The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
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10 pages, 856 KiB  
Article
The Relationship between Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis and Congestive Heart Failure: A Nationwide Longitudinal Cohort Study in Korea
by Yeo Song Kim, Je Beom Hong, Hakyung Kim, Seung Hun Sheen, In-bo Han, Jeong Gyun Kim, Sin Soo Jeun and Seil Sohn
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(6), 615; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14060615 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this nationwide longitudinal cohort study is to determine the risk of congestive heart failure (CHF) associated with a seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) population in Korea. Methods: In this study, National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort (NHIS-HEALS) data from 2002 [...] Read more.
Objectives: The aim of this nationwide longitudinal cohort study is to determine the risk of congestive heart failure (CHF) associated with a seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) population in Korea. Methods: In this study, National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort (NHIS-HEALS) data from 2002 to 2003 were used. The cohort was followed up with for 12 years until December of 2015. Seropositive RA was defined as a patient prescribed with a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) among patients with the International Classification of Diseases code M05 (seropositive RA). Patients who were diagnosed before 2004 were excluded. The seropositive RA group consisted of 2765 patients, and a total of 13,825 patients were in the control group. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to calculate the 12-year CHF incidence rate for each group. A Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to estimate the hazard ratio of CHF. Results: The hazard ratio of CHF in the seropositive RA group was 2.41 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.40–4.14) after adjusting for age and sex. The adjusted hazard ratio of CHF in the seropositive RA group was 2.50 (95% CI: 1.45–4.30) after adjusting for age, sex, income, and comorbidities. In females aged ≥65 and aged <65, the incidence rates in the non-hypertension, non-diabetes mellitus, and non-dyslipidemia subgroups were significantly higher in the seropositive RA group than in the control group. Conclusions: This nationwide longitudinal cohort study shows an increased risk of CHF in patients with seropositive RA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Epidemiology)
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16 pages, 7125 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Properties and Reaction-to-Fire Performance of Binderless Particleboards Made from Canary Island Palm Trunks
by Berta Elena Ferrandez-Garcia, Teresa Garcia-Ortuño, Manuel Ferrandez-Villena and Maria Teresa Ferrandez-Garcia
Fire 2024, 7(6), 193; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7060193 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
Abstract
Repurposing agricultural and forestry by-products not only is beneficial for the environment but also follows the principles of the circular economy. In southeastern Spain, the Canary Island palm tree (Phoenix canariensis W.) is widely used in urban landscapes. Plantations affected by the [...] Read more.
Repurposing agricultural and forestry by-products not only is beneficial for the environment but also follows the principles of the circular economy. In southeastern Spain, the Canary Island palm tree (Phoenix canariensis W.) is widely used in urban landscapes. Plantations affected by the red weevil, a pest, generate an abundance of plant waste that must be crushed and transferred to authorized landfills. The aim of this study was to manufacture boards using particles from trunks of the Canary Island palm tree without adding any binders in order to obtain an ecological and fire-resistant product. In order to manufacture the boards, three particle sizes (<0.25, 0.25–1, and 1–2 mm), a temperature of 110 °C, a pressure of 2.6 MPa, and a pressing time of 7 min were used. The boards were pressed in a hot plate press for 7 min up to four times (7 min, 7 + 7 min, 7 + 7 + 7 min, and 7 + 7 + 7 + 7 min). The resulting boards showed good thermal performance, and the board´s reaction-to-fire performance was classified as Bd0 (an Fs value of 70.3 mm). This study also showed that boards with a particle size smaller than 0.25 mm that underwent four pressing cycles of 7 min each in the press can be categorized as grade P2 according to the European Standards (MOR of 20 N/mm2, MOE of 2589.8 N/mm2, and IB of 0.74 N/mm2). Therefore, these manufactured particleboards could be used as a flame-retardant material for the interior enclosures of buildings (vertical and horizontal) without the need for coatings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fire Prevention and Flame Retardant Materials)
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10 pages, 836 KiB  
Article
Oncologic and Obstetric Outcomes Following Radical Abdominal Trachelectomy in Non-Low-Risk Early-Stage Cervical Cancers: A 10-Year Austrian Single-Center Experience
by Melina Danisch, Marlene Kranawetter, Thomas Bartl, Magdalena Postl, Christoph Grimm, Eva Langthaler and Stephan Polterauer
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(6), 611; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14060611 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
Abstract
Radical trachelectomy allows for fertility preservation in patients with early cervical cancer not qualifying as “low-risk” as defined by ConCerv. This study reports on the 10-year surgical, oncological, and obstetrical experience of patients treated by radical abdominal trachelectomy at an Austrian tertiary care [...] Read more.
Radical trachelectomy allows for fertility preservation in patients with early cervical cancer not qualifying as “low-risk” as defined by ConCerv. This study reports on the 10-year surgical, oncological, and obstetrical experience of patients treated by radical abdominal trachelectomy at an Austrian tertiary care center. A retrospective chart analysis and telephone survey of all patients with FIGO stage IA2-IB2 (2018) cervical cancer treated by radical abdominal trachelectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy between 2013 and 2022 were performed. Radical abdominal trachelectomy was attempted in 29 patients, of whom 3 patients underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Three cases, including one after neoadjuvant therapy, required conversion to radical hysterectomy due to positive margins; four cases had positive lymph nodes following surgical staging and were referred to primary chemo-radiotherapy. Twenty-two (75.9%) successful abdominal radical trachelectomies preserving fertility were performed. According to final histopathology, 79.3% of tumors would not have met the “low-risk”-criteria. At a median follow-up of 64.5 (25.5–104.0) months, no recurrence was observed. Eight (36.4%) patients attempted to conceive, with a live birth rate of 62.5%. Radical abdominal trachelectomy appears oncologically safe in early-stage cervical cancers that do not fulfill the “low-risk”-criteria. Strict preoperative selection of patients who might qualify for more conservative surgical approaches is strongly recommended. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mechanisms of Diseases)
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12 pages, 11252 KiB  
Case Report
The Evolution of Lesions on Follow-up Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Proximal Metacarpal Region in Non-Racing Sport Horses That Returned to Work (2015–2023)
by Elisabeth C. S. van Veggel, Katrien Vanderperren, Kurt T. Selberg, Hendrik-Jan Bergman and Brenda Hoogelander
Animals 2024, 14(12), 1731; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14121731 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
Abstract
Background: This study evaluates the change in an MRI of the proximal metacarpal region in a group of sport horses that returned to work. This retrospective analysis evaluated 18 limbs represented by 17 horses. Results: The hyperintense signal within the dorsal collagenous part [...] Read more.
Background: This study evaluates the change in an MRI of the proximal metacarpal region in a group of sport horses that returned to work. This retrospective analysis evaluated 18 limbs represented by 17 horses. Results: The hyperintense signal within the dorsal collagenous part of the proximal suspensory ligament (PSL) on T1W/T2*W GRE sequences decreased or stayed the same in the majority of cases. The hyperintense STIR signal within the dorsal collagenous part of the PSL resolved in the majority of the patients, and the third metacarpal bone (McIII) hyperintense STIR signal resolved in all patients. The dorsal margin irregularity of the PSL stayed the same, and McIII sclerosis and resorption of the palmar margin of McIII stayed the same in the majority of cases. McIII hyperintense STIR signal resolution carries a broad time range, with a mean of 94 days and a range of 47–202 days. Conclusions: Complete normalization of the dorsal collagenous part of the PSL does not appear necessary for a return to soundness, but a resolution of the McIII hyperintense STIR signal is expected for horses returning to soundness. A rescan period of 120 days for the proximal metacarpal region is suggested. In addition, there was no significant change in the size of the PSL between the initial and final MRI. Full article
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21 pages, 23871 KiB  
Article
Transformation of ABT-199 Nanocrystal Suspensions into a Redispersible Drug Product—Impact of Vacuum Drum Drying, Spray Drying and Tableting on Re-Nanodispersibility
by Barbara Schönfeld, Julius Sundermann, Benjamin-Luca Keller, Ulrich Westedt and Oliver Heinzerling
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(6), 782; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16060782 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
Abstract
The present study compared vacuum drum drying (VDD) and conventional spray drying (SD) for solidifying crystalline ABT-199 nanosuspensions into redispersible oral drug products. The aim was to optimize formulation compositions and process conditions to maintain nanoparticle size after tablet redispersion. The impact of [...] Read more.
The present study compared vacuum drum drying (VDD) and conventional spray drying (SD) for solidifying crystalline ABT-199 nanosuspensions into redispersible oral drug products. The aim was to optimize formulation compositions and process conditions to maintain nanoparticle size after tablet redispersion. The impact of drug load (22%, 33%, 44%) and type of drying protectant (mannitol, mannitol/trehalose mix (1:1), trehalose) on redispersibility and material powder properties were investigated. Moreover, compression analysis was performed assessing the influence of compaction pressure on primary nanocrystal redispersibility and tablet disintegration. Higher drug loads and lower drying protectant levels resulted in particle growth, confirming a drug load dependence on redispersibility behavior. Notably, all drying protectants showed similar protection properties at properly chosen drying process parameters (Tg-dependent), except when VDD was used for mannitol formulations. Differences between the applied drying processes were observed in terms of downstream processing and tabletability: mannitol-containing formulations solidified via VDD showed an improved processability compared to formulations with trehalose. In conclusion, VDD is a promising drying technique that offers advantageous downstream processability compared to SD and represents an attractive novel processing technology for the pharmaceutical industry. As demonstrated in the present study, VDD combines higher yields with a leaner manufacturing process flow. The improved bulk properties provide enhanced tabletability and enable direct compression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmaceutical Solids: Advanced Manufacturing and Characterization)
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11 pages, 942 KiB  
Article
Can a Sacrococcygeal Epidural of 0.25% Bupivacaine Prevent the Activation of the Sympathetic Nervous System during Feline Ovariectomy?
by João Martins, António Eliseu, Sónia Campos, Lénio Ribeiro, Pablo Otero, Patrícia Cabral, Bruno Colaço and José Diogo dos-Santos
Animals 2024, 14(12), 1732; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14121732 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
Abstract
The ovariectomy (OVE) procedure can trigger somatosensory and visceral peritoneal nociception. Sacrococcygeal epidural (ScE) anesthesia may complement or replace systemic analgesia used for feline OVE, reducing opioid consumption and their related undesirable adverse effects and consequently reducing or completely blocking the sympathetic nervous [...] Read more.
The ovariectomy (OVE) procedure can trigger somatosensory and visceral peritoneal nociception. Sacrococcygeal epidural (ScE) anesthesia may complement or replace systemic analgesia used for feline OVE, reducing opioid consumption and their related undesirable adverse effects and consequently reducing or completely blocking the sympathetic nervous system activation during this procedure. The present study aimed to evaluate the activation of the sympathetic nervous system resulting from adding an ScE injection of bupivacaine 0.25% (0.3 mL kg−1) in feline OVE and identify whether this translates to hemodynamic variables stability. A Parasympathetic Tone Activity (PTA) monitor was applied given that it performs analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) detecting changes in sympathetic and parasympathetic tone, making it a good tool for detecting activation of the sympathetic nervous system during the study. Two groups of animals were evaluated in five perioperative times, namely, the control group (CG) (n = 18) with systemic analgesia alone and the sacrococcygeal epidural group (ScEG) (n = 20) with 0.25% bupivacaine combined with systemic analgesia. Thirty-eight female cats were selected. All animals assigned to CG and ScEG were premedicated with dexmedetomidine (20 μg kg−1 IM) and methadone (0.2 mg kg−1 IM). General anesthesia was induced with propofol IV ad effectum and maintained with isoflurane in 100% oxygen. Heart rate, non-invasive systolic and median blood pressure, respiratory rate, and instantaneous parasympathetic tone activity were recorded. Compared to systemic analgesia alone (CG), sacrococcygeal epidural (ScEG) reduced the rise of common hemodynamic variables but did not prevent sympathetic nervous system activation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anesthesia and Analgesia in Companion Animals Surgery)
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25 pages, 819 KiB  
Article
Coupons versus Rebates: An Economic–Mathematical Comparative Analysis with Policy Implications
by Tin-Chun Lin
Mathematics 2024, 12(12), 1789; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12121789 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
Abstract
It is very important to understand how promotions offered by sellers to consumers influence consumer and seller behaviors because it helps us study how consumers make their purchase decisions and how sellers determine their sale strategies. Unlike past studies which utilized the classical [...] Read more.
It is very important to understand how promotions offered by sellers to consumers influence consumer and seller behaviors because it helps us study how consumers make their purchase decisions and how sellers determine their sale strategies. Unlike past studies which utilized the classical price discrimination dilemma and focused on sellers’ aspect to divide consumers into two types (higher/lower reservation prices), we focused on the consumers’ perspective and applied neoclassical consumer choice theory to develop a two-period mathematical utility-maximization model to study how different promotions influence consumer and seller behaviors. This mathematical study uncovered several key findings: (1) coupons offer consumers a greater discount compared to rebates with identical discount rates; (2) impatient consumers exhibit a preference for coupons over rebates; (3) coupons generate higher sales than rebates; and (4) sellers may adopt the coupon policy for low-ticket products and the rebate policy for high-ticket products. Full article
12 pages, 1043 KiB  
Article
Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) with Small Beads for the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
by Genti Xhepa, Lucilla Violetta Sciacqua, Andrea Vanzulli, Andrea Enzo Canì, Velio Ascenti, Alexis Ricoeur, Andrea Antonio Ianniello, Agostino Inzerillo, Paolo Nicotera, Filippo Del Grande, Anna Maria Ierardi and Gianpaolo Carrafiello
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(6), 613; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14060613 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
Abstract
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is the most frequent cause of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTSs) in elderly populations. Minimally invasive treatments of BPH are safe and effective and are gaining popularity among both professionals and patients. Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) has proven to [...] Read more.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is the most frequent cause of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTSs) in elderly populations. Minimally invasive treatments of BPH are safe and effective and are gaining popularity among both professionals and patients. Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) has proven to be effective in Trans-Urethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) in terms of prostate volume reduction and LUTS relief. PAE entails the selective catheterization of the prostatic artery and later embolization of distal vessels with beads of various calibers. Universal consensus regarding the ideal particle size is yet to be defined. We retrospectively evaluated 24 consecutive patients (median age: 75 years; range: 59–86 years) treated with PAE at our institution from October 2015 to November 2022. Particles of different sizes were employed; 12 patients were treated with 40–120 µm particles, 5 with 100 µm, 5 with 100–300 µm and 2 with 250 µm. Technical success, defined as selective prostate artery catheterization and controlled release of embolizing beads, was achieved in all patients. Removal vs. retention of the urinary catheter at the first post-procedural urological visit was the main clinical objective. No major peri-procedural complications were recorded, with 56% of patients successfully removing the urinary catheter. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interventional Radiology: Towards Personalized Medicine)
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16 pages, 3349 KiB  
Article
A Novel Method to Calculate Water Influx Parameters and Geologic Reserves for Fractured-Vuggy Reservoirs with Bottom/Edge Water
by Chao Yao, Ruofan Yan, Fei Zhou, Qi Zhang, Ge Niu, Fangfang Chen, Wen Cao and Jing Wang
Energies 2024, 17(12), 2822; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17122822 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
Abstract
In practical oilfield production, the phenomenon of water influx typically shortens the water-free recovery period of wells, leading to water flooding and causing a sharp decline in the production well yields, bringing great harm to production. Water invasion usually occurs as a result [...] Read more.
In practical oilfield production, the phenomenon of water influx typically shortens the water-free recovery period of wells, leading to water flooding and causing a sharp decline in the production well yields, bringing great harm to production. Water invasion usually occurs as a result of the elastic expansion of the water as well as the compaction of the aquifer pore space. However, it can be due to the special characteristics of fractured-vuggy reservoirs such as non-homogeneity and the discrete distribution of the pore spaces. It is challenging to use traditional seepage flow theories to analyze the characteristics of water influx. Also, reservoir numerical simulation methods require numerous parameters which are difficult to obtain, which significantly reduces the accuracy of the results. In this study, considering the driving energy for water influx, a water influx characteristic model was obtained by fitting a graph plate. Subsequently, an iterative calculation method was used to simultaneously obtain water influx volume and OOIP. The aquifer to hydrocarbon ratio was determined by fitting the water influx curve with the graphic plate. Results show that the calculation method is sensitive to the values of reservoir pressure and the crude oil formation volume factor. After applying the method to one field case, it was discovered that water influx performance can be characterized into two types, i.e., linear water influx and logarithmic water influx. In the early stages, the water influx rate of logarithmic water influx is greater compared to linear water influx. However, the volume and energy of waterbody are limited, and the water invasion phenomenon occurs almost exclusively within a short period after the invasion. On the other hand, the volume of waterbody invaded by linear water influx is larger, and it can maintain a stable rate of water influx. The results of the study can provide theoretical support for the waterbody energy evaluation and dynamic analysis of water influx, as well as the control and management of water in these types of reservoirs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section H: Geo-Energy)
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13 pages, 565 KiB  
Article
The Relationship between Sense of Presence, Emotional Response, and Clinical Outcomes in Virtual Reality-Based Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia: An Exploratory Correlational Study
by Elischa Augustin, Mélissa Beaudoin, Sabrina Giguère, Hind Ziady, Kingsada Phraxayavong and Alexandre Dumais
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(6), 614; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14060614 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
Abstract
Avatar therapy (AT) is a novel virtual reality-based psychotherapy that has been developed to treat auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) in treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Various psychotherapeutic components, such as emotions and sense of presence, could contribute to clinical outcomes. However, the interplay between sense of [...] Read more.
Avatar therapy (AT) is a novel virtual reality-based psychotherapy that has been developed to treat auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) in treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Various psychotherapeutic components, such as emotions and sense of presence, could contribute to clinical outcomes. However, the interplay between sense of presence, emotions, and clinical response has seldom been investigated. This study aimed to explore the relations between sense of presence, emotions, and clinical outcomes in AT. To conduct this investigation, data from previous and ongoing AT trials were used. Sense of presence and emotions were assessed using standardized questionnaires. AVH were evaluated using the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales. While sense of presence was positively associated with positive emotions such as control and serenity, no significant associations were found for negative emotions. Moreover, a higher level of sense of presence was associated with a bigger decrease in AVH. Overall, positive emotions seem to be associated with sense of presence in AT. Sense of presence also seems to be involved in the therapeutic outcome, thereby suggesting that this could be an important component related to clinical response. More studies are needed to confirm these trends, which could be generalized to other virtual reality-based psychotherapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychiatry: Emerging Clinical Research in Personalized Medicine)
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19 pages, 20417 KiB  
Article
Textile Antenna with Dual Bands and SAR Measurements for Wearable Communication
by Mahmoud A. Abdelghany, Mohamed I. Ahmed, Ahmed A. Ibrahim, Arpan Desai and Mai. F. Ahmed
Electronics 2024, 13(12), 2251; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13122251 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
Abstract
A novel dual-wideband textile antenna designed for wearable applications is introduced in this study. Embedding antennas into wearable devices requires a detailed analysis of the specific absorption rate (SAR) to ensure safety. To achieve this, SAR values were meticulously simulated and evaluated within [...] Read more.
A novel dual-wideband textile antenna designed for wearable applications is introduced in this study. Embedding antennas into wearable devices requires a detailed analysis of the specific absorption rate (SAR) to ensure safety. To achieve this, SAR values were meticulously simulated and evaluated within a human voxel model, considering various body regions such as the left/right head and the abdominal region. The proposed antenna is a monopole design utilizing denim textile as the substrate material. The characterization of the denim textile substrate is carried out using two different methods. The first analysis included a DAC (Dielectric Assessment Kit), while a ring resonator technique was employed for the second examination. Operating within the frequency bands of (58.06%) 2.2–4 GHz and (61.43) 5.3–10 GHz, the antenna demonstrated flexibility in its dual-wideband capabilities. Extensive simulations and tests were conducted to assess the performance of the antenna in both flat and bent configurations. The SAR results obtained from these tests indicate that the antenna complies with safety standard limits when integrated with the human voxel model. This validation underscores the potential of the proposed antenna for seamless integration into wearable applications, offering a promising solution for future developments in this domain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antenna and Propagation Technologies for 5G/6G Communication)
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13 pages, 2526 KiB  
Article
Epigenetic Regulation of DLK1-DIO3 Region in Thyroid Carcinoma
by Letícia F. Alves, Isabelle N. da Silva, Diego C. de Mello, Cesar S. Fuziwara, Sonia Guil, Manel Esteller and Murilo V. Geraldo
Cells 2024, 13(12), 1001; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13121001 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have emerged as pivotal regulators in cellular biology, dispelling their former perception as ‘junk transcripts’. Notably, the DLK1-DIO3 region harbors numerous ncRNAs, including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and over 50 microRNA genes. While papillary thyroid cancer showcases a pervasive decrease [...] Read more.
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have emerged as pivotal regulators in cellular biology, dispelling their former perception as ‘junk transcripts’. Notably, the DLK1-DIO3 region harbors numerous ncRNAs, including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and over 50 microRNA genes. While papillary thyroid cancer showcases a pervasive decrease in DLK1-DIO3-derived ncRNA expression, the precise mechanisms driving this alteration remain elusive. We hypothesized that epigenetic alterations underlie shifts in ncRNA expression during thyroid cancer initiation and progression. This study aimed to elucidate the epigenetic mechanisms governing DLK1-DIO3 region expression in this malignancy. We have combined the analysis of DNA methylation by bisulfite sequencing together with that of histone modifications through ChIP-qPCR to gain insights into the epigenetic contribution to thyroid cancer in cell lines representing malignancies with different genetic backgrounds. Our findings characterize the region’s epigenetic signature in thyroid cancer, uncovering distinctive DNA methylation patterns, particularly within CpG islands on the lncRNA MEG3-DMR, which potentially account for its downregulation in tumors. Pharmacological intervention targeting DNA methylation combined with histone deacetylation restored ncRNA expression. These results contribute to the understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms controlling the DLK1-DIO3 region in thyroid cancer, highlighting the combined role of DNA methylation and histone marks in regulating the locus’ expression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cellular Pathology)
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17 pages, 4330 KiB  
Article
Segmentation and Multi-Timepoint Tracking of 3D Cancer Organoids from Optical Coherence Tomography Images Using Deep Neural Networks
by Francesco Branciforti, Massimo Salvi, Filippo D’Agostino, Francesco Marzola, Sara Cornacchia, Maria Olimpia De Titta, Girolamo Mastronuzzi, Isotta Meloni, Miriam Moschetta, Niccolò Porciani, Fabrizio Sciscenti, Alessandro Spertini, Andrea Spilla, Ilenia Zagaria, Abigail J. Deloria, Shiyu Deng, Richard Haindl, Gergely Szakacs, Agnes Csiszar, Mengyang Liu, Wolfgang Drexler, Filippo Molinari and Kristen M. Meiburgeradd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Diagnostics 2024, 14(12), 1217; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14121217 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
Abstract
Recent years have ushered in a transformative era in in vitro modeling with the advent of organoids, three-dimensional structures derived from stem cells or patient tumor cells. Still, fully harnessing the potential of organoids requires advanced imaging technologies and analytical tools to quantitatively [...] Read more.
Recent years have ushered in a transformative era in in vitro modeling with the advent of organoids, three-dimensional structures derived from stem cells or patient tumor cells. Still, fully harnessing the potential of organoids requires advanced imaging technologies and analytical tools to quantitatively monitor organoid growth. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a promising imaging modality for organoid analysis due to its high-resolution, label-free, non-destructive, and real-time 3D imaging capabilities, but accurately identifying and quantifying organoids in OCT images remain challenging due to various factors. Here, we propose an automatic deep learning-based pipeline with convolutional neural networks that synergistically includes optimized preprocessing steps, the implementation of a state-of-the-art deep learning model, and ad-hoc postprocessing methods, showcasing good generalizability and tracking capabilities over an extended period of 13 days. The proposed tracking algorithm thoroughly documents organoid evolution, utilizing reference volumes, a dual branch analysis, key attribute evaluation, and probability scoring for match identification. The proposed comprehensive approach enables the accurate tracking of organoid growth and morphological changes over time, advancing organoid analysis and serving as a solid foundation for future studies for drug screening and tumor drug sensitivity detection based on organoids. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): State of the Art)
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14 pages, 2127 KiB  
Review
Application of Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Combined with Immunoassay for the Detection of Adrenoceptor Agonists
by Yao Wang, Yubing Jing, Jinbo Cao, Yingying Sun, Kaitong Guo, Xiujin Chen, Zhaozhou Li, Qiaoqiao Shi and Xiaofei Hu
Foods 2024, 13(12), 1805; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13121805 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
Abstract
Rapid, sensitive, and accurate detection of adrenoceptor agonists is a significant research topic in the fields of food safety and public health. Immunoassays are among the most widely used methods for detecting adrenoceptor agonists. In recent years, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy combined with immunoassay [...] Read more.
Rapid, sensitive, and accurate detection of adrenoceptor agonists is a significant research topic in the fields of food safety and public health. Immunoassays are among the most widely used methods for detecting adrenoceptor agonists. In recent years, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy combined with immunoassay (SERS-IA) has become an effective technique for improving detection sensitivity. This review focuses on the innovation of Raman reporter molecules and substrate materials for the SERS-IA of adrenoceptor agonists. In addition, it also investigates the challenges involved in potentially applying SERS-IA in the detection of adrenoceptor agonists. Overall, this review provides insight into the design and application of SERS-IA for the detection of adrenoceptor agonists, which is critical for animal-derived food safety and public health. Full article
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17 pages, 8288 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Polymer Blend Compatibility with Linear and Complex Star Copolymer Architectures: A Monte Carlo Simulation Study with the Bond Fluctuation Model
by Juan J. Freire and Costas Vlahos
Polymers 2024, 16(12), 1626; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16121626 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
Abstract
A Monte Carlo study of the compatibilization of A/B polymer blends has been performed using the bond fluctuation model. The considered compatibilizers are copolymer molecules composed of A and B blocks. Different types of copolymer structures have been included, namely, linear diblock and [...] Read more.
A Monte Carlo study of the compatibilization of A/B polymer blends has been performed using the bond fluctuation model. The considered compatibilizers are copolymer molecules composed of A and B blocks. Different types of copolymer structures have been included, namely, linear diblock and 4-block alternating copolymers, star block copolymers, miktoarm stars, and zipper stars. Zipper stars are composed of two arms of diblock copolymers arranged in alternate order (AB and BA) from the central unit, along with two homogeneous arms of A and B units. The compatibilization performance has been characterized by analyzing the equilibration of repulsion energy, the simulated scattering intensity obtained with opposite refractive indices for A and B, the profiles along a coordinate axis, the radial distribution functions, and the compatibilizer aggregation numbers. According to the results, linear alternate block copolymers, star block copolymers, and zipper stars exhibit significantly better compatibilization, with zipper stars showing slightly but consistently better performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computational Modeling and Simulations of Polymers)
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13 pages, 3080 KiB  
Article
Thermal Infrared-Image-Enhancement Algorithm Based on Multi-Scale Guided Filtering
by Huaizhou Li, Shuaijun Wang, Sen Li, Hong Wang, Shupei Wen and Fengyu Li
Fire 2024, 7(6), 192; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7060192 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
Abstract
Obtaining thermal infrared images with prominent details, high contrast, and minimal background noise has always been a focal point of infrared technology research. To address issues such as the blurriness of details and low contrast in thermal infrared images, an enhancement algorithm for [...] Read more.
Obtaining thermal infrared images with prominent details, high contrast, and minimal background noise has always been a focal point of infrared technology research. To address issues such as the blurriness of details and low contrast in thermal infrared images, an enhancement algorithm for thermal infrared images based on multi-scale guided filtering is proposed. This algorithm fully leverages the excellent edge-preserving characteristics of guided filtering and the multi-scale nature of the edge details in thermal infrared images. It uses multi-scale guided filtering to decompose each thermal infrared image into multiple scales of detail layers and a base layer. Then, CLAHE is employed to compress the grayscale and enhance the contrast of the base layer image. Then, detail-enhancement processing of the multi-scale detail layers is performed. Finally, the base layer and the multi-scale detail layers are linearly fused to obtain an enhanced thermal infrared image. Our experimental results indicate that, compared to other methods, the proposed method can effectively enhance image contrast and enrich image details, and has higher image quality and stronger scene adaptability. Full article
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12 pages, 660 KiB  
Review
Improved Gut Health May Be a Potential Therapeutic Approach for Managing Prediabetes: A Literature Review
by Nosipho Rosebud Dimba, Nhlakanipho Mzimela and Andile Khathi
Biomedicines 2024, 12(6), 1275; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12061275 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
Abstract
Given the growing global threat and rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), addressing this metabolic disease is imperative. T2DM is preceded by prediabetes (PD), an intermediate hyperglycaemia that goes unnoticed for years in patients. Several studies have shown that gut microbial [...] Read more.
Given the growing global threat and rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), addressing this metabolic disease is imperative. T2DM is preceded by prediabetes (PD), an intermediate hyperglycaemia that goes unnoticed for years in patients. Several studies have shown that gut microbial diversity and glucose homeostasis in PD or T2DM patients are affected. Therefore, this review aims to synthesize the existing literature to elucidate the association between high-calorie diets, intestinal permeability and their correlation with PD or T2DM. Moreover, it discusses the beneficial effects of different dietary interventions on improving gut health and glucose metabolism. The primary factor contributing to complications seen in PD or T2DM patients is the chronic consumption of high-calorie diets, which alters the gut microbial composition and increases the translocation of toxic substances from the intestinal lumen into the bloodstream. This causes an increase in inflammatory response that further impairs glucose regulation. Several dietary approaches or interventions have been implemented. However, only a few are currently in use and have shown promising results in improving beneficial microbiomes and glucose metabolism. Therefore, additional well-designed studies are still necessary to thoroughly investigate whether improving gut health using other types of dietary interventions can potentially manage or reverse PD, thereby preventing the onset of T2DM. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gut Microbiota and Regulation of Metabolism)
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26 pages, 1655 KiB  
Article
A Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) Study to Assess the Adjuvanticity of Three Peptides in an Oral Vaccine
by Leonor Saldanha, Ülo Langel and Nuno Vale
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(6), 780; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16060780 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
Abstract
Following up on the first PBPK model for an oral vaccine built for alpha-tocopherol, three peptides are explored in this article to verify if they could support an oral vaccine formulation as adjuvants using the same PBPK modeling approach. A literature review was [...] Read more.
Following up on the first PBPK model for an oral vaccine built for alpha-tocopherol, three peptides are explored in this article to verify if they could support an oral vaccine formulation as adjuvants using the same PBPK modeling approach. A literature review was conducted to verify what peptides have been used as adjuvants in the last decades, and it was noticed that MDP derivatives have been used, with one of them even being commercially approved and used as an adjuvant when administered intravenously in oncology. The aim of this study was to build optimized models for three MDP peptides (MDP itself, MTP-PE, and murabutide) and to verify if they could act as adjuvants for an oral vaccine. Challenges faced by peptides in an oral delivery system are taken into consideration, and improvements to the formulations to achieve better results are described in a step-wise approach to reach the most-optimized model. Once simulations are performed, results are compared to determine what would be the best peptide to support as an oral adjuvant. According to our results, MTP-PE, the currently approved and commercialized peptide, could have potential to be incorporated into an oral formulation. It would be interesting to proceed with further in vivo experiments to determine the behavior of this peptide when administered orally with a proper formulation to overcome the challenges of oral delivery systems. Full article
12 pages, 470 KiB  
Article
Galectin-13 and Laeverin Levels Interfere with Human Fetoplacental Growth
by Márió Vincze, János Sikovanyecz, Jr., Imre Földesi, Andrea Surányi, Szabolcs Várbíró, Gábor Németh, János Sikovanyecz and Zoltan Kozinszky
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(12), 6347; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25126347 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
Abstract
Galectin-13 (Gal-13) is predominantly produced by the syncytiotrophoblast, while laeverin is expressed on the outgrowing extravillous trophoblast, and both are thought to be biomarkers of preeclampsia. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between concentrations of Gal-13 and laeverin measured [...] Read more.
Galectin-13 (Gal-13) is predominantly produced by the syncytiotrophoblast, while laeverin is expressed on the outgrowing extravillous trophoblast, and both are thought to be biomarkers of preeclampsia. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between concentrations of Gal-13 and laeverin measured in maternal serum and amniotic fluid at 16–22 weeks of gestation and the sonographic assessment of the fetoplacental measurements. Fetal biometric data and placental volume and perfusion indices were measured in 62 singleton pregnancies. Serum and amniotic levels of Gal-13 and laeverin levels were measured using a sandwich ELISA. Both amniotic fluid and serum Gal-13 levels expressed a negative correlation to the plasma laeverin level in mid-pregnancy. Serum laeverin level correlated positively with the gestational length at delivery (β = 0.39, p < 0.05), while the amniotic laeverin level correlated well with the abdominal circumference of the fetus (β = 0.44, p < 0.05). Furthermore, laeverin level in the amnion correlated positively with the estimated fetal weight (β = 0.48, p < 0.05) and with the placental volume (β = 0.32, p < 0.05). Logistic regression analyses revealed that a higher circulating Gal-13 level represents a slightly significant risk factor (OR: 1.01) for hypertension-related diseases during pregnancy. It is a novelty that laeverin can be detected in the amniotic fluid, and amnion laeverin concentration represents a potential biomarker of fetoplacental growth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Embryonic Development and Differentiation)
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23 pages, 8549 KiB  
Article
Employing Metal-Enriched Polymeric Composites: An Innovative Approach for Combatting Microbes and Bacteria in Building Components in Public Places
by Aaruci Agarwalla, Waleed Ahmed, Ali H. Al-Marzouqi, Tahir A. Rizvi, Essam Zaneldin and Mushtaq Khan
Buildings 2024, 14(6), 1717; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14061717 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
Abstract
The escalating occurrence of hospital-associated infections globally, compounded by the ongoing pandemic, has spurred researchers to delve into innovative approaches for combating pathogens and overcoming their resistance to commonly used materials. One of the most important concerns is frequently touched building components in [...] Read more.
The escalating occurrence of hospital-associated infections globally, compounded by the ongoing pandemic, has spurred researchers to delve into innovative approaches for combating pathogens and overcoming their resistance to commonly used materials. One of the most important concerns is frequently touched building components in public places and hospitals, which serve as potential sources of infection transmission, prompting a pressing need for effective antimicrobial solutions. This research developed antimicrobial polymeric composites comprising Copper (Cu), Aluminum (Al), and Stainless Steel (SS) particles incorporated into Polylactic Acid (PLA) via injection molding as a commercial method for the production of building components, to investigate the antimicrobial properties. The study aims at increasing the antimicrobial efficiency of polymeric composites with different metallic particles and tests the prepared polymeric composites (two sets of Cu-enriched composites, i.e., Cu–PLA–SS, by mixing Al–PLA with Cu–PLA, and Cu–PLA–Al, by mixing SS–PLA with Cu–PLA) against various bacteria. The results demonstrate that the samples prepared with Cu-PLA mixed with SS and Al exhibited the best antibacterial activity (98.6%) after 20 min of exposure to all bacteria, notably against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococci. In addition, the hybrid composites Cu–PLA–SS and Cu–PLA–Al, prepared using injection molding, showed similar antimicrobial activity against all bacteria compared to those prepared using 3D printing. Therefore, polymeric composites enriched with metallic particles such as Cu, Al, and SS prepared via injection molding show potential in biomedical applications, food packaging, tissue engineering, and various technological industries, offering viable solutions for environments where risks from contact with infected surfaces are a concern. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation)
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27 pages, 3934 KiB  
Article
Evidence That a Peptide-Drug/p53 Gene Complex Promotes Cognate Gene Expression and Inhibits the Viability of Glioblastoma Cells
by Ana Neves, Tânia Albuquerque, Rúben Faria, Cecília R. A. Santos, Eric Vivès, Prisca Boisguérin, Diana Carneiro, Daniel F. Bruno, Maria D. Pavlaki, Susana Loureiro, Ângela Sousa and Diana Costa
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(6), 781; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16060781 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiform (GBM) is considered the deadliest brain cancer. Conventional therapies are followed by poor patient survival outcomes, so novel and more efficacious therapeutic strategies are imperative to tackle this scourge. Gene therapy has emerged as an exciting and innovative tool in cancer [...] Read more.
Glioblastoma multiform (GBM) is considered the deadliest brain cancer. Conventional therapies are followed by poor patient survival outcomes, so novel and more efficacious therapeutic strategies are imperative to tackle this scourge. Gene therapy has emerged as an exciting and innovative tool in cancer therapy. Its combination with chemotherapy has significantly improved therapeutic outcomes. In line with this, our team has developed temozolomide–transferrin (Tf) peptide (WRAP5)/p53 gene nanometric complexes that were revealed to be biocompatible with non-cancerous cells and in a zebrafish model and were able to efficiently target and internalize into SNB19 and U373 glioma cell lines. The transfection of these cells, mediated by the formulated peptide-drug/gene complexes, resulted in p53 expression. The combined action of the anticancer drug with p53 supplementation in cancer cells enhances cytotoxicity, which was correlated to apoptosis activation through quantification of caspase-3 activity. In addition, increased caspase-9 levels revealed that the intrinsic or mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis was implicated. This assumption was further evidenced by the presence, in glioma cells, of Bax protein overexpression—a core regulator of this apoptotic pathway. Our findings demonstrated the great potential of peptide TMZ/p53 co-delivery complexes for cellular transfection, p53 expression, and apoptosis induction, holding promising therapeutic value toward glioblastoma. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Nanotechnology Therapeutics)
20 pages, 1002 KiB  
Article
High-Temperature Characteristics of Polyphosphoric Acid-Modified Asphalt and High-Temperature Performance Prediction Analysis of Its Mixtures
by Meiyan Huang, Jianguo Wei, Yuming Zhou, Ping Li, Jinming Li, Haolong Ju and Song Shi
Sustainability 2024, 16(12), 4922; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16124922 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
Abstract
To promote the application of economical and sustainable polyphosphoric acid (PPA)-modified asphalt in road engineering, styrene-butadiene block copolymer (SBS), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), and PPA were used to prepare PPA/SBS and PPA/SBR composite-modified asphalts, which were tested and the data analyzed. Fourier transform infrared [...] Read more.
To promote the application of economical and sustainable polyphosphoric acid (PPA)-modified asphalt in road engineering, styrene-butadiene block copolymer (SBS), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), and PPA were used to prepare PPA/SBS and PPA/SBR composite-modified asphalts, which were tested and the data analyzed. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) tests and thermogravimetric analysis (TG) tests were carried out to study the modification mechanisms of the composite-modified asphalts, and the high-temperature performance of the PPA-modified asphalt and asphalt mixtures was analyzed by dynamic shear rheology (DSR) tests and wheel tracking tests. A gray correlation analysis and a back-propagation (BP) neural network were utilized to construct a prediction model of the high-temperature performance of the asphalt and asphalt mixtures. The test results indicate that PPA chemically interacts with the base asphalt and physically integrates with SBS and SBR. The PPA-modified asphalt has a higher decomposition temperature than the base asphalt, indicating superior thermal stability. As the PPA dosage increases, the G*/sinδ value of the PPA-modified asphalt also increases. In particular, when 0.6% PPA is combined with 2% SBS/SBR, it surpasses the high-temperature performance achieved with 4% SBS/SBR, suggesting that PPA may be a good alternative for polymer modifiers. In addition, the creep recovery of PPA-modified asphalt is influenced by the stress level, and as the stress increases, the R-value decreases, resulting in reduced elastic deformation. Furthermore, the BP neural network model achieved a fit of 0.991 in predicting dynamic stability, with a mean percentage of relative error (MAPE) of 6.15% between measured and predicted values. This underscores the feasibility of using BP neural networks in predictive dynamic stability models. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Pavement Engineering and Road Materials)
22 pages, 1723 KiB  
Review
Modulation of Gut Microbial Biomarkers and Metabolites in Cancer Management by Tea Compounds
by Hoi Kit Matthew Leung, Emily Kwun Kwan Lo, Fangfei Zhang, Felicianna, Marsena Jasiel Ismaiah, Congjia Chen and Hani El-Nezami
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(12), 6348; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25126348 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
Abstract
Cancers are causing millions of deaths and leaving a huge clinical and economic burden. High costs of cancer drugs are limiting their access to the growing number of cancer cases. The development of more affordable alternative therapy could reach more patients. As gut [...] Read more.
Cancers are causing millions of deaths and leaving a huge clinical and economic burden. High costs of cancer drugs are limiting their access to the growing number of cancer cases. The development of more affordable alternative therapy could reach more patients. As gut microbiota plays a significant role in the development and treatment of cancer, microbiome-targeted therapy has gained more attention in recent years. Dietary and natural compounds can modulate gut microbiota composition while providing broader and more accessible access to medicine. Tea compounds have been shown to have anti-cancer properties as well as modulate the gut microbiota and their related metabolites. However, there is no comprehensive review that focuses on the gut modulatory effects of tea compounds and their impact on reshaping the metabolic profiles, particularly in cancer models. In this review, the effects of different tea compounds on gut microbiota in cancer settings are discussed. Furthermore, the relationship between these modulated bacteria and their related metabolites, along with the mechanisms of how these changes led to cancer intervention are summarized. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbiota and Cancer 3.0)
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