The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
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17 pages, 15588 KiB  
Interesting Images
Atlas of Dental Near-Infrared Transillumination Images
by Nikolaos Angelakopoulos, Clara Isabel Anton Y Otero, Ademir Franco, Lydia Vazquez, Julian Leprince and Marwa Abdelaziz
Diagnostics 2024, 14(11), 1154; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14111154 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Technological improvements have introduced significant innovations in dentistry and broadened the array of tools and techniques in dental care. One technological development that has been widely researched over the past 20 years is the use of Near-Infrared Transillumination (NIRT) imaging for the diagnosis [...] Read more.
Technological improvements have introduced significant innovations in dentistry and broadened the array of tools and techniques in dental care. One technological development that has been widely researched over the past 20 years is the use of Near-Infrared Transillumination (NIRT) imaging for the diagnosis of dental caries. This paper aims to introduce a comprehensive collection of NIRT images, intended as a reference tool for routine dental examinations, dental research, pedagogical activities, and forensic odontology. The collection presents pairwise clinical and NIRT images categorized as follows: (a) healthy teeth, (b) carious teeth, (c) restored teeth, (d) enamel defects, and (e) diverse findings. This atlas could be a valuable tool for the dental community as it is designed as an identification guide of NIRT illustrated dental features. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dental Imaging)
19 pages, 939 KiB  
Article
Research on Virtual Energy Storage Scheduling Strategy for Air Conditioning Based on Adaptive Thermal Comfort Model
by Ran Lv, Enqi Wu, Li Lan, Chen Fu, Mingxing Guo, Feier Chen, Min Wang and Jie Zou
Energies 2024, 17(11), 2670; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112670 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
With the rapid development of a social economy, the yearly increase in air conditioning load in the winter and summer seasons may bring serious challenges to the safe and economic operation of the power grid during the peak period of electricity consumption. So, [...] Read more.
With the rapid development of a social economy, the yearly increase in air conditioning load in the winter and summer seasons may bring serious challenges to the safe and economic operation of the power grid during the peak period of electricity consumption. So, how we reasonably adjust the set temperature of air conditioning so as to cut down the load during peak periods is very important. In this paper, considering the thermal inertia of air-conditioned buildings and the adaptability of human thermal comfort to temperature changes, the air conditioning load is regarded as virtual energy storage, the air conditioning temperature adjustment range for different users is determined based on the adaptive thermal comfort model of different geographic locations and climatic conditions, and a compensation mechanism is set up based on air conditioning users’ level of participation. Then, an optimal scheduling strategy for a microgrid was constructed with the objectives of user satisfaction, carbon emissions, and microgrid operation benefits, as well as regulating the users’ electricity consumption behavior, and the strategy was solved by using a multi-objective JAYA algorithm. Finally, winter and summer are used as case studies to analyze the results, which demonstrate that regulating the virtual energy storage of air conditioning can effectively improve the economy and environmental friendliness of a microgrid operation and reduce the cost of electricity consumption for the users, taking into account the comfort of the users. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section A1: Smart Grids and Microgrids)
22 pages, 3495 KiB  
Article
Recovery of High-Value Compounds from Yarrowia lipolytica IMUFRJ 50682 Using Autolysis and Acid Hydrolysis
by Rhonyele Maciel da Silva, Bernardo Dias Ribeiro, Ailton Cesar Lemes and Maria Alice Zarur Coelho
Processes 2024, 12(6), 1132; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12061132 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the sequential hydrolysis of the biomass from unconventional and versatile Y. lipolytica to recover mannoproteins, carbohydrates, and other compounds as well as to determine the antioxidant activity of ultrafiltered fractions. The crude biomass underwent autolysis, and the resulting [...] Read more.
This study aimed to evaluate the sequential hydrolysis of the biomass from unconventional and versatile Y. lipolytica to recover mannoproteins, carbohydrates, and other compounds as well as to determine the antioxidant activity of ultrafiltered fractions. The crude biomass underwent autolysis, and the resulting supernatant fraction was used for mannoprotein recovery via precipitation with ethanol. The precipitate obtained after autolysis underwent acid hydrolysis, and the resulting supernatant was ultrafiltered, precipitated, and characterized. The process yields were 55.5% and 46.14% for the crude biomass grown in glucose and glycerol, respectively. The mannoprotein with higher carbohydrate content (from crude biomass grown in glycerol) exhibited a higher emulsification index of 47.35% and thermal stability (60% weight loss). In contrast, the mannoprotein with higher protein content (from crude biomass grown in glucose) showed a better surface tension reduction of 44.50 mN/m. The technological properties showed that the crude biomass and the food ingredients are feasible to apply in food processing. The fractionation of the acid hydrolysis portion allowed the evaluation of the antioxidant power synergism among the components present in the hydrolysate, mostly the protein peptide chain. The sequential hydrolysis method is viable for extracting valuable products from Y. lipolytica. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Lipid Chemistry: Extraction, Process and Analysis)
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20 pages, 1334 KiB  
Article
Transforming the Creative and Social Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: The Broker Roles of Rural Collaborative Workspaces
by Chen Gao and Eleonora Psenner
Societies 2024, 14(6), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14060081 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Creative social enterprises are increasingly emerging in rural regions, motivated by a desire to take social responsibility through creative approaches. These enterprises integrate entrepreneurial activities with creative social attributes and are sometimes set in rural collaborative workspaces (CWSs) facilitating entrepreneurial activities. Under the [...] Read more.
Creative social enterprises are increasingly emerging in rural regions, motivated by a desire to take social responsibility through creative approaches. These enterprises integrate entrepreneurial activities with creative social attributes and are sometimes set in rural collaborative workspaces (CWSs) facilitating entrepreneurial activities. Under the frame of entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs), we argue that CWSs can be seen as brokers, who (1) link resources as liaisons, (2) hold and pass resources as gatekeepers, (3) enhance resource flows as coordinators, and (4) reproduce experiences as representatives. Against this backdrop, this paper presents a case study of two creative social enterprises in a CWS with a cooperative structure in rural Upper Austria by analyzing entrepreneurial biographies about the demand and use of entrepreneurial resources. Through a comparison between before and after the emergence of the CWS, the findings suggest that the EE for creative and social entrepreneurship undergoes two different types of transformation, a radical and a gradual one. The brokerage process of the CWS enhances local resource networks’ transformation of EE and brings the transformation in terms of translocal resources and integral EE of enterprises in the CWS. Additionally, the CWS generates social impacts on the local community through social enterprises. This paper contributes to ecosystem literature by introducing an actor-centric perspective and giving new insights into social entrepreneurship and the transformative power of CWSs as brokers. Full article
8 pages, 503 KiB  
Case Report
Biliary Ascariasis in a Pediatric Patient in Lithuania: Case Report and Literature Review
by Rūta Rokaitė, Mindaugas Dženkaitis, Melita Nedzinskaitė and Rūta Kučinskienė
Medicina 2024, 60(6), 916; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60060916 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Abstract: Hepatobiliary ascariasis is caused by the entry of the nematode A. lumbricoides from the duodenum into the biliary duct. We report a case of an Ascaris-induced extrahepatic biliary tract obstruction in a pediatric patient admitted to the hospital due to [...] Read more.
Abstract: Hepatobiliary ascariasis is caused by the entry of the nematode A. lumbricoides from the duodenum into the biliary duct. We report a case of an Ascaris-induced extrahepatic biliary tract obstruction in a pediatric patient admitted to the hospital due to a wide spectrum of symptoms of biliary disease, which included abdominal pain in the upper abdominal quadrants, vomiting, and jaundice. Imaging tests—including ultrasound, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)—were performed to confirm the diagnosis of biliary ascariasis. The tests did, in fact, demonstrate signs of this disease. Nevertheless, during the ERCP, only the remains of Ascaris parasites in the form of tissue fragments were extracted. We also aim to discuss the prevalence of ascariasis in children, the causes of migration of Ascaris parasites into the bile ducts, together with its clinical manifestations, as well as the diagnostic and treatment methods of this disease. Full article
3 pages, 239 KiB  
Editorial
Special Issue “Novel Chemical Tools for Targeted Cancer Therapy”
by Alexander A. Shtil
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(11), 6044; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25116044 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
When, in 2022, the International Journal of Molecular Sciences asked me to edit the Special Issue, I was quick to propose the title ‘Novel Chemical Tools for Targeted Cancer Therapy’ [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Chemical Tools for Targeted Cancer Therapy)
27 pages, 1260 KiB  
Article
Understanding Colorectal Cancer Patient Experiences with Family Practitioners in Canada
by Patil Mksyartinian, Neha Mohammad, Petra Wildgoose and Barry D. Stein
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(6), 3122-3148; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31060237 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Despite ongoing screening efforts, colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of death in Canada. The aim of this study was to better understand the experiences of Canadian CRC patients with their family practitioners (FPs) during and after their CRC diagnosis. Patient-reported data [...] Read more.
Despite ongoing screening efforts, colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of death in Canada. The aim of this study was to better understand the experiences of Canadian CRC patients with their family practitioners (FPs) during and after their CRC diagnosis. Patient-reported data were collected through an online questionnaire to understand their CRC diagnosis experiences and identify potential gaps in care. Various factors contributing to challenges throughout a patient’s CRC diagnosis (e.g., delayed CRC diagnosis) were determined using descriptive, qualitative, and inferential analyses. These factors could be targeted to optimize CRC care. This study found that 40.6% of the 175 respondents were unaware of at least one of the following aspects of CRC prior to their diagnosis: early-age onset (EAO), symptoms, and screening procedures. While 84.6% had access to a family physician (FP) before their diagnosis, only 17.7% were diagnosed by FPs. Higher proportions of younger individuals experienced misdiagnoses and felt dismissed compared to older individuals. Only half felt fully informed about their diagnosis when it was explained to them by their FP, while 53.1% had their diagnosis explained in plain language. Transitioning towards patient-centred care would promote pre-diagnosis CRC awareness, address differences in management of CRC care (e.g., dismissal and support), and accommodate for age and health-literacy-related disparities, thereby improving CRC care pathways for patients. Future research should investigate FPs experiences in detecting CRC cases to develop educational resources and recommendations, enhancing early detection and improving patient outcomes (1). Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Gastrointestinal Oncology)
21 pages, 1365 KiB  
Article
Identification of New, Translatable ProtectomiRs against Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury and Oxidative Stress: The Role of MMP/Biglycan Signaling Pathways
by Tamara Szabados, Arnold Molnár, Éva Kenyeres, Kamilla Gömöri, Judit Pipis, Bence Pósa, András Makkos, Bence Ágg, Zoltán Giricz, Péter Ferdinandy, Anikó Görbe and Péter Bencsik
Antioxidants 2024, 13(6), 674; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13060674 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Introduction: Ischemic conditionings (ICon) were intensively investigated and several protective signaling pathways were identified. Previously, we have shown the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI) and the cardioprotective role of biglycan (BGN), a small leucine-rich proteoglycan in vitro. Here, [...] Read more.
Introduction: Ischemic conditionings (ICon) were intensively investigated and several protective signaling pathways were identified. Previously, we have shown the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI) and the cardioprotective role of biglycan (BGN), a small leucine-rich proteoglycan in vitro. Here, we hypothesized that cardiac MMP and BGN signaling are involved in the protective effects of ICon. Methods: A reverse target-microRNA prediction was performed by using the miRNAtarget™ 2.0 software to identify human microRNAs with a possible regulatory effect on MMP and BGN, such as on related genes. To validate the identified 1289 miRNAs in the predicted network, we compared them to two cardioprotective miRNA omics datasets derived from pig and rat models of MIRI in the presence of ICons. Results: Among the experimentally measured miRNAs, we found 100% sequence identity to human predicted regulatory miRNAs in the case of 37 porcine and 24 rat miRNAs. Upon further analysis, 42 miRNAs were identified as MIRI-associated miRNAs, from which 24 miRNAs were counter-regulated due to ICons. Conclusions: Our findings highlight 24 miRNAs that potentially regulate cardioprotective therapeutic targets associated with MMPs and BGN in a highly translatable porcine model of acute myocardial infarction. Full article
21 pages, 5959 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Accuracy of 50 Temperature-Based Models for Estimating Potential Evapotranspiration (PET) in a Mediterranean Mountainous Forest Environment
by Nikolaos D. Proutsos, Mariangela N. Fotelli, Stefanos P. Stefanidis and Dimitris Tigkas
Atmosphere 2024, 15(6), 662; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15060662 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Potential evapotranspiration (PET) is a crucial parameter for forest development, having an important role in ecological, biometeorological, and hydrological assessments. Accurate estimations of PET using the FAO–56 Penman–Monteith (FAO–56 PM) benchmark method require a wide range of data parameters, which are not typically [...] Read more.
Potential evapotranspiration (PET) is a crucial parameter for forest development, having an important role in ecological, biometeorological, and hydrological assessments. Accurate estimations of PET using the FAO–56 Penman–Monteith (FAO–56 PM) benchmark method require a wide range of data parameters, which are not typically available at meteorological stations installed in forest environments. The aim of this study is to investigate the accuracy of various methods with low data requirements for assessing PET in a Mediterranean forest environment and propose appropriate alternatives for accurate PET estimation. Specifically, 50 temperature-based methods were evaluated against the FAO–56 PM method in a sub-humid forest in northern Greece, using high-quality daily meteorological data. The outcomes indicate that temperature-based methods offer a viable alternative for PET estimation when data availability is limited, with a considerable number of methods (22) presenting low deviations (up to 10%) compared to the benchmark method. Temperature-based models outperformed those incorporating water-related parameters (as relative humidity or precipitation) in Mediterranean forest environments. The top performing methods in the study site, based on several statistical indices, were the equations of Ravazzani et al., proposed in 2012, followed by Hargreaves–Samani in 1985 and Heydari and Heydari in 2014. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biosphere/Hydrosphere/Land–Atmosphere Interactions)
18 pages, 2106 KiB  
Article
Can Simulated Microgravity and Darkness Conditions Influence the Phytochemical Content and Bioactivity of the Sprouts?—A Preliminary Study on Selected Fabaceae Species
by Marta Grudzińska, Agnieszka Galanty, Ewelina Prochownik, Agata Kołodziejczyk and Paweł Paśko
Plants 2024, 13(11), 1515; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13111515 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Sprouts’ consumption has become popular due to their wide availability, easy cultivation process, and proven biological activity. Moreover, stress factors, such as limited access to light or disturbed gravity during growth, may contribute to the increased activity and the synthesis of bioactive compounds. [...] Read more.
Sprouts’ consumption has become popular due to their wide availability, easy cultivation process, and proven biological activity. Moreover, stress factors, such as limited access to light or disturbed gravity during growth, may contribute to the increased activity and the synthesis of bioactive compounds. In this study, for the first time, the examination of the impact of darkness and simulated microgravity conditions on the white clover sprouts from the Fabaceae family was conducted. Among several species, used in the preliminary attempts, only white clover was satisfactory sprouting in the disturbed gravity conditions, and thus was chosen for further examination. A random positioning machine setup was used during the cultivation process to simulate microgravity conditions. Additionally, the sprouts were cultivated in total darkness. Simulated microgravity and/or darkness during the first few days of the sprouts’ growth caused biomass reduction, the increased synthesis of bioactive compounds (isoflavones and phenolics), and changes in the level of abscisic acid and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase. Moreover, it increased the antioxidant properties of the sprouts, while the enhancement of their cytotoxic impact was observed only for androgen-dependent prostate cancer LNCaP cells. To conclude, the presented results are promising in searching for novel functional food candidates and further studies are necessary, directed at other plant families. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Extracts and Their Cytotoxic Activities 2nd Edition)
10 pages, 576 KiB  
Article
Five Large 13th Century C.E. Volcanic Eruptions Recorded in Antarctica Ice Cores
by Jihong Cole-Dai, Derek L. Brandis and Dave G. Ferris
Atmosphere 2024, 15(6), 661; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15060661 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Major explosive volcanic eruptions impact the climate by altering the radiative balance of the atmosphere and through feedback mechanisms in the climate system. The extent of the impact depends on the magnitude (aerosol mass loading) and the number or frequency of such eruptions. [...] Read more.
Major explosive volcanic eruptions impact the climate by altering the radiative balance of the atmosphere and through feedback mechanisms in the climate system. The extent of the impact depends on the magnitude (aerosol mass loading) and the number or frequency of such eruptions. Multiple Antarctica ice core records of past volcanic eruptions reveal that the number (5) of major eruptions (volcanic sulfate deposition flux greater than 10 kg km−2) was the highest in the 13th century over the last two millennia. Signals of four of the five eruptions are dated to the second half of the century, indicating consecutive major eruptions capable of causing sustained climate impact via known feedback processes. The fact that signals of four corresponding eruptions have been found in a Greenland ice core indicates that four of the five 13th century eruptions were probably by volcanoes in the low latitudes (between 20° N and 20° S) with substantial aerosol mass loading. These eruptions in the low latitudes likely exerted the strongest volcanic impact on climate in the last two millennia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Volcanic Eruptions on the Atmosphere)
14 pages, 1557 KiB  
Article
Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and Infrared Analysis of Double Perovskites Pr2NiMnO6, Gd2NiMnO6, and Er2NiMnO6 Functional Nano-Ceramics
by Mebark Elhamel, Zoulikha Hebboul, Djamal Benbertal, Pablo Botella and Daniel Errandonea
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(11), 960; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14110960 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
We synthesized Pr2NiMnO6, Gd2NiMnO6, and Er2NiMnO6 double perovskites in a nano-ceramic form by a sol–gel method. By means of room-temperature X-ray powder diffraction measurements, we determined the crystal structure of the three [...] Read more.
We synthesized Pr2NiMnO6, Gd2NiMnO6, and Er2NiMnO6 double perovskites in a nano-ceramic form by a sol–gel method. By means of room-temperature X-ray powder diffraction measurements, we determined the crystal structure of the three compounds, which is monoclinic, corresponding to a double perovskite structure, described by space group P21/n structure. From the determined structures, the bulk moduli were estimated to be 173–179 GPa. The average size particle of nanoparticles was determined from X-ray diffraction by the Langford method plot and by the Scherrer formula. The morphology and homogeneity of nanoparticles were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. We found that they form compact agglomerations of approximately 200 nm in diameter. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements were performed, determining the absorption spectrum. The assignment of the measured infrared absorption bands is discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nanocomposite Materials)
17 pages, 251 KiB  
Article
A New Voice of German Nationalism: An Analysis of Friedrich Schleiermacher’s Nationalist Expression, 1799–1813
by William Stewart Skiles
Religions 2024, 15(6), 684; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15060684 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Friedrich Schleiermacher emerged as a prominent advocate for German nationalism in the Wars of Liberation from Napoleonic domination in the early nineteenth century. Alongside his work as a pastor and theologian in Berlin, and also as the co-founder of the University of Berlin, [...] Read more.
Friedrich Schleiermacher emerged as a prominent advocate for German nationalism in the Wars of Liberation from Napoleonic domination in the early nineteenth century. Alongside his work as a pastor and theologian in Berlin, and also as the co-founder of the University of Berlin, Schleiermacher developed German nationalism from a distinctly Protestant perspective, one that sought the preservation of Protestantism in the German lands under Napoleonic domination. While it would be an overstatement to suggest that Schleiermacher’s nationalism was anti-Catholic, he certainly sought to preserve and maintain Protestantism in the German lands. His vision of the German nation-state emphasized Germany’s role as a divine instrument of God’s will in the world. He assumed the cultural unity of the peoples in German lands, that is, an area of land in which the peoples are bound together by the common use of the German language. In his distinct role as a pastor, theologian, and academic, he was devoted to the cultivation of German national consciousness and the establishment of a German nation-state. Schleiermacher’s work would help to provide a cultural foundation for the emergence of the German nation-state more than half a century before the establishment of the German empire. Full article
11 pages, 5353 KiB  
Article
The Formation Mechanism of Oxide Inclusions in a High-Aluminum Ni-Based Superalloy during the Vacuum Induction Remelting Process
by Lihui Zhang, Erkang Liu, Weijie Xing, Zhaojiang Xue, Wenjie Fan, Yunsong Zhao, Yushi Luo, Changchun Ge and Min Xia
Metals 2024, 14(6), 654; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14060654 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Oxide inclusions in Ni-based superalloys play a crucial role in determining their mechanical properties, oxidation resistance, and corrosion resistance at high temperatures. In this paper, the source and formation mechanism of different types of oxide inclusions in a high-aluminum Ni-based superalloy were systematically [...] Read more.
Oxide inclusions in Ni-based superalloys play a crucial role in determining their mechanical properties, oxidation resistance, and corrosion resistance at high temperatures. In this paper, the source and formation mechanism of different types of oxide inclusions in a high-aluminum Ni-based superalloy were systematically studied. An automatic field emission scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer and a self-designed superalloy inclusion analysis standard was utilized to quantitatively reveal the oxide inclusion characteristics of the high-aluminum Ni-based superalloy prepared via vacuum induction melting (VIM) and vacuum induction remelting (VIR) processes. The experimental results indicate that the typical oxide inclusions in the Ni-based superalloy before the VIR process are irregular MgO·Al2O3 inclusions with sizes of less than 2 μm. After the VIR process, the typical oxide inclusions in the Ni-based superalloy are also MgO·Al2O3 inclusions. However, these oxide inclusions can be classified into three categories: (i) endogenous irregular MgO·Al2O3 inclusions, less than 4.3 μm in size, inherited from the master alloy; (ii) several hundred-micron film-like MgO·Al2O3 inclusions generated as interface reaction products between the MgO crucible and melts; and (iii) millimeter-scale MgO·Al2O3 inclusions and several tens of microns of MgO inclusions from the exfoliation of the MgO crucible matrix. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solidification and Casting of Metals and Alloys)
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16 pages, 2766 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Oral Microbiome before and after Treatments for Halitosis with Photodynamic Therapy and Probiotics—Pilot Study
by Pamella de Barros Motta, Marcela Leticia Leal Gonçalves, Juliana Maria Altavista Sagretti Gallo, Ana Paula Taboada Sobral, Lara Jansiski Motta, Elaine Marcílio Santos, David José Casimiro de Andrade, Cinthya Cosme Gutierrez Duran, Kristianne Porta Santos Fernandes, Raquel Agnelli Mesquita-Ferrari, Anna Carolina Ratto Tempestini Horliana and Sandra Kalil Bussadori
Healthcare 2024, 12(11), 1123; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12111123 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Background: To compare photodynamic therapy and the use of probiotics in reducing halitosis assessed through gas chromatography and microbiome analysis. Methods: Participants aged from 18 to 25 years showing sulfide (SH2) ≥ 112 ppb on gas chromatography were selected. They were divided into [...] Read more.
Background: To compare photodynamic therapy and the use of probiotics in reducing halitosis assessed through gas chromatography and microbiome analysis. Methods: Participants aged from 18 to 25 years showing sulfide (SH2) ≥ 112 ppb on gas chromatography were selected. They were divided into four treatment groups: Group 1—Tongue Scraping; Group 2—Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT); Group 3—Probiotics; and Group 4—Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT) and Probiotics. The halimetry process was performed before, immediately after the treatments, and 7 days, 14 days, and 30 days after the initial collection. The collections for later microbiological analysis were made along with the halimetry for microbiome analysis. Results: Treatment with aPDT or probiotics under these experimental conditions was not able to change the bacteria present in the biofilm of the tongue. Conclusions: More research is needed to know the behavior of the oral microbiome in the presence of halitosis and the effectiveness of new treatments. Full article
14 pages, 1348 KiB  
Article
The Role of Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule Cancer Stem Cell Marker in Evaluation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
by Marwa A. El-Kholy, Shimaa S. Abu-Seadah, Abdulkarim Hasan, Mohammed E. A. Elhussiny, Mohammed S. Abdelwahed, Mehenaz Hanbazazh, Abdulhadi Samman, Saeed A. Alrashdi, Zaky F. Rashed, Diaa Ashmawy, Alyaa E. Othman, Mohamed F. Abdelaleem, Amany I. A. Abo-Saif, Rania R. Abdel-Maqsoud, Samah M. Attiah, Eissa Saeed Assiri, Mohamed Nasr, Khadiga Ahmed Ismail, Diana Z. Saad and Marwa M. El-Mosely
Medicina 2024, 60(6), 915; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60060915 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent form of malignancy that is characterized by high mortality rates and prognosis that remain suboptimal, largely due to treatment resistance mechanisms. Recent studies have implicated cancer stem cells (CSCs), particularly those expressing epithelial cell [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent form of malignancy that is characterized by high mortality rates and prognosis that remain suboptimal, largely due to treatment resistance mechanisms. Recent studies have implicated cancer stem cells (CSCs), particularly those expressing epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), in HCC progression and resistance. In the present study, we sought to assess EpCAM expression in HCC patients and its correlation with various clinicopathological parameters. Materials and Methods: Tissue samples from 42 HCC patients were subjected to immunohistochemical staining to evaluate EpCAM expression. Clinicopathological data were obtained including the size, grade and stage of tumors, vascular invasion status, alpha-fetoprotein levels, and cirrhosis status. The Chi square and Fisher’s exact tests were employed to assess the association between categorical groups. Independent Student-t test or Mann–Whitney U test was used to investigate the association between continuous patient characteristics and survival. Results: Immunohistochemical analysis revealed EpCAM expression in 52.5% of HCC cases. EpCAM-positive tumors exhibited characteristics indicative of aggressive disease, including larger tumor sizes (p = 0.006), greater tumor multiplicity (p = 0.004), higher grades (p = 0.002), more advanced stages (p = 0.003), vascular invasion (p = 0.023), elevated alpha-fetoprotein levels (p = 0.013), and cirrhosis (p=0.052). Survival analysis demonstrated that EpCAM expression was significantly associated with lower overall rates of survival and higher rates of recurrence in HCC patients. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that EpCAM expression may serve as a prognostic biomarker for HCC with a potential role in patient management. Targeting EpCAM-positive CSCs may represent a promising approach to overcome treatment resistance and improve clinical outcomes in HCC. However, further investigation into the molecular mechanisms underlying EpCAM’s role in HCC progression is warranted to facilitate the development of personalized therapeutic interventions. Full article
11 pages, 507 KiB  
Article
Lung Clearance Index as a Screening Parameter of Pulmonary Impairment in Patients under Immune Checkpoint Therapy: A Pilot Study
by Maya-Leonie C. Steinbach, Jakob Eska, Julia Weitzel, Alexandra R. Görges, Julia K. Tietze and Manfred Ballmann
Cancers 2024, 16(11), 2088; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16112088 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Background: Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has presented a breakthrough in the treatment of malignant tumors and increased the overall survival of patients with various tumor entities. ICB may also cause immune-related adverse events, such as pneumonitis or interstitial lung disease. The lung clearance [...] Read more.
Background: Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has presented a breakthrough in the treatment of malignant tumors and increased the overall survival of patients with various tumor entities. ICB may also cause immune-related adverse events, such as pneumonitis or interstitial lung disease. The lung clearance index (LCI) is a multiple-breath washout technique offering information on lung pathology in addition to conventional spirometry. It measures the degree of pulmonary ventilation inhomogeneity and allows early detection of pulmonary damage, especially that to peripheral airways. Methods: This cross-sectional study compared the lung function of patients with melanoma or metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma who received programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte-associated Protein 4 (CTLA-4) antibodies, alone or in combination, to age- and sex-matched controls. Lung function was assessed using spirometry, according to American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society standards, the LCI, and a diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO) measurement. Results: Sixty-one screened patients and thirty-eight screened controls led to nineteen successfully included pairs. The LCI in the ICB-treated patients was 8.41 ± 1.15 (mean ± SD), which was 0.32 higher compared to 8.07 ± 1.17 in the control group, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.452). The patients receiving their ICB therapy for under five months showed a significantly lower LCI (7.98 ± 0.77) compared to the ICB patients undergoing therapy for over five months (9.63 ± 1.22) at the point of testing (p = 0.014). Spirometric analysis revealed that the forced expiratory volume between 25 and 75% of the forced vital capacity (FEF25-75%) in the ICB-treated patients was significantly reduced (p = 0.047) compared to the control group. DLCO (%predicted and adjusted for hemoglobin) was 94.4 ± 19.7 in the ICB patients and 93.4 ± 21.7 in the control group (p = 0.734). Conclusions: The patients undergoing ICB therapy showed slightly impaired lung function compared to the controls. Longer periods of ICB treatment led to deterioration of the LCI, which may be a sign of a subclinical inflammatory process. The LCI is feasible and may be easily integrated into the clinical daily routine and could contribute to early detection of pulmonary (auto-)inflammation. Full article
17 pages, 9629 KiB  
Article
Approach to Psychic Wholeness: Psychoanalytic Theory in Daoist Supreme Deity Talismans of XuHuo
by Fang Liu
Religions 2024, 15(6), 683; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15060683 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
The Supreme Deity Talismans of XuHuo, as the mysterious visual artforms in Daoism, are significant ritual images created by Daoists during the Song and Yuan dynasties. This article explores the creation process of the SDTXH by applying psychoanalytic theory to analyze the [...] Read more.
The Supreme Deity Talismans of XuHuo, as the mysterious visual artforms in Daoism, are significant ritual images created by Daoists during the Song and Yuan dynasties. This article explores the creation process of the SDTXH by applying psychoanalytic theory to analyze the literature related to their drawings in Daozang. The ritualistic concentration involved in writing the SDTXH resembles Jung’s systematic exercises aimed at eliminating critical attention, thus creating a vacuum in conscious. This vacuum serves as the key premise for active imagination, through which the unconscious is integrated into the conscious. Fuqiao, in fact, is a symbol dynamically depicting the process of the unconscious being inseminated by the conscious through immersion within it. This integration, or unity, represents the embodiment of concepts such as “mandala”, Guizhong, and Taiji. The SDTXH originate from Guizhong and essentially serve as archetypal images, similar to the sandplay images constructed by the clients. As the language of the unconscious, the SDTXH effectively bridge the conscious and unconscious, enabling the unconscious content, namely the archetype, to be symbolically expressed and bringing order to the creator through active imagination. The emergence of the SDTXH signifies the practitioner’s progress towards achieving psychic wholeness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Religiosity and Psychopathology)
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21 pages, 534 KiB  
Review
Diagnostics of Allergy to Furry Animals—Possibilities in 2024
by Tomasz Rosada, Kinga Lis, Zbigniew Bartuzi, Magdalena Grześk-Kaczyńska and Natalia Ukleja-Sokołowska
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(11), 3239; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13113239 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Diagnosing allergies is not always easy. Sometimes the symptoms reported by the patient do not match the results of diagnostic tests. Diagnostics of IgE-dependent allergy, including allergy to furry animals, can be based on two basic strategies, “BOTTOM-UP” and “TOP-DOWN”, and almost all [...] Read more.
Diagnosing allergies is not always easy. Sometimes the symptoms reported by the patient do not match the results of diagnostic tests. Diagnostics of IgE-dependent allergy, including allergy to furry animals, can be based on two basic strategies, “BOTTOM-UP” and “TOP-DOWN”, and almost all available allergy tests can be used ranging from skin tests, through specific IgE, to molecular panels and challenge tests. Currently, most information regarding the diagnosis and incidence of allergies to furry animals focuses almost exclusively on the two most common pets—dogs and cats. This is certainly due to the fact that allergy to cats and/or dogs is a common phenomenon, has a huge impact on quality of life, and is a challenge for doctors of many specialties. However, the growing number of owners of other pet species means that diagnostic methods must keep up with the changing needs of patients. Further research in these groups will certainly provide new facts and facilitate clinical decision-making when working with allergic patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Guidelines)
23 pages, 7870 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of miRNAs and Natural Antisense Transcripts Show the Complexity of Gene Regulatory Networks for Secondary Metabolism in Aristolochia contorta
by Wenjing Liang, Yayun Xu, Xinyun Cui, Caili Li and Shanfa Lu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(11), 6043; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25116043 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Aristolochia contorta Bunge is an academically and medicinally important plant species. It belongs to the magnoliids, with an uncertain phylogenetic position, and is one of the few plant species lacking a whole-genome duplication (WGD) event after the angiosperm-wide WGD. A. contorta has been [...] Read more.
Aristolochia contorta Bunge is an academically and medicinally important plant species. It belongs to the magnoliids, with an uncertain phylogenetic position, and is one of the few plant species lacking a whole-genome duplication (WGD) event after the angiosperm-wide WGD. A. contorta has been an important traditional Chinese medicine material. Since it contains aristolochic acids (AAs), chemical compounds with nephrotoxity and carcinogenicity, the utilization of this plant has attracted widespread attention. Great efforts are being made to increase its bioactive compounds and reduce or completely remove toxic compounds. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and natural antisense transcripts (NATs) are two classes of regulators potentially involved in metabolism regulation. Here, we report the identification and characterization of 223 miRNAs and 363 miRNA targets. The identified miRNAs include 51 known miRNAs belonging to 20 families and 172 novel miRNAs belonging to 107 families. A negative correlation between the expression of miRNAs and their targets was observed. In addition, we identified 441 A. contorta NATs and 560 NAT-sense transcript (ST) pairs, of which 12 NATs were targets of 13 miRNAs, forming 18 miRNA-NAT-ST modules. Various miRNAs and NATs potentially regulated secondary metabolism through the modes of miRNA-target gene–enzyme genes, NAT-STs, and NAT-miRNA-target gene–enzyme genes, suggesting the complexity of gene regulatory networks in A. contorta. The results lay a solid foundation for further manipulating the production of its bioactive and toxic compounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Plant Sciences)
14 pages, 3299 KiB  
Article
Sheep Wool Waste Availability for Potential Sustainable Re-Use and Valorization: A GIS-Based Model
by Giusi Midolo, Simona M. C. Porto, Giovanni Cascone and Francesca Valenti
Agriculture 2024, 14(6), 872; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14060872 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Worldwide, 1.3 to 2.1 billion tons of agricultural waste are generated yearly, including livestock wastes (i.e., sheep wool), which create several critical environmental issues if not properly treated. In order to reduce the environmental issues related to the management and disposal, their use [...] Read more.
Worldwide, 1.3 to 2.1 billion tons of agricultural waste are generated yearly, including livestock wastes (i.e., sheep wool), which create several critical environmental issues if not properly treated. In order to reduce the environmental issues related to the management and disposal, their use as natural fibers for green building components has notably developed over the last years. Indeed, sheep wool, which is a natural animal fiber that comes from shearing sheep fleece, is considered to be a problem of increasing concern due to its complex and difficult disposal management. Recently, several researchers have demonstrated that “low-quality wool” (i.e., not appropriate for textile uses) is suitable for the thermal and acoustic insulation of buildings. Indeed, thanks to its thermo-hygrometric and acoustic characteristics, it can be used as a reinforcing fiber for composite materials. In this study, a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based model to locate and quantify both the yearly amount of livestock waste, i.e., sheep wool, and the territorial distribution of sheep farms through their Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates, was developed and applied within the selected study area (i.e., the Sicily region). The aim was to identify the territorial areas highly characterized by this kind of waste and therefore most suitable for localizing new shared sheep wool collection centers to sustainably manage the reuse of this waste as a potential green building component. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Precision Farming for Sustainable Agriculture)
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23 pages, 1896 KiB  
Article
40Ar/39Ar Dating and In Situ Trace Element Geochemistry of Quartz and Mica in the Weilasituo Deposit in Inner Mongolia, China: Implications for Li–Polymetallic Metallogenesis
by Xue Wang, Ke-Yong Wang, Yang Gao, Jun-Chi Chen, Han-Wen Xue and Hao-Ming Li
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 575; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060575 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
The Weilasituo Li–polymetallic deposit, located on the western slope of the southern Great Xing’an Range in the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt, is hosted by quartz porphyry with crypto-explosive breccia-type Li mineralisation atop and vein-type Sn-Mo-W-Zn polymetallic mineralisation throughout the breccia pipe. This [...] Read more.
The Weilasituo Li–polymetallic deposit, located on the western slope of the southern Great Xing’an Range in the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt, is hosted by quartz porphyry with crypto-explosive breccia-type Li mineralisation atop and vein-type Sn-Mo-W-Zn polymetallic mineralisation throughout the breccia pipe. This study introduces new data on multistage quartz and mica in situ trace elements; the study was conducted using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and 40Ar/39Ar dating of zinnwaldite to delineate the metallogenic age and genesis of Li mineralisation. Zinnwaldite yields a plateau age of 132.45 ± 1.3 Ma (MSWD = 0.77), representing Early Cretaceous Li mineralisation. Throughout the magmatic–hydrothermal process, quartz trace elements showed Ge enrichment. Li, Al, and Ti contents decreased, with Al/Ti and Ge/Ti ratios increasing, indicating increased magmatic differentiation, slight acidification, and cooling. Mica’s rising Li, Rb, Cs, Mg, and Ti contents and Nb/Ta ratio, alongside its falling K/Rb ratio, indicate the magma’s ongoing crystallisation differentiation. Fractional crystallisation primarily enriched Li, Rb, and Cs in the late melt. Mica’s high Sc, V, and W contents indicate a high fO2 setting, with a slightly lower fO2 during zinnwaldite formation. Greisenisation observed Zn, Mg, and Fe influx from the host rock, broadening zinnwaldite distribution and forming minor Zn vein orebodies later. Late-stage fluorite precipitation highlights a rise in F levels, with fluid Sn and W levels tied to magma evolution and F content. In summary, the Weilasituo Li–polymetallic deposit was formed in an Early Cretaceous extensional environment and is closely related to a nearby highly differentiated Li-F granite. During magma differentiation, rare metal elements such as Li and Rb were enriched in residual melts. The decrease in temperature and the acidic environment led to the precipitation of Li-, Rb-, and W-bearing minerals, and the increased F content in the late stage led to Sn enrichment and mineralisation. Fluid metasomatism causes Zn, Mg, and Fe in the surrounding rock to enter the fluid, and Zn is enriched and mineralised in the later period. Full article
14 pages, 2691 KiB  
Article
Combined Geophysical Methods in Extreme Environments—An Example from the Dead Sea
by Michael Lazar, Linjing Cheng and Uri Basson
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(11), 1978; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16111978 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
The application of geophysical methods in saline environments is limited in their ability to discern shallow subsurface geology and tectonics due to the high subsurface conductivity, which can play havoc with the geophysical signal. Recent changes in the hypersaline Dead Sea provided the [...] Read more.
The application of geophysical methods in saline environments is limited in their ability to discern shallow subsurface geology and tectonics due to the high subsurface conductivity, which can play havoc with the geophysical signal. Recent changes in the hypersaline Dead Sea provided the opportunity to demonstrate the effectiveness and adequacy of the terrestrial frequency domain electromagnetic (henceforth FDEM) method in such settings. Since the International Continental Drilling Program (ICDP) 5017-3-C borehole was cored in 2011 in a water depth of ~2.1 m, the lake level has dropped by almost 15 m, exposing some 320 m of a new, salt-encrusted shore. An FDEM survey was carried out on what is now land across the borehole. The results of the survey were compared to downhole gamma ray logging data. Three lithologies were found based on gamma-ray cutoff values, and they are in agreement with changes in apparent electric conductivity. The FDEM survey supplied additional spatial information on the subsurface geology, highlighting areas of fluid flow and fracturing, which were found to be aligned with the trend of small strike-slip faults and earthquake clusters from previous studies. The FDEM method is a reliable way of discerning shallow subsurface geology, even in harsh conditions where other geophysical methods are limited. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing of the Dead Sea Region)
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