

Effects of an Easily Implemented Physical Exercise Program on the Ventricular Ejection Fraction of Women with Breast Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer among women, with an incidence of 85-94 per 100,000 people annually in Europe. Despite the increasing incidence of BC, advancements in early detection and novel therapeutic approaches have improved survival rates. However, adjuvant treatments are associated with side effects, including a reduction in the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), which can result in severe cardiac damage and progress to heart failure.

Clinical, Analytical, and Echocardiographic Associations of Impaired Cardiorespiratory Fitness After Anthracycline Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer: EPIC Fitness Study.

Purpose: This study explores the effects of anthracycline chemotherapy (AC) on breast cancer patients, focusing on changes in body composition, advanced echocardiographic parameters at rest and during exercise, and biomarkers; and subsequently assesses whether these parameters are associated with impaired cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF).

Methods: In this prospective study, we evaluated women with early-stage breast cancer undergoing AC at three visits: before AC, 1 month after, and 6 months post-AC.

Results: The study included 32 women with breast cancer, with functional disability increasing from 9.