The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
Review
Narrative Review of the Safety of Using Pigs for Xenotransplantation: Characteristics and Diagnostic Methods of Vertical Transmissible Viruses
by Su-Jin Kim and Joonho Moon
Biomedicines 2024, 12(6), 1181; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12061181 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
Amid the deepening imbalance in the supply and demand of allogeneic organs, xenotransplantation can be a practical alternative because it makes an unlimited supply of organs possible. However, to perform xenotransplantation on patients, the source animals to be used must be free from [...] Read more.
Amid the deepening imbalance in the supply and demand of allogeneic organs, xenotransplantation can be a practical alternative because it makes an unlimited supply of organs possible. However, to perform xenotransplantation on patients, the source animals to be used must be free from infectious agents. This requires the breeding of animals using assisted reproductive techniques, such as somatic cell nuclear transfer, embryo transfer, and cesarean section, without colostrum derived in designated pathogen-free (DPF) facilities. Most infectious agents can be removed from animals produced via these methods, but several viruses known to pass through the placenta are not easy to remove, even with these methods. Therefore, in this narrative review, we examine the characteristics of several viruses that are important to consider in xenotransplantation due to their ability to cross the placenta, and investigate how these viruses can be detected. This review is intended to help maintain DPF facilities by preventing animals infected with the virus from entering DPF facilities and to help select pigs suitable for xenotransplantation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Microbiology in Human Health and Disease)
20 pages, 644 KiB  
Article
Associations between Diabetes-Specific Medication Regimen Complexity and Cardiometabolic Outcomes among Underserved Non-Hispanic Black Adults Living with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
by Cheryl Wisseh, Edward Adinkrah, Linda Opara, Sheila Melone, Emem Udott, Mohsen Bazargan and Magda Shaheen
Pharmacy 2024, 12(3), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy12030083 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management and glycemic control in underserved non-Hispanic Black adults presents with multifaceted challenges: balancing the optimal complexity of antihyperglycemic medications prescribed, limited medication access due to socioeconomic status, medication nonadherence, and high prevalence of cardiometabolic comorbidities. This single-center, [...] Read more.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management and glycemic control in underserved non-Hispanic Black adults presents with multifaceted challenges: balancing the optimal complexity of antihyperglycemic medications prescribed, limited medication access due to socioeconomic status, medication nonadherence, and high prevalence of cardiometabolic comorbidities. This single-center, cross-sectional, retrospective chart analysis evaluated the association of Medication Regimen Complexity (MRC) with cardiometabolic outcomes (glycemic, atherogenic cholesterol, and blood pressure control) among non-Hispanic Black adults with type 2 diabetes. Utilizing 470 independent patient electronic health records, MRC and other covariates were examined to determine their associations with cardiometabolic outcomes. Chi-square tests of independence and multiple logistic regression were performed to identify associations between MRC and cardiometabolic outcomes. Our findings indicate significant negative and positive associations between MRC and glycemic control and atherogenic cholesterol control, respectively. However, there were no associations between MRC and blood pressure control. As diabetes MRC was shown to be associated with poor glycemic control and improved atherogenic cholesterol control, there is a critical need to standardize interdisciplinary diabetes care to include pharmacists and to develop more insurance policy interventions that increase access to newer, efficacious diabetes medications for historically marginalized populations. Full article
15 pages, 3656 KiB  
Article
Alteration of Gut Microbiota Composition and Diversity in Acute and/or Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease Following Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Prospective Cohort Study
by Eleni Gavriilaki, Maria Christoforidi, Konstantinos Ouranos, Fani Minti, Despina Mallouri, Christos Varelas, Andriana Lazaridou, Eirini Baldoumi, Alkistis Panteliadou, Zoi Bousiou, Ioannis Batsis, Ioanna Sakellari and Georgia Gioula
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(11), 5789; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25115789 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
Changes in gut microbiome composition have been implicated in the pathogenesis of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Our objective was to explore the microbial abundance in patients with GvHD after allo-HSCT. We conducted a single-center, prospective study in [...] Read more.
Changes in gut microbiome composition have been implicated in the pathogenesis of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Our objective was to explore the microbial abundance in patients with GvHD after allo-HSCT. We conducted a single-center, prospective study in patients who underwent allo-HSCT and developed grade II or higher acute GvHD and/or moderate or severe chronic GvHD, to explore the microbial abundance of taxa at the phylum, family, genus, and species level, and we utilized alpha and beta diversity indices to further describe our findings. We collected fecal specimens at −2 to +2 (T1), +11 to +17 (T2), +25 to +30 (T3), +90 (T4), and +180 (T5) days to assess changes in gut microbiota, with day 0 being the day of allo-HSCT. We included 20 allo-HSCT recipients in the study. Compared with timepoint T1, at timepoint T4 we found a significant decrease in the abundance of Proteobacteria phylum (14.22% at T1 vs. 4.07% at T4, p = 0.01) and Enterobacteriaceae family (13.3% at T1 vs. <0.05% at T4, p < 0.05), as well as a significant increase in Enterococcus species (0.1% at T1 vs. 12.8% at T4, p < 0.05) in patients who developed acute GvHD. Regarding patients who developed chronic GvHD after allo-HSCT, there was a significant reduction in the abundance of Eurobactereaceae family (1.32% at T1 vs. 0.53% at T4, p < 0.05) and Roseruria genus (3.97% at T1 vs. 0.09% at T4, p < 0.05) at T4 compared with T1. Alpha and beta diversity analyses did not reveal a difference in the abundance of bacteria at the genus level in GvHD patients at T4 compared with T1. Our study reinforces results from previous studies regarding changes in gut microbiota in patients with acute GvHD and provides new data regarding the gut microbiome changes in chronic GvHD. Future studies will need to incorporate clinical parameters in their analyses to establish their association with specific changes in gut microbiota in patients with GvHD after allo-HSCT. Full article
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23 pages, 498 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Value Co-Creation of Cultural Creative Hotels: From the Perspective of Social Innovation
by Mai-Rong Wang and Chun-Liang Chen
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4510; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114510 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
Abstract: Social innovation has emerged as a transformative force in businesses, particularly in the context of cultural and creative hotels. This study aims to explore the relationship between social innovation and value co-creation in cultural and creative hotels, compare the intrinsic characteristics of [...] Read more.
Abstract: Social innovation has emerged as a transformative force in businesses, particularly in the context of cultural and creative hotels. This study aims to explore the relationship between social innovation and value co-creation in cultural and creative hotels, compare the intrinsic characteristics of social innovation and value co-creation within these hotels, and investigate the key factors driving social innovation in this sector. Employing a qualitative research methodology based on the theory of social innovation, this paper examines the process of value co-creation and analyzes the three key drivers within the social innovation ecosystem: establishing interdependence and identity among organizations; enhancing cognitive and value exchanges between organizations; and generating consensus through the role transformation of participants. The findings suggest that the key drivers of the social innovation ecosystem not only enhance the innovation capabilities of businesses but also motivate them to collaboratively create mutually beneficial and symbiotic value. Full article
17 pages, 3167 KiB  
Article
Biodiversity of Demersal Fish Communities in the Cosmonaut Sea Revealed by DNA Barcoding Analyses
by Hai Li, Xing Miao, Rui Wang, Yuzhuo Liao, Yilin Wen, Ran Zhang and Longshan Lin
Genes 2024, 15(6), 691; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15060691 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
The Cosmonaut Sea is one of the least accessed regions in the Southern Ocean, and our knowledge about the fish biodiversity in the region is sparse. In this study, we provided a description of demersal fish diversity in the Cosmonaut Sea by analysing [...] Read more.
The Cosmonaut Sea is one of the least accessed regions in the Southern Ocean, and our knowledge about the fish biodiversity in the region is sparse. In this study, we provided a description of demersal fish diversity in the Cosmonaut Sea by analysing cytochrome oxidase I (COI) barcodes of 98 fish samples that were hauled by trawling during the 37th and 38th Chinese National Antarctic Research Expedition (CHINARE) cruises. Twenty-four species representing 19 genera and 11 families, namely, Artedidraconidae, Bathydraconidae, Bathylagidae, Channichthyidae, Liparidae, Macrouridae, Muraenolepididae, Myctophidae, Nototheniidae, Paralepididae and Zoarcidae, were discriminated and identified, which were largely identical to local fish occurrence records and the general pattern of demersal fish communities at high Antarctic shelf areas. The validity of a barcoding gap failed to be detected and confirmed across all species due to the indicative signals of two potential cryptic species. Nevertheless, DNA barcoding still demonstrated to be a very efficient and sound method for the discrimination and classification of Antarctic fishes. In the future, various sampling strategies that cover all geographic sections and depth strata of the Cosmonaut Sea are encouraged to enhance our understanding of local fish communities, within which DNA barcoding can play an important role in either molecular taxonomy or the establishment of a dedicated local reference database for eDNA metabarcoding analyses. Full article
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19 pages, 2083 KiB  
Review
Carbon and Sulfur Isotope Methods for Tracing Groundwater Contamination: A Review of Sustainable Utilization in Reclaimed Municipal Landfill Areas
by Dorota Porowska
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4507; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114507 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
Reclaimed landfill areas are excluded from various development options including construction, while contaminated zones around such places have no such restrictions. The successful reclamation of landfills means that the old landfill visually fits in well with its surroundings, but soil and water contamination [...] Read more.
Reclaimed landfill areas are excluded from various development options including construction, while contaminated zones around such places have no such restrictions. The successful reclamation of landfills means that the old landfill visually fits in well with its surroundings, but soil and water contamination problems remain valid. Former landfills were built without properly preparing the land, which resulted in the migration of contaminants in groundwater for a long period after these landfills were closed, further resulting in the limited use of such areas, at least for some purposes. Due to the development of cities, landfills formerly located in suburbs are becoming a part of these cities. In order to optimally and safely use these spaces, knowledge regarding the quality of the soil and water environment is necessary. This article presents methodological considerations regarding the use of carbon and sulfur isotope methods to assess groundwater contamination around former municipal waste landfills, especially reclaimed municipal landfills. It has been shown that natural groundwater is characterized by low values of both δ13CDIC and δ34S (δ13CDIC from −20 to −10‰ and δ34S at approximately −5‰), whereas leachate-contaminated groundwater is characterized by high values of both parameters (δ13CDIC from −10 to + 5‰ and δ34S from +5 to +20‰). The aim of this article is to demonstrate that carbon and sulfur isotope methods extended via SWOT analysis are universal and reliable methods for assessing the migration of pollutants, thus facilitating decisions regarding management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pollution Prevention, Mitigation and Sustainability)
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14 pages, 1202 KiB  
Article
Discovery of Delirium Biomarkers through Minimally Invasive Serum Molecular Fingerprinting
by Ana Viegas, Rúben Araújo, Luís Ramalhete, Cristiana Von Rekowski, Tiago A. H. Fonseca, Luís Bento and Cecília R. C. Calado
Metabolites 2024, 14(6), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo14060301 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
Delirium presents a significant clinical challenge, primarily due to its profound impact on patient outcomes and the limitations of the current diagnostic methods, which are largely subjective. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this challenge was intensified as the frequency of delirium assessments decreased in [...] Read more.
Delirium presents a significant clinical challenge, primarily due to its profound impact on patient outcomes and the limitations of the current diagnostic methods, which are largely subjective. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this challenge was intensified as the frequency of delirium assessments decreased in Intensive Care Units (ICUs), even as the prevalence of delirium among critically ill patients increased. The present study evaluated how the serum molecular fingerprint, as acquired by Fourier-Transform InfraRed (FTIR) spectroscopy, can enable the development of predictive models for delirium. A preliminary univariate analysis of serum FTIR spectra indicated significantly different bands between 26 ICU patients with delirium and 26 patients without, all of whom were admitted with COVID-19. However, these bands resulted in a poorly performing Naïve-Bayes predictive model. Considering the use of a Fast-Correlation-Based Filter for feature selection, it was possible to define a new set of spectral bands with a wider coverage of molecular functional groups. These bands ensured an excellent Naïve-Bayes predictive model, with an AUC, a sensitivity, and a specificity all exceeding 0.92. These spectral bands, acquired through a minimally invasive analysis and obtained rapidly, economically, and in a high-throughput mode, therefore offer significant potential for managing delirium in critically ill patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches for Metabolomics in Drugs and Biomarkers Discovery)
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11 pages, 1235 KiB  
Article
Construction of Chitosan-Modified Naphthalimide Fluorescence Probe for Selective Detection of Cu2+
by Chunwei Yu, Jin Huang, Mei Yang and Jun Zhang
Sensors 2024, 24(11), 3425; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24113425 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
A chitosan-based Cu2+ fluorescent probe was designed and synthesized independently using the C-2-amino group of chitosan with 1, 8-naphthalimide derivatives. A series of experiments were conducted to characterize the optical properties of the grafted probe. The fluorescence quenching effect was investigated based [...] Read more.
A chitosan-based Cu2+ fluorescent probe was designed and synthesized independently using the C-2-amino group of chitosan with 1, 8-naphthalimide derivatives. A series of experiments were conducted to characterize the optical properties of the grafted probe. The fluorescence quenching effect was investigated based on the interactions between the probe and common metals. It was found that the proposed probe displayed selective interaction with Cu2+ over other metal ions and anions, reaching equilibrium within 5 min. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Optical Biosensing Technology)
12 pages, 564 KiB  
Article
Low Vitamin K Status in Patients with Psoriasis Vulgaris: A Pilot Study
by Simona R. Gheorghe, Tamás Ilyés, Gabriela A. Filip, Ana S. Dănescu, Teodora L. Timiș, Meda Orăsan, Irina Stamate, Alexandra M. Crăciun and Ciprian N. Silaghi
Biomedicines 2024, 12(6), 1180; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12061180 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
Psoriasis vulgaris (PV) is a disease characterized by skin manifestations and systemic inflammation. There are no published studies to date on vitamin K status assessed by extrahepatic vitamin K-dependent proteins [e.g., osteocalcin (OC) and matrix Gla protein (MGP)] in patients with PV, even [...] Read more.
Psoriasis vulgaris (PV) is a disease characterized by skin manifestations and systemic inflammation. There are no published studies to date on vitamin K status assessed by extrahepatic vitamin K-dependent proteins [e.g., osteocalcin (OC) and matrix Gla protein (MGP)] in patients with PV, even if vitamin K was found to promote wound contraction and decrease the healing time of the skin. Metabolic syndrome (MS), a comorbidity of PV, was found to influence vitamin K status, and vitamin D was found to be involved in the pathogenesis of PV. Therefore, our aim was to assess the status of vitamins K and D in subjects with PV. We enrolled 44 patients with PV and 44 age- and sex-matched subjects as a control group (CG), of which individuals with MS were designated the CG with MS subgroup. Furthermore, the PV patients were stratified into two subgroups: those with MS (n = 20) and those without MS (n = 24). In addition to the quantification of vitamin D and MGP in all subjects, the uncarboxylated OC/carboxylated OC (ucOC/cOC) ratio was also assessed as an inversely proportional marker of vitamin K status. We found an increased ucOC/cOC ratio in the PV group compared to CG but also a greater ucOC/cOC ratio in the PV with MS subgroup than in the CG with MS subgroup. MGP was decreased in the PV with MS subgroup compared to CG with MS subgroup. There was no difference in the vitamin D concentration between the groups. This is the first study to report decreased vitamin K status in patients with PV, independent of the presence of MS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vitamin K and Vitamin D in Health and Disease)
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13 pages, 6320 KiB  
Article
Cervical Spondylosis Diagnosis Based on Convolutional Neural Network with X-ray Images
by Yang Xie, Yali Nie, Jan Lundgren, Mingliang Yang, Yuxuan Zhang and Zhenbo Chen
Sensors 2024, 24(11), 3428; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24113428 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
The increase in Cervical Spondylosis cases and the expansion of the affected demographic to younger patients have escalated the demand for X-ray screening. Challenges include variability in imaging technology, differences in equipment specifications, and the diverse experience levels of clinicians, which collectively hinder [...] Read more.
The increase in Cervical Spondylosis cases and the expansion of the affected demographic to younger patients have escalated the demand for X-ray screening. Challenges include variability in imaging technology, differences in equipment specifications, and the diverse experience levels of clinicians, which collectively hinder diagnostic accuracy. In response, a deep learning approach utilizing a ResNet-34 convolutional neural network has been developed. This model, trained on a comprehensive dataset of 1235 cervical spine X-ray images representing a wide range of projection angles, aims to mitigate these issues by providing a robust tool for diagnosis. Validation of the model was performed on an independent set of 136 X-ray images, also varied in projection angles, to ensure its efficacy across diverse clinical scenarios. The model achieved a classification accuracy of 89.7%, significantly outperforming the traditional manual diagnostic approach, which has an accuracy of 68.3%. This advancement demonstrates the viability of deep learning models to not only complement but enhance the diagnostic capabilities of clinicians in identifying Cervical Spondylosis, offering a promising avenue for improving diagnostic accuracy and efficiency in clinical settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anomaly Detection and Fault Diagnosis in Sensor Networks)
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26 pages, 1542 KiB  
Article
Analyzing Current Trends in Career Choices and Employer Branding from the Perspective of Millennials within the Indonesian Energy Sector
by Dzikri Firmansyah Hakam, Fajar Nurrohman Haryadi, Harry Indrawan, Muhammad Hanri, Lazuardi Imani Hakam, Ova Kurniawan and Andreas Putro Purnomoadi
Energies 2024, 17(11), 2570; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112570 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the factors that influence millennials’ perceptions and preferences in regard to career choices within the state-owned energy sector in Indonesia. The research objective is to understand how to remain competitive in the current disruptive job market by examining [...] Read more.
This study aims to investigate the factors that influence millennials’ perceptions and preferences in regard to career choices within the state-owned energy sector in Indonesia. The research objective is to understand how to remain competitive in the current disruptive job market by examining a company’s recruitment and retention strategies, and analyzing data collected through econometric surveys. Factors significantly affecting the willingness to work at PLN include its past and present reputation, product societal impact, CSR efforts, and the individual’s gender, age, and job-seeking status, with positive views on PLN and its CSR activities encouraging the inclination to work there. Income expectations are influenced by similar aspects—PLN’s reputation, its product’s societal role, and CSR initiatives—alongside gender and education level, particularly for those with undergraduate or Master’s degrees. Notably, favorable perceptions of PLN and higher educational attainment are linked to increased salary expectations. The results from the survey indicate that a significant proportion of respondents, over 80%, expressed a desire to work at one of Indonesia’s state-owned energy companies (PLN), with a desired monthly salary of IDR 7,466,905. Furthermore, when compared to other state-owned energy companies in Indonesia, PLN holds a strong position, ranking second among this type of companies. This study provides valuable insights for energy companies in Indonesia, by understanding the career preferences of millennials and aligning their employer branding strategies accordingly, in order to remain competitive in the current job market. Full article
14 pages, 608 KiB  
Article
Hypertriglyceridemia-Induced Acute Pancreatitis—The Milky Way Constellation—The Seven-Year Experience of a Large Tertiary Centre
by Andrei Vicențiu Edu, Mihai Radu Pahomeanu, Andreea Irina Ghiță, Dalia Ioana Constantinescu, Daniela Gabriela Grigore, Andreea Daniela Bota, Daniela Maria Luta-Dumitrașcu, Cristian George Țieranu and Lucian Negreanu
Diagnostics 2024, 14(11), 1105; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14111105 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
(1) Background: Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a well-known metabolic condition associated with an increased risk of acute pancreatitis. In this study, we tried to establish whether there are any significant disparities concerning recurrence rate, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, hospital (ICU and total) length [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a well-known metabolic condition associated with an increased risk of acute pancreatitis. In this study, we tried to establish whether there are any significant disparities concerning recurrence rate, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, hospital (ICU and total) length of stay (LoS), morphology, severity and age between HTG-induced acute pancreatitis and any other known cause of pancreatitis (OAP). (2) Methods: The research was a retrospective unicentric cohort study, using information from the Bucharest Acute Pancreatitis Index (BUC-API) registry, a database of 1855 consecutive cases of acute pancreatitis. (3) Results: We found a weak association between HTG-AP and recurrence. The HTG-AP patients were younger, with a median of 44.5 years, and had a longer ICU stay than the OAP patients. In addition, we identified that the HTG-AP patients were more likely to develop acute peripancreatic fluid collection (APFC), to be admitted in ICU, to have a more severe course of disease and to be cared for in a gastroenterology ward. (4) Conclusions: Hypertriglyceridemia-induced APs have a more severe course. The typical patient with HTG-AP is a middle-aged male, with previous episodes of AP, admitted in the gastroenterology ward, with a longer ICU stay and longer length of hospitalization, more likely to evolve in a severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and with a higher probability of developing APFC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Diagnosis and Prognosis of Gastrointestinal Diseases)
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23 pages, 9046 KiB  
Article
Flexible Continuum Robot System for Minimally Invasive Endoluminal Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
by Liping Sun and Xiong Chen
Machines 2024, 12(6), 370; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines12060370 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
This paper presents a minimally invasive surgical robot system for endoluminal gastrointestinal endoscopy through natural orifices. In minimally invasive gastrointestinal endoscopic surgery (MIGES), surgical instruments need to pass through narrow endoscopic channels to perform highly flexible tasks, imposing strict constraints on the size [...] Read more.
This paper presents a minimally invasive surgical robot system for endoluminal gastrointestinal endoscopy through natural orifices. In minimally invasive gastrointestinal endoscopic surgery (MIGES), surgical instruments need to pass through narrow endoscopic channels to perform highly flexible tasks, imposing strict constraints on the size of the surgical robot while requiring it to possess a certain gripping force and flexibility. Therefore, we propose a novel minimally invasive robot system with advantages such as compact size and high precision. The system consists of an endoscope, two compact flexible continuum mechanical arms with diameters of 3.4 mm and 2.4 mm, respectively, and their driving systems, totaling nine degrees of freedom. The robot’s driving system employs bidirectional ball-screw-driven motion of two ropes simultaneously, converting the choice of opening and closing of the instrument’s end into linear motion, facilitating easier and more precise control of displacement when in position closed-loop control. By means of coordinated operation of the terminal surgical tools, tasks such as grasping and peeling can be accomplished. This paper provides a detailed analysis and introduction of the system. Experimental results validate the robot’s ability to grasp objects of 3 N and test the system’s accuracy and payload by completing basic operations, such as grasping and peeling, thereby preliminarily verifying the flexibility and coordination of the robot’s operation in a master–slave configuration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Medical Robotics)
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19 pages, 836 KiB  
Article
Preventive Intake of a Multiple Micronutrient Supplement during Mild, Acute SARS-CoV-2 Infection to Reduce the Post-Acute COVID-19 Condition: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial
by Teresa Maria Tomasa-Irriguible, Ramon Monfà, Cristina Miranda-Jiménez, Rosa Morros, Neus Robert, Luisa Bordejé-Laguna, Sandra Vidal, Pere Torán-Monserrat and Ana Maria Barriocanal
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1631; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111631 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 have low levels of vitamins and trace elements. This could lead to a post-acute COVID-19 condition (PCC) that can worsen a patient’s quality of life. We aimed to study the baseline micronutrient status of patients and assess whether a [...] Read more.
Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 have low levels of vitamins and trace elements. This could lead to a post-acute COVID-19 condition (PCC) that can worsen a patient’s quality of life. We aimed to study the baseline micronutrient status of patients and assess whether a multiple micronutrient supplement (MMS) taken for 2 weeks at the first sign of COVID-19 symptoms would be able to reduce the incidence of PCC. This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial was conducted in adult outpatients with acute COVID-19, recruited between 2021 and 2023 in Spain. Of the 285 patients assessed for eligibility, 267 were randomized and 246 were included in the intent-to-treat population. The mean age was 46.8 years, and 68% were female. Overall, 54.6% had micronutrient deficiencies in the acute phase of COVID-19 at baseline, and 26.2% had PCC after 180 days of follow-up (D180). The most frequently recorded PCC symptoms were neurological (14.1%), with 24% patients scoring worse in the cognitive tests compared to their baseline status. The rate of PCC at D180 was similar between the placebo (25.0%) and intervention (27.7%) groups, without significant differences (p = 0.785). Age over 50 years was the most relevant risk factor for developing PCC, followed by female sex. The most important protective factor against PCC was SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. In this population of predominantly middle-aged, white women with acute COVID-19 not requiring hospital admission, MMS intake for 14 days at symptom onset did not prevent PCC nor improve their micronutrient status at D180. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Status and Frailty during and after COVID-19)
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23 pages, 873 KiB  
Article
Does the Opening of High-Speed Rail Change Urban Financial Agglomeration?
by Shu-Rui Hu, Ren-Ai Jiang, Zhe-Yuan Lu and Xiao-Xue Yin
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4509; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114509 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
High-speed rail (HSR) in China has led to altered spatiotemporal distances, thus inevitably affecting the regional economies. Has HSR also impacted the urban financial pattern? We analyze the relationship between HSR and financial agglomeration in 283 prefecture-level cities in China and find that [...] Read more.
High-speed rail (HSR) in China has led to altered spatiotemporal distances, thus inevitably affecting the regional economies. Has HSR also impacted the urban financial pattern? We analyze the relationship between HSR and financial agglomeration in 283 prefecture-level cities in China and find that HSR significantly reduces urban financial agglomeration and promotes financial diffusion. After the opening of HSR, financial employees (AGGE) and deposit agglomeration (AGGD) decrease by 0.06 and 0.07, respectively. Specifically: (1) HSR creates a financial diffusion effect by promoting industrial restructuring and technological innovation, thereby preventing excessive financial agglomeration in cities; (2) the heterogeneity analysis shows that financial factors are generally diffused from east to west, and HSR mainly causes a decrease in financial agglomeration in the eastern region; (3) we construct four spatial matrices for regression to further verify the impact of HSR, and we find that the indirect effect of HSR on financial agglomeration is more significant compared to the direct effect. Full article
13 pages, 2142 KiB  
Article
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions on Respiratory Virus Patterns: Insights from RSV Surveillance in Gwangju, South Korea
by Sun-Ju Cho, Sun-Hee Kim, Jeongeun Mun, Ji-eun Yun, Sujung Park, Jungwook Park, Yeong-Un Lee, Ji-su Park, Haebi Yun, Cheong-mi Lee, Jong-Pil Kim and Jung-Mi Seo
Viruses 2024, 16(6), 850; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16060850 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
The social restriction measures implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted the pattern of occurrences of respiratory viruses. According to surveillance results in the Gwangju region of South Korea, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) did not occur during the 2020/2021 season. However, there [...] Read more.
The social restriction measures implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted the pattern of occurrences of respiratory viruses. According to surveillance results in the Gwangju region of South Korea, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) did not occur during the 2020/2021 season. However, there was a delayed resurgence in the 2021/2022 season, peaking until January 2022. To analyze this, a total of 474 RSV positive samples were investigated before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Among them, 73 samples were selected for whole-genome sequencing. The incidence rate of RSV in the 2021/2022 season after COVID-19 was found to be approximately three-fold higher compared to before the pandemic, with a significant increase observed in the age group from under 2 years old to under 5 years old. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that, for RSV-A, whereas four lineages were observed before COVID-19, only the A.D.3.1 lineage was observed during the 2021/2022 season post-pandemic. Additionally, during the 2022/2023 season, the A.D.1, A.D.3, and A.D.3.1 lineages co-circulated. For RSV-B, while the B.D.4.1.1 lineage existed before COVID-19, both the B.D.4.1.1 and B.D.E.1 lineages circulated after the pandemic. Although atypical RSV occurrences were not due to new lineages, there was an increase in the frequency of mutations in the F protein of RSV after COVID-19. These findings highlight the need to continue monitoring changes in RSV occurrence patterns in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic to develop and manage strategies in response. Full article
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20 pages, 7334 KiB  
Article
Hybrid Path Generation Method for Multi-Axis Laser Metal Deposition of Overhanging Thin-Walled Structures
by Han Liu and Fei Xing
Micromachines 2024, 15(6), 704; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15060704 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
Additive manufacturing has advantages over other traditional manufacturing technologies for the fabrication of complex thin-walled parts. Previous correlation path strategies, when applied to laser metal deposition processes, suffer from contour deposition transboundary and surface “scar” type overstacking. Therefore, this paper proposes a hybrid [...] Read more.
Additive manufacturing has advantages over other traditional manufacturing technologies for the fabrication of complex thin-walled parts. Previous correlation path strategies, when applied to laser metal deposition processes, suffer from contour deposition transboundary and surface “scar” type overstacking. Therefore, this paper proposes a hybrid path generation method for the laser metal deposition process. First, the topological logic of the STL model of the part is restored to reduce redundant calculations at the stage of obtaining the layered contour. Then, the path points are planned on the basis of the offset contours in a helical upward trend to form a globally continuous composite path in space considering the melt channel width. Finally, vectors that adaptively fit to the model surface are generated for the path points as tool orientations and they are optimized by smoothing the rotation angles. The results of experiments conducted on a multi-axis machine equipped with a laser metal deposition module show that the path generated by the proposed method is not only capable of thin-walled structures with overhanging and curved surface features but also improves the surface imperfections of the part due to sudden changes in the angle of rotation while ensuring the boundary dimensions. Full article
26 pages, 1697 KiB  
Article
Between Symbols and Particles: Investigating the Complexity of Learning Chemical Equations
by Lucie Hamerská, Tadeáš Matěcha, Martina Tóthová and Martin Rusek
Educ. Sci. 2024, 14(6), 570; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14060570 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
This study explores the pedagogical challenges in teaching chemical equations, focusing on the ability to balance chemical equations and understanding related basic chemical concepts among chemistry teacher students. Based on Johnstone’s representation theory, we examined the efficacy of digital tools designed to enhance [...] Read more.
This study explores the pedagogical challenges in teaching chemical equations, focusing on the ability to balance chemical equations and understanding related basic chemical concepts among chemistry teacher students. Based on Johnstone’s representation theory, we examined the efficacy of digital tools designed to enhance equation-balancing skills. The key findings of this study seem to be the disconnection between students’ procedural proficiency in balancing equations and their conceptual understanding of underlying chemical reactions. Surprising was the relatively low ability to balance chemical equations when compared to the expected level of upper-secondary school students. An analysis of the results showed that students could be distinguished into four different groups of solvers based on their total score and solving time: efficient, persistent, impulsive, and inefficient solvers. Utilizing an eye-tracking study, the findings reveal a predominant reliance on symbolic representations, with additional sub-microscopic representations provided by digital applets failing to significantly improve equation-balancing capabilities. This reliance potentially hinders students’ ability to conceptualize reactions at the particulate level, impacting overall chemistry comprehension. This study underscores the need for a pedagogical shift toward integrating multiple representations into chemical education to bridge the gap between procedural skills and deep conceptual understanding. By highlighting the limitations of current teaching approaches and the use of digital tools, this research contributes to improving chemical education strategies, fostering a more integrated and nuanced understanding of chemical principles among students. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Experiences in Science Teacher Training)
10 pages, 502 KiB  
Article
Gastric Polyps Detected Incidentally during Gastroscopy and Follow-Up Results
by Mehmet Onur Gul, Selda Oguz Aslayan, Kadir Corbaci, Aytac Selman, Emre Berat Akcay, Zehra Unal Ozdemir, Hakan Ozdemir and Cebrail Akyuz
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(11), 3117; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13113117 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
(1) Background: We aimed to identify the possible relationship between various diseases of the upper digestive system and colon polyps by analyzing patients with gastric polyps and evaluating the cancers and diseases accompanying the polyps. (2) Methods: Each patient’s age; gender; polyp type [...] Read more.
(1) Background: We aimed to identify the possible relationship between various diseases of the upper digestive system and colon polyps by analyzing patients with gastric polyps and evaluating the cancers and diseases accompanying the polyps. (2) Methods: Each patient’s age; gender; polyp type and size; presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), atrophic gastritis, and intestinal metaplasia; status of whether cancer developed during follow-up; status of whether a colonoscopy was performed or not; and colon pathologies detected during colonoscopy were analyzed retrospectively using hospital records. (3) Results: Between the study dates, 19,214 esophagogastroduodenoscopies were performed in the endoscopy unit of our hospital. Gastric polyps were detected in 178 (0.9%) patients. No significant relationship was found between the gastric polyp size and the occurrence of gastric cancer or gastrointestinal system malignancy (p > 0.05). A colonoscopy was performed in 86 of the 178 patients who underwent gastroscopy. The frequency of polyp detection during colonoscopy was statistically significantly higher in patients with gastric polyps than in patients without gastric polyps (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: New prospective studies are needed regarding the relationship between gastric polyps and gastrointestinal system diseases. Going forward, a colonoscopy will be required in gastric polyp patients, especially with FGP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Gastroenterology & Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine)
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13 pages, 552 KiB  
Article
Evidence of Incomplete Feeding Behaviors among South Carolina Tick Populations
by Kayla E. Bramlett, Laura E. Witt, Madeleine M. Meyer, Kia Zellars, Kyndall C. Dye-Braumuller and Melissa S. Nolan
Insects 2024, 15(6), 385; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15060385 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
Dynamic environmental conditions, such as climate change and host availability, have greatly influenced the expansion of medically relevant tick vectors into new regions throughout the southeastern United States of America. As tick populations migrate into new areas, it has been suggested they can [...] Read more.
Dynamic environmental conditions, such as climate change and host availability, have greatly influenced the expansion of medically relevant tick vectors into new regions throughout the southeastern United States of America. As tick populations migrate into new areas, it has been suggested they can exhibit a phenomenon known as incomplete feeding. With this phenomenon, tick vectors feed on more than one host at each life stage, thus increasing the likelihood of pathogen transmission. Although this behavior is not well understood, it presents an important threat to human health. Here we present evidence of incomplete feeding behaviors in multiple tick species in South Carolina. Engorged, blood-fed female ticks were collected from feral dogs at animal shelters across South Carolina in 2022. All ticks were tested for human blood meals using rapid stain identification blood tests. Approximately one third (33.78%) of all ticks tested positive for a human blood meal, with various patterns seen across species, geographic location, and collection month. The results of this pilot study follow the current national trend of increasing rates of tick-borne disease incidence in the southeastern United States of America and warrant further investigation into the relationship between seasonality, geographic distribution, species, and incomplete feeding among tick populations in South Carolina. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens)
26 pages, 2926 KiB  
Article
Rubberized Concrete: Effect of the Rubber Size and Content on Static and Dynamic Behavior
by Tianyang Du, Yue Yang, Huidong Cao, Nan Si, Hadi Kordestani, Zhwan Dilshad Ibrahim Sktani, Ali Arab and Chunwei Zhang
Buildings 2024, 14(6), 1541; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14061541 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
Abstract: Rubberized concrete (RC) has received widespread attention due to its energy absorption and crack resistance properties. However, due to its low compressive strength, it is not recommended for structural applications. The rubber size and content affect RC’s mechanical properties. This study investigated [...] Read more.
Abstract: Rubberized concrete (RC) has received widespread attention due to its energy absorption and crack resistance properties. However, due to its low compressive strength, it is not recommended for structural applications. The rubber size and content affect RC’s mechanical properties. This study investigated and formulated the behavior of RC with different particle sizes and contents under dynamic and static loading. Quasi-static compressive and dynamic tests were conducted on RC with varying content of rubber (0–30%) and rubber sizes (0.1–20 mm). It was found that the rubber particle size was 0.5mm and the rubber content was 2%. An equation was derived from the experimental data to forecast the impact of rubber size and content on compressive strength. Additionally, by combining the literature and this research’s data, a model was established based on neural networks to predict the strength of RC. SHPB tests were carried out to study the stress–strain curves under dynamic load. The peak stress, fragment analysis, and energy absorption of RC with varying content of rubber and rubber sizes at three different strain rates (100 s−1, 160 s−1, and 290 s−1) were investigated. Equations describing the relationship between dynamic increase factor (DIF), rubber material content, and strain rate on different particle sizes were obtained by fitting. The DIF increased as the content of the rubber increased. By analyzing energy absorption data, it was found that the optimal ratio for energy absorption was RC-0.5-30, RC-0.1-30, and RC-10-30 at strain rates of 100 s−1, 160 s−1, and 290 s−1. This study could be a good guideline for other researchers to easily select the content and size of the rubber in RC for their applications. It also has a positive significance in promoting the development of green building materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation)
29 pages, 1650 KiB  
Article
Business Overall Performance and Sustainability Effectiveness: An Indicator to Measure Companies’ Lean–Green Compliance
by M. Florentina Abreu, Anabela C. Alves and Francisco Moreira
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4508; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114508 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
Abstract: Within a lean context, the aim is to eliminate all forms of waste, including environmental waste, to improve productivity and reduce costs. Key to achieving this objective are operational performance and sustainability indicators. Lean companies must prioritize both operational performance and sustainability, [...] Read more.
Abstract: Within a lean context, the aim is to eliminate all forms of waste, including environmental waste, to improve productivity and reduce costs. Key to achieving this objective are operational performance and sustainability indicators. Lean companies must prioritize both operational performance and sustainability, remaining cognizant of their current status. With this in mind, the authors sought to ascertain whether lean companies demonstrate enhanced sustainability. Thus, the authors raised the following research question: does a lean company exhibit greater sustainability? However, these indicators have traditionally been measured independently, and few studies have indicated the need for a global indicator that could simultaneously address both. Such a global indicator would enable a clearer assessment and understanding of the trade-offs between operational performance and sustainability. This paper introduces such an integrated indicator, aiming to measure companies’ lean–green compliance by intertwining sustainability issues with overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). The authors have termed this indicator business overall performance and sustainability effectiveness (BOPSE). Its primary goal is to evaluate business effectiveness by considering both operational performance and sustainability compliance. The sustainability strand was drawn from, adapted, and simplified based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). This development was framed in a lean–green environment, emphasizing continuous efforts to identify and reduce all sources of lean waste, alongside the waste prevention perspectives of cleaner production, environmental compliance, and social responsibility, which play crucial roles in shaping the factories of the future. This paper presents the background and development of the BOPSE model. To answer the research question, two research methods were undertaken: a survey and case studies. The model was applied in three distinct case studies, demonstrating its usefulness in discerning varying levels of lean–green compliance through this integrated indicator. Full article
10 pages, 2327 KiB  
Communication
Electrocardiography Classification with Leaky Integrate-and-Fire Neurons in an Artificial Neural Network-Inspired Spiking Neural Network Framework
by Amrita Rana and Kyung Ki Kim
Sensors 2024, 24(11), 3426; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24113426 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
Monitoring heart conditions through electrocardiography (ECG) has been the cornerstone of identifying cardiac irregularities. Cardiologists often rely on a detailed analysis of ECG recordings to pinpoint deviations that are indicative of heart anomalies. This traditional method, while effective, demands significant expertise and is [...] Read more.
Monitoring heart conditions through electrocardiography (ECG) has been the cornerstone of identifying cardiac irregularities. Cardiologists often rely on a detailed analysis of ECG recordings to pinpoint deviations that are indicative of heart anomalies. This traditional method, while effective, demands significant expertise and is susceptible to inaccuracies due to its manual nature. In the realm of computational analysis, Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) have gained prominence across various domains, which can be attributed to their superior analytical capabilities. Conversely, Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs), which mimic the neural activity of the brain more closely through impulse-based processing, have not seen widespread adoption. The challenge lies primarily in the complexity of their training methodologies. Despite this, SNNs offer a promising avenue for energy-efficient computational models capable of displaying a high-level performance. This paper introduces an innovative approach employing SNNs augmented with an attention mechanism to enhance feature recognition in ECG signals. By leveraging the inherent efficiency of SNNs, coupled with the precision of attention modules, this model aims to refine the analysis of cardiac signals. The novel aspect of our methodology involves adapting the learned parameters from ANNs to SNNs using leaky integrate-and-fire (LIF) neurons. This transfer learning strategy not only capitalizes on the strengths of both neural network models but also addresses the training challenges associated with SNNs. The proposed method is evaluated through extensive experiments on two publicly available benchmark ECG datasets. The results show that our model achieves an overall accuracy of 93.8% on the MIT-BIH Arrhythmia dataset and 85.8% on the 2017 PhysioNet Challenge dataset. This advancement underscores the potential of SNNs in the field of medical diagnostics, offering a path towards more accurate, efficient, and less resource-intensive analyses of heart diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biomedical Sensors)
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