The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
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21 pages, 5148 KiB  
Article
Relative Pollen Productivity Estimates for Mediterranean Plant Taxa: A New Study Region in Turkey
by Esra Ergin, Laurent Marquer, Florence Mazier, Ugo Bisson and Hasan Nüzhet Dalfes
Land 2024, 13(5), 591; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050591 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study estimates relative pollen productivity (RPP) for plant taxa from Southern Anatolia, an important region in the Mediterranean with a long history of human settlements. RPP estimates are required for quantitative pollen-based reconstruction of past land cover modelling. The application of the [...] Read more.
This study estimates relative pollen productivity (RPP) for plant taxa from Southern Anatolia, an important region in the Mediterranean with a long history of human settlements. RPP estimates are required for quantitative pollen-based reconstruction of past land cover modelling. The application of the reconstruction by the REVEALS model in the Mediterranean basin is constrained due to the scarcity of the RPP values specific to the region. To better understand the relationship between vegetation cover and land use in the Mediterranean area, the present study aims to provide a set of RPPs for Turkey and the Mediterranean region. The study area centres around Gölhisar Lake in southwestern Turkey. Modern pollen data are collected from moss pollsters from 21 sites together with vegetation surveys. RPP estimates for the main taxa characteristic of the Mediterranean region are obtained (referenced to evergreen Quercus t.) using the extended R-value (ERV) model through the analysis of modern pollen assemblages. The most reliable results are acquired with the ERV sub-model 2 and Prentice’s taxon-specific method (using a Gaussian plume dispersal model) to distance-weighted vegetation data, corresponding to a Relative Source Area of Pollen (RSAP) value of 102 m. RPPs of dominant taxa in the study area are obtained for Quercus coccifera/Fagaceae (1 ± 0), Juniperus/Cupressaceae (0.279 ± 0.001), Fabaceae (0.008 ± 0.000), Pinus/Pinaceae (5.782 ± 0.011), and Poaceae (0.112 ± 0.001) and are comparable with other RPPs obtained in the Mediterranean region. Full article
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18 pages, 1070 KiB  
Article
Comprehensive Analysis of Physicochemical Properties and Volatile Compounds in Different Strawberry Wines under Various Pre-Treatments
by Zhenzhen Lv, Hui Liu, Wenbo Yang, Qiang Zhang, Dalei Chen, Zhonggao Jiao and Jiechao Liu
Molecules 2024, 29(9), 2045; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29092045 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Pre-fermentation treatment has an important impact on the color, aroma, taste, and other characteristics of fruit wine. To discover suitable pre-treatment techniques and conditions that yield strawberry wine of excellent quality, the influences of juice fermentation, pulp maceration, thermovinification, and enzymatic hydrolysis pre-treatments [...] Read more.
Pre-fermentation treatment has an important impact on the color, aroma, taste, and other characteristics of fruit wine. To discover suitable pre-treatment techniques and conditions that yield strawberry wine of excellent quality, the influences of juice fermentation, pulp maceration, thermovinification, and enzymatic hydrolysis pre-treatments on the basic chemical composition, color, antioxidant capacity, and volatile organic compounds in strawberry wines were investigated. The results showed that the color, antioxidant properties, and volatile aroma of strawberry wines fermented with juice were different from those with pulp. Strawberry wines fermented from juice after 50 °C maceration had more desirable qualities, such as less methanol content (72.43 ± 2.14 mg/L) compared with pulp-fermented wines (88.16 ± 7.52 mg/L) and enzymatic maceration wines (136.72 ± 11.5 mg/L); higher total phenolic content (21.78%) and total flavonoid content (13.02%); enhanced DPPH (17.36%) and ABTS (27.55%) free radical scavenging activities; richer essential terpenoids and fatty acid ethyl esters, such as linalool (11.28%), ethyl hexanoate (14.41%), ethyl octanoate (17.12%), ethyl decanoate (32.49%), and ethyl 9-decenoate (60.64%); pleasant floral and fruity notes compared with juice-fermented wines macerated at normal temperatures; and a lighter color. Overall, juice thermovinification at 50 °C is a potential pre-treatment technique to enhance the nutrition and aroma of strawberry wine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemistry of Food: From Molecules to Processing)
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18 pages, 8181 KiB  
Article
Abnormal Monitoring Data Detection Based on Matrix Manipulation and the Cuckoo Search Algorithm
by Zhenzhu Meng, Yiren Wang, Sen Zheng, Xiao Wang, Dan Liu, Jinxin Zhang and Yiting Shao
Mathematics 2024, 12(9), 1345; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12091345 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Structural health monitoring is an effective method to evaluate the safety status of dams. Measurement error is an important factor which affects the accuracy of monitoring data modeling. Processing the abnormal monitoring data before data analysis is a necessary step to ensure the [...] Read more.
Structural health monitoring is an effective method to evaluate the safety status of dams. Measurement error is an important factor which affects the accuracy of monitoring data modeling. Processing the abnormal monitoring data before data analysis is a necessary step to ensure the reliability of the analysis. In this paper, we proposed a method to process the abnormal dam displacement monitoring data on the basis of matrix manipulation and Cuckoo Search algorithm. We first generate a scatter plot of the monitoring data and exported the matrix of the image. The scatter plot of monitoring data includes isolate outliers, clusters of outliers, and clusters of normal points. The gray scales of isolated outliers are reduced using Gaussian blur. Then, the isolated outliers are eliminated using Ostu binarization. We then use the Cuckoo Search algorithm to distinguish the clusters of outliers and clusters of normal points to identify the process line. To evaluate the performance of the proposed data processing method, we also fitted the data processed by the proposed method and by the commonly used 3-σ method using a regression model, respectively. Results indicate that the proposed method has a better performance in abnormal detection compared with the 3-σ method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anomaly and Novelty Detection and Explainability)
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22 pages, 7031 KiB  
Review
Investigating and Practicing Orthopedics at the Intersection of Sex and Gender: Understanding the Physiological Basis, Pathology, and Treatment Response of Orthopedic Conditions by Adopting a Gender Lens: A Narrative Overview
by Carlo Biz, Rola Khamisy-Farah, Luca Puce, Lukasz Szarpak, Manlio Converti, Halil İbrahim Ceylan, Alberto Crimì, Nicola Luigi Bragazzi and Pietro Ruggieri
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 974; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12050974 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
In the biomedical field, the differentiation between sex and gender is crucial for enhancing the understanding of human health and personalizing medical treatments, particularly within the domain of orthopedics. This distinction, often overlooked or misunderstood, is vital for dissecting and treating musculoskeletal conditions [...] Read more.
In the biomedical field, the differentiation between sex and gender is crucial for enhancing the understanding of human health and personalizing medical treatments, particularly within the domain of orthopedics. This distinction, often overlooked or misunderstood, is vital for dissecting and treating musculoskeletal conditions effectively. This review delves into the sex- and gender-specific physiology of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons, highlighting how hormonal differences impact the musculoskeletal system’s structure and function, and exploring the physiopathology of orthopedic conditions from an epidemiological, molecular, and clinical perspective, shedding light on the discrepancies in disease manifestation across sexes. Examples such as the higher rates of deformities (adolescent idiopathic and adult degenerative scoliosis and hallux valgus) in females and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women illustrate the critical role of sex and gender in orthopedic health. Additionally, the review addresses the morbidity–mortality paradox, where women, despite appearing less healthy on frailty indexes, show lower mortality rates, highlighting the complex interplay between biological and social determinants of health. Injuries and chronic orthopedic conditions such osteoarthritis exhibit gender- and sex-specific prevalence and progression patterns, necessitating a nuanced approach to treatment that considers these differences to optimize outcomes. Moreover, the review underscores the importance of recognizing the unique needs of sexual minority and gender-diverse individuals in orthopedic care, emphasizing the impact of gender-affirming hormone therapy on aspects like bone health and perioperative risks. To foster advancements in sex- and gender-specific orthopedics, we advocate for the strategic disaggregation of data by sex and gender and the inclusion of “Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity” (SOGI) data in research and clinical practice. Such measures can enrich clinical insights, ensure tailored patient care, and promote inclusivity within orthopedic treatments, ultimately enhancing the precision and effectiveness of care for diverse patient populations. Integrating sex and gender considerations into orthopedic research and practice is paramount for addressing the complex and varied needs of patients. By embracing this comprehensive approach, orthopedic medicine can move towards more personalized, effective, and inclusive treatment strategies, thereby improving patient outcomes and advancing the field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Muscle and Bone Diseases)
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13 pages, 714 KiB  
Article
Energy Budget Characterisation of the Optimal Disturbance in Stratified Shear Flow
by Larry E. Godwin, Philip M. J. Trevelyan, Takeshi Akinaga and Sotos C. Generalis
Fluids 2024, 9(5), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids9050106 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Stratified Taylor–Couette flow (STCF) undergoes transient growth. Recent studies have shown that there exists transient amplification in the linear regime of counter-rotating STCF. The kinetic budget of the optimal transient perturbation is analysed numerically to simulate the interaction of the shear production (SP), [...] Read more.
Stratified Taylor–Couette flow (STCF) undergoes transient growth. Recent studies have shown that there exists transient amplification in the linear regime of counter-rotating STCF. The kinetic budget of the optimal transient perturbation is analysed numerically to simulate the interaction of the shear production (SP), buoyancy flux (BP), and other energy components that contributes to the total optimal transient kinetic energy. These contributions affect the total energy by influencing the perturbation to extract kinetic energy (KE) from the mean flow. The decay of the amplification factor resulted from the positive amplification of both BP and SP, while the growth is attributed to the negative and positive amplification of BP and SP, respectively. The optimal SP is positively amplified, implying that there is the possibility of constant linear growth. These findings agree with the linear growth rate for increasing values of Grashof number. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Challenges and Advances in Heat and Mass Transfer)
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14 pages, 1759 KiB  
Article
Impact of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy (NAC) on Biomarker Expression in Breast Cancer
by Suji Lee, Jee Yeon Kim, So Jeong Lee, Chung Su Hwang, Hyun Jung Lee, Kyung Bin Kim, Jung Hee Lee, Dong Hoon Shin, Kyung Un Choi, Chang Hun Lee, Gi Yeong Huh and Ahrong Kim
Medicina 2024, 60(5), 737; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60050737 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background and Objectives: This study aimed to explore biomarker change after NAC (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) and to investigate biomarker expression as a prognostic factor in patients with residual disease (RD) after NAC. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 104 patients with invasive [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: This study aimed to explore biomarker change after NAC (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) and to investigate biomarker expression as a prognostic factor in patients with residual disease (RD) after NAC. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 104 patients with invasive breast cancer, who underwent NAC and surgery at Pusan National University Hospital from 2015 to July 2022. The expression of the biomarker was assessed, and the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were investigated. Results: After NAC, 24 patients (23.1%) out of 104 total patients had a pathological complete response (pCR). We found that changes in at least one biomarker were observed in 41 patients (51.2%), among 80 patients with RD. In patients with RD after NAC (n = 80), a subtype change was identified in 20 patients (25.0%). Any kind of change in the HER2 status was present 19 (23.7%) patients. The hormone receptor (HR)+/HER2+ subtype was significantly associated with better disease-free survival (DFS) (HR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.02–0.99; p = 0.049). No change in p53 was associated with better DFS, and negative-to-positive change in p53 expression after NAC was correlated with worse DFS (p < 0.001). Negative-to-positive change in p53 was an independent, worse DFS factor in the multivariate analysis (HR,18.44; 95% CI, 1.86–182.97; p = 0.013). Conclusions: Biomarker change and subtype change after NAC were not infrequent, which can affect the further treatment strategy after surgery. The expression change of p53 might have a prognostic role. Overall, we suggest that the re-evaluation of biomarkers after NAC can provide a prognostic role and is needed for the best decision to be made on further treatment. Full article
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10 pages, 2776 KiB  
Case Report
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) in the Assessment of Cerebral Tissue Oxygenation (rSO2): Methodological Issues and Dilemmas
by Marceli Lukaszewski and Kamil Nelke
Anesth. Res. 2024, 1(1), 24-33; https://doi.org/10.3390/anesthres1010004 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Introduction: Monitoring cerebral perfusion in patients with brain injury is a major clinical challenge. Monitoring cerebral oxygenation (rSO2) via NIRS was introduced in the early 1980s, and many clinicians believed it to be a valuable method for assessing cerebral perfusion and subsequent measures [...] Read more.
Introduction: Monitoring cerebral perfusion in patients with brain injury is a major clinical challenge. Monitoring cerebral oxygenation (rSO2) via NIRS was introduced in the early 1980s, and many clinicians believed it to be a valuable method for assessing cerebral perfusion and subsequent measures to optimize cerebral flow. The main problem with the use of NIRS is the presence of intermediate structures—the skin, skull, meninges, cerebrospinal fluid—and their influence on the test result. Therefore, it seems that NIRS assessment performed on a patient during brain death can give an idea of the magnitude of the influence of these intermediate structures on the monitoring result. Case presentation: We present a case study of cerebral oxygenation measurements in a patient undergoing a brain death diagnostic procedure. A clinical situation in which cerebral blood flow is stopped can give an idea of the specificity of this method, in particular of the influence of intermediate structures on the monitoring result. In this case, the result obtained using NIRS is increased by the patient’s oxygenation before the apnea test. The influence of chromophores in the tissues surrounding the CNS and reflections and scattering of the light wave spectrum have a very significant effect on the final result of cerebral saturation measurement. Discussion: The majority of observations in existing research describing changes in cerebral perfusion or its optimization may be burdened by the problem described here, i.e., by the significant influence of measured intermediate structure oxygenation. The specificity of NIRS in assessing cerebral perfusion requires careful analysis. The therapeutic implications of monitoring cerebral oxygenation with NIRS are of great importance, and based on the example presented and the literature provided, this method should be used with caution. It has been shown that in a patient with brain death, the result of NIRS oxygenation measurements depends on the structures surrounding the brain. Full article
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12 pages, 2603 KiB  
Article
Large-Scale and Simple Synthesis of NiFe(OH)x Electrode Derived from Raney Ni Precursor for Efficient Alkaline Water Electrolyzer
by Tianshui Li, Wei Liu, Huijun Xin, Qihao Sha, Haijun Xu, Yun Kuang and Xiaoming Sun
Catalysts 2024, 14(5), 296; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14050296 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Water electrolysis is a crucial technology in the production of hydrogen energy. Due to the escalating industrial demand for green hydrogen, the required electrode size for a traditional alkaline water electrolyzer has been increasing. Numerous studies have focused on developing highly active oxygen [...] Read more.
Water electrolysis is a crucial technology in the production of hydrogen energy. Due to the escalating industrial demand for green hydrogen, the required electrode size for a traditional alkaline water electrolyzer has been increasing. Numerous studies have focused on developing highly active oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts for water electrolysis. However, there remains a significant gap between the microscale synthesis of catalysts in laboratory settings and the macroscale preparation required for industrial scenarios. This challenge is particularly pronounced in the synthesis of sizable self-supported electrodes. In this work, we employed a commercially available Raney Ni-coated Ni mesh as a precursor material to fabricate a self-supported NiFe(OH)x@Raney Ni anode with a substantial dimension exceeding 300 mm through a straightforward immersion technique. The as-prepared electrode exhibited remarkable electrocatalytic OER activity, as an overpotential of only 240 mV is required to achieve 10 mA cm−2. This performance is comparable to that of NiFe-LDHs synthesized via a hydrothermal method, which is difficult to scale up for industrial applications. Furthermore, the electrode demonstrated exceptional durability, maintaining stable operation for over 100 h at a current density of 500 mA cm−2. The large-scale electrode displayed consistent overpotentials across various areas, indicating uniform catalytic activity. When integrated into an alkaline water electrolysis device, it delivered an average cell voltage of 1.80 V at 200 mA cm−2 and achieved a direct current hydrogen production energy consumption as low as 4.3 kWh/Nm3. These findings underline the suitability of electrodes for industrial scale applications, offering a promising alternative for energy-efficient hydrogen production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Study on Electrocatalytic Activity of Metal Oxides)
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9 pages, 251 KiB  
Communication
Resilient Older Subjects with Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia, Baseline Differences and Associated Factors
by Elisenda Climent, Antón González-Guerrero, Victoria Marco-Benedí, María-del-Mar García-Andreu, Juan Diego Mediavilla-García, Manuel Suárez-Tembra, David Benaiges, Xavier Pintó and Juan Pedro-Botet
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4831; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094831 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Despite elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, some older subjects with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) do not develop atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD) during their lifetime. The factors related to this resilient state have not been fully established. The aim of this study was [...] Read more.
Despite elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, some older subjects with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) do not develop atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD) during their lifetime. The factors related to this resilient state have not been fully established. The aim of this study was to evaluate differential characteristics between older HeFH subjects with and without ACVD and factors associated with the presence of ACVD. Subjects were part of the Spanish Atherosclerosis Society Dyslipidemia Registry, and those ≥ 70 years old and with HeFH were included. Baseline characteristics of these subjects with and without ACVD were compared. A multivariate analysis was performed to assess factors associated with the presence of ACVD. A total of 2148 subjects with HeFH were included. Resilient subjects were mostly female, younger and presented fewer comorbidities with respect to the ACVD group. Subjects without ACVD had higher baseline high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (55.8 ± 17.1 vs. 47.9 ± 15.4 mg/dL; p < 0.001) and lower lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] (53.4 ± 67.9 vs. 66.6 ± 85.6 mg/dL; p < 0.001) levels with respect to those in the ACVD group. Lp(a) and the presence of ≥3 risk factors were associated with the presence of ACVD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics)
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12 pages, 351 KiB  
Article
Disclosing Strain: How Psychosocial Risk Factors Influence Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Healthcare Workers Preceding and during the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Carla Barros and Pilar Baylina
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 564; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050564 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Healthcare workers, particularly nurses, engage in a daily work routine that takes a toll on their emotional well-being, rendering them vulnerable to psychosocial risk factors. This research seeks to analyse the influence of psychosocial risk factors on the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders [...] Read more.
Healthcare workers, particularly nurses, engage in a daily work routine that takes a toll on their emotional well-being, rendering them vulnerable to psychosocial risk factors. This research seeks to analyse the influence of psychosocial risk factors on the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among nurses. An additional analysis was performed to understand the role of age in work-related musculoskeletal disorders and the perception of psychosocial risk factors. The study was conducted during two separate periods—pre-pandemic and pandemic times—involving a sample of 456 nurses from both public and private hospitals in Portugal. The INSAT—Health and Work Survey—was used as measuring instrument. The primary observations indicated a consistency between psychosocial risk factors and the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The findings revealed a significant exposure to psychosocial risk factors, with work pace, intensity, work relationships, and emotional demands exhibiting higher global average percentages during both periods, pre-pandemic and pandemic. Nonetheless, we find that the psychosocial risk factors change when we analyse the pre-pandemic and pandemic results. During the period before the pandemic, the psychosocial risk factors that were most commonly reported included the demanding pace of work, long working hours, and emotional demands. Through the pandemic, the most pronounced psychosocial risk factors were work relationships, employment relationships, and ethical and values conflicts. Therefore, research in this domain is essential to understanding psychosocial risk factors and assessing the less obvious links between work and health. Full article
10 pages, 1383 KiB  
Article
Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasound Guided Percutaneous Pleural Needle Biopsy for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
by Carlo Iadevaia, Vito D’Agnano, Raffaella Pagliaro, Felice Nappi, Raffaella Lucci, Simona Massa, Andrea Bianco and Fabio Perrotta
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(9), 2600; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13092600 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Ultrasound (US) has been progressively spreading as the most useful technique for guiding biopsies and fine-needle aspirations that are performed percutaneously. Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) represents the most common malignant pleural tumour. Thoracoscopy represents the gold standard for diagnosis, although conditions [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Ultrasound (US) has been progressively spreading as the most useful technique for guiding biopsies and fine-needle aspirations that are performed percutaneously. Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) represents the most common malignant pleural tumour. Thoracoscopy represents the gold standard for diagnosis, although conditions hampering such diagnostic approach often coexist. The Objective was to determine whether ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle biopsy (US-PPNB) has a high diagnostic accuracy and represents a safe option for diagnosis of MPM. Methods: US-PPNB of pleural lesions suspected for MPM in patients admitted from January 2021 to June 2023 have been retrospectively analyzed. An 18-gauge semi-automatic spring-loaded biopsy system (Medax Velox 2®) was used by experienced pneumologists. The obtained specimens were histologically evaluated and defined as adequate or non-adequate for diagnosis according to whether the material was considered appropriate or not for immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis. The primary objective of the study was the diagnostic yield for a tissue diagnosis. Results: US-PPNB was diagnostic of MPM in 15 out of 18 patients (sensitivity: 83.39%; specificity: 100%; PPV: 100%). Three patients with non-adequate US-PPNB underwent thoracoscopy for diagnosis. We found significant differences in terms of mean pleural lesion thickness between patients with adequate and not-adequate biopsy (15.4 mm (SD: 9.19 mm) and 3.77 mm (SD: 0.60 mm), p < 0.0010. In addition, a significant positive correlation has been observed between diagnostic accuracy and FDG-PET avidity value. Conclusions: US-PPNB performed by a pneumologist represents a valid procedure with a high diagnostic yield and accuracy for the diagnosis of MPM, and may be considered as an alternative option in patients who are not suitable for thoracoscopy. Full article
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9 pages, 1646 KiB  
Article
HBV and HCV Co-Infection in Chinese Newly Diagnosed HIV+ Subjects in 2015 and 2023: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Fangyuan Li, Yi Feng, Xiu Liu, Jingjing Hao, Dong Wang, Hongping Hu, Chang Song, Jing Hu, Quanbi Zhao, Hua Liang, Lingjie Liao, Yuhua Ruan and Hui Xing
Pathogens 2024, 13(5), 367; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13050367 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
With shared routes of transmission, HBV and HCV co-infection are estimated to occur more in subjects with HIV. This study aimed to characterize and describe the prevalence of HBV and HCV co-infections in a cohort of newly diagnosed HIV+ subjects living in China. [...] Read more.
With shared routes of transmission, HBV and HCV co-infection are estimated to occur more in subjects with HIV. This study aimed to characterize and describe the prevalence of HBV and HCV co-infections in a cohort of newly diagnosed HIV+ subjects living in China. We conducted a cross-sectional study among newly diagnosed HIV+ subjects aged 18–100 who participated in surveys on the national HIV molecular epidemiology in 2015 and 2023. (The epidemiological table survey is located in the national database alongside serologic testing). The chi-square test was used to identify changes in infections between the studying populations in 2015 and 2023, and conditional logistic regression models were fit to identify risk factors for each co-infection. Among the 11,024 newly diagnosed HIV+ subjects who were surveyed (n = 4501 in 2015; n = 6523 in 2023), the prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HBV/HCV in 2023 was lower than that in 2015, respectively. No decrease was observed in HCV co-infection in men who had sex with men (MSM) in North China, Northeast China, and East China. Increasing recognition among those at high risk of heterosexual transmission and those with low educational backgrounds is paramount to the prevention and control of HIV/HBV/HCV infections. Full article
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11 pages, 1944 KiB  
Communication
Cytosine-Rich Oligonucleotide and Electrochemically Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite for Ultrasensitive Electrochemical Ag+ Sensing
by Nasir Abbas, Seung Joo Jang and Tae Hyun Kim
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(9), 775; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14090775 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Silver ions (Ag+) are crucial in various fields, but pose environmental and health risks at high concentrations. This study presents a straightforward approach for the ultra-trace detection of Ag+, utilizing a composite of a cytosine-rich oligonucleotide (CRO) and an [...] Read more.
Silver ions (Ag+) are crucial in various fields, but pose environmental and health risks at high concentrations. This study presents a straightforward approach for the ultra-trace detection of Ag+, utilizing a composite of a cytosine-rich oligonucleotide (CRO) and an electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ERGO). Initially, ERGO was synthesized on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) through the reduction of graphene oxide (GO) via cyclic voltammetry. A methylene blue-tagged CRO (MB-CRO) was then anchored to the ERGO surface through π–π interactions, resulting in the formation of an MB-CRO-modified ERGO electrode (MB-CRO/ERGO-GCE). The interaction with Ag+ ions induced the formation of silver-mediated C-Ag+-C coordination, prompting the MB-CRO to adopt a hairpin structure. This conformational change led to the desorption of the MB-CRO from the ERGO-GCE, causing a variation in the redox current of the methylene blue associated with the MB-CRO. Electrochemical assays revealed that the sensor exhibits extraordinary sensitivity to Ag+ ions, with a linear detection range from 1 femtomolar (fM) to 100 nanomolars (nM) and a detection limit of 0.83 fM. Moreover, the sensor demonstrated high selectivity for Ag+ ions and several other benefits, including stability, reproducibility, and straightforward fabrication and operational procedures. Additionally, real sample analyses were performed using the modified electrode to detect Ag+ in tap and pond water samples, yielding satisfactory recovery rates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanocomposites for Sensing Applications)
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6 pages, 202 KiB  
Communication
Application of Skimmed-Milk Flocculation Method for Wastewater Surveillance of COVID-19 in Kathmandu, Nepal
by Sarmila Tandukar, Ocean Thakali, Ananda Tiwari, Rakshya Baral, Bikash Malla, Eiji Haramoto, Jivan Shakya, Reshma Tuladhar, Dev Raj Joshi, Bhawana Sharma, Bhushan Raj Shrestha and Samendra P. Sherchan
Pathogens 2024, 13(5), 366; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13050366 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Wastewater surveillance (WS) has been used globally as a complementary tool to monitor the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) throughout the pandemic. However, a concern about the appropriateness of WS in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) exists due to low sewer coverage [...] Read more.
Wastewater surveillance (WS) has been used globally as a complementary tool to monitor the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) throughout the pandemic. However, a concern about the appropriateness of WS in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) exists due to low sewer coverage and expensive viral concentration methods. In this study, influent wastewater samples (n = 63) collected from two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) of the Kathmandu Valley between March 2021 and February 2022 were concentrated using the economical skimmed-milk flocculation method (SMFM). The presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was tested by qPCR using assays that target the nucleocapsid (N) and envelope (E) genes. Overall, 84% (53/63) of the total samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2 according to at least one of the tested assays, with concentrations ranging from 3.5 to 8.3 log10 gene copies/L, indicating the effectiveness of the SMFM. No correlation was observed between the total number of COVID-19 cases and SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations in wastewater collected from the two WWTPs (p > 0.05). This finding cautions the prediction of future COVID-19 waves and the estimation of the number of COVID-19 cases based on wastewater concentration in settings with low sewer coverage by WWTPs. Future studies on WS in LMICs are recommended to be conducted by downscaling to sewer drainage, targeting a limited number of houses. Overall, this study supports the notion that SMFM can be an excellent economical virus-concentrating method for WS of COVID-19 in LMICs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Viruses: Epidemiology and Surveillance Challenge)
13 pages, 2469 KiB  
Article
Variations of Major Glucosinolates in Diverse Chinese Cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis) Germplasm as Analyzed by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS
by Seong-Hoon Kim, Kingsley Ochar, Kanivalan Iwar, Yoon-Jung Lee, Hae Ju Kang and Young-Wang Na
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4829; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094829 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
In this study, the variability of major glucosinolates in the leaf lamina of 134 Chinese cabbage accessions was investigated using Acquity ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS). A total of twenty glucosinolates were profiled, of which glucobrassicanapin and gluconapin were identified as the predominant glucosinolates [...] Read more.
In this study, the variability of major glucosinolates in the leaf lamina of 134 Chinese cabbage accessions was investigated using Acquity ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS). A total of twenty glucosinolates were profiled, of which glucobrassicanapin and gluconapin were identified as the predominant glucosinolates within the germplasm. These two glucosinolates had mean concentration levels above 1000.00 μmol/kg DW. Based on the principal component analysis, accessions IT186728, IT120044, IT221789, IT100417, IT278620, IT221754, and IT344740 were separated from the rest in the score plot. These accessions exhibited a higher content of total glucosinolates. Based on the VIP values, 13 compounds were identified as the most influential and responsible for variation in the germplasm. Sinigrin (r = 0.73), gluconapin (r = 0.78), glucobrassicanapin (r = 0.70), epiprogoitrin (r = 0.73), progoitrin (r = 0.74), and gluconasturtiin (r = 0.67) all exhibited a strong positive correlation with total glucosinolate at p < 0.001. This indicates that each of these compounds had a significant influence on the overall glucosinolate content of the various accessions. This study contributes valuable insights into the metabolic diversity of glucosinolates in Chinese cabbage, providing potential for breeding varieties tailored to consumer preferences and nutritional demands. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bioactive Glucosinolates and Derivatives)
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12 pages, 2614 KiB  
Review
Association of Entamoeba gingivalis with Periodontal Disease—Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Alexandru Vlasa, Anamaria Bud, Luminita Lazar, Ana Petra Lazar, Alexander Herbert and Eugen Bud
Medicina 2024, 60(5), 736; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60050736 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
The oral cavity is a habitat to a diverse range of organisms that make up an essential element of the human microbiota. There are up to 1000 species of micro-organisms capable of colonizing the mouth. Thirty percent of them are uncultivable. The genus [...] Read more.
The oral cavity is a habitat to a diverse range of organisms that make up an essential element of the human microbiota. There are up to 1000 species of micro-organisms capable of colonizing the mouth. Thirty percent of them are uncultivable. The genus Entamoeba includes several species, out of which at least seven of them are able to inhabit the human body (Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, Entamoeba moshkovskii, Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba polecki, Entamoeba hartmann, Entamoeba gingivalis). It was shown that only E. gingivalis is able to colonize the oral cavity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association and prevalence of E. gingivalis in periodontal disease using two electronic database search engines. In order to have a broader view of the subject, a comprehensive manual search was conducted between 15th February 2023 and 1 April 2023 on these content aggregators and the initial search resulted in 277 articles using the keywords “E. gingivalis”, “periodontitis”, “E. gingivalis”, “periodontal disease”, “prevalence”, and “incidence”, in different combinations. The results showed that 755 patients were infected with E. gingivalis out of a total number of 1729 patients diagnosed with periodontal disease, indicating a global prevalence of 43% in the set of patients analyzed. E. gingivalis was prevalent in 58% of the patients that had gingivitis and in 44% of the patients with periodontitis. Prevalence of E. gingivalis based on gender was 43% in female patients and 47% in male patients. The results indicate that the higher incidence of E. gingivalis in people with periodontal disease compared to healthy people is more than just a sign of the disease; it could also be linked to the severity of the condition and the disease propensity to progress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicine and Dentistry: New Methods and Clinical Approaches)
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17 pages, 4845 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Shared Electric Scooter Deployment Stations Based on Distance Tolerance
by Jianwei Yue, Yingqiu Long, Shaohua Wang and Haojian Liang
ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2024, 13(5), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi13050147 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
The proliferation of shared electric scooters (E-scooters) has brought convenience to urban transportation but has also introduced challenges such as disorderly parking and an imbalance between supply and demand. Given the current inconsistent quantity and spatial distribution of shared E-scooters, coupled with inadequate [...] Read more.
The proliferation of shared electric scooters (E-scooters) has brought convenience to urban transportation but has also introduced challenges such as disorderly parking and an imbalance between supply and demand. Given the current inconsistent quantity and spatial distribution of shared E-scooters, coupled with inadequate research on deployment stations selection, we propose a novel maximal covering location problem (MCLP) based on distance tolerance. The model aims to maximize the coverage of user demand while minimizing the sum of distances from users to deployment stations. A deep reinforcement learning (DRL) was devised to address this optimization model. An experiment was conducted focusing on areas with high concentrations of shared E-scooter trips in Chicago. The solutions of location selection were obtained by DRL, the Gurobi solver, and the genetic algorithm (GA). The experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed model in optimizing the layout of shared E-scooter deployment stations. This study provides valuable insights into facility location selection for urban shared transportation tools, and showcases the efficiency of DRL in addressing facility location problems (FLPs). Full article
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28 pages, 5132 KiB  
Review
Review of Sensor-Based Subgrade Distress Identifications
by Zhiheng Cheng, Zhengjian Xie, Mingzhao Wei, Yuqing Peng, Cong Du, Yuan Tian and Xiuguang Song
Sensors 2024, 24(9), 2825; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24092825 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
The attributes of diversity and concealment pose formidable challenges in the accurate detection and efficacious management of distresses within subgrade structures. The onset of subgrade distresses may precipitate structural degradation, thereby amplifying the frequency of traffic incidents and instigating economic ramifications. Accurate and [...] Read more.
The attributes of diversity and concealment pose formidable challenges in the accurate detection and efficacious management of distresses within subgrade structures. The onset of subgrade distresses may precipitate structural degradation, thereby amplifying the frequency of traffic incidents and instigating economic ramifications. Accurate and timely detection of subgrade distresses is essential for maintaining and repairing road sections with existing distresses. This helps to prolong the service life of road infrastructure and reduce financial burden. In recent years, the advent of numerous novel technologies and methodologies has propelled significant advancements in subgrade distress detection. Therefore, this review delineates a concentrated examination of subgrade distress detection, methodically consolidating and presenting various techniques while dissecting their respective merits and constraints. By furnishing comprehensive guidance on subgrade distress detection, this review facilitates the expedient identification and targeted treatment of subgrade distresses, thereby fortifying safety and enhancing durability. The pivotal role of this review in bolstering the construction and operational facets of transportation infrastructure is underscored. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Fault Diagnosis & Sensors)
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11 pages, 232 KiB  
Review
Sublobar Resection of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Wedge Resection vs. Segmentectomy
by Kyeong Ri Yu and Walker A. Julliard
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(5), 2497-2507; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31050187 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death. The mainstay treatment for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly in the early stages, is surgical resection. Traditionally, lobectomy has been considered the gold-standard technique. Sublobar resection includes segmentectomy and wedge resection. Compared to [...] Read more.
Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death. The mainstay treatment for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly in the early stages, is surgical resection. Traditionally, lobectomy has been considered the gold-standard technique. Sublobar resection includes segmentectomy and wedge resection. Compared to lobectomy, these procedures have been viewed as a compromise procedure, reserved for those with poor cardiopulmonary function or who are poor surgical candidates for other reasons. However, with the advances in imaging and surgical techniques, the subject of sublobar resection as a curative treatment is being revisited. Many studies have now shown segmentectomy to be equivalent to lobectomy in patients with small (<2.0 cm), peripheral NSCLC. However, there is a mix of evidence when it comes to wedge resection and its suitability as a curative procedure. At this time, until more data can be found, segmentectomy should be considered before wedge resection for patients with early-stage NSCLC. Full article
17 pages, 4721 KiB  
Article
A Microwave Photonic 2 × 2 IBFD–MIMO Communication System with Narrowband Self-Interference Cancellation
by Ying Ma, Fangjing Shi and Yangyu Fan
Micromachines 2024, 15(5), 593; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15050593 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Combined in-band full duplex-multiple input multiple output (IBFD–MIMO) technology can significantly improve spectrum efficiency and data throughput, and has broad application prospects in communications, radar, the Internet of Things (IoT), and other fields. Targeting the self-interference (SI) issue in microwave photonic-based IBFD–MIMO communication [...] Read more.
Combined in-band full duplex-multiple input multiple output (IBFD–MIMO) technology can significantly improve spectrum efficiency and data throughput, and has broad application prospects in communications, radar, the Internet of Things (IoT), and other fields. Targeting the self-interference (SI) issue in microwave photonic-based IBFD–MIMO communication systems, a microwave photonic self-interference cancellation (SIC) method applied to the narrowband 2 × 2 IBFD–MIMO communication system was proposed, simulated, and analyzed. An interleaver was used to construct a polarization multiplexing dual optical frequency comb with a frequency shifting effect, generating a dual-channel reference interference signal. The programmable spectrum processor was employed for filtering, attenuation, and phase-shifting operations, ensuring amplitude and phase matching to eliminate the two self-interference (SI) signals. The simulation results show that the single-frequency SIC depth exceeds 45.8 dB, and the narrowband SIC depth under 30 MHz bandwidth exceeds 32.7 dB. After SIC, the desired signal, employing a 4QAM modulation format, can be demodulated with an error vector magnitude (EVM) as low as 4.7%. Additionally, further channel expansion and system performance optimization are prospected. Full article
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13 pages, 12788 KiB  
Article
Human-Altered Water and Carbon Cycles in the Lake Yangzong Basin since the Yuan Dynasty
by Huayong Li, Yuxue Jing, Hucai Zhang, Xuanxuan Shang, Lizeng Duan, Huayu Li, Donglin Li and Zhuohan Li
Water 2024, 16(9), 1271; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16091271 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Due to the dual influence of climate change and human activities, the water cycle patterns in the lakesheds of the Yunnan karst plateau are undergoing significant changes, leading to increasingly prominent ecological issues. In the history of Lake Yangzong, an artificial water-diversion channel [...] Read more.
Due to the dual influence of climate change and human activities, the water cycle patterns in the lakesheds of the Yunnan karst plateau are undergoing significant changes, leading to increasingly prominent ecological issues. In the history of Lake Yangzong, an artificial water-diversion channel was excavated, altering the lake basin structure. Human activities have intensified, posing severe challenges to water resource supply and water security in recent decades. To investigate the significant increase in human activities, the temporal and phase changes, and the resulting transformation of the water and carbon cycles in the Lake Yangzong basin, we applied X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) to scan elements continuously in a 10.2 m sediment core from this lake. By combining correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), core chronology, and total organic carbon (TOC) content, we reconstructed the historical sequence of geochemical element contents in the Lake Yangzong catchment over the past 13,000 years. The results show that PC1 and PC2 contribute 78.4% and 10.3%, respectively, suggesting that erosion intensity is the main factor influencing the lake sedimentation process. From 13,400 to 680 cal a BP (calibrated years before the present), the sedimentation process in Lake Yangzong was mainly controlled by climatic conditions, with vegetation degradation during cold periods and relatively high erosion intensity in the watershed. During the Yuan dynasty, a province was established by the central government in Yunnan, promoting settlement and attracting a large number of immigrants from other provinces to Yunnan. Human activities in the Lake Yangzong basin began to intensify, surpassing natural changes and becoming the dominant force influencing the sedimentation process. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, the population and cultivated land area in Yunnan further increased, resulting in the significant exacerbation of erosion and soil loss in the watershed due to vegetation destruction. In the year 1388, the Tangchi Canal was excavated, transforming Lake Yangzong to an outflow lake, causing Ca2+ to be lost through the Tangchi Canal and preventing the formation of precipitation due to oversaturation. The research results indicate that human activities in the Lake Yangzong area have intensified since the Yuan dynasty, leading to increased erosion intensity. The excavation of the outflow canal transformed Lake Yangzong from an inland lake basin into an outflow state, simultaneously generating a significant transformation in the water and carbon cycling patterns in the watershed. Full article
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18 pages, 2844 KiB  
Article
A Two-Faced Gut Microbiome: Butyrogenic and Proinflammatory Bacteria Predominate in the Intestinal Milieu of People Living with HIV from Western Mexico
by Tonatiuh Abimael Baltazar-Díaz, Jaime F. Andrade-Villanueva, Paulina Sánchez-Álvarez, Fernando Amador-Lara, Tania Holguín-Aguirre, Karina Sánchez-Reyes, Monserrat Álvarez-Zavala, Rocío Ivette López-Roa, Miriam Ruth Bueno-Topete and Luz Alicia González-Hernández
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4830; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094830 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
HIV infection results in marked alterations in the gut microbiota (GM), such as the loss of microbial diversity and different taxonomic and metabolic profiles. Despite antiretroviral therapy (ART) partially ablating gastrointestinal alterations, the taxonomic profile after successful new ART has shown wide variations. [...] Read more.
HIV infection results in marked alterations in the gut microbiota (GM), such as the loss of microbial diversity and different taxonomic and metabolic profiles. Despite antiretroviral therapy (ART) partially ablating gastrointestinal alterations, the taxonomic profile after successful new ART has shown wide variations. Our objective was to determine the GM composition and functions in people living with HIV (PLWHIV) under ART in comparison to seronegative controls (SC). Fecal samples from 21 subjects (treated with integrase strand-transfer inhibitors, INSTIs) and 18 SC were included. We employed 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, coupled with PICRUSt2 and fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) quantification by gas chromatography. The INSTI group showed a decreased α-diversity (p < 0.001) compared to the SC group, at the expense of increased amounts of Pseudomonadota (Proteobacteria), Segatella copri, Lactobacillus, and Gram-negative bacteria. Concurrently, we observed an enrichment in Megasphaera and Butyricicoccus, both SCFA-producing bacteria, and significant elevations in fecal butyrate in this group (p < 0.001). Interestingly, gut dysbiosis in PLWHIV was characterized by a proinflammatory environment orchestrated by Pseudomonadota and elevated levels of butyrate associated with bacterial metabolic pathways, as well as the evident presence of butyrogenic bacteria. The role of this unique GM in PLWHIV should be evaluated, as well as the use of butyrate-based supplements and ART regimens that contain succinate, such as tenofovir disoproxil succinate. This mixed profile is described for the first time in PLWHIV from Mexico. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbiome and Metabolome in the Gastrointestinal Tract, 2nd Edition)
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20 pages, 555 KiB  
Review
Changes in Body Composition and Nutritional Periodization during the Training Macrocycle in Football—A Narrative Review
by Wiktoria Staśkiewicz-Bartecka, Marek Kardas, Grzegorz Zydek, Adam Zając and Jakub Chycki
Nutrients 2024, 16(9), 1332; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16091332 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Nutrition periodization in football training is an important determinant of adaptation to cyclic training loads. Personalizing an athlete’s diet is crucial to ensure optimal performance and body composition, depending on the phase of training. The purpose of this review is to answer the [...] Read more.
Nutrition periodization in football training is an important determinant of adaptation to cyclic training loads. Personalizing an athlete’s diet is crucial to ensure optimal performance and body composition, depending on the phase of training. The purpose of this review is to answer the question of how the body composition of football players changes over the training macrocycle and how dietary recommendations should be tailored to specific training periods. The review of scientific evidence was conducted based on the available literature, typing in phrases related to training and nutrition periodization using the PubMed and Google Scholar database methodology tools. A literature search resulted in the selection of 346 sources directly related to the topic of the study, and then those with the highest scientific value were selected. There is a need to adjust energy and nutrient intake according to the different training phases in a football player’s preparation cycle. During the preparatory phase, it is recommended to increase protein and energy intake to support anabolic processes and muscle mass development. During the competitive period, due to the intensity of matches and training, the importance of carbohydrates for glycogen replenishment and recovery is emphasized. The transition phase requires the regulation of caloric intake to prevent adverse changes in body composition. Hydration has been identified as a key element in each phase of training. Cooperation between coaches, nutritionists, and players is essential to optimize sports performance and rapid recovery, and the authors recommend continuous adaptation and nutritional optimization as an integral part of football training. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sports Nutrition)
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