The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
17 pages, 1501 KiB  
Article
Online PBPD and Coaching for Teaching SRSD Argumentative Writing in Middle School Classrooms
by Amber B. Ray, Tara E. Mason, Kate E. Connor and Crystal S. Williams
Educ. Sci. 2024, 14(6), 603; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14060603 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
Teachers report a need for professional development in order to feel more confident and be more effective in providing writing instruction and intensive intervention to support middle school students. This study investigates the impacts of online practice-based professional development (PBPD) and coaching for [...] Read more.
Teachers report a need for professional development in order to feel more confident and be more effective in providing writing instruction and intensive intervention to support middle school students. This study investigates the impacts of online practice-based professional development (PBPD) and coaching for self-regulated strategy development (SRSD) argumentative writing instruction on teachers’ implementation of the instruction. Using a pre-test–post-test design, the study also examined the effects of the SRSD instruction on students’ argumentative writing from source texts. Five middle school teachers from three regions across the United States participated in the PBPD and implemented SRSD with 55 middle school students with high-incidence disabilities or below-proficient writing skills. Following PBPD, teachers implemented the SRSD argumentative writing instruction with high adherence to dosage, fidelity of implementation, and quality. Student writing was scored for argumentative genre elements, holistic quality, total words written, and transition words. Results demonstrate that students improved on all measures. In addition, students reported feeling confident in their argumentative writing abilities. Teachers and students reported high social validity for the intervention. The benefits found in this research study provide a strong foundation supporting the application of comprehensive online PBPD with follow-up coaching to support teacher implementation of SRSD. Full article
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15 pages, 336 KiB  
Review
Revolutionizing Sleep Health: The Emergence and Impact of Personalized Sleep Medicine
by Sergio Garbarino and Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(6), 598; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14060598 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
Personalized sleep medicine represents a transformative shift in healthcare, emphasizing individualized approaches to optimizing sleep health, considering the bidirectional relationship between sleep and health. This field moves beyond conventional methods, tailoring care to the unique physiological and psychological needs of individuals to improve [...] Read more.
Personalized sleep medicine represents a transformative shift in healthcare, emphasizing individualized approaches to optimizing sleep health, considering the bidirectional relationship between sleep and health. This field moves beyond conventional methods, tailoring care to the unique physiological and psychological needs of individuals to improve sleep quality and manage disorders. Key to this approach is the consideration of diverse factors like genetic predispositions, lifestyle habits, environmental factors, and underlying health conditions. This enables more accurate diagnoses, targeted treatments, and proactive management. Technological advancements play a pivotal role in this field: wearable devices, mobile health applications, and advanced diagnostic tools collect detailed sleep data for continuous monitoring and analysis. The integration of machine learning and artificial intelligence enhances data interpretation, offering personalized treatment plans based on individual sleep profiles. Moreover, research on circadian rhythms and sleep physiology is advancing our understanding of sleep’s impact on overall health. The next generation of wearable technology will integrate more seamlessly with IoT and smart home systems, facilitating holistic sleep environment management. Telemedicine and virtual healthcare platforms will increase accessibility to specialized care, especially in remote areas. Advancements will also focus on integrating various data sources for comprehensive assessments and treatments. Genomic and molecular research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding individual sleep disorders, informing highly personalized treatment plans. Sophisticated methods for sleep stage estimation, including machine learning techniques, are improving diagnostic precision. Computational models, particularly for conditions like obstructive sleep apnea, are enabling patient-specific treatment strategies. The future of personalized sleep medicine will likely involve cross-disciplinary collaborations, integrating cognitive behavioral therapy and mental health interventions. Public awareness and education about personalized sleep approaches, alongside updated regulatory frameworks for data security and privacy, are essential. Longitudinal studies will provide insights into evolving sleep patterns, further refining treatment approaches. In conclusion, personalized sleep medicine is revolutionizing sleep disorder treatment, leveraging individual characteristics and advanced technologies for improved diagnosis, treatment, and management. This shift towards individualized care marks a significant advancement in healthcare, enhancing life quality for those with sleep disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in the Prevention and Treatment of Neurological Diseases)
17 pages, 4174 KiB  
Article
Gully Erosion Development in Drainage Basins: A New Morphometric Approach
by Ugo Ciccolini, Margherita Bufalini, Marco Materazzi and Francesco Dramis
Land 2024, 13(6), 792; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13060792 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
The formation and evolution of management gullies is a highly intense process of soil erosion often overlooked in policies and river basin strategies. Despite the worldwide spread of the phenomenon, our ability to assess and simulate gullying and its impacts remains limited; therefore, [...] Read more.
The formation and evolution of management gullies is a highly intense process of soil erosion often overlooked in policies and river basin strategies. Despite the worldwide spread of the phenomenon, our ability to assess and simulate gullying and its impacts remains limited; therefore, predicting the development and evolution of these river reaches represents a significant challenge, especially in areas where the loss of productive soil or the hazards linked to landslides or floods represent critical factors. Our study demonstrates how an exclusively morphometric approach, based on the construction of the hypsometric curve and applied to small hydrographic basins that are lithologically homogeneous and hierarchized according to the Strahler classification method, is able to predict the triggering height of the gullies; this height corresponds to the mean elevation of the basin and the inflection point of the hypsometric curve itself, confirming the hypothesis that this point coincides with the point at which a sudden change in surface runoff energy occurs, The study also shows that the portion of the basin necessary to trigger these intense erosive processes is always within a small range, regardless of the size and morphology (slope) of the basin itself. Such an approach, which is quick and relatively easy to apply, could help develop hydrogeological hazard mitigation practices in land planning projects. Full article
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18 pages, 2065 KiB  
Article
Medicinal Anti-Inflammatory Patch Loaded with Lavender Essential Oil
by Karolina Zyburtowicz, Paulina Bednarczyk, Anna Nowak, Anna Muzykiewicz-Szymańska, Łukasz Kucharski, Aneta Wesołowska and Paula Ossowicz-Rupniewska
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(11), 6171; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25116171 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
Transdermal drug delivery offers a promising alternative for administering medications like ibuprofen, known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, with reduced gastrointestinal side effects compared to oral administration. This study explored the potential synergistic effects of combining ibuprofen with lavender essential oil (LEO) [...] Read more.
Transdermal drug delivery offers a promising alternative for administering medications like ibuprofen, known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, with reduced gastrointestinal side effects compared to oral administration. This study explored the potential synergistic effects of combining ibuprofen with lavender essential oil (LEO) in transdermal patches. The composition of LEO was analyzed, revealing predominant compounds such as linalyl acetate and linalool, which are known for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The physicochemical properties of the patches were investigated, indicating improved cohesion with the addition of LEO. Additionally, thermal stability assessments demonstrated enhanced stability with LEO incorporation with an increase in onset decomposition temperature from 49.0 to 67.9 °C. The antioxidant activity of patches containing LEO was significantly higher with a free radical scavenging ability of 79.13% RSA compared to 60% RSA in patches without LEO. Release and permeation studies showed that patches with LEO exhibited an increased permeation of ibuprofen through the skin with 74.40% of the drug released from LEO-containing patches compared to 36.29% from patches without LEO after 24 h. Moreover, the permeation rate was notably faster with LEO, indicating quicker therapeutic effects. The inclusion of LEO in transdermal patches containing ibuprofen holds promise for enhancing drug delivery efficiency and therapeutic effectiveness, offering a potential strategy for improved pain management with reduced side effects. Full article
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13 pages, 9807 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Acute EBV Infection on Changes in the Serum Proteome in Children—A Pilot Study
by Katarzyna Mazur-Melewska, Magdalena Luczak, Joanna Watral, Paweł Małecki, Anna Mania and Magdalena Figlerowicz
Pathogens 2024, 13(6), 471; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13060471 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection on children’s proteomes across different phases of the disease, utilising seventy-nine blood samples categorised into three groups: EBV-naive patients, acute infectious mononucleosis (IM) cases, and convalescents followed up for 12 months post-IM. The [...] Read more.
This study investigates the impact of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection on children’s proteomes across different phases of the disease, utilising seventy-nine blood samples categorised into three groups: EBV-naive patients, acute infectious mononucleosis (IM) cases, and convalescents followed up for 12 months post-IM. The aim is to identify proteins influenced by EBV infection, shedding light on the chronic processes triggered by the virus. The results reveal thirty-nine proteins distinguishing between naive patients and those with IM, including actin, lumican, peroxiredoxin-2, fibulin-1, gelsolin, and alpha-2-macroglobulin, which are involved in immune responses, cell adhesion, and inflammation. Elevated oxidative stress markers like peroxiredoxin-2 in IM patients suggest potential links to EBV’s induction of reactive oxygen species. Increased levels of apolipoproteins A-I, A-IV, C-IV, and M during IM imply associations with viral infection, while complement system proteins (C1q, C1r, and C8 gamma chain) are also elevated, reflecting their role in the immune response and viral clearance. This study’s focus on children provides unique insights into EBV’s impact on young populations, emphasising proteomics’ role in uncovering protein associations and understanding the virus’s long-term consequences. However, specific relationships between identified proteins and EBV infection require further investigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) in Clinical Practice)
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12 pages, 1443 KiB  
Article
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Rapid Differentiation of Fresh and Frozen–Thawed Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
by Stefka Atanassova, Dimitar Yorgov, Deyan Stratev, Petya Veleva and Todor Stoyanchev
Sensors 2024, 24(11), 3620; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24113620 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in combination with classification methods for the discrimination of fresh and once- or twice-freeze–thawed fish. An experiment was carried out with common carp (Cyprinus carpio). From each fish, test pieces were cut from [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in combination with classification methods for the discrimination of fresh and once- or twice-freeze–thawed fish. An experiment was carried out with common carp (Cyprinus carpio). From each fish, test pieces were cut from the dorsal and ventral regions and measured from the skin side as fresh, after single freezing at minus 18 °C for 15 ÷ 28 days and 15 ÷ 21 days for the second freezing after the freeze–thawing cycle. NIRS measurements were performed via a NIRQuest 512 spectrometer at the region of 900–1700 nm in Reflection mode. The Pirouette 4.5 software was used for data processing. SIMCA and PLS-DA models were developed for classification, and their performance was estimated using the F1 score and total accuracy. The predictive power of each model was evaluated for fish samples in the fresh, single-freezing, and second-freezing classes. Additionally, aquagrams were calculated. Differences in the spectra between fresh and frozen samples were observed. They might be assigned mainly to the O–H and N–H bands. The aquagrams confirmed changes in water organization in the fish samples due to freezing–thawing. The total accuracy of the SIMCA models for the dorsal samples was 98.23% for the calibration set and 90.55% for the validation set. For the ventral samples, respective values were 99.28 and 79.70%. Similar accuracy was found for the PLS-PA models. The NIR spectroscopy and tested classification methods have a potential for nondestructively discriminating fresh from frozen–thawed fish in as methods to protect against fish meat food fraud. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sensing and Imaging)
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7 pages, 911 KiB  
Communication
HIV-Induced Thymic Insufficiency and Aging-Related Immunosenescence on Immune Reconstitution in ART-Treated Patients
by Maria Carolina Santos Guedes, Wlisses Henrique Veloso Carvalho-Silva, José Leandro Andrade-Santos, Maria Carolina Accioly Brelaz-de-Castro, Fabrício Oliveira Souto, Lílian Maria Lapa Montenegro and Rafael Lima Guimarães
Vaccines 2024, 12(6), 612; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12060612 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying unsatisfactory immune reconstitution in HIV-1 positive patients under ART have not been fully elucidated, even after years of investigation. Thus, this study aimed to assess the correlation between age and thymic production profile, and its influence on inadequate immunological recovery. [...] Read more.
The mechanisms underlying unsatisfactory immune reconstitution in HIV-1 positive patients under ART have not been fully elucidated, even after years of investigation. Thus, this study aimed to assess the correlation between age and thymic production profile, and its influence on inadequate immunological recovery. Here, 44 ART-treated patients with undetectable plasma HIV-1 load (<40 copies/mL) were classified as 31 immunological responders (IR) and 13 immunological non-responders (INR), according to their CD4+ T-cell count after 18 months of ART. The thymic function was assessed by identifying recent thymic emigrants (RTEs) CD4+ T cells (CD4+/CD45RA+CD31+) in PBMCs using flow cytometry. Clinical data were also analyzed from medical records. The INR group showed a higher age at ART initiation (41 ± 3.0) compared to the IR (33.7 ± 2.1) group (p = 0.041). Evaluating RTE CD4+ T-cells, we observed a lower percentage in the INR group (19.5 ± 6.3) compared to the IR group (29.9 ± 11.5) (p = 0.012). There was a strong negative correlation between age at ART initiation and RTE CD4+ T-cells in INRs (r = −0.784, p = 0.004). Our study has highlighted the thymic insufficiency and aging-related immunosenescence with unsatisfactory immunological recovery during ART in HIV-1 positive patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innate Immunity in HIV-1 Infection)
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7 pages, 271 KiB  
Review
Significance of Cellular Lipid Metabolism for the Replication of Rotaviruses and Other RNA Viruses
by Ulrich Desselberger
Viruses 2024, 16(6), 908; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16060908 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
The replication of species A rotaviruses (RVAs) involves the recruitment of and interaction with cellular organelles’ lipid droplets (LDs), both physically and functionally. The inhibition of enzymes involved in the cellular fatty acid biosynthesis pathway or the inhibition of cellular lipases that degrade [...] Read more.
The replication of species A rotaviruses (RVAs) involves the recruitment of and interaction with cellular organelles’ lipid droplets (LDs), both physically and functionally. The inhibition of enzymes involved in the cellular fatty acid biosynthesis pathway or the inhibition of cellular lipases that degrade LDs was found to reduce the functions of ‘viral factories’ (viroplasms for rotaviruses or replication compartments of other RNA viruses) and decrease the production of infectious progeny viruses. While many other RNA viruses utilize cellular lipids for their replication, their detailed analysis is far beyond this review; only a few annotations are made relating to hepatitis C virus (HCV), enteroviruses, SARS-CoV-2, and HIV-1. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viruses 2024 - A World of Viruses)
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18 pages, 23726 KiB  
Article
Solidification Mechanism of Bayer Red Mud under the Action of Calcium Hydroxide
by Zhiwei Song, Guoju Ke, Pengju Qin, Suli Han, Xiuhua Guo and Zhiqiang Zhang
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4770; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114770 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
Because of the strong alkalinity of red mud, it is difficult to recycle, and the long-term accumulation of red mud causes environmental pollution. The study shows that the solidification characteristics of bayer red mud (RM) under the action of Ca(OH)2 (CH) are [...] Read more.
Because of the strong alkalinity of red mud, it is difficult to recycle, and the long-term accumulation of red mud causes environmental pollution. The study shows that the solidification characteristics of bayer red mud (RM) under the action of Ca(OH)2 (CH) are obvious. The mechanical properties of Bayer RM paste with different amounts of CH at different ages were tested. The strength of RMCH gradually increases with the increase in CH content and age, reaching a turning point in strength at 26.4% content of CH, with the highest strength at 28 days, reaching 2.73 MPa. The solidification products were characterized by XRD, FTIR, TG-DTG, and SEM-EDS. The results show that under the action of CH, the main solidification products of RM are C-(A)-S-H, hemicarboaluminate, and monocarboaluminate. In the solidification process, hydroxysodalite and faujasite-Na react with CH to generate C-S-H, Al(OH)4, and Na+, then react to generate hemicarboaluminate, monocarboaluminate and C-(A)-S-H, among which hemicarboaluminate is transformed into monocarboaluminate in the presence of calcite, and further monocarboaluminate decomposes to generate calcite. It provides a basis for the study of the interaction mechanism between a single substance and RM and provides a research basis for the sustainable utilization of red mud. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Slope Stability Analysis and Landslide Disaster Prevention)
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16 pages, 4278 KiB  
Article
Chronic Lead Exposure in Adult Mice: Associations with miR-671/CDR1as Regulation, NF-κB Signaling, and Alzheimer’s Disease-like Pathology
by Mengyun Qiao, Haitao Yang, Li Liu, Tao Yu, Haihua Wang, Xiao Chen, Yi Zhang, Airu Duan, Shujun Lyu, Siyu Wu, Jingwei Xiao and Bin Li
Toxics 2024, 12(6), 410; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12060410 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
Long-term exposure to lead (Pb) can result in chronic damage to the body through accumulation in the central nervous system (CNS) leading to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study delves into the intricate role of miR-671/CDR1as regulation in the etiology [...] Read more.
Long-term exposure to lead (Pb) can result in chronic damage to the body through accumulation in the central nervous system (CNS) leading to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study delves into the intricate role of miR-671/CDR1as regulation in the etiology of AD-like lesions triggered by chronic Pb exposure in adult mice. To emulate the chronic effects of Pb, we established a rodent model spanning 10 months of controlled Pb administration, dividing 52 C57BL/6J mice into groups receiving varying concentrations of Pb (1, 2, or 4 g/L) alongside an unexposed control. Blood Pb levels were monitored using serum samples to ensure accurate dosing and to correlate with observed toxicological outcomes. Utilizing the Morris water maze, a robust behavioral assay for assessing cognitive functions, we documented a dose-dependent decline in learning and memory capabilities among the Pb-exposed mice. Histopathological examination of the hippocampal tissue revealed tell-tale signs of AD-like neurodegeneration, characterized by the accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. At the molecular level, a significant upregulation of AD-associated genes, namely amyloid precursor protein (APP), β-secretase 1 (BACE1), and tau, was observed in the hippocampal tissue of Pb-exposed mice. This was accompanied by a corresponding surge in the protein levels of APP, BACE1, amyloid-β (Aβ), and phosphorylated tau (p-tau), further implicating Pb in the dysregulation of these key AD markers. The expression of CDR1as, a long non-coding RNA implicated in AD pathogenesis, was found to be suppressed in Pb-exposed mice. This observation suggests a potential mechanistic link between Pb-induced neurotoxicity and the dysregulation of the CDR1as/miR-671 axis, which warrants further investigation. Moreover, our study identified a dose-dependent alteration in the intracellular and extracellular levels of the transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). This finding implicates Pb in the modulation of NF-κB signaling, a pathway that plays a pivotal role in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. In conclusion, our findings underscored the deleterious effects of Pb exposure on the CNS, leading to the development of AD-like pathology. The observed modulation of NF-κB signaling and miR-671/CDR1as regulation provides a plausible mechanistic framework for understanding the neurotoxic effects of Pb and its potential contribution to AD pathogenesis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Human Toxicology and Epidemiology)
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17 pages, 295 KiB  
Article
Comparing the Costs and Benefits of Activism for Girls with Different Sexual Orientations and Racial and Ethnic Identities
by J. Abigail Saavedra, Jerusha Conner, Elan Hope and Emily Greytak
Youth 2024, 4(2), 803-819; https://doi.org/10.3390/youth4020053 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
In recent years, girls and young women have become particularly visible as leaders of activist campaigns and social movements. Drawing on data collected from an ACLU summer program for youth activists and advocates, this study explores the costs and benefits cisgender girls incur [...] Read more.
In recent years, girls and young women have become particularly visible as leaders of activist campaigns and social movements. Drawing on data collected from an ACLU summer program for youth activists and advocates, this study explores the costs and benefits cisgender girls incur as a result of their activism. The findings reveal that although girls report more benefits than costs overall from their activism, the costs are correlated with the number of marginalized identities they hold. Queer Black girls report the greatest overall costs from their activism, and queer Multiracial girls report the highest rates of burnout. Queer White girls report significantly greater overall costs and problems as a result of their activism than heterosexual White girls, more burnout than heterosexual Black girls, and more empowerment than heterosexual Latinas. Informed by intersectionality and the PVEST framework, implications for supporting the sociopolitical action of girls with different social locations are discussed. Full article
6 pages, 209 KiB  
Case Report
Management of Concomitant Severe Thermal Injury and ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
by Julie Beveridge, Curtis Budden, Abelardo Medina, Kathryne Faccenda, Shawn Dodd and Edward Tredget
Eur. Burn J. 2024, 5(2), 169-174; https://doi.org/10.3390/ebj5020015 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
Acute coronary thrombosis is a known, but rare, contributor to morbidity and mortality in patients with thermal and electrical injuries. The overall incidence of myocardial infarction among burn patients is 1%, with an in-hospital post-infarction mortality of approximately 67%, whereas the overall mortality [...] Read more.
Acute coronary thrombosis is a known, but rare, contributor to morbidity and mortality in patients with thermal and electrical injuries. The overall incidence of myocardial infarction among burn patients is 1%, with an in-hospital post-infarction mortality of approximately 67%, whereas the overall mortality rate of the general burn patient population is from 1.4% to 18%. As such, early detection and effective peri-operative management are essential to optimize patient outcomes. Here, we report the details of the management of an adult male patient with a 65% total body surface area severe thermal injury, who developed an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the resuscitation period. The patient was found to have 100% occlusion of his left anterior descending coronary artery, for which prompt coronary artery stent placement with a drug-eluting stent (DES) was performed. Following stent placement, the patient required dual antiplatelet therapy. The ongoing dual antiplatelet therapy required the development of a detailed peri-operative protocol involving pooled platelets, packed red blood cells, desmopressin (DDAVP™) and intraoperative monitoring of the patient’s coagulation parameters with thromboelastography for three staged operative interventions to achieve complete debridement and skin grafting of his burn wounds. Full article
11 pages, 2082 KiB  
Article
Storing up Treasures: Storage Potential of Macrolophus pygmaeus (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae) Nymphs for Application in Biological Control
by Irina M. Pazyuk, Margarita Y. Dolgovskaya, Sergey Y. Reznik and Dmitrii L. Musolin
Insects 2024, 15(6), 414; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15060414 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
Long-term storage is an important component of insect mass-rearing systems, prolonging the shelf life of biocontrol agents during a low-demand period or a temporary lack of suitable food. Macrolophus pygmaeus is a predatory heteropteran, mass-reared and widely used for the biological control of [...] Read more.
Long-term storage is an important component of insect mass-rearing systems, prolonging the shelf life of biocontrol agents during a low-demand period or a temporary lack of suitable food. Macrolophus pygmaeus is a predatory heteropteran, mass-reared and widely used for the biological control of arthropod pests in greenhouses. With the aim to determine the optimal conditions and acceptable duration of cold storage, we evaluated the impact of different periods of storage of fed and starved third instar nymphs of M. pygmaeus at different temperatures on nymphal survival, adult emergence, and female fecundity. Four storage temperatures (3, 6, 9, and 12 °C) were tested. The longevity of starved nymphs decreased with an increase in the storage temperature, with a maximum of about 40 days at 3 °C, whereas the longest lifetime of nymphs fed on eggs of the grain moth Sitotroga cerealella (about 150 days) was observed at 9 °C. Further experiments demonstrated that the third instar nymphs of M. pygmaeus fed with eggs of the grain moth can be stored at 9 °C for 30 days, with a moderate (10–20%) decrease in survival and fecundity, whereas the survival of starved nymphs decreased by half after 10 days of storage at 3 °C. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Hemiptera: Ecology, Physiology, and Economic Importance)
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9 pages, 817 KiB  
Article
Genome Sequences of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli Recovered from Mid-Stream Urine Samples in Accra, Ghana
by Nicholas T. K. D. Dayie, Beverly Egyir, Felicia Amoa-Owusu, Christian Owusu-Nyantakyi, Bright Adu, Fleischer C. N. Kotey, Eric S. Donkor and Richard A. Stabler
Microorganisms 2024, 12(6), 1139; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12061139 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
Escherichia coli, a member of the commensal intestinal microbiota, is a significant aetiology of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and has a propensity for acquiring multidrug resistance characteristics, such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs). Despite the increase in the incidence of ESBL-producing E. coli [...] Read more.
Escherichia coli, a member of the commensal intestinal microbiota, is a significant aetiology of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and has a propensity for acquiring multidrug resistance characteristics, such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs). Despite the increase in the incidence of ESBL-producing E. coli infections in sub-Saharan Africa, routine ESBL detection in Ghana is often absent, and molecular data on ESBL genotypes is scarce. Eleven ESBL-producing E. coli recovered from mid-stream urine samples were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequence analyses. All isolates exhibited multidrug resistance, demonstrating phenotypic resistance to third-generation cephalosporins, such as cefotaxime, ceftazidime, and cefpodoxime. Three isolates demonstrated resistance to norfloxacin (a fluoroquinolone), and one isolate demonstrated intermediate resistance to ertapenem (a carbapenem). Analysis of the draft genomes identified multiple antimicrobial resistance genes including ESBL genotypes blaTEM-1B/TEM-190 (6/11 and 1/11, respectively), blaCTX-M-15/CTX-M-3 (7/11 and 1/11) and blaOXA-1/OXA-181 (3/11 and 1/11). The strains belong to 10 different serotypes and 10 different multilocus sequence types. This study provides information on phenotypic resistance in 11 ESBL E. coli from Ghana and AMR genotypes within their genomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Microbiology and Immunology)
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10 pages, 907 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Saudi Public Perceptions and Opinions towards Artificial Intelligence in Health Care
by Wajid Syed, Salmeen D. Babelghaith and Mohamed N. Al-Arifi
Medicina 2024, 60(6), 938; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60060938 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The healthcare system in Saudi Arabia is growing rapidly with the utilization of advanced technologies. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the Saudi public perceptions and opinions towards artificial intelligence (AI) in health care. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional web-based [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: The healthcare system in Saudi Arabia is growing rapidly with the utilization of advanced technologies. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the Saudi public perceptions and opinions towards artificial intelligence (AI) in health care. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional web-based questionnaire study was conducted between January and April 2024. Data were analyzed from 830 participants. The perceptions of the public towards AI were assessed using 21-item questionnaires. Results: Among the respondents, 69.4% were males and 46% of them were aged above 41 years old. A total of 84.1% of the participants knew about AI, while 61.1% of them believed that AI is a tool that helps healthcare professionals, and 12.5% of them thought that AI may replace the physician, pharmacist, or nurse in the healthcare system. With regard to opinion on the widespread use of AI, 45.8% of the study population believed that healthcare professionals will be improved with the widespread use of artificial intelligence. The mean perception score of AI among males was 38.4 (SD = 6.1) and this was found to be higher than for females at 37.7 (SD = 5.3); however, no significant difference was observed (p = 0.072). Similarly, the mean perception score was higher among young adults aged between 20 and 25 years at 38.9 (SD = 6.1) compared to other age groups, but indicating no significant association between them (p = 0.198). Conclusions: The results showed that the Saudi public had a favorable opinion and perceptions of AI in health care. This suggests that health management recommendations should be made regarding how to successfully integrate and use medical AI while maintaining patient safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Epidemiology & Public Health)
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13 pages, 5918 KiB  
Article
Stability Study of Synthetic Diamond Using a Thermally Controlled Biological Environment: Application towards Long-Lasting Neural Prostheses
by Jordan Roy, Umme Tabassum Sarah, Gaëlle Lissorgues, Olivier Français, Abir Rezgui, Patrick Poulichet, Hakim Takhedmit, Emmanuel Scorsone and Lionel Rousseau
Sensors 2024, 24(11), 3619; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24113619 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
This paper demonstrates, for the first time, the stability of synthetic diamond as a passive layer within neural implants. Leveraging the exceptional biocompatibility of intrinsic nanocrystalline diamond, a comprehensive review of material aging analysis in the context of in-vivo implants is provided. This [...] Read more.
This paper demonstrates, for the first time, the stability of synthetic diamond as a passive layer within neural implants. Leveraging the exceptional biocompatibility of intrinsic nanocrystalline diamond, a comprehensive review of material aging analysis in the context of in-vivo implants is provided. This work is based on electric impedance monitoring through the formulation of an analytical model that scrutinizes essential parameters such as the deposited metal resistivity, insulation between conductors, changes in electrode geometry, and leakage currents. The evolution of these parameters takes place over an equivalent period of approximately 10 years. The analytical model, focusing on a fractional capacitor, provides nuanced insights into the surface conductivity variation. A comparative study is performed between a classical polymer material (SU8) and synthetic diamond. Samples subjected to dynamic impedance analysis reveal distinctive patterns over time, characterized by their physical degradation. The results highlight the very high stability of diamond, suggesting promise for the electrode’s enduring viability. To support this analysis, microscopic and optical measurements conclude the paper and confirm the high stability of diamond and its strong potential as a material for neural implants with long-life use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eurosensors 2023 Selected Papers)
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10 pages, 1004 KiB  
Article
Impact of Program Region and Prestige on Industry Supplemental Earnings for Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery Fellowships in the United States: A Retrospective Analysis
by Abhinav R. Balu, Anthony N. Baumann, Grayson M. Talaski, Faheem Pottayil, Kempland C. Walley, Albert T. Anastasio and Keith D. Baldwin
Hospitals 2024, 1(1), 65-74; https://doi.org/10.3390/hospitals1010006 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
Introduction: With the passage of the Physician Payment Sunshine Act, there has been increased transparency regarding the industrial financial relations that physicians have. Orthopedic surgeons have been highly studied in this domain with approximately 50% of all orthopedic surgeons engaging in industrial financial [...] Read more.
Introduction: With the passage of the Physician Payment Sunshine Act, there has been increased transparency regarding the industrial financial relations that physicians have. Orthopedic surgeons have been highly studied in this domain with approximately 50% of all orthopedic surgeons engaging in industrial financial relationships. Furthermore, an increasing number of orthopedic surgeons are seeking fellowship training with pediatric fellowship programs gaining popularity in recent years. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact various pediatric orthopedic fellowship programs have on industry earnings and academic productivity. Methods: Pediatric orthopedic fellowship programs were identified via the Orthopedic Society of North America (POSNA) website. Information on individual fellowship programs was obtained from their respective websites. Academic productivity was measured via an aggregate of all employed physicians’ H-index at a specific fellowship as found on the Scopus website. The Open Payments Database (OPD) website was used to assess lifetime industry earnings. Other variables such as Newsweek or Doximity ranking were taken directly from relevant websites. Statistical analysis was performed using a Kruskal–Wallis test with Bonferroni correction and Mann–Whitney U-test. Results: A total of 43 pediatric orthopedic surgery fellowships in the United States were identified with a total of 392 physicians as fellowship faculty. Complete OPD and H-index information were available for 336 of those physicians (85.7%). On average, there were 7.81 ± 5.18 physicians and 1.56 ± 0.93 fellows per program. The mean combined physician H-index was 117.23 ± 122.51, and the mean combined physician lifetime supplemental earnings in dollars was $646,684.37 ± $1,159,507.17. There was no significant relationship between region of pediatric orthopedic fellowship, Newsweek ranking of affiliated hospital, Doximity ranking of affiliated hospital, presence of MBA program, type of program (public, private, mixed), and the lifetime industry earnings or academic productivity of program graduates. Conclusions: Despite the observed lack of statistical significance, there were clear trends observed with fellowship programs in the northeast and west coast regions being the highest earning and fellowship programs with top 10 Newsweek ranking of affiliated hospital having by far the greatest industry earnings. Sample size limitations likely prevented the detection of statistical significance. Future studies should examine if any relation exists when accounting for type of industry payment received and case volume per fellowship program. Full article
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14 pages, 3850 KiB  
Article
Obesity Enhances Non-Th2 Airway Inflammation in a Murine Model of Allergic Asthma
by Marwa M. E. Mohamed and Yassine Amrani
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(11), 6170; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25116170 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
Obese patients with asthma present with aggravated symptoms that are also harder to treat. Here, we used a mouse model of allergic asthma sensitised and challenged to house dust mite (HDM) extracts to determine whether high-fat-diet consumption would exacerbate the key features of [...] Read more.
Obese patients with asthma present with aggravated symptoms that are also harder to treat. Here, we used a mouse model of allergic asthma sensitised and challenged to house dust mite (HDM) extracts to determine whether high-fat-diet consumption would exacerbate the key features of allergic airway inflammation. C57BL/6 mice were intranasally sensitised and challenged with HDM extracts over a duration of 3 weeks. The impact of high-fat-diet (HFD) vs. normal diet (ND) chow was studied on HDM-induced lung inflammation and inflammatory cell infiltration as well as cytokine production. HFD-fed mice had greater inflammatory cell infiltration around airways and blood vessels, and an overall more severe degree of inflammation than in the ND-fed mice (semiquantitative blinded evaluation). Quantitative assessment of HDM-associated Th2 responses (numbers of lung CD4+ T cells, eosinophils, serum levels of allergen-specific IgE as well as the expression of Th2 cytokines (Il5 and Il13)) did not show significant changes between the HFD and ND groups. Interestingly, the HFD group exhibited a more pronounced neutrophilic infiltration within their lung tissues and an increase in non-Th2 cytokines (Il17, Tnfa, Tgf-b, Il-1b). These findings provide additional evidence that obesity triggered by a high-fat-diet regimen may exacerbate asthma by involving non-Th2 and neutrophilic pathways. Full article
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4 pages, 148 KiB  
Editorial
Enhancing the Bioavailability of Poorly Soluble Drugs
by Rodolfo Pinal
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(6), 758; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16060758 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
The poor aqueous solubility of drugs is such a frequent challenge to drug absorption, bioavailability, and drug delivery that it is occasionally spoken about as an “unwritten rule” in drug product development [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies for Enhancing the Bioavailability of Poorly Soluble Drugs)
13 pages, 4555 KiB  
Article
A Divergent Platelet Transcriptome in Patients with Lipedema and Lymphedema
by Alliefair Scalise, Anu Aggarwal, Naseer Sangwan, Annelise Hamer, Suman Guntupalli, Huijun Edelyn Park, Jose O. Aleman and Scott J. Cameron
Genes 2024, 15(6), 737; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15060737 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
Lipedema and lymphedema are physically similar yet distinct diseases that are commonly misdiagnosed. We previously reported that lipedema and lymphedema are associated with increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). The underlying etiology of the prothrombotic profile observed in lipedema and lymphedema is unclear, [...] Read more.
Lipedema and lymphedema are physically similar yet distinct diseases that are commonly misdiagnosed. We previously reported that lipedema and lymphedema are associated with increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). The underlying etiology of the prothrombotic profile observed in lipedema and lymphedema is unclear, but may be related to alterations in platelets. Our objective was to analyze the platelet transcriptome to identify biological pathways that may provide insight into platelet activation and thrombosis. The platelet transcriptome was evaluated in patients with lymphedema and lipedema, then compared to control subjects with obesity. Patients with lipedema were found to have a divergent transcriptome from patients with lymphedema. The platelet transcriptome and impacted biological pathways in lipedema were surprisingly similar to weight-matched comparators, yet different when compared to overweight individuals with a lower body mass index (BMI). Differences in the platelet transcriptome for patients with lipedema and lymphedema were found in biological pathways required for protein synthesis and degradation, as well as metabolism. Key differences in the platelet transcriptome for patients with lipedema compared to BMI-matched subjects involved metabolism and glycosaminoglycan processing. These inherent differences in the platelet transcriptome warrant further investigation, and may contribute to the increased risk of thrombosis in patients with lipedema and lymphedema. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics of Obesity)
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12 pages, 3039 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Role of Different Medical Therapies in the Management of Adenomyosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Giulia Galati, Gianfilippo Ruggiero, Alice Grobberio, Oriana Capri, Daniela Pietrangeli, Nadia Recine, Michele Vignali and Ludovico Muzii
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(11), 3302; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13113302 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Adenomyosis is a benign condition characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue within the myometrium. Despite surgery being a valuable approach, medical options are considered as the first-line approach and have been investigated in the treatment of adenomyosis, although strong evidence [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Adenomyosis is a benign condition characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue within the myometrium. Despite surgery being a valuable approach, medical options are considered as the first-line approach and have been investigated in the treatment of adenomyosis, although strong evidence in favor of these is still lacking. This study aims to gather all available data and determine the effectiveness of the aforementioned medical options in patients with associated pain and not currently seeking pregnancy, both in comparison to placebo and to one another. Methods: For this study, PubMed and EMBASE were used as data sources, searched up to January 2024. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed in accordance to guidelines from the Cochrane Collaboration. The primary outcomes investigated were changes in dysmenorrhea, quantified by means of VAS scores, HMB in terms of number of bleeding days, and changes in uterine volume determined at ultrasound. Twelve eligible studies were selected. Results: The results highlighted that dienogest yields a reduction in dysmenorrhea that is significantly superior to that of the rest of the medical treatments investigated (p-value of <0.0002). On the other hand, GnRH agonists seem to play a more prominent role in reducing uterine volume (p-value of 0.003). While it was not possible to determine which medical treatment better decreased the number of bleeding days, it was observed that COC performed significantly worse than the other treatments studied (p-value of 0.02). Conclusions: While this meta-analysis provides valuable insights in the comparative efficacy of different treatments, the paucity of relevant studies on the topic might impact the reliability of some of the conclusions drawn. Full article
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5 pages, 601 KiB  
Viewpoint
Association between Physical Activity and Dengue and Its Repercussions for Public Health: New Insights
by Francisco José Gondim Pitanga and Victor Keihan Rodrigues Matsudo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(6), 727; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21060727 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
Dengue is an endemic disease in tropical countries, mainly in South America, Southwest Asia, and Africa, which, despite having a low lethality rate, can overwhelm health systems. Strengthening the immune system through regular physical activity can be an important tool to prevent contagion, [...] Read more.
Dengue is an endemic disease in tropical countries, mainly in South America, Southwest Asia, and Africa, which, despite having a low lethality rate, can overwhelm health systems. Strengthening the immune system through regular physical activity can be an important tool to prevent contagion, worsening, hospitalizations, and deaths caused by the disease, as seen in the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this point of view aims to analyze the possible association between physical activity and dengue and its repercussions on public health. Comments were made on the main characteristics of dengue as well as on the main vaccines available to date. It was also discussed the impacts of dengue on health systems, in addition to the main repercussions for public health when a very large number of people are infected. It was also commented on the main factors that contribute to the worsening of the clinical stage of dengue, in addition to discussions and reflections on physical activity, strengthening the immune system, and dengue. There are assumptions that regular physical activity can be an important public health strategy to prevent contagion, severity, and hospitalizations caused by dengue and that it needs to be promoted by governments around the world as a tool for preventing and treating not only chronic communicable diseases but also infectious diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effect of the Physical Activity on the Health of People)
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28 pages, 14514 KiB  
Review
Disturbances in the Skin Homeostasis: Wound Healing, an Undefined Process
by Montserrat Férnandez-Guarino, Jorge Naharro-Rodriguez and Stefano Bacci
Cosmetics 2024, 11(3), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics11030090 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
This review was written with the aim of examining the effects that cause an insult, such as a wound, to an organ, such as the skin. Before examining the cellular mechanisms relating to wound healing, the reader is invited to read about the [...] Read more.
This review was written with the aim of examining the effects that cause an insult, such as a wound, to an organ, such as the skin. Before examining the cellular mechanisms relating to wound healing, the reader is invited to read about the structure of the skin as a necessary basis for understanding the final aim of this review. The structure of the skin as a basis for understanding the phenomena relating to wound healing is addressed, taking into account the updated literature that addresses the numerous problems of the skin microenvironment. Starting from this awareness, the paragraphs dedicated to wound healing become complicated when this phenomenon is not implemented and therefore while the problems of chronic wounds, keloids, and hypertrophic scars are addressed, these are pathologies that are still difficult to understand and treat today. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Cosmetics—Recent Advances and Perspectives)
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