Optimized 3D Finite-Difference-Time-Domain Algorithm to Model the Plasmonic Properties of Metal Nanoparticles with Near-Unity Accuracy

Understanding the Burden and Management of Urinary Tract Infections in Women

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) represent a prevalent health concern among the female population, with anatomical and physiological determinants such as a shorter urethra and its proximity to the rectum augmenting vulnerability. The presence of Escherichia coli and various other pathogens plays a significant role in the etiology of these infections, which can be aggravated by sexual intercourse and disturbances to the vaginal microbiome. The physiological alterations associated with pregnancy further elevate the likelihood of UTIs, with untreated cases potentially leading to severe complications such as pyelonephritis, preterm labor, and stillbirth. Furthermore, postmenopausal women encounter an augmented risk of UTIs attributable to estrogen deficiency and vaginal atrophy, as well as conditions including pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and urinary incontinence (UI), which hinder optimal bladder functionality. The aforementioned factors, in conjunction with the rising prevalence of cesarean deliveries and catheterization, complicate the management of UTIs. While precise diagnosis is paramount, it remains a formidable challenge, notwithstanding advancements in molecular diagnostic techniques. Management strategies encompass antibiotic-sparing therapies; however, the increasing incidence of multidrug resistance represents an alarming trend. Diverse guidelines from various medical specialties endeavor to standardize treatment approaches, yet significant inconsistencies continue to exist. This study systematically appraises the extant guidelines, evaluating the quality of evidence while identifying areas of agreement and discord to supply practitioners with effective strategies for UTI management.

Magnetic Resonance Wire Coil Losses Estimation with Finite-Difference Time-Domain Method

Radiofrequency (RF) coils are used to transmit and receive signals in magnetic resonance (MR) systems. Optimized RF coil design has to take into account strategies to maximize the coil performance by choosing coil sizes and geometry for achieving the best signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In particular, coil conductor and radiative loss contributions strongly affect the SNR value, with the first mainly playing a role in low-field MR systems especially, while the second could be the dominant coil loss mechanism for high-frequency tuned coils. This paper investigates the accuracy of the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method for separately estimating coil conductor and radiative loss contributions. Comparison with finite element method (FEM) analysis and workbench measurements performed on a home-built coil prototype permitted us to validate the simulation results. Moreover, this research, jointly with literature data on sample-induced losses estimation, demonstrates that an FDTD-based solver permits providing an SNR model for coils with various and complicated geometries.